The main image sits centrally while various tools and options surround it. Running over to the right of the window, are a few quick selection tools such as zoom, pan, change background and select. You can choose from full size view or split the preview screen. Towards the top left of the window are a few icons for adjusting the view of the window.

Upon first inspection, the interface looks quite intuitive. Ideally, I'd like to see no filters applied initially so I can see the changes more effectively, however the first filter is a black & white, so it's not exactly subtle.

Once open, the program loads the first filter in the list automatically. You can locate Color Efex Pro 3.0 in the Filter tab towards the bottom. To start the program, you need to have an image open first. For this review, we chose to operate it on Adobe Photoshop CS4. While installation is going through, Color Efex Pro will scan your computer to find compatible programs to work with. It took a couple of minutes to download the file to our computer then around five minutes to unpack and install the program. We were really impressed with the speed of installation. Nik's unique U Point technology provides the ultimate control to selectively apply enhancements without the need for any complicated masks, layers or selections.Ĭolor Efex Pro costs $99.95 / 99.95 Euros for the Standard Edition, $159.95 / 159.95 Euros for the Select Edition, and $299.95 / 299.95 Euros for the Complete Edition.

With 52 filters to create over 250 effects in the Complete Edition, this third instalment should be able to provide a filter for almost any scenario. Color Efex Pro 3.0 is a plug-in for Photoshop, Lightroom or Aperture that adds digital filters to your photographs.

Nik collection 3 review