Jeff's AppsChoose an export with a fallback
A dual-rendering file is useful because it can look sensible in both old and new software. The SDR base should be a finished image, not a dim placeholder. The HDR information then expands selected highlights when supported.
Avoid unnecessary conversions
Every resize, recompression, or round trip through an editor creates another chance to lose the gain map or change the color space. Finish cropping and ordinary color work before the HDR export when possible.
- Keep the original export untouched.
- Send original size when an app offers size choices.
- Do not judge HDR from a screenshot.
- Download the delivered copy and compare it on the same display.
- Check whether dates, captions, and location data should travel with the image.
- Prepare an SDR version for destinations that flatten HDR.
Separate image quality from privacy
Preserving the original file may also preserve its metadata. That can be useful for capture dates and captions, but GPS coordinates deserve a deliberate decision. Use selective metadata editing when you want to remove location without stripping everything else.
Label your test copies
When several services are involved, filenames such as original-hdr, messages-received, and website-download prevent guesswork. Compare those files, not previews, and keep notes about the app version and device used. Compatibility changes; a clear test can be repeated.