Create and export HDR videos for YouTube on Mac

Last updated on Apr 2, 2026

Learn to create HDR (High Dynamic Range) videos for YouTube if you are using a computer with an HDR display. 

Mac users with HDR capable displays such as any MacBook Pro from 2018 onward, Apple silicon MacBook Air, Apple Studio Display, or Pro Display XDR can follow a dedicated workflow to create HDR (High Dynamic Range) videos for YouTube.

Before you begin

Set your camera to record in log, raw, HDR, or HLG. If you are using an iPhone 12 or later, HDR is turned on by default or make sure it's turned on.

Configure color management settings in Premiere

To configure color management settings, in the Lumetri Color panel, open Settings and select Preferences.

Go to Display Color and turn on Display Color Management or Extended Dynamic Range Monitoring

Open Settings, select Project and turn on Color Manage Auto Detected Log and Raw Media or Enable Color Space Aware Effects.

Sequence and Source Clip settings

The right color settings for your sequence will depend on the type of media you are using.

iPhone HDR media

Import your iPhone media.

Create a new sequence by dragging your media into the timeline window.

Select the Lumetri Color panel > Settings > Sequence.

The Color Setup is Direct HLG (HDR) by default. If you don't plan on color grading your video for example making changes such as exposure, highlights, temperature, etc. and just need to edit and upload it quickly, then this color setup is a good choice.

However, if you plan on making any color changes, then you should change to a setup that is more suitable for color grading.

  • Color Setup: Wide Gamut (Tone Mapped).
  • Output Color Space: Rec. 2100 PQ.

Log and raw media

Video recorded using a camera’s log or raw option gives you the most control over how your final video looks. Most recent cameras support recording in log. In addition, iPhone 13 Pro and later can record video in log.

Import your log or raw media.

Create a new sequence by dragging your media into the timeline.

Select your media in the timeline and look at the Lumetri Color panel > Settings > Source Clip

For most camera formats, Premiere will automatically detect the media's color space, and the color space name will appear next to Use Media Color Space. If the correct color space has not been selected automatically, select Override Media Color Space and manually choose the correct color space for your camera.  

Select the Lumetri Color panel > Settings > Sequence.

By default, Color Setup is set to Direct Rec. 709 (SDR). Make the following changes: 

  • Color Setup: Wide Gamut (Tone Mapped).
  • Output Color Space: Rec. 2100 PQ.

Export your project

Premiere exports using Standard Dynamic Range by default. However, choosing the correct HDR export settings is essential for exporting HDR. 

Switch to the Export mode.

Select the  menu to the right of Preset and select More presets.

In the Search field, enter PQ.

In the list of presets that appear, select HEVC - Match Source - PQ. If you plan to export HDR videos regularly, select the star   icon to the left of the preset name to make it a favorite. Select OK.

Update the File Name and Location as necessary, then select Export to export your HDR video.

The Preset Manager dialog box is open and from the search result, the HEVC - Match Source - PQ option is selected.
Manage export presets to ensure broadcast-quality output.

Your exported video can now be uploaded to YouTube. YouTube will process your file automatically, making both HDR and SDR versions of your project.

Note

Note that this processing can take anywhere from a few minutes to many hours, depending on the length of your video. An SDR version of your video will appear first, followed by an HDR version. A good idea is to create a very short – less than 1 minute – test export to ensure your settings are correct and that your video appears as HDR on YouTube.