Nik Collection Photoshop CC 2018 Mac Download: A Review of the Best Features and Benefits
Nik Collection Photoshop CC 2018 Mac Download: A Complete Guide
If you are looking for a way to enhance your photos with amazing filters and effects, you might want to check out Nik Collection. Nik Collection is a suite of eight premium plugins for Photoshop and other image editing applications that will help you create stunning images with ease. In this article, we will show you how to download and install Nik Collection for Photoshop CC 2018 on Mac, and how to make the most of its features.
Nik Collection Photoshop Cc 2018 Mac Download
What is Nik Collection?
Nik Collection is a collection of eight plugins that offer a wide range of creative possibilities for your photos. You can use them to add vintage effects, enhance colors and details, reduce noise and sharpen images, create HDR images, master black and white photography, and adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and more. Each plugin has its own interface and presets that you can customize to suit your needs.
A brief history of Nik Collection
Nik Collection was originally developed by Nik Software, a company founded in 1995 by Nils Kokemohr, a German software engineer. The company was known for its innovative products such as Snapseed, Viveza, Color Efex Pro, Silver Efex Pro, and more. In 2012, Google acquired Nik Software and released Nik Collection as a free download in 2016. However, Google discontinued the development and support of Nik Collection in 2017. In 2018, DxO, a French company specialized in image processing software, acquired Nik Collection from Google and relaunched it as a paid product with new features and improvements. In 2020, DxO released Nik Collection 6 with four new plugins: Perspective Efex, Dfine 2, Viveza 3, and Silver Efex Pro 3.
The features and benefits of Nik Collection
Nik Collection offers many features and benefits for photographers who want to unleash their creativity and improve their workflow. Here are some of them:
It works seamlessly with Photoshop CC 2018 and other compatible host applications such as Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, Affinity Photo, etc.
It provides over 250 presets that you can apply to your photos with one click or fine-tune with various sliders and tools.
It uses U Point technology that allows you to make selective adjustments to specific areas of your photos without using masks or layers.
It supports RAW files and preserves the original quality and metadata of your photos.
It has a non-destructive workflow that lets you edit your photos without altering the original files.
It has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and customize.
How to download and install Nik Collection for Photoshop CC 2018 on Mac
If you want to download and install Nik Collection for Photoshop CC 2018 on Mac, you need to follow these steps:
The system requirements and compatible host applications
Before you download and install Nik Collection, you need to make sure that your Mac meets the minimum system requirements and that you have a compatible host application installed. According to the official website[^ The system requirements for Nik Collection are: - Mac OS X 10.12 (Sierra), 10.13 (High Sierra), 10.14 (Mojave), 10.15 (Catalina), or 11 (Big Sur) - Intel Core i5 or higher processor - 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended) - 4 GB or more of available hard-disk space - Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 or later - Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 or later - Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 6 or later The compatible host applications for Nik Collection are: - Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 or later - Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 or later - Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 6 or later - DxO PhotoLab 4 or later - Affinity Photo 1.8.4 or later The steps to download and install Nik Collection
To download and install Nik Collection, you need to do the following:
Go to the official website of Nik Collection and click on the "Download" button.
Choose your operating system (Mac) and enter your email address to receive the download link.
Check your email and click on the download link to start downloading the installer file.
Once the download is complete, double-click on the installer file to launch it.
Follow the instructions on the screen to install Nik Collection on your Mac.
Select the host applications that you want to install Nik Collection plugins for, such as Photoshop CC 2018.
Click on the "Install" button and wait for the installation to finish.
Restart your host applications to activate Nik Collection plugins.
How to access and use Nik Collection plugins in Photoshop CC 2018
To access and use Nik Collection plugins in Photoshop CC 2018, you need to do the following:
Open Photoshop CC 2018 and open an image that you want to edit.
Go to the menu bar and click on "Filter". You will see a submenu called "Nik Collection" with all the plugins available.
Select the plugin that you want to use, such as Analog Efex Pro, Color Efex Pro, Dfine, HDR Efex Pro, Sharpener Pro, Silver Efex Pro, or Viveza.
A new window will open with the plugin interface and your image. You can use the presets on the left side or the tools on the right side to apply filters and effects to your image.
You can also use the U Point technology to make selective adjustments by clicking on the "+" button and placing control points on your image. You can adjust the size, opacity, and feather of each control point, and use the sliders to change the parameters of each adjustment.
When you are happy with your edits, click on the "Save" button at the bottom right corner of the window. Your image will be saved as a new layer in Photoshop CC 2018.
How to make the most of Nik Collection plugins for Photoshop CC 2018 on Mac
Nik Collection plugins offer a lot of creative possibilities for your photos. Here are some tips on how to make the most of each plugin:
Analog Efex Pro: Create stunning vintage effects
Analog Efex Pro lets you recreate the look and feel of classic cameras, films, and lenses. You can choose from different types of cameras, such as wet plate, toy camera, vintage camera, etc., and apply various effects, such as bokeh, vignette, dirt, scratches, light leaks, etc. You can also customize each effect with different settings and options. Some tips for using Analog Efex Pro are:
Use the "Camera Kit" option to create your own combination of effects from different cameras.
Use the "Multi-Lens" option to create a collage of multiple images with different effects.
Use the "Bokeh" option to create a shallow depth of field effect with different shapes and colors.
Use the "Frames" option to add realistic frames to your images with different textures and styles.
Color Efex Pro: Enhance colors and details
Color Efex Pro lets you improve the colors and details of your photos with over 50 filters and effects. You can use filters such as Brilliance/Warmth, Contrast Color Range, Detail Extractor, Graduated ND, Polarization, Pro Contrast, etc., to enhance your photos in various ways. You can also combine multiple filters with different opacity levels and blending modes to create your own custom recipes. Some tips for using Color Efex Pro are:
Use the "History Browser" option to compare different filters and effects and undo or redo your changes.
Use the "Filter List" option to search for filters by name, category, or keyword.
Use the "Control Points" option to apply filters selectively to specific areas of your image.
Use the "Favorites" option to save and access your favorite filters and recipes.
Dfine: Reduce noise and improve sharpness
Dfine lets you reduce noise and improve sharpness in your photos with a simple and intuitive interface. You can use Dfine to remove unwanted grain, color noise, banding, and other artifacts from your photos, especially in low-light or high-ISO situations. You can also use Dfine to sharpen your photos and enhance the details and edges. Some tips for using Dfine are:
Use the "Automatic" mode to let Dfine analyze your image and apply the optimal noise reduction and sharpening settings.
Use the "Manual" mode to adjust the noise reduction and sharpening settings yourself with different sliders and tools.
Use the "Measure" tool to select an area of your image that contains noise and see the noise profile for that area.
Use the "Loupe" tool to zoom in and out of your image and see the before and after effects of noise reduction and sharpening.
HDR Efex Pro: Create realistic or artistic HDR images
HDR Efex Pro lets you create high dynamic range (HDR) images from a single or multiple exposures. HDR images can capture a wider range of tones and details than normal images, especially in high-contrast scenes. You can use HDR Efex Pro to merge multiple exposures into one HDR image, or tone map a single exposure to create an HDR-like effect. You can also use HDR Efex Pro to apply various styles and effects to your HDR images, such as realistic, surreal, artistic, black and white, etc. Some tips for using HDR Efex Pro are:
Use the "Merge" option to combine multiple exposures into one HDR image. You can align, deghost, reduce chromatic aberrations, and adjust exposure settings for each exposure.
Use the "Tone Mapping" option to adjust the tone, color, contrast, detail, and structure of your HDR image. You can use presets or custom settings to achieve different looks.
Use the "Finishing Adjustments" option to add vignette, levels, curves, selective adjustments, and more to your HDR image.
Use the "HDR Method" option to choose between different algorithms for creating HDR images, such as global, local, natural, etc.
Sharpener Pro: Optimize image quality and clarity
Sharpener Pro lets you optimize the quality and clarity of your images with advanced sharpening tools. You can use Sharpener Pro to sharpen your images for different purposes, such as display, print, or web. You can also use Sharpener Pro to control the amount and type of sharpening applied to different areas of your image, such as shadows, highlights, edges, etc. Some tips for using Sharpener Pro are:
Use the "Output Sharpener" option to sharpen your image for a specific output device or medium. You can choose from different presets or custom settings for display, inkjet printer, continuous tone printer, halftone printer, or web.
Use the "Creative Sharpening" option to enhance the details and textures of your image with different methods such as structure, local contrast, focus, etc.
Use the "Selective Sharpening" option to apply sharpening selectively to specific areas of your image with control points.
Use the "RAW Presharpener" option to sharpen your RAW files before processing them with other plugins or applications.
Silver Efex Pro: Master black and white photography
Silver Efex Pro lets you master black and white photography with powerful tools and presets. You can use Silver Efex Pro to convert your color images into stunning black and white images with different styles and effects. You can also use Silver Efex Pro to emulate the look and feel of classic film types, such as Kodak Tri-X 400 , Ilford Delta 100, Fuji Neopan 1600, etc. You can also use Silver Efex Pro to add grain, toning, borders, and more to your black and white images. Some tips for using Silver Efex Pro are:
Use the "Global Adjustments" option to adjust the brightness, contrast, structure, tonality, and color filters of your image.
Use the "Selective Adjustments" option to apply adjustments selectively to specific areas of your image with control points.
Use the "Film Types" option to choose from different film presets or create your own custom film type with different settings and options.
Use the "Finishing Adjustments" option to add grain, toning, vignette, burn edges, image borders, and more to your image.
Viveza: Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and more
Viveza lets you adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, warmth, shadows, highlights, and more of your image with ease and precision. You can use Viveza to enhance the colors and details of your image with global or selective adjustments. You can also use Viveza to correct color casts, exposure problems, white balance issues, and more. Some tips for using Viveza are:
Use the "Global Adjustments" option to adjust the overall settings of your image with different sliders and tools.
Use the "Selective Adjustments" option to apply adjustments selectively to specific areas of your image with control points.
Use the "Levels & Curves" option to adjust the tonal range and contrast of your image with different modes and presets.
Use the "Color Picker" tool to select a color from your image or from a color wheel and apply it to a control point.
Conclusion
Nik Collection is a suite of eight premium plugins for Photoshop CC 2018 and other image editing applications that will help you create stunning images with ease. You can use Nik Collection to add vintage effects, enhance colors and details, reduce noise and sharpen images, create HDR images, master black and white photography, and adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and more. Nik Collection is easy to download and install on Mac, and works seamlessly with Photoshop CC 2018. You can access and use Nik Collection plugins from the Filter menu in Photoshop CC 2018, and customize each plugin with different presets and settings. Nik Collection is a must-have tool for photographers who want to unleash their creativity and improve their workflow.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nik Collection:
How much does Nik Collection cost?
Nik Collection costs $149 for a perpetual license that includes all eight plugins and future updates. You can also download a free trial version that lasts for 30 days.
Can I use Nik Collection with other host applications besides Photoshop CC 2018?
Yes, you can use Nik Collection with other compatible host applications such as Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, Affinity Photo, etc. You can check the full list of compatible host applications on the official website of Nik Collection.
Can I use Nik Collection on Windows?
Yes, you can use Nik Collection on Windows as well as Mac. The system requirements and installation steps are similar for both operating systems.
Can I use Nik Collection on mobile devices?
No, Nik Collection is not available for mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. However, you can use Snapseed, another product by DxO that offers similar features and effects for mobile photography.
Where can I find more tutorials and resources on how to use Nik Collection?
You can find more tutorials and resources on how to use Nik Collection on the official website of Nik Collection, the official YouTube channel of DxO, or various online platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare, etc.
: https://nikcollection.dxo.com/ : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXUHlFw7fZiVL2A8P9jLfyw : https://www.udemy.com/topic/nik-collection/ : https://www.skillshare.com/search?query=nik%20collection dcd2dc6462