Color Efex Pro: Introduction

from: Nik Software Complete Collection Workshops

About this lesson

Color Efex Pro offers a range of stylizing filters. In this video we'll explore the layout of the interface and see how to access the different filters.

From:

Nik Software Complete Collection Workshops

Nik Software Complete Collection Workshops

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This chapter provides basic information about the general workflow with Nik Software's plug-ins. You will get to know the specific features of each host application and the functionality of the control points on which the U Point technology is based.

Fundamentals and Integration with Host Applications
- This video shows you what kinds of results you should expect when using each plug-in in the Complete Collection.
  
  Overview of Complete Collection
  
  04:17
- This video demonstrates the recommended workflow with the individual Nik Software plug-ins. Starting with Dfine, then the RAW Presharpener (if required), we will proceed through Viveza and the two effects plug-ins (Color Efex and Silver Efex), all the way to the Output Sharpener. HDR Efex Pro would be used when necessary to combine images into high dynamic range composites.
  
  The Suggested Workflow with Nik Plug-Ins
  
  06:32
- In this video you'll learn how Nik Software's U Point technology allows you to use control points to selectively adjust areas of an image without the need for complex cut-outs or layer masks.
  
  How to Use Control Points
  
  06:29
- You can use the Nik Software plug-ins within photograph management programs like Apple Aperture and Adobe Lightroom. In this video you'll learn how to work with these two applications and what you need to keep in mind when doing so.
  
  Host Applications Aperture 3 and Lightroom 3
  
  02:09
- Among other things, this video shows you how to access the Nik Software plug-ins through Photoshop via the menu or the Selection tool.
  
  Host Application Photoshop CS5
  
  01:16
- In this video you'll see how selective area effects applied with control points can be even more accurately applied by painting in Photoshop.
  
  Painting in Photoshop Effects with Control Points
  
  03:32
- In Photoshop you have the option to "Convert to Smart Filters." With Nik Software's plug-ins you can use this to reopen saved files and re-edit your adjustments. This video shows you how to get the best from this feature.
  
  Re-Editing Plug-In Settings: Working with Smart Filters
  
  05:05
- In Aperture and Lightroom you can save time by loading multiple images into a Nik Software plug-in and editing them sequentially. This video shows you how.
  
  Editing Multiple Images
  
  01:45
- The Selection tool control window is only available in Photoshop. This video explains the benefits and options offered by this tool.
  
  The Selection Tool
  
  00:41
This chapter deals with the Nik Software plug-in Dfine 2.0, which enables you to reduce unwanted artifacts like noise. You will learn not only how to use the interface but also how to set up an optimal workflow.

Dfine 2.0
- In this section, you'll install the Dfine plug-in and begin to learn how to use it.
  
  Basics
  - Dfine is easy to install. In this video, you'll learn the specifics of installing it into Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Lightroom 3, and Apple Aperture 3.
    
    Installation
    
    02:29
  - All digital camera sensors can produce unwanted artifacts, or image noise. The severity of it depends on factors like the camera's sensor quality and the ISO settings. In this video you'll learn how to reduce image noise in Dfine with one click.
    
    Dfine Introduction
    
    01:58
  - This video suggests the optimal workflow with the Dfine plug-in.
    
    Workflow Basics
    
    01:49
- In this section you'll get to know the user interface of Dfine better.
  
  User Interface
  - This video introduces you to Dfine's view modes. With the view modes you will be able not only to preview a single image, but also to compare the original with the modified versions.
    
    View Modes
    
    01:30
  - In the Preview mode you can check the changes you made in the plug-in. You use an RGB view or examine the image in the individual color channels, as you'll see in this video.
    
    The Preview Mode
    
    01:04
  - The tools covered in this video include the Selection tool, the Zoom and Pan tools, and a switch to change the background color between three different shades of gray.
    
    Tools
    
    01:18
  - For noise reduction you can choose between automatic and manual measurement. In this video you'll learn how to use Dfine's Luminance and Chrominance view modes to determine the type of noise in an image and thus decide between automatic and manual.
    
    Noise Reduction
    
    01:29
  - This video explains how to use the Navigator in Dfine after zooming into the image.
    
    Using the Navigator Loupe
    
    01:20
  - In this video, you'll learn the details of Dfine's settings and see how you can speed up your workflow.
    
    Settings
    
    01:24
- In this section you will learn the characteristics and capabilities of the first area of the plug-in: noise measurement.
  
  Noise Measurement
  - In most cases, the automatic measuring method achieves the best results. In this video you will see how easy this method is to use.
    
    Automatic Noise Measurement
    
    01:03
  - In this lesson you'll find out what you should keep in mind if you want to manually measure noise. You can add multiple rectangles - the more rectangles, the finer the noise reduction will be!
    
    Manual Noise Measurement
    
    02:20
  - The third way to measure noise is to load a profile. In this video you will see how to load profiles, as well as how to save and manage them.
    
    Loading a Profile
    
    02:02
- This section looks at different methods of noise reduction through the use of control points, color ranges, and painting in Photoshop.
  
  Selective Noise Reduction
  - Dfine's control points allow you to reduce noise selectively so that only the areas you need noise removed from are affected. In this video you'll learn how to do this and how to check the result using view modes.
    
    Selective Adjustment: Control Points
    
    03:24
  - In addition to control points, Dfine allows you to adjust noise reduction selectively using color ranges. You'll see how in this video.
    
    Selective Adjustment: Color Range
    
    03:44
  - In this video you'll learn how to use Dfine in conjunction with Photoshop to maximize your ability to selectively reduce noise without losing detail in your images.
    
    Using Dfine with Photoshop
    
    06:05
This chapter deals with the Viveza 2 plug-in. With Viveza, you can use control points to quickly and easily edit and optimize your images.

Viveza 2
- In this section you'll install Viveza and learn which kinds of images this plug-in works best with.
  
  Basics
  - In this video you'll see how quick and easy it is to simultaneously install the Viveza plug-in for all host applications.
    
    Installation
    
    02:51
  - This video demonstrates the impressive results Viveza can achieve in enhancing and optimizing your images.
    
    Viveza: Introduction
    
    03:57
- In this section you'll get to know the user interface of Viveza better.
  
  User Interface
  - This video introduces you to Viveza's view modes. With the view modes you will be able not only to preview a single image, but also to compare the original with the modified versions.
    
    View Modes
    
    02:16
  - The tools covered in this video include the Selection tool, the Zoom and Pan tools, and a switch to change the background color between three different shades of gray.
    
    Tools
    
    02:09
  - You can make precise adjustments with the help of control points. In this video you'll learn how to add control points and what you need to keep in mind when using them.
    
    Using Control Points
    
    05:28
  - With Viveza you can make global adjustments, which are applied to the whole image, or use control points to make selective adjustments. This video explains how to do both.
    
    Global vs. Selective Adjustments
    
    04:21
  - In this video you'll learn which controls are included in the control point list and how to show the areas affected by control points by turning Mask view on.
    
    The Control Point List
    
    04:05
  - The Levels and Curves adjustment allows you to affect an image via control of its histogram. You can choose to apply the effect to color (RGB) or highlight, shadow, or midtone areas.
    
    Levels and Curves
    
    03:12
  - The video explains how to use the Loupe tool in Viveza as a Navigator after zooming into the image.
    
    Using the Navigator Loupe
    
    02:24
  - In this video, you'll learn the details of Viveza's settings and how you can speed up your workflow.
    
    Settings
    
    02:02
- The videos in this section contain examples that explain some specific editing capabilities of Viveza.
  
  Editing Options
  - You can use the controls for contrast, saturation, and structure to improve dull images, as you'll see in this video.
    
    Contrast, Saturation, and Structure
    
    02:43
  - Sometimes it pays to group control points in order to save time. This video explains when and how you should use this technique.
    
    Grouping Control Points
    
    05:03
  - This lesson will show you how to mask and protect areas of an image without having to waste time cutting out. We'll then look at how the effects you create can be painted in using Photoshop's Brush tool.
    
    Masking and Photoshop
    
    05:33
  - In this video you'll learn how to quickly and effortlessly reproduce a selective adjustment, such as removing color casts from an image.
    
    Reproduce Selective Adjustments
    
    03:45
  - In this video you'll see how easy it is to balance colors in an image with the Color Picker tool.
    
    Color Matching
    
    02:24
This chapter looks at the Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete plug-in, which includes some powerful tools for creating better and more stylish images.

Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete
- In this section you'll install Color Efex Pro and learn more about the differences between correction and stylizing filters.
  
  Basics
  - This video explains how to install Color Efex Pro for the various host applications.
    
    Installation
    
    02:35
  - Color Efex Pro offers a range of stylizing filters. In this video we'll explore the layout of the interface and see how to access the different filters.
    
    Color Efex Pro: Introduction
    
    05:27
- The videos in this section are devoted entirely to the user interface of Color Efex Pro.
  
  User Interface
  - The filter list contains all the filter effects on tabs divided into different categories. You can also create favorites, as you'll see in this video.
    
    Filter Category Tabs
    
    01:01
  - With the view modes you can not only preview a single image, but also compare the original with the modified versions. In this video we also look at the Modes view to see where control point effects are being applied via Effect Mask and Effect Overlay views.
    
    View Modes
    
    03:03
  - This video examines the filter control area in detail. This area provides various options depending on which filter is selected.
    
    The Filter Control Area
    
    01:42
  - This lesson looks at Quick Save slots, which enable you to save various processing steps together with the filter and to apply these steps to more images. This will speed up your workflow considerably!
    
    Quick Save Slots
    
    01:50
  - This video explains how to use the Loupe tool in Color Efex Pro as a Navigator after zooming into the image.
    
    The Navigator Loupe
    
    01:13
  - In this video, you'll learn the details of Color Efex Pro's settings and how you can speed up your workflow.
    
    Settings
    
    01:13
- The selected filter examples in this section show various options for processing your images.
  
  Filter Examples
  - This filter is great for focusing attention on the subject of your photograph when lighting is working against you.
    
    Darken/Lighten Center
    
    01:20
  - The Monday Morning filter can add drama and style to images. You'll learn more about it in this video.
    
    Monday Morning
    
    02:21
  - The Old Photo filter allows you to reproduce the look and feel of analog photography. In this lesson you'll see how it can be adjusted to your needs.
    
    Old Photo
    
    02:09
  - The Pro Contrast filter instantly revives dull images where contrast has been compromised due to atmospheric or lighting conditions.
    
    Pro Contrast
    
    01:06
  - In this video, you'll get some helpful tips for combining filters and control points in Color Efex Pro and using Photoshop's Brush tool to apply the effects you need.
    
    Tips
    
    05:20
- In this section you will learn about the workflow for using Color Efex pro in conjunction with Photoshop as a host application.
  
  Workflows
  - Photoshop is the only host application where you can convert the plug-in filters into Smart Filters. In this video, you'll learn the benefits of this technique and what you need to keep in mind when using it.
    
    Converting to Smart Filters
    
    05:56
  - By using Smart Filters, you can apply the Nik Software plug-in filters collectively to an image. This video explains how to get the best results from this effect.
    
    Using Multiple Filters at Once
    
    06:46
This chapter deals with Silver Efex Pro 2. With this plug-in you can "develop" your black-and-white images just the way people did in the analog era.

Silver Efex Pro 2
- In this section, you'll see how quick and easy it is to install and use the Silver Efex Pro plug-in.
  
  Basics
  - In this video you'll see how to install Silver Efex Pro and learn about its special features related to Photoshop.
    
    Installation
    
    02:27
  - Silver Efex Pro offers a range of presets. In this video we'll explore the layout of the inteface and see how to access the different presets.
    
    Silver Efex Pro: Introduction
    
    02:37
- In this section you'll get to know the user interface of Silver Efex Pro better.
  
  User Interface
  - This video looks at the Style Browser, which offers different styles that you can quickly and easily apply to your images. You can also use this tool to store favorites and to create your own styles.
    
    The Style Browser
    
    01:54
  - The view modes allow you not only to view the image in the single image preview, but also to compare the original with the modified versions.
    
    View Modes
    
    01:19
  - The tools covered in this video include the Selection tool, the Zoom and Pan tools, and a switch to change the background color allowing options for ambient viewing.
    
    Tools
    
    01:32
  - This video explores the controls area, where you'll find everything for optimizing your black-and-white conversion, from the tonal value and color filters to film types and stylizing.
    
    Controls
    
    01:27
  - This video explains how to use the Loupe tool in Silver Efex Pro as a magnifying glass. The same tool allows you to see the histogram of the photograph and subdivide it into separate gray level zones.
    
    The Loupe and Histogram
    
    01:31
  - In this video, you'll learn the details of Silver Efex Pro's settings and how you can speed up your workflow.
    
    Settings
    
    01:46
  - Silver Efex Pro 2 includes a History Browser. In this video you'll see how this can be used to step back to earlier stages in your workflow.
    
    The History Browser
    
    01:36
- In this section you'll get to know Silver Efex Pro's controls in detail.
  
  Controls
  - In this video you will learn how to use global adjustments to exercise precise, high-quality control over your images.
    
    Global Adjustments
    
    03:55
  - This video tells you what you need to know to work with control points in Silver Efex Pro.
    
    Selective Adjustments
    
    04:16
  - The functionality of the color filters is the same as in analog black-and-white photography. You'll see some of the effects they can achieve in this video.
    
    Color Filters
    
    01:58
  - In this lesson you'll learn how to simulate your favorite black-and-white film and adjust details such as grain or sensitivity to suit your taste.
    
    Film Types
    
    03:18
  - In the Finishing Adjustments area you can apply a vignette, burn edges, or colorize the image as a whole. This video shows you how to do it.
    
    Finishing Adjustments
    
    03:25
  - In this lesson you'll learn how to optimize color images with Silver Efex Pro and Photoshop CS5.
    
    Workflow Tips for Photoshop
    
    04:25
  - This video will teach you how to import other people's preset styles and export your own to share in the Nik Software community.
    
    Importing Presets
    
    02:39
This chapter deals with the Sharpener Pro 3.0 plug-in. This plug-in consists of two components: the RAW Presharpener, which presharpens the image, and the Output Sharpener, which you use at the end of the workflow to adjust the image for different output options.

Sharpener Pro 3.0
- In this chapter you will install the Sharpener Pro plug-in and get to know the difference between the RAW Presharpener and the Output Sharpener.
  
  Basics
  - In this video you'll see how to install Sharpener Pro and learn about its special features related to Photoshop.
    
    Installation
    
    03:10
  - This video introduces the RAW Presharpener and explains where it belongs in the imaging specialist's workflow.
    
    Introducing the RAW Presharpener
    
    03:53
  - This video provides an overview of the Output Sharpener and explains when it should be used.
    
    Introducing the Output Sharpener
    
    03:49
- In this section you will get to know the elements of the interface that are common to both the RAW Presharpener and the Output Sharpener.
  
  Common Interface Elements
  - The view modes allow you not only to view the image in the single image preview, but also to compare the original with the modified versions.
    
    View Modes
    
    02:27
  - The tools covered in this video include the Selection tool, the Zoom and Pan tools, and a switch to change the background color between three different shades of gray.
    
    Tools
    
    01:41
  - The video explains how to use the Loupe tool in Sharpener Pro as a Navigator after zooming into the image.
    
    The Navigator Loupe
    
    01:41
- In this section you will get to know the special features of the RAW Presharpener user interface better.
  
  RAW Presharpener User Interface
  - This video looks at the three preview modes you can use to display your effects. Two of these can only be used in connection with control points.
    
    Preview Modes
    
    02:39
  - You can choose to sharpen the entire image or only selected areas. This video looks at applying sharpening to the whole image.
    
    Global Sharpening
    
    01:31
  - With the help of control points, you can reduce noise selectively. In this video you'll learn how to use this technique in your workflow.
    
    Sharpening with Control Points
    
    02:38
  - In this video, you'll see how to use the color range options to achieve optimal sharpening.
    
    Sharpening with Color Range
    
    02:17
  - In this video, you'll learn the details of the RAW Presharpener's settings and see how you can speed up your workflow.
    
    Settings
    
    01:12
- In this chapter you will get to know the special features of the Output Sharpener user interface.
  
  Output Sharpener User Interface
  - The interface allows you to choose between four preview modes for displaying effects: Sharpened Image, Sharpening Soft Proof, Effect Overlay, and Effect Mask. All four are covered in this video, though the last two are only relevant for selective sharpening.
    
    Preview Modes
    
    03:22
  - This video looks at the Output Sharpening area, where you define the output medium for which you want to sharpen your image.
    
    The Output Sharpening Area
    
    01:55
  - Selective sharpening lets you define the sharpening area with the help of control points. In this video you'll learn how to do this and what you need to keep in mind while doing so.
    
    Selective Sharpening with Control Points
    
    02:45
  - By defining a color range in the Selective Sharpening area using at least two colors, you can sharpen selectively and reduce the strength of the output sharpening. This video shows you how it's done.
    
    Selective Focus with Color Range
    
    02:10
  - You can speed up your workflow by creating and applying your own presets to simulate sharpening on specific devices. In this video you'll learn how to do this and how to update your styles.
    
    Preset Management
    
    02:09
  - In this video, you'll learn the details of the Output Sharpener's settings and how you can speed up your workflow.
    
    Settings
    
    02:28
This chapter deals with the HDR Efex Pro plug-in. You'll learn how to use this powerful tool to create and optimize your own HDR (high dynamic range) images.

HDR Efex Pro
- In this section you'll see how to install HDR Efex Pro and learn about the special features related to the various host applications.
  
  Basics
  - In this video you'll learn how to install HDR Efex Pro for the host applications Photoshop CS5, Aperture, and Lightroom.
    
    Installation
    
    03:32
  - In Photoshop, you have several options to choose from when using the HDR Efex Pro plug-in. You'll learn all about them in this lesson.
    
    Using HDR Efex Pro with Photoshop
    
    02:34
  - This video looks at the details of using HDR Efex Pro with the host applications Aperture and Lightroom.
    
    Using HDR Efex Pro with Aperture and Lightroom
    
    02:03
  - HDR Efex Pro offers a range of presets. In this video we'll explore the layout of the interface and how to access the different presets.
    
    Introduction to HDR Efex Pro
    
    01:37
  - HDR Efex Pro also allows you to emulate a high dynamic range effect on single images, without the need to combine multiple exposures. You'll see how it's done in this video.
    
    Single Image Tone Mapping
    
    01:48
- In this section you'll get to know the user interface of HDR Efex Pro better.
  
  User Interface
  - HDR Efex Pro offers multiple prest filters to quickly show you the options available for adjusting your images. Choose one of these or learn how to create your own presets in this video.
    
    The Preset List
    
    02:45
  - The view modes allow you not only to view the image in the single image preview, but also to compare the original with the modified versions.
    
    View Modes
    
    01:59
  - The tools covered in this video include the Zoom tool and a switch to change the background color to provide an ambient viewing condition.
    
    Tools
    
    02:02
  - In the right pane of the user interface you can apply global or selective adjustments, as you'll see in this video.
    
    Customization
    
    02:02
  - This video looks at the additional display options offered by the magnifying glass and the histogram. You will find these at the bottom right of the interface.
    
    The Loupe and Histogram
    
    02:33
  - In this video, you'll learn the details of HDR Efex Pro's settings and how you can speed up your workflow.
    
    Settings
    
    03:15
- In this section, you'll get to know the Global Adjustments area and learn how to use its processing options.
  
  Global Adjustments
  - This video introduces the Global Adjustments area, which contains features and settings that change the whole image.
    
    Global Controls
    
    03:44
  - In this video we'll look at the various HDR methods and how they are effected by Method Strength.
    
    HDR Methods
    
    02:41
  - You can use HDR Efex Pro to automatically align your images and to reduce the ghosting effect in a number of ways. This video explores the advantages of these two features.
    
    Alignment and Ghosting Effect Reduction
    
    03:17
- In this section you will learn how to use control points to optimize selected portions of your image.
  
  Selective Adjustments
  - In this video you will get an overview of how control points can be used to optimize your images.
    
    Using Control Points: Basics
    
    02:28
  - After setting the control points, you can view them in a list and edit the list. You can also group the control points to edit images faster or get a better overview using Mask view.
    
    Using Control Points: Advanced
    
    03:52
- In this section you will learn about final adjustments like creating a vignette or using Curves.
  
  Final Adjustments
  - In this video you'll see how to stylize your image with a vignette and how to edit preferences.
    
    Vignetting
    
    02:05
  - To optimize tonal values, you can edit the Levels or Curves directly or use the default settings, which you can then customize later. This video shows you how to work with Levels and Curves.
    
    Levels and Curves
    
    03:09

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