In the "Output Settings" panel, select the output format you want to use. For SDR conversion, we recommend using the H.264 or H.265 codec with an MP4 container.
HDR typically uses (color) + PQ or HLG (transfer). SDR uses BT.709 color + BT.709 transfer. convert hdr to sdr handbrake
. Simply changing the encoder to an 8-bit version is not enough; without proper tone mapping, the resulting video will appear "washed out" or grey because the colors are still being interpreted in a high dynamic range. Step-by-Step Conversion Guide How to correctly convert HDR content to SDR? : r/handbrake 30 Nov 2025 — In the "Output Settings" panel, select the output
Recommended (ffmpeg + zscale/tonemap, then HandBrake if desired) SDR uses BT
Set the Constant Quality (RF) slider between 18 and 22 for high quality. Start Encoding: Click Start Encode to begin the process. Advanced Tone Mapping Tweaks
: Load your HDR (usually 10-bit HEVC) video file. Filter Settings : Navigate to the Filters tab. Find the Colorspace filter.