Aurora HDR 2019 FAQ

Where can I download Aurora HDR 2019?

You can download Aurora HDR 2019 here: https://skylum.com/support

How to add Aurora HDR 2019 to my Skylum account?

Once you activate Aurora HDR 2019 (using the email address associated with your Skylum account), it will appear in your Skylum account automatically.

If the application was activated with another email address, you can go to the My Software tab and click Link My Licenses to add software you’ve activated with a different email address.

Where can I download Aurora HDR 2019 pre-order bonuses?

You can download Aurora HDR 2019 pre-order bonuses here: https://skylum.com/aurorahdr/bonuses

How to install Burning Mood Aurora HDR Looks?

Start Aurora HDR 2019.
To open a .maupack file click File > Import Aurora HDR Looks Pack > point Aurora to a .maupack file and click Open.

Can I import my Aurora HDR 2018 presets to Aurora HDR 2019?

Yes, you can. Simply click File > Import Aurora HDR Looks.. for single presets and File > Import Aurora HDR Looks Pack.. for preset packs and you will be able to access your Aurora HDR 2018 presets in Aurora HDR 2019. Please note that your presets from Aurora HDR 2018 may produce slightly different results in Aurora HDR 2019 due to the the new AI-powered tone mapping technology.

What is Aurora HDR?

Aurora HDR is a joint project between Skylum and Trey Ratcliff to produce the most powerful, simple and fast HDR photo editing software in the world for Mac and PC. Using Trey’s vast experience with the current tools in the market, and advanced technology from Skylum, Aurora HDR is state-of-the-art software to help photographers of all skill levels make amazing high-dynamic-range photos.

Aurora HDR contains every imaginable tool needed to produce high-quality HDR images, as well as one-click presets, support for layers, custom textures, native RAW support and more features that will appeal to every photographer.

What’s new in Aurora HDR 2019?

Aurora HDR 2019 has a new AI-powered Quantum HDR Engine with new tone mapping technology to create the most realistic, immersive high dynamic range photographs possible. Now, when creating an HDR image using multiple bracketed shots, the Quantum HDR Engine meticulously analyzes the photos and intelligently merges them.

Not only does it minimize the major issues that other HDR merging tools have, it also generates stunning results, producing images that are dynamic yet natural-looking. Specifically, whether you’re working with bracketed shots or a single image, the Quantum HDR Engine reduces burned colors, loss of contrast and noise, as well as mitigates unnatural lighting caused by halos and unstable deghosting.

Here is the full list of new & improved features in Aurora HDR 2019:

User Interface / Performance

NEW: Tone-mapping technology for bracketed images with the Quantum HDR Engine
NEW: Tone-mapping technology for single images with the Quantum HDR Engine

Editing

NEW: HDR Smart Structure for realistic and artifact-free structure
NEW: All new looks to enhance and stylize images
NEW: LUT Mapping filter for creative color and tone adjustments
NEW: Eleven integrated LUTs to use with the LUT Mapping filter
IMPROVED: HDR Details Boost filter that allows for high-resolution tuning while using
IMPROVED: Adjustable Gradient filter with new controls for Shadows and Highlights

Open / Plugin / Export

NEW: Photoshop plugins support
NEW: Photolemur plugin support
NEW: Plugins menu for both Mac and Windows users

I have PC and Mac. Can I install Aurora HDR 2019 on both devices?

We know that a lot of people have several computers in use, so Aurora HDR 2019 may be installed on up to 5 devices (both Mac and PC) owned by the same person. You’ll simply need to use a single email and a single activation code.

What are the system requirements for Aurora HDR 2019?

Aurora HDR 2019 Mac Recommended System Requirements

Apple Mac devices: MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro, Mac mini
Processor: Intel 64-bit Core 2 Duo or better
Memory: 8 Gb RAM or more
OS X: High Sierra 10.13.6, Sierra 10.12.5, El Capitan 10.11.5, Yosemite 10.10.5
Hard disk: 3 Gb free space, SSD for best performance
Display: 1280x768 size or better
You can check your system specifications and hardware by choosing  > About this Mac

Aurora HDR 2019 Windows Recommended System Requirements

Windows-based hardware
PC with mouse or similar input device
Open GL 3.3 or later compatible Graphics Cards
Processor: Intel Core i5 or better
Memory: 8 Gb RAM or more
OS: Windows 7 (64-bit), Windows 8.1 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit)
Hard disk: 3 Gb free space, SSD for best performance
Display: 1280x768 size or better
You can check your system specifications by opening Settings and clicking About

What languages are supported?

Aurora HDR 2019 is available in English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese. More languages are coming soon.

Does it handle RAW files?

Aurora HDR 2019 is designed to open a wide range of file formats, including RAW files. This ensures compatibility with most cameras as well as common graphic file formats (PNG, JPEG, JPEG-2000, TIFF, HEIC (Mac-only), PSD).

Aurora HDR 2019 RAW processing is based on our own powerful RAW engine. We regularly update our library and make our own improvements to provide perfect support for new cameras. You can check the full list of supported cameras here: https://l.skylum.com/aurorahdr-2019-supported-cameras

I have a previous version of Aurora HDR. Do I qualify for a special upgrade price?

Sure! All current owners of any Aurora HDR version can upgrade to Aurora HDR 2019 for an exclusive upgrade price.

Here is the link to the upgrade page: https://skylum.com/aurorahdr/aurorahdr-discount

What will happen to Aurora HDR 2018?

No worries! We will continue to support and update Aurora HDR 2018 and make sure it will be compatible with new operating systems.

Can I open Aurora HDR 2018 project files in Aurora HDR 2019?

Yes, you can. However, the way the project looks in Aurora HDR 2019 will differ because Aurora HDR 2019 uses a totally new AI-powered tone mapping engine. Some filters and sliders have also been updated so the exact same settings may produce a slightly different result.

What's the difference between the previous versions of Aurora HDR and the new Aurora HDR 2019?

Aurora HDR 2019 is the latest version of Aurora HDR. For a feature-by-feature comparison, please visit: https://skylum.com/aurorahdr/versions

No worries! We will continue to support and update Aurora HDR 2018 and make sure it will be compatible with new operating systems.

Is there a money back guarantee?

If you purchase Aurora HDR 2019 from www.skylum.com, you can return the software within 30 days and get a full refund. You must present proof of purchase and any other materials as requested by the Skylum Team.

If you purchase Aurora HDR 2019 through one of the partners or authorized resellers, you must obey the terms and conditions of that partner or authorized reseller. In this case, refunds are made through the partner or an authorized reseller.

mei-shuo Chen

March 06, 2019 11:36

When I load sample image, there's an error messagebox shows "The file could not be opened. It may be damaged or use a file format that application doesn't recognize"
It occurred when I load my images as well.
Can you help to fix it?

Helena Carter

March 06, 2019 14:49

Hi Mei-Shuo ,

Please, send the following info to support@skylum.com so they could investigate the issue:

Please send us a detailed step-by-step description of what you do in the software before encountering the issue.

Please, also make a screen recording. You can use Monosnap to record your screen: https://monosnap.com/welcome

If the issue occurs when you're working on an image, send us the image file. Here's how:

Visit https://wetransfer.com/
If it's your first time visiting this website, it may ask you to purchase a subscription. Simply select to proceed with the free version.
Click Add your files.
Select the file(s) on your computer.
After you see all the files you need to send appear in the list, click the icon to the left of the Transfer button (the icon looks like a circle with three dots in it).
In Send As select Link.
Click Transfer.
After the files have finished uploading, click Copy Link and paste it into your email.

In order for us to directly track this issue, please send us your HID1 and HID2 codes:

Download this application: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3pf15jdigd0mgt4/ViewHID.exe.zip?dl=0
Launch it.
Copy the HID1 and HID2 codes from the application's window and send them to us.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Harry Conte

April 09, 2019 23:22

How far down the road is a plug-in for Photoshop Elements?

Angela Andrieux

April 12, 2019 16:47

Hi Harry,

Support for using Aurora HDR 2019 as a PSE plugin will be added in the next update.

Ross Zanzucchi

May 22, 2019 13:19

I can not get the batch processing to work properly. The issue is that when I create a custom HDR look and save it, and then try to use it as the profile to use in the batch process of other images from the same shoot, Aurora HDR doesn't apply and only applies a minor process to the images. Why won't the batch process apply the custom one I select in the batch process set-up?

I sent a support ticket in with this question a couple of weeks ago and haven't gotten a response yet.

May 23, 2019 15:57

Hi Ross,

I'm sorry that you haven't had a response to your support inquiry yet! I just pinged our team to see if I can get an update for you. Please also be sure to check your spam folder as sometimes our messages are mis-routed there.

Kate Williams

May 23, 2019 16:26

We are struggling to locate your request in our database. Could you please provide us with your email so that we could double-check it? Alternatively, if you are uncomfortable with sharing your email here, please, try submitting a follow-up via https://skylum.com/support and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you in advance.