Edits SDR/HDR colour-path worksheet
Creator Lane | Reviewed September 15, 2026
https://creatorlanehq.com/blog/instagram-edits-sdr-vs-hdr

EDITS SDR / HDR COLOUR-PATH WORKSHEET
Not a tested phone preset. Keep original files before making a comparison.

SOURCE INVENTORY
Clip filename | camera/app | HDR/SDR/unknown | evidence:
Camera video:
Stock clip:
Screen recording:
Graphic:
Originals retained and playable:
Current draft/reference export retained:

REFERENCE
Timecode:
Skin/bright object/neutral surface in this frame:
Device and player:
Screen brightness and viewing conditions:
Do not use a screenshot alone as proof of HDR appearance.

FOUR-STAGE COMPARISON
1. Original: appearance and available media information:
2. Edits preview: appearance:
3. Saved export: appearance:
4. Instagram playback: appearance:
FIRST stage where the mismatch appears:
Only one clip affected, or the whole project?
What remains unknown?

DELIVERY DECISION
Intended SDR or HDR:
Why this fits the audience/client:
Available Edits colour choices:
External conversion necessary?
Tool and documented conversion method:
Original HDR input:
Converted SDR output filename:
Confirm there is ONE intended HDR-to-SDR conversion, not two:
Frame rate/resolution held constant for comparison:

CONTROLLED SAMPLE
Version A settings:
Version B, one changed choice:
Local playback:
Skin:
White object:
Bright highlights:
Text/graphics:
Cross-device review, recorded separately:
Accepted version and remaining limitation:

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE
HDR jar footage plus SDR graphic.
Saved file differs from source.
Investigate the first mismatching stage before adding a brightening filter.
Outcome is not supplied; this is a planning example.

SUPPORT PACKET
Phone / OS / Edits version:
Short authorised original and export:
Exact timecode:
Source colour type or unknown:
No private/client data included:
Decision: retain current master / deliberate conversion / ask for help.

You may adapt this original worksheet for personal and client work. Third-party materials retain their own licences.