Neat Image /Mac :: How to use :: Quick start guide

Neat Image /Mac

To make images look better.

Win | Mac

How to use Neat Image /Mac :: Quick start guide

This quick start guide is for Neat Image v4 plug-in /Mac. If you use an older version, please download the latest version of the plug-in.

I. Start Neat Image plug-in

- in Photoshop, open the image to be processed (it should be either an RGB or grayscale image);

- for this image, use the Filter > Neat Image > Reduce Noise... menu item in Photoshop.

II. Prepare a device noise profile - noise analysis necessary to filter the image

You can load a ready-made one or build a new profile on the spot.

To build a new profile click the Auto Profile button; this will automatically find, select and analyze a featureless (noise-only) image area.

If you see that automatic selection includes any important image details then move the selection to a featureless area and click the Auto Profile button button again.

If there is no flat featureless noise-only areas (60x60 pixels or larger), do not use Auto Profile, instead use an alternative image shot in the same conditions to build a profile. Then save the profile and re-open it with the original image.

III. Adjust the Filter Settings to achieve desired level of noise reduction and sharpening

1. Select Preview under the image;

2. Adjust the filter settings

- start by varying Noise Reduction Amount: Y;
- while adjusting the filter settings observe how the preview changes;

- adjust other noise reduction amounts if necessary;
- adjusting noise levels is usually NOT necessary if the noise profile is accurate;

3. Apply the filter to the image

- Click the Apply button
Processing may take some time and after that the filtered image returns to Photoshop and you can compare it with the original using Undo/Redo commands in Photoshop. Notice that the noise has been significantly reduced while the image details have been preserved.

The above steps explain the basic Neat Image workflow. There is a lot more information about building noise profiles, adjusting filter settings, using the calibration target, etc.

Please use the following materials to learn more about using Neat Image:

More information on device noise profiling with examples of good and bad areas for noise profiling
Recommended: the Filtration process details section of the user guide
Questions and Answers
Tips and Tricks
Neat Image community forum - a lot of useful information and practical experince of Neat Image user can be found there
Technical support by e-mail

Changed on: February 22, 2008