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Dave's Shifters

Disciplines > Photography > Affinity Photo > Resources > Dave's Shifters

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Download

Click here to download the latest 'Dave's Shifters' macro set

To insert this into your library, simply click on the 3-line 'hamburger' on the top right of the library panel, click on 'Import Macros...' and point it at the downloaded file. Then click on the layer for which you want a model and click once on the appropriate macro in the 'Dave's Shifters' library group category.

Discussion

The macros in this category all act to shift RGB values, through different rules, thereby achieving a range of colour effects that may be very difficult to achieve by normal controls.

The macros all appear as a single Procedural Texture layer, within which there are a number of controls. This single-layer implementation makes it very easy to mask, copy and move the control as desired.

To use the macros, simply double click the Procedural Texture layer (which is named to match the macro) and adjust the controls as below.

Version 2

Version 2 Shifters are pretty much a complete rewrite from Version 1. In particular, the Mono Protect feature in other macros has been added. There are also three 3M macros, including a 'smart' version that sustains hue by retaining the ratio between maximum, middle and minimum values.

Histogram Squeeze'n'Shift

Description

This macro has two basic controls, to squeeze or stretch the histogram, and then shift the histogram left or right. This lets you correct for limited histogram shape. It also allows for creative effects when the Mono Protect feature is used.

Controls

• Squeeze -- Stretch: Literally squeezes the histogram

  • Squeeze darkens the image as the right-hand boundary is pushed to the left. The left-hand boundary stays where it is.

  • Stretch lightens the image as the right-hand boundary is pulled further to the right. The left-hand boundary stays where it is.

• Shift Left -- Shift Right: Slides the histogram left or right without changing its shape.

  • Shift Left darkens the image.

• Mono Protect: Selects near-monochrome (and increasingly non-so) to exclude from the adjustment.

  • Note: Full monochrome happens where R, G and B are all of equal value. Moving the slider right allows for increasing max-min range within R, G and B differences.

• MP Feathering: Feathering from the maximum Mono Protect value back to full Monochrome.

• MP Feathering calculation: MP Fea: 0=Lin; 1=Exp; 2=Cos

  • 0=Lin: Linear feathering, steadily fading from edge

  • 1=Exp: Exponential sigmoid feathering, s-shaped fade

  • 2=Cos: Cosine sigmoid feathering, different s-shaped fade

• MP Mono calculation: Cal: 0=All; 1=Gy; 2=Wt; 3=Bk

  • 0=All: Selects most pixels based on simple 'max-min' algorithm.

  • 1=Gy (default): Selects more greys, based on HSL hue algorithm, avoiding selection of whites/tints and blacks/shades.

  • 1=Wt: Selects greys and whites/tints, based on '(max-min)/max' algorithm.

  • 2=Bk: Selects greys and blacks/shades, based on '(max-min)/(1-min)' algorithm.

• MP Invert: 0=No; 1=Yes

  • 0: Normal selection

  • 1: Invert (select everything that is not selected in Normal condition)

Discussion

To use this macro, it's a good idea to display the Histogram panel, though not essential.

While this can be used to correct a histogram that does not fill the 0..1 full chart space, it can also be used for interesting creative effects, such as squeezing then shifting right to give a white, flat version (possibly for a background).

The Mono Protect feature can be very helpful in recovering an extreme creative effect into an image that is is very usable.

The Squeeze-Stretch control mirrors the Exposure control.

RGB Shifter-Mixer

Description

This is simple control, with a twist or two. The basic operation is to turn red, green and blue up or down. The first twist is that it is two tools in one, with two different algorithms for changing colours. The second addition, common to all of the shifters, is the Mono Protect function that can turn a poor change into a great one.

Controls

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• Calc: 0=Shifter; 1=Mixer: Switches between two variants of the tool.

  • Shifter: Increases or decreases R, G and/or B channel.

  • Mixer: Increases or decreases R, G and/or B (as Shifter), plus amplifies the effect by turning the complementary colours in the opposite direction. For example, as R is increased, G and B (ie cyan) are decreased, thereby increasing the dominance of R.

• Cyan -- Red: Moving the slider right increases the visible Red in the image. Moving the slider left decreases Red, which increases Cyan.

• Magenta -- Green: Moving the slider right increases the visible Green in the image. Moving the slider left decreases Green, which increases Magenta.

• Yellow -- Blue: Moving the slider right increases the visible Blue in the image. Moving the slider left decreases Blue, which increases Yellow.

• Mono Protect: Selects near-monochrome (and increasingly non-so) to exclude from the adjustment.

  • Note: Full monochrome happens where R, G and B are all of equal value. Moving the slider right allows for increasing max-min range within R, G and B differences.

• MP Feathering: Feathering from the maximum Mono Protect value back to full Monochrome.

• MP Feathering calculation: MP Fea: 0=Lin; 1=Exp; 2=Cos

  • 0=Lin: Linear feathering, steadily fading from edge

  • 1=Exp: Exponential sigmoid feathering, s-shaped fade

  • 2=Cos: Cosine sigmoid feathering, different s-shaped fade

• MP Mono calculation: Cal: 0=All; 1=Gy; 2=Wt; 3=Bk

  • 0=All: Selects most pixels based on simple 'max-min' algorithm.

  • 1=Gy (default): Selects more greys, based on HSL hue algorithm, avoiding selection of whites/tints and blacks/shades.

  • 1=Wt: Selects greys and whites/tints, based on '(max-min)/max' algorithm.

  • 2=Bk: Selects greys and blacks/shades, based on '(max-min)/(1-min)' algorithm.

• MP Invert: 0=No; 1=Yes

  • 0: Normal selection

  • 1: Invert (select everything that is not selected in Normal condition)

Discussion

To use this, simply move the RGB sliders left or right. Colours will mix, of course. If you increase Red by an amount and Green by half the same amount, you will increase orange. For a stronger effect, change the Calc control to Mixer.

The Channel Mixer adjustment has a principle where if all three channels constantly add up to 100%, white balance is retained. A similar effect is seen here.

As with other macros here, you can of course always make further adjustment of effects with such as the Blend Mode, Blend Ranges, Opacity, etc.

3M Smart Shift

Description

This macro allows adjustment of maximum and minimum values of the 3M Colour Model. The middle colour is 'smartly' adjusted to keep the same proportions with respect to the maximum and minimum, and so sustain the same hue. If you want weird colours, try the 3M Full Shift macro.

Controls

• Maximum (Dominant) Shift: Shifts the maximum value (of R, G or B) up or down.

• Minimum (Recessive) Shift: Shifts the minimum value (of R, G or B) up or down.

• Mono Protect: Selects near-monochrome (and increasingly non-so) to exclude from the adjustment.

  • Note: Full monochrome happens where R, G and B are all of equal value. Moving the slider right allows for increasing max-min range within R, G and B differences.

• MP Feathering: Feathering from the maximum Mono Protect value back to full Monochrome.

• MP Feathering calculation: MP Fea: 0=Lin; 1=Exp; 2=Cos

  • 0=Lin: Linear feathering, steadily fading from edge

  • 1=Exp: Exponential sigmoid feathering, s-shaped fade

  • 2=Cos: Cosine sigmoid feathering, different s-shaped fade

• MP Mono calculation: Cal: 0=All; 1=Gy; 2=Wt; 3=Bk

  • 0=All: Selects most pixels based on simple 'max-min' algorithm.

  • 1=Gy (default): Selects more greys, based on HSL hue algorithm, avoiding selection of whites/tints and blacks/shades.

  • 1=Wt: Selects greys and whites/tints, based on '(max-min)/max' algorithm.

  • 2=Bk: Selects greys and blacks/shades, based on '(max-min)/(1-min)' algorithm.

• MP Invert: 0=No; 1=Yes

  • 0: Normal selection

  • 1: Invert (select everything that is not selected in Normal condition)

Discussion

To use this move the Maximum and Minimum controls to get a pleasing colour effect. The Middle value will automatically be adjusted to sustain the original hue.

Then, if needed, you slide up the Mono Protect to bring back the original mono values. The more right you move the slider, the more loosely 'mono' will be interpreted, including colours as well.

Increase the MP Feathering to remove any jagged pixellation on the edges of affected areas. If you're not sure, just play with it until things look good.

Note that increasing the Mono Protect and MP Feathering will reduce the effect created with the 3M sliders. This

You can also adjust the feathering and calculation algorithms. The best approach here is simply to try the different options.

3M Smart'n'Simple Shift

Description

This is a simpler version of the 3M Smart Shift macro, omitting a number of controls (leaving them at default value) to give an easier interface.

Controls

• Maximum (Dominant) Shift: Shifts the maximum value (of R, G or B) up or down.

• Minimum (Recessive) Shift: Shifts the minimum value (of R, G or B) up or down.

• Mono Protect: Selects near-monochrome (and increasingly non-so) to exclude from the adjustment.

  • Note: Full monochrome happens where R, G and B are all of equal value. Moving the slider right allows for increasing max-min range within R, G and B differences.

• MP Feathering: Feathering from the maximum Mono Protect value back to full Monochrome.

Discussion

To use this, move the Maximum and Minimum controls to get a pleasing colour effect. The Middle value will automatically be adjusted to sustain the original hue.

Then, if needed, you slide up the Mono Protect to bring back the original mono values. The more right you move the slider, the more loosely 'mono' will be interpreted, including colours as well.

Increase the MP Feathering to remove any jagged pixellation on the edges of affected areas. If you're not sure, just play with it until things look good.

3M Full Shift

Description

This is an implementation of the 3M Colour Model, where there are three channels of the Maximum, Minimum and Middle values for RGB (rather than separating simply by R, G and B).

The macro allows you to independently shift each of the 3M variables for each pixel, in contrast with the Smart versions which automatically position the Middle value to sustain colour. Be careful as you can get weird colouring effects! But then also you can create very different effects that you can't get from the Smart versions.

Controls

• Maximum (Dominant) Shift: Shifts the maximum value (of R, G or B) up or down.

• Middle (Supportive) Shift: Shifts the middle value (of R, G or B) up or down.

• Minimum (Recessive) Shift: Shifts the minimum value (of R, G or B) up or down.

• Mono Protect: Selects near-monochrome (and increasingly non-so) to exclude from the adjustment.

  • Note: Full monochrome happens where R, G and B are all of equal value. Moving the slider right allows for increasing max-min range within R, G and B differences.

• MP Feathering: Feathering from the maximum Mono Protect value back to full Monochrome.

• MP Feathering calculation: MP Fea: 0=Lin; 1=Exp; 2=Cos

  • 0=Lin: Linear feathering, steadily fading from edge

  • 1=Exp: Exponential sigmoid feathering, s-shaped fade

  • 2=Cos: Cosine sigmoid feathering, different s-shaped fade

• MP Mono calculation: Cal: 0=All; 1=Gy; 2=Wt; 3=Bk

  • 0=All: Selects most pixels based on simple 'max-min' algorithm.

  • 1=Gy (default): Selects more greys, based on HSL hue algorithm, avoiding selection of whites/tints and blacks/shades.

  • 1=Wt: Selects greys and whites/tints, based on '(max-min)/max' algorithm.

  • 2=Bk: Selects greys and blacks/shades, based on '(max-min)/(1-min)' algorithm.

• MP Invert: 0=No; 1=Yes

  • 0: Normal selection

  • 1: Invert (select everything that is not selected in Normal condition)

Discussion

To use this macro, start with the 3M sliders, experimenting to find useful effects. Then try using the Mono Protect section. It can be surprising how this can turn an awful change into something rather nice!

See also

If you are having problems downloading the macros, click here to download as a zip file.

The Version 1 downloads are still available here or as zip file. Also here is this web page for Version 1.

Free Macros: Dave's Shifters V2: Histogram Squeeze'n'Shift

Free Macros: Dave's Shifters V2: RGB Shifter/Mixer

Free Macros: Dave's Shifters V2: 3M Shifters

The Power of 3M Thinking in Image Editing