Nik Collection 8 shares masks with Photoshop
The Nik Collection 8 image editing suite takes masks from Photoshop, transfers them between plug-ins and returns smart objects to Photoshop.
DxO has adapted the Nik Silver Efex interface to other programs in the Nik Collection. The plug-in returns edited images to Photoshop as a layer.
French software manufacturer DxO has released Nik Collection 8 with new masking options. The plug-in collection for photographers contains a total of seven image editing programs that can be integrated into Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab and Affinity Photo. These include Color Efex for color effects, Analog Efex for film looks, Silver Efex for black and white conversion, the Viveza image correction program, the Dfine noise reducer and the Sharpener and HDR Efex tools.
Transferring layers and masks to Photoshop
Nik Collection 8 allows you to import masks from Photoshop into any of the seven plug-ins. Conversely, you can transfer the masks between individual plug-ins in the "Local adjustments" palette and return them to Photoshop at the end.
Nik Collection 8 transfers edited images to Photoshop as a layer. It applies the changes either to the edited layer, creates a new layer or a new layer with a mask. For the first time, the Nik Collection also optionally creates a smart object that retains the original pixels as part of the non-destructive work.
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New Photoshop palette in the Nik Collection
The manufacturer has now integrated the previously floating Nik Collection palette into Photoshop as a native palette. Like Karl Klammer, its predecessor was a hot candidate to be immediately clicked away by annoyed users. In the new palette, you can also select which plug-ins it should display.
Black and white conversion with Silver Efex
The program for black and white conversion Silver Efex has undergone the most changes in the eighth release. It now displays the original color photo as a reference if desired. The working area on the right-hand side of the revised interface is based on the sister programs Color Efex and Analog Efex.
The "ClearView" and "Selective tonal values" filters can be applied selectively in version 8. Individual tonal values can be selected in the form of color masks. All filters also have preset looks, which should lead to faster results.
Prices and availability
Nik Collection 8 is available immediately for Windows and macOS at a purchase price of 159.99 euros. An upgrade from Nik Collection 6 or 7 costs 89.99 euros. All licenses can be used permanently. DxO does not offer a subscription option.
(akr)
