<!--
{
  "documentType" : "article",
  "framework" : "Metal",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/Metal/hdr-content",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "collectionGroup",
  "title" : "HDR content"
}
-->

# HDR content

Take advantage of high dynamic range to present more vibrant colors in your apps and games.

## Discussion

High dynamic range (HDR) content has a wider range of brightness levels than standard definition content. Certain displays, which macOS refers to as extended dynamic range (EDR) displays, can physically replicate those extra brightness values on a screen. You can use Metal to detect EDR displays and work with HDR content, such as from a video asset or directly from your app.

## Topics

### High dynamic range content

[Processing HDR images with Metal](/documentation/Metal/processing-hdr-images-with-metal)

Implement a post-processing pipeline using the latest features on Apple GPUs.

[Displaying HDR content in a Metal layer](/documentation/Metal/displaying-hdr-content-in-a-metal-layer)

Bring your high dynamic range (HDR) content to compatible Mac displays.

[Determining support for EDR values](/documentation/Metal/determining-support-for-edr-values)

Check whether a display supports EDR.

[Using color spaces to display HDR content](/documentation/Metal/using-color-spaces-to-display-hdr-content)

Use a color space when you don’t need to edit or process the pixel data.

[Using system tone mapping on video content](/documentation/Metal/using-system-tone-mapping-on-video-content)

Use EDR metadata to apply the default system tone mapping to a layer.

[Performing your own tone mapping](/documentation/Metal/performing-your-own-tone-mapping)

Apply your own tone mapping to get the exact behavior you want.

[Implementing tone mapping on reference displays](/documentation/Metal/implementing-tone-mapping-on-reference-displays)

Detect reference displays and keep your content within the capabilities of the display hardware.


---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)