HDR10+ Color Grading in Adobe Premiere Pro 2026: Step by Step Guide

Direct answer: How to color grade with HDR10+ in Premiere Pro 2026

You first enable the HDR workflow in the project settings, then create an HDR sequence, use the Lumetri Color panel for dynamic color correction, and finally export with the HDR10+ codec. Each step is explained in detail below.

What is HDR10+?

HDR10+ is an HDR standard that provides dynamic metadata on a per-frame basis. Unlike HDR10, which uses static metadata, HDR10+ adjusts brightness and color intensity scene by scene, resulting in a more realistic image.

Why HDR10+ matters for creators

• More dynamic range: higher highlights and deeper blacks.
• Device compatibility: modern TVs and smartphones support HDR10+ natively.
• Competitive edge: brands look for high-quality HDR content.

Common pain points in HDR workflows

• Unclear settings in Premiere Pro.
• Difficulty correcting colors of HDR footage.
• Uncertain export parameters that reduce quality.

UGC Max solves these issues by matching creators with clear briefs and fair compensation, letting you focus on creative work.

Step-by-step guide

1. Project and sequence settings

Open a new project and go to File → Project Settings → General. Tick the Enable HDR workflow box. Then choose New Sequence → Settings and set the Render Format to Rec. 2100 HLG or Rec. 2100 PQ, depending on your target device.

2. Import and prepare footage

Drag your RAW or Log footage into the timeline. If the material is not already HDR, apply a Log-to-Rec.2100 conversion LUT to expand the dynamic range.

3. Color correction with Lumetri

Open the Lumetri Color panel. Under “Basic” adjust Exposure, Contrast and Saturation. For HDR10+ use the “Creative” tab to load HDR-compatible LUTs that already support dynamic metadata. Use the Curves tool to fine-tune highlights without crushing mid-tones.

4. Apply HDR effects

In the Effects panel you’ll find HDR Glow and HDR Tone Mapping. Drag the effect onto your clip layer and set the Intensity so that peak luminance stays around 1000 nits, the typical maximum brightness of HDR10+ TVs.

5. Export as HDR10+

Go to File → Export → Media. Choose the format H.265 (HEVC) and set the profile to HDR10+. Enable “Export dynamic metadata”. In the “Bitrate” section set at least 30 Mbps to avoid detail loss. Click Export.

HDR10+ delivers per-frame dynamic metadata that optimizes color reproduction scene by scene.

Comparison: SDR vs HDR10 vs HDR10+

Standard	Metadata	Dynamic range	Device compatibility
SDR	None	≈ 6 stops	All displays
HDR10	Static (once per project)	≈ 10 stops	Modern TVs, smartphones
HDR10+	Dynamic (per frame)	10 stops + scene-optimized	Broad support since 2023

Tips for a smooth HDR production

• Work on a calibrated monitor that supports HDR.
• Use LUTs specifically designed for Rec.2100 PQ or HLG.
• Test the exported file on a real HDR display before delivering to clients.

By leveraging the smart matching of UGC Max you can find brands that need exactly your HDR expertise. see suitable creators for your brand

Key Takeaways

• HDR10+ uses dynamic metadata to optimize each frame’s exposure.
• Enable the HDR workflow early in Premiere Pro 2026.
• Lumetri Color and HDR-compatible LUTs are essential for correction.
• Export with HEVC and select the HDR10+ profile to preserve dynamics.
• UGC Max connects you with brands seeking high-quality HDR content.

Fazit

Following these steps lets you harness HDR10+ in Adobe Premiere Pro 2026 professionally, boosting both technical quality and creative impact. Take advantage of dynamic HDR workflows to maximize your content’s reach. Apply now at UGC Max and get matched with relevant brand projects.