I like the Nik Collection suite for post-processing. I specifically like Silver Efex Pro 2 for B&W conversions. I don't use it for every B&W conversion, but it is a very useful tool for some images.
One of the strengths of the Silver Efex Pro plug-in is the U-point technology. You can edit selective parts of an image in a way that is different (and sometimes better) than the tools available in LR.
The biggest downside (for me) has been that once you make your edits, you are stuck with them. If you end up wanting to change something you have to start from scratch. If you are only making minor changes it isn't a big deal. If you have made multiple local edits with the U-point technology then it becomes a PITA.
The Nik Collection suite (including Silver Efex Pro 2) just got updated to version 3.
nikcollection.dxo.com
One of the selling points is the ability to save your edits in LR and then go back to change them as needed. The saved files will be bigger, but the ability to non-destructively tweak your previous edits would be very, very welcome in a practical sense.
I upgraded today and wanted to share my results.
The non-destructive edits feature does not work for me in LR. Yes, I checked the box to enable edits on save. The only result I saw was that the file size of the TIFF images doubled. Opening the edited files in the Silver Efex Pro 2 plug-in did *not* enable me to see or change my previous edits.
However, if I used Silver Efex Pro 2 as a stand-alone app and not as a plug-in within LR, then I *was* able to open previously saved files, see my edits in Silver Efex Pro 2, and make changes. This required me to export the image in LR as a TIFF, open that file in the standalone Silver Efex Pro 2 app, save it (with the checkbox for allowing future edits), and then open it again in the standalone Silver Efex Pro 2 app. Once done with edits, I could import it back into LR (and keep the external copy in case I want to go back and edit it again).
This is annoying behavior. I don't know if it was already possible to do this workaround with the prior version of the app. If not, this is a clear improvement (though not exactly what was advertised).
My expectation in purchasing was that I would be able to re-edit files from Nik plugins within LR and have the plug-in edits available to tweak in the re-edit. This isn't working for me.
FYI, I followed the instructions on the Nik collection help page:
help-nikcollection3.dxo.com
While the non-destructive edits isn't working for me within LR, it does work when exporting an image as a TIFF and then doing the edits with the standalone app. This is useful, though it's not an ideal workflow.
As an aside, I have a folder on my desktop labeled "00 edit folder". I use it for situations just such as this--it shows up first on my list of folders when I'm opening files in an external editor and saves me time scrolling
. Just save or drag files to this folder that I'll need to open in a third party app outside of LR and I don't have to go searching for them in a long list.
One of the strengths of the Silver Efex Pro plug-in is the U-point technology. You can edit selective parts of an image in a way that is different (and sometimes better) than the tools available in LR.
The biggest downside (for me) has been that once you make your edits, you are stuck with them. If you end up wanting to change something you have to start from scratch. If you are only making minor changes it isn't a big deal. If you have made multiple local edits with the U-point technology then it becomes a PITA.
The Nik Collection suite (including Silver Efex Pro 2) just got updated to version 3.
Nik Collection 7: The world's favorite photography plugins - Nik Collection by DxO
Why you will fall in love withNik Collection 7 Creative Inspiration is just a click away, ready to take every edit in a completely fresh direction. Fast Supercharge your existing workflow and put incredible tools at your fingertips. Precise Exclusive U Point™ local adjustments give you maximum...
nikcollection.dxo.com
One of the selling points is the ability to save your edits in LR and then go back to change them as needed. The saved files will be bigger, but the ability to non-destructively tweak your previous edits would be very, very welcome in a practical sense.
I upgraded today and wanted to share my results.
The non-destructive edits feature does not work for me in LR. Yes, I checked the box to enable edits on save. The only result I saw was that the file size of the TIFF images doubled. Opening the edited files in the Silver Efex Pro 2 plug-in did *not* enable me to see or change my previous edits.
However, if I used Silver Efex Pro 2 as a stand-alone app and not as a plug-in within LR, then I *was* able to open previously saved files, see my edits in Silver Efex Pro 2, and make changes. This required me to export the image in LR as a TIFF, open that file in the standalone Silver Efex Pro 2 app, save it (with the checkbox for allowing future edits), and then open it again in the standalone Silver Efex Pro 2 app. Once done with edits, I could import it back into LR (and keep the external copy in case I want to go back and edit it again).
This is annoying behavior. I don't know if it was already possible to do this workaround with the prior version of the app. If not, this is a clear improvement (though not exactly what was advertised).
My expectation in purchasing was that I would be able to re-edit files from Nik plugins within LR and have the plug-in edits available to tweak in the re-edit. This isn't working for me.
FYI, I followed the instructions on the Nik collection help page:
Non-destructive workflow
help-nikcollection3.dxo.com
While the non-destructive edits isn't working for me within LR, it does work when exporting an image as a TIFF and then doing the edits with the standalone app. This is useful, though it's not an ideal workflow.
As an aside, I have a folder on my desktop labeled "00 edit folder". I use it for situations just such as this--it shows up first on my list of folders when I'm opening files in an external editor and saves me time scrolling
. Just save or drag files to this folder that I'll need to open in a third party app outside of LR and I don't have to go searching for them in a long list.
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