AH Multi-Layer Raw Processor for Photoshop CS / CS2

[Andrew]

Important Notice: I am currently in the process of releasing full non-beta versions of all my scripts and as of today - 18 Feb 2006 - am withdrawing all outstanding beta versions. To stay in touch with the full-release rollouts, subscribe to the thread:

Andrew Hall - Script Development, Update List

bb/viewtopic.php?t=190&start=15. ... 0&start=15

The new versions will have much improved dialogs, better integration with Bridge and many new features.

Andrew Hall 18 Feb 2006]

This is my CS / CS2 Bridge and File Browser compatible release of my Multi-Layer Raw Image Processor.

If you find a bug please tell me and I will fix it. If you need help, leave a message.

Multi-layer raw processing is the generation of multiple layers out of Adobe Camera Raw (with different processing settings for each layer) from single raw files. There are two main reasons for wanting to do this.

First, to create multiple layers from a single raw image in order to extend the apparent dynamic range. For example you might want to produce a bottom layer which is lighter - to capture shadow detail, and a Top layer which is darker, to prevent highlights from being blown.

Alternatively, you might want to generate a base layer, a sharpened layer and a noise reduction layer etc. You may later want to apply different masks to these layers (you can do this immediately if you want within the script using the add-actions options).

In my experience, once you have a simple fast process for doing multi-layer processing of raw files, there are few images that are not considerably improved by this technique. I will expand on this comment in another thread.



The Multi-Layer Raw Processor provides three core methods.

1.Manual Open Raw Dialog Method

The ACR plugin opens for each layer of each file individually. You get to tweak these layers as much as you wish. While this method is manual it is still fast and efficient. It is particularly well suited to small processing runs or runs involving highlight recovery techniques where you need to take control of all the settings.

2. The Turbo Method

The Turbo method is the most powerful and advanced of the three multi-layer raw processing options. It can completely automate the batch processing of a large number of raw files, even files which are in a series of subfolders and it can create up to four layers for each image as long as each of these layers is a standardized setting for all (e.g. a sharpening subset). It is easy to use once you get the hang of it.





3. The OneByOne (Layer by Layer) Method

With the OneByOne method you process a group of images one layer at a time. You might run the script a first time to create a base layer for the group of images, and then a second time to create a sharpening layer. Images must have their raw settings in place before you do each run (using Apply Camera Raw Settings from the File Browser).

For single layer Raw processing or (raw) image review, I recommend you use my Raw Image Processor and Reviewer. While the Multi-Layer Processor contains ALL the capability of the Raw Image Processor, it can get fairly complex to use when you try and combine the options of image review with Multi-Layer Processing.

For efficient automated multi-layer Raw processing, especially if you already know how you want to vary layers above the base layer (eg a standard amount of higher or lower exposure, or a sharpening or noise reduction layer), then the Multi-Layer Raw Processor is a fast and efficient tool.

For more info read the help file:

bb/files/ahraw-help.htm

Andrew

[Andrew]

Today I released the CS2 version of my multi-layer raw processor (download box in the previous post). With CS2 you can launch this directly from Bridge if you tie it in with my Bridge Script Launcher which makes for some very efficient workflow.

bb/viewtopic.php?t=197

The new version also has considerably more powerful Regular Expression based image selection and image renaming tools. You can also use any of the images metadata fields for renaming. For visual examples, and lots more info read the help file:

bb/files/ahraw-help.htm

The help file also contains a javascript test-bed for using the Renaming and FileSelection tools that will be very useful for those wanting to make sure they get their RE's right.

Andrew

[elliottbrennan]

Hi Andrew-
Any chance this script will be re-released?

As great as CS3's raw highlight recovery is, there's still definitely room for a script like this in any sort of multiple raw file workflow.

Thanks!
Elliott