Nik Collection 8 shares masks with Photoshop

The French software manufacturer DXO has published the NIK Collection 8 with new masking options. The plug-in collection for photographers contains a total of seven programs for image editing, which can be integrated into Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, DXO Photolab and Affinity Photo. They include Color Efex for color effects, analog EFEX for film looks, Silver Efex for black and white implementation, the image correction program VIVEZA, the noise reducer DFINE as well as the tools Sharpener and HDR EFEX.

Hand on levels and masks to Photoshop

With the Nik Collection 8 masks can be imported into each of the seven plug-ins with the Nik Collection. Conversely, the masks between individual plug-ins can be transferred in the “Local Adjustments” palette and at the end return them to Photoshop.

Edited images hands over the Nik Collection 8 as a level to Photoshop. It optionally uses the changes to the edited level, creates a new level or a new level with a mask. For the first time, the NIK Collection also creates a smart object that receives the original pixels as part of the non-destructive work.

New Photoshop Palette of the Nik Collection

The manufacturer has now integrated the previously floating range of the Nik Collection as a native range in Photoshop. Similar to Karl Klammer, the predecessor was a hot candidate to be clicked away immediately by annoyed users. In the new palette you can also choose which plug-ins you should show.

Black and white implementation with Silver Efex

The Silver Efex program for the black and white implementation has experienced the most changes in the eighth release. On request, it now shows the colored original photo as a reference. The right -sided work area of ​​the revised surface is based on the sister programs Color Efex and Analog Efex.

The “Clearview” filters and “Selective tonal values” can be used selectively in version 8. Individual tonal values ​​can be selected in the form of color masks. All filters also receive preset looks that should lead to faster results.

Prices and availability

The NIK Collection 8 is now available for Windows and MacOS at a purchase price of 159.99 euros. An upgrade from the Nik Collection 6 or 7 costs 89.99 euros. All licenses can be used permanently. DXO does not offer a subscription option.