nik sharpener pro 2

nik Sharpener Pro™ 2.0User Guide

å nik multimedia, Inc.®

v2.0

3-0

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IInik Sharpener Pro 2.0user guide

Table of ContentsMinimum Requirements and Installation

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Filters ..........................................................I

Windows Operating System ..............................................................I

Macintosh Operating System ............................................................I

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective Tool .............................................2

Windows Operating System .............................................................2

Macintosh Operating System ...........................................................2

Compatible Image Editing Applications ...........................................2

Installing nik Sharpener 2.0 .........................................................3

Installing nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 into ..................................................3

Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements .........................................3

Introduction

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Complete Edition .............................................4

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Inkjet Edition ..................................................5

Optimal Image Sharpening .............................................................5

When to Sharpen ......................................................................... 7

Sample Workflow .........................................................................8

Which filter to use ........................................................................9

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Features

New in this version ..................................................................... 10

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Interface ................................................... 11

Additional nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Features ........................................ 17

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective .................................................. 17

The nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective Tool ..................................... 18

IIInik Sharpener Pro 2.0user guide

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective features ...................................... 19

Additional Information & Resources

About nik multimedia, Inc. ..........................................................22

Contact Information ...............................................................23

For more information on nik multimedia products, visit us at:

http://www.nikmultimedia.com

Inik Sharpener Pro 2.0user guide

nik Sharpener Pro™ 2.0 Minimum Requirements

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Filters

Windows Operating System

Windows 98 Second Edition through Windows XP, or later

300 MHz Pentium or Better (800 MHz or faster recommended)

128 MB RAM (512 MB recommended)

800x600 screen resolution at 16-bit color depth (1024x768 at 24-bit depth

recommended)

60 MB of hard disk space for the Complete Edition, 40 MB of hard disk

space for the Inkjet Edition

Image editing application that accepts Adobe® Photoshop® Plug-Ins

Macintosh Operating System

Mac OS 10.2.4 or later

G3 Processor or better (G4 or better recommended)

128 MB RAM (512 MB recommended)

800x600 screen resolution at 16-bit color depth (1024x768 at 24-bit depth

recommended).

60 MB of hard disk space for the Complete Edition, 40 MB of hard disk

space for the Inkjet Edition

Image editing application that accepts Adobe Photoshop Plug-Ins

2nik Sharpener Pro 2.0user guide

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective Tool

Windows Operating System

Windows 98 Second Edition through XP, or later

Adobe Photoshop 5.5 through CS2 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 1 through 3.0

Macintosh Operating System

Mac OS 10.2.4 or later

Adobe Photoshop 7.0 through CS2 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 1 through 3.0

Compatible Image Editing Applications

Adobe Photoshop 5.5 through CS2

Adobe Photoshop Elements 1 through 3.0

Adobe PhotoDeluxe

Adobe Photoshop LE

Corel Painter

Corel PHOTOPAINT

Corel Paint Shop Pro

Jasc Paint Shop Pro

Microsoft Digital Image Pro

Ulead PhotoImpact

If your image-editing application is not listed above, please refer to the

image-editing application’s user manual to see if it is compatible with

Adobe Photoshop Plug-Ins.


Installing nik Sharpener 2.0

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 includes an integrated installer utility that assists

you when you install the software into your image editing application. This

utility will guide you through the installation process in order to install the

filters into the appropriate location within your image editing application.

To install nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 into your image editing application,

locate the setup file on your software CD and launch the file. Follow the

instructions for installing the filters into your image editing application.

Installing nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 into Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements

1. Insert the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 CD into the CD or DVD drive.

2. Open the CD and double-click on the installer.

3. Ensure that the installer was able to locate the proper installation

location. Typical installation locations are

PC - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop (Elements)\Plug-Ins

Mac - Macintosh HD : Applications : Adobe Photoshop (Elements) :

Plug-Ins

4. Click Next or Install until the installer has completed its process.

5. If Photoshop or Photoshop Elements was open during the installation


process, close the Photoshop program and open it again so that

the filters can be accessed under the Filters menu.

Note: For information regarding installing third party filters, such as nik Sharpener Pro

2.0, into image editing applications other than Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop

Elements, please refer to your image editing application’s user guide.

Introduction

While sharpening is an essential step in creating a good digital image,

its importance is often misunderstood. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 offers the

features and controls necessary to achieve the highest level of quality and

optimal sharpness in any image. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 simplifies the

sharpening process by providing you with controls that are both easy to use

and understand.

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is available in two different versions, the nik

Sharpener Pro 2.0 Complete Edition and the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Inkjet

Edition. These two different editions provide you with the ability to choose

the sharpening tools that meet your specific printing needs.

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Complete Edition

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Complete Edition contains all of the nik Sharpener

Pro 2.0 tools for complete optimal image sharpening. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0

Complete Edition provides you with the ability to sharpen images:

• For Continuous tone printers

• For Halftone printers

• For Inkjet printers

• For Electronic display devices such as projectors and monitors

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Complete Edition also includes the RAW

Presharpening filter for RAW files.


nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Inkjet Edition

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Inkjet Edition is designed for professionals who use

inkjet printers as their primary output device. In addition to sharpening

for inkjet printers, the Inkjet Edition sharpens images for display on the

Internet or on an electronic device, such as a projector or monitor.

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Inkjet Edition provides you with the ability to sharpen

images for the following output devices:

• Inkjet printers

• Electronic display devices such as projectors and monitors

The Inkjet Edition also includes the RAW presharpening filter for RAW files.

Optimal Image Sharpening

nik multimedia has designed nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 as a powerful, easy

to use tool that fits easily into your digital work flow, taking over the

complicated process of optimal image sharpening and providing you with

an application that is easy to understand and use. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0

replaces the need for complicated and impractical sharpening methods

currently available within most image editing applications, and takes into

consideration all of the key elements of a printed image in order to provide

you with optimal sharpening.

Traditional sharpening methods, such as

Unsharp Mask or High-Pass based sharpening,

are not easy to use and typically ask the user

to base the sharpening process on results

as displayed on the monitor. While this

method works well for images intended

to be viewed on a monitor, it is less than

adequate for other media. Effective image

sharpening must take into consideration a

number of variables before sharpening, from

“Effective image sharpening must take into consideration a number of variables before sharpening...”


the characteristics of detail in the image, to the intended media, to the

circumstances surrounding the viewer and viewing distance. nik Sharpener

Pro 2.0 identifies the key elements that comprise the image in its final form

in order to produce an optimal level of sharpening. These key elements

include the following:

1. Image detail and detail relationships

2. Print process

a. The method of recreating image detail in the print (continuous tone,

inkjet, or halftone)

b. The resolution of the output device

c. The substrate type and characteristics

3. Viewing characteristics

a. The viewing distance at which the image will be displayed

b. The personal preferences of the artist creating the print

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 begins by considering the

variables that control the final output. These variables

include the detail characteristics of the image, the

image size, the printer type, the printer resolution,

the substrate characteristics, and the viewing

distance. Then using advanced algorithms, called the

Autoscan process, nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 analyzes and

adapts the sharpening process to the image in order

to achieve optimal image sharpness. The algorithms

identify detail structures as well as differentiate detail

from one area to another (the sky and trees, for example). They identify the

types of technical changes and manipulations that have already been made,

and then protect areas which may be subject to over sharpening as well as

protect areas where sharpening may otherwise introduce unwanted details.

One of the additional benefits of the Autoscan process is that it enables nik


Sharpener Pro 2.0 to adapt to every image automatically. This is especially

helpful when applying batch processes to your images, as nik Sharpener

Pro 2.0 will alter the sharpening characteristics throughout each image,

based on the unique characteristics of that image.

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 provides users with the ability to:

• Sharpen different areas according the detail type and that detail’s need

for sharpening

• Adapt to images that have already been sharpened to prevent over

sharpening from occurring

• Protect trouble areas from sharpening-induced artifacts

• And more…

In order to achieve optimal sharpness with nik Sharpener Pro 2.0, all you

need to indicate is:

• The type of printer that will be used

• The resolution of that printer

• The type of substrate (if applicable)

• The viewing distance for the displayed image

• The location and amount of sharpening that will be applied

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 will take care of the rest.

When to Sharpen

Sharpening is an important step in preparing an image for viewing. nik

Sharpener Pro 2.0 enables you to provide image sharpening at two different

stages of your image editing workflow. The first stage, the Presharpening

stage, is applied early on in the image editing workflow. The second stage, the

output sharpening stage, is applied as the very last step in the image editing

workflow.


The RAW Presharpening filter is a new sharpening tool within nik Sharpener

Pro 2.0 that was designed to sharpen your images during the Presharpening

stage. Apply the RAW Presharpening filter to RAW images as soon as possible

after opening the image within your image editing application. The RAW

Presharpening tool adds a small amount of sharpening primarily for RAW

files and was designed to work with the other output sharpening filters of nik

Sharpener Pro 2.0 to ensure your images are optimally sharpened, without

introducing sharpening artifacts or unwanted details.

The second and most important sharpening pass should occur as the very last

step prior to output. This is the step in which nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 sharpens

your image based on the needs of your printer. It is here where selective

sharpening can be applied. Select one of the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 filters that

matches your output process. If you have any questions about which filter to

use for your output device, please see the section below, “Which filter to use.”

Once you have applied sharpening using nik Sharpener Pro 2.0, your image

will contain the optimal level of detail and you will be ready to print.

Sample Workflow

Here is an example of an optimal sharpening workflow (if you are shooting

JPG or TIFF files, simply skip to step 4):

1. Either Convert your RAW file or open an unsharpened TIFF or JPEG file

and open it within your image editing application.

2. Apply noise reduction, if necessary.

3. Apply the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 RAW Presharpening filter.

4. Perform your normal image enhancements, including tonal and color

adjustments, and then resize your image.

5. Apply the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 filter based on your output process.

Optional: apply this sharpening step selectively to your image with the

Selective Tool.

6. Print the image.


Please note: if you plan to save your image with sharpening, it is recommended that you identify that file as sharpened in the file name, as well as for which process it has been sharpened. It is often more effective to save the image file immediately prior to sharpening, and then sharpen the image directly each time before you print the image,

based on the specific variables of the print process you are using.

Which filter to use

There are currently four main methods of output available for the digital

image workflow:

• Inkjet based • Continuous tone based

• Halftone based • Electronic display based (monitor or projector)

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 contains filters that were designed specifically for

each of these different output processes. Since many manufacturers and

even print service labs refer to these processes differently, please refer to

the list below to determine which filter to use. If you plan to print on an

Inkjet printer, you may utilize any of the Inkjet filters. If you know which

manufacturer’s printer will be used, you may choose the specific Inkjet

filter for that manufacturer. The following filters are available for Inkjet

printers:

Inkjet Inkjet: Canon Inkjet: Epson

This filter provides optimal

sharpening functionality

for nearly any Inkjet

printer. Use this filter if

you are unsure of which

manufacturer’s inkjet

printer will be used to

output your image.

This filter was designed

to optimally sharpen for

Canon Inkjet Printers.

This filter was designed

to optimally sharpen for

Epson Inkjet Printers.

Inkjet: HP Inkjet: Lexmark

This filter was designed to optimally

sharpen for HP Inkjet Printers.

This filter was designed to optimally

sharpen for Lexmark Inkjet Printers.


If you plan to print on a continuous tone printer, such as a dye sublimation

printer or a digital photographic printer, choose one of the filters available

in the Continuous tone set of filters from nik Sharpener Pro 2.0.

The following filters are available for continuous tone printers:

Photographic & Dye Sub Fuji Pictrography Lab Photographic

Use this filter if you are

unsure of what type of

Continuous tone printer

will be used to print your

images. This filter will

provide optimal sharpening

results for printers that

utilize photographic

paper, dye sublimation

printers, and other types of

continuous tone devices.

Use this filter to optimally

sharpen images that

will be printed on a Fuji

Pictrography.

Use this filter to optimally

sharpen images that

will be printed at your

local professional lab.

This filter will provide

optimal sharpening

results for printers such

as the Chromira, Lambda,

Frontier, Lightjet, and

other commercial

photographic printers.

If you plan to print using a halftone printer, such as a lithographic, gravure,

flexographic, or any other printing process that uses an ordered dither

halftone pattern to create image detail, the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Halftone filter will provide optimal image sharpening.

If your image’s final output will be prepared for presentation on the Internet, to be projected onto a screen, or to be displayed on an electronic

display device, use the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Display filter.

New in this version

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 contains significant improvements that provide

better functionality and increased efficiency. Here are some of the new

features:

• 16-bit compatibility • Selective sharpening capabilities

• Advanced sharpening controls • Manufacturer specific sharpening

• RAW Presharpening • Sharpening analysis functionality


nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Interface

For the user, a program is only as good as its user interface. nik Sharpener

Pro 2.0’s controls are easy to understand and easy to use.

Basic - The basic tab contains the core controls for nik Sharpener

Pro 2.0 and is used to choose your output device settings.

Image Width - The Image Width slider sets the

sharpening function to reflect the final width

of the printed image. This slider is set

automatically by nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 when the filter is first opened,

based on the size of the image as set within your image editing

application. This slider does not affect the size of your image. Any

change to this setting simply modifies the sharpening setting to take into

consideration the intended size of the final image. This setting is

provided in case you intend to resize your image after sharpening, such

as when using the printer dialog to set the final size of the image.

Image Height - The Image Height slider sets the

sharpening function to reflect the final height

of the printed image. This slider is set

automatically by nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 when the filter is first opened,

based on the size of the image as set within your image editing

application. This slider does not actually change the size of your image.

Any change to this setting simply modifies the sharpening setting to

take into consideration the intended size of the final image. This setting

is provided in case you intend to resize your image after sharpening, such

as when using the printer dialog to set the final size of the image.

Viewing Distance - The Viewing Distance

updates the sharpening algorithm to produce

optimal levels of sharpening for the image

based on the distance from which the image will be viewed. The Auto

Distance setting will automatically choose the viewing distance based


on an accepted assumption that the viewing distance for the image

should be approximately the length of the diagonal of the image. The

actual distance used will be displayed in the Image Information Area,

which can be accessed by clicking on the Show More button. The other

settings within this slider are determined by the distance the viewer will

be from the image.

Up to 2’ 2- 5’ 4- 8’ 6- 10’ 10’ +

Objects held at

arm’s distance

Small to

medium sized

mounted image

Large mounted

image

Poster Billboard

Paper Type - The Paper Type slider (available in

selected filters) provides you with the ability to

control the amount of sharpening based on

the way the paper alters the amount of visible detail. Set this slider to the

closest paper type listed.

Printer Resolution - The Printer Resolution slider

enables you to sharpen based on the resolution

of detail that your printer uses. Set this slider

according to the setting your printer reports (typically in dpi x dpi). If you

do not see the resolution that your printer uses, you may adjust the slider

for new resolutions within the Settings dialog.

Advanced - The Advanced tab provides you with additional

controls to set the amount of sharpening to the entire image,

as well as to specific areas within the image. The Advanced tab includes five

sliders that enable you to control the amount of sharpening applied to various

elements within the image. Each slider can control the amount of sharpening

across a different color range. Through a unique mixing functionality, the

Advanced panel will always affect the entire range of colors, regardless of the

colors selected. When all sliders are set to the same value, nik Sharpener Pro

2.0 will sharpen the entire image, globally.


Advanced Slider - Each advanced slider

contains both an Eye Dropper as well as a

Color Patch. Clicking on the Eye Dropper

enables you to select a color from anywhere in the image and to base the

amount of sharpening on the area which contains the color you chose.

Clicking on the Color Patch enables you to select a specific color using

your image editing application’s Color Picker. Once you have selected a

color, use the slider to control the amount of sharpening on that color.

Tip - all five sliders can be moved simultaneously in order to control the relative

amount of sharpening across the image. If you hold down the right mouse button

(Windows) or control-click (Mac OS) on any of the sliders within the Advanced Tab,

all five sliders will move simultaneously, retaining the relative distinctions from one to

the next. This is a very powerful way of maintaining the relationship of sharpness from

one area to the next while increasing or decreasing the sharpening throughout the

image.

Reset Controls - The Reset Controls button resets the

colors and the sliders within the Advanced Tab only.

Click on this button to start the Advanced process over again.

Use Autoscan - This option ensures that the Autoscan

process is utilized throughout the sharpening process.

Turning this option off may speed up the sharpening process, but it also

may result in reduced effectiveness and less than optimal results.

Show More - The Show More button expands the

interface to display the Quick Save Slots and the Image

Information Area.

Help & FAQs - This accesses the built-in FAQs and the help

features for nik Sharpener Pro 2.0. Use this button to quickly

access help items while working with the application as well as to find answers

to Frequently Asked Questions and to get tips for a more efficient work flow.


Settings - The Settings button calls up the Settings dialog.

Number of inks used (Inkjet filters only) - This setting offers you greater control over the print quality when using nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Inkjet filters. This enables you to set the number of colors that your printer uses to create your images. By setting this

value, nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 will take into consideration the difference in sharpening necessary for different printers that use a different number of inks to create an image. This setting only influences the filter that is currently open.

Default Viewing Distance - When this slider is set, nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 will always open with the viewing distance set to the value you indicate. This setting is maintained for all filters.

Preview Default - This setting enables you to indicate if you prefer the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 interface to open with a single large preview by default, or if you prefer two preview windows to appear. If side-by-side preview is selected, nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 will automatically determine the placement of the images (side-by-side or top-and-bottom) based on the orientation of the images. This setting is maintained for all filters.

User Defined Resolution #1 - This setting enables you to set the first of two possible customizable resolution settings. Click on the Set button to create a resolution option that is not provided within the current nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 filter interface. With Inkjet printers, you will be requested to first set the printer’s horizontal resolution (typically the larger of the two numbers), followed by the printer’s vertical resolution (typically the smaller of the two numbers) Other printer types require you to enter only one resolution number. This setting only influences the filter

that is currently open.


User Defined Resolution #2 - This setting enables you to set the second of

two possible customizable resolution settings. Click on the Set button to

create a resolution option that is not provided within the current

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 filter interface. With Inkjet printers, you will be

requested to first set the printer’s horizontal resolution (typically the

larger of the two numbers), followed by the printer’s vertical resolution

(typically the smaller of the two numbers). Other printer types require

you to enter only one resolution number. This setting only influences the

filter that is currently open.

Measurement Type - This option enables you to switch nik Sharpener

Pro 2.0 between Imperial (inches) and Metric (mm) measurements.

Multiple Previews - The Multiple Previews button enables you

to view the image using a single large preview, two top-and-

bottom landscape oriented previews, or two side-by-side portrait oriented

previews. All preview windows contain multiple zoom levels for reviewing

image detail.

Analysis Modes - The Analysis Mode button enables you to choose

between no overlay mode (the default mode) and one of two unique

overlay modes. The two different overlay modes enable you to see a visual

representation of the sharpening that will be applied to the image. The

first mode displays the interaction between the sharpening and the original

image colors and detail. The sharpening effect is represented by varying

levels of opacity represented by red stripes. Areas that have more opaque

red stripes will be sharpened more than areas with more transparent red

stripes. The second mode displays only the sharpening level. Sharpening

is represented in a possible range of white to red. The darker the red, the

more sharpening that will be applied to the image. Hint: Try experimenting

with the Advanced tab while one of the Overlay modes is on. Start by clicking on the

Reset Controls and then turning on one of the Overlay modes. Use an eyedropper from

one of the Advanced sliders to select a large color range, and then reduce the slider.

You will see a visual representation of the amount of sharpening being reduced within

the image.


Preview Toggle (ON/OFF) - The Preview Toggle alternates between

displaying the sharpening effect and showing the original image

within the current preview window. When the Preview Toggle is set to

ON for a window, that window will show the sharpening effect. When

the Preview Toggle is set to OFF for a window, that window will show the

original image.

Zoom Ratio - The Zoom Ratio displays the current zoom factor of

the image within the current window. A Zoom Ratio of 1:1 indicates

the image is being displayed at its actual size. A zoom ratio of 1:6 indicates

the image is being displayed 6 times smaller than the actual image, while a

zoom ratio of 6:1 indicates the image is being displayed 6 times larger than

the actual image. Hint: Clicking on the Zoom Ratio will automatically zoom

the image in to 1:1. Clicking on the Zoom Ratio while the image is already at

1:1 will zoom out so that the entire image fits within the current window.

Zoom In - The Zoom In button enables you to zoom in one step into

the image.

Zoom Out - The Zoom Out button enables you to zoom out one step

from the image.

Save and Load - The Save and Load feature allows you

to save filter parameter settings to disk and load them

at a later time. Click on the Save button to save the current filter settings.

Click on the Load button on a later image to bring up these settings for that

image. With this system, many different filter settings can be stored and

recalled quickly and easily.

Cancel - The Cancel button cancels the current filter without

affecting the image.

OK - The OK button applies the filter to the current image using

the existing settings.

Single-Click Presets - Each nik Sharpener Pro 2.0

filter offers four Single-Click Presets that enable you


to save and access frequently used settings. Once you have found settings

that you wish to apply to multiple images, click on one of the Set buttons

and give those settings a name. The next time you want to apply those

settings, click on the Use button of that Single-Click Preset.

Image Information Area - The Image

Information Area in nik Sharpener Pro 2.0

provides useful information about the current

filter settings. Located at the bottom portion of the dialog box, this section

provides information related to the filter, such as the current Viewing

distance, as well as the current registration information.

Additional nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Features

Color Mode Operation - nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 filters function in RGB,

CMYK, Grayscale, and LAB, and in both 8-bits and 16-bits per channel.

The RGB color mode is typically the optimal mode for editing photos and

printing using almost any printer, including most Inkjet and Continuous

Tone printers.

Grab & Inspect - Inspect your changes to the image by clicking on any

portion of the preview window to see a “before” and “after” view. Click on

the preview image holding the mouse button down to view the “before”

image. Release the mouse button to see the “after” image with the

sharpening effect applied. You may also reposition the view of the image

during the Grab & Inspect process by moving the mouse up, down, right, or

left in order to bring a portion of the image into view.

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective

A powerful new feature of nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is the nik Sharpener Pro

2.0 Selective tool. Use the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective tool to apply

any of the sharpening filters selectively to your images. Use a mouse,

Pen Tablet, or any other input device to paint sharpening into the image,

controlling the amount and location of the effect quickly and easily.


The nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective tool is located

within either the Automate or Automation Tools menu

in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop Elements.

After launching this tool via the Automate or Automation

Tools menu, the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 selective palette

becomes available. Access to all of the sharpening filters

is provided by default, and filters can be excluded from

the Selective Palette by modifying the nik Sharpener Pro

2.0 Selective settings.

To apply sharpening selectively, click on the sharpening

filter that matches the output device that will be used for

the particular image. Then adjust the settings within the filter, click OK,

and select one of the editing options to apply the effect to the image.

Note: the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective tool is compatible with Adobe

Photoshop 5.5 through CS2 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 1 through 3.0

in the Windows operating system. It is compatible with Adobe Photoshop

7 through CS2 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 through 3.0 on Mac OS

10.2.4 and later.

The nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective Tool

Photographers and print professionals will often use sharpening as a

creative tool. By sharpening specific areas differently within an image, you

can guide the eye to specific areas of the image. At first glance our eyes are

drawn to areas with the highest level of detail. By sharpening one or more

areas selectively, the photographer can direct the viewer to focus on selected

elements within an image, for example emphasizing the eyes in a portrait,

the center of a flower, or key elements of a still-life or a product shot.

The Selective tool within nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 was designed specifically to

provide you with the easiest way of sharpening your images selectively.

To apply a nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 filter selectively, follow these steps:

1. Open an image within Adobe


Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements.

2. Navigate to the Automate or Automation Tools menu under the File menu and select nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective.

3. Select one of the filters from within the Selective palette.

4. Set the filter interface according to the parameters that will be used with the output device and select OK.

5. Select one of the editing tools to begin applying sharpening to the image. Click on the Paint button to selectively paint sharpening into the image. You may also click on the Fill button to apply the effect to the entire image. By clicking on the Fill button and then clicking on the Erase button, the effect can be selectively removed from the image.

6. Once you are satisfied with the result, click on the Apply button to save the changes. This accepts the results and enables you to save and print

the image.

Now the image has been selectively sharpened using the advanced sharpening capabilities of nik Sharpener Pro 2.0. Any areas that have been sharpened have been sharpened optimally, while the details are protected

from unnatural sharpening results.

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective features

Show More - The Show More button either hides or

shows the editing tools within the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0

Selective palette. Click on this button so that the Selective palette takes up

the least amount of desktop space possible.

Help - The Help button brings up help files specific to the Selective tool.

Settings - The Settings button brings up the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0

Selective Settings dialog, providing additional options for the nik


Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective tool. The available options are:

Keep as Layer - This option ensures that whenever

sharpening is applied through the nik

Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective tool, a separate layer is kept with the

sharpening effect. Turn this option off to merge the layers together

whenever the apply button is selected, providing smaller file sizes. It is

recommended to leave this setting checked, as it provides the option

to edit and control the sharpening at any point in the future after the

apply button has been selected.

Launch with Photoshop - This option

causes the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0

Selective palette to open whenever Adobe Photoshop opens, allowing for

quick access to the selective application of nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 filters.

Filter display options - These options enable you to indicate

which filters you wish to see within the nik Sharpener Pro

2.0 Selective palette. The checked filters will appear within the Selective

palette in the order they are displayed within the Settings dialog.

Paint - The Paint button enables you to begin selectively

applying the currently selected sharpening filter to the image.

After selecting this button, paint the effect onto the image,

using varying opacities or levels of pressure (when using a

pressure sensitive input device) to control the amount of the effect as it is

being painted into the image. This tool is only available after selecting a

sharpening filter to be applied to the image.

Erase - The Erase button enables you to selectively remove

the currently selected sharpening filter from the image.

After selecting this button, paint the effect out of the image,

using varying opacities or levels of pressure (when using a

pressure sensitive input device) to control the amount of the effect as it is

being removed from the image. This tool is only available after selecting a



Fill - The Fill button adds the current sharpening effect into

the entire image. This tool is only available after selecting a


Clear - The Clear button removes the sharpening filter effect

from the entire image. This tool is only available after selecting

a sharpening filter to be applied to the image.

Discard - The Discard button clears the current sharpening filter

enhancement and the current sharpening filter settings to allow

you to start over or to choose another nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 filter.

Apply - The Apply button applies the current sharpening effect to

the image, allowing you to proceed to save and print your image.


Additional Information & Resources

A large part of nik multimedia is not only creating quality digital

photographic and imaging products, but is also offering additional

resources that help our customers in their pursuit of more and better

information in the growing field of digital imaging.

Additional updated information and resources are provided at the nik

multimedia web site. There you can find information including frequently

asked questions (faq’s), technical support information, as well as

additional on-line resources and publications. Visit our web site at

http://www.nikmultimedia.com.

About nik multimedia, Inc.

nik multimedia, Inc. is a software development company founded in 1995 to provide innovative software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. nik multimedia focuses on creating products that are both powerful and easy to use. Working with a dedicated group of photographic, digital imaging and graphic design professionals, the entire nik multimedia team is devoted to developing and supporting great digital imaging products. In developing our products, we stay current with industry developments and work closely with the photography and digital imaging manufacturers that create the hardware that you may very well use. And while we work to stay current with the latest in digital imaging developments, equally important is what our customers think. Input and ideas from customers like you is a big part of how we create our products. Please feel free to contact us anytime by visiting:

http://www.nikmultimedia.com.


Contact Information

Contact nik multimedia, Inc. by phone at (619) 725-3150

Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (PST) or via email at

[email protected].

nik multimedia, Inc.

7580 Metropolitan Drive

Suite 208

San Diego, CA 92108

U.S.A

Phone (619) 725-3150

Fax (619) 725-3151

Email: [email protected]

www.nikmultimedia.com

In Europe, contact nik multimedia, Europe at +49-40-25-40-48-70

Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (CET) or via email at

[email protected].

nik multimedia, Europe

Hammerbrookstraße 93

D-20097 Hamburg

Germany

Phone +49-40-25-40-48-70

Fax +49-40-25-40-48-40

[email protected]

www.nikmultimedia.com

For more information on nik multimedia products go to:

http://www.nikmultimedia.com

© 2005 nik multimedia, Inc.

nik sharpener pro 2

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