Sorry about the lack of new content this week. In addition to the holidays, I've been working hard on new CS4 updates for the TLR sharpening and masking scripts and actions. There are only so many hours in a day, and I figured the time was better spent on the upgrades.

I thank everyone for their patience. The new upgrades work with both CS3 and CS4.

The new scripts are Javascripts. Photoshop CS4 includes the option of binary files for distributing Javascripts. I found no performance improvement. Using a binary file would hide the implementation details (important, if your selling scripts). Many users have written to tell me they have learned from reviewing my scripts and actions. You have full access to the source code with the TLR scripts.

TLR Professional Sharpening Toolkit (Version 3.0)

http://www.thelightsright.com/TLRProfessionalSharpeningToolkit

This is a substantial update. Photoshop CS3 users are urged to upgrade to these new scripts. The resulting files will be much smaller. In some cases, by as much as 50% smaller. The scripts use Smart Filters and when possible add sharpening effects to the Smart Filter layers (rather than spawning new layers).

For example, instead of separate sharpening layers for light and dark halos, the version 3.0 scripts apply USM twice to the same Smart Filter layer: once with a Darken blend, once with a Lighten blend, and then a Luminosity blend is applied to the entire Smart Filter layer to prevent unwanted color shifts. This makes the TLR scripts much more efficient with file space than commercial tools like Photokit Sharpener by Pixel Genius.

The TLR Clarity Adjustment script replaces the TLR Localized Contrast Enhancement script. USM with high radius and low amount has been replaced by High Pass filter sharpening with high radius.

There are two additional new sharpeners: TLR Creative Landscape Sharpener and TLR Creative Portrait Sharpener. The TLR Creative Landscape Sharpener combines dual contour USM sharpening with a clarity enhancement. The TLR Creative Portrait Sharpener uses USM and High Pass for sharpening and then Median filter to smooth skin features like skin pores. With Smart Filters, these new scripts do their work on a single layer instead of three layers.

The option for Smart Filters was removed from the scripts. The option for Expert Mode was also removed for all scripts, except for the capture sharpeners. Expert Mode will still make the settinngs for the masks accessible. Sharpening settings for the capture sharpeners are accessible through the Smart Filter layers.

TLR Professional Sharpening Actions (Version 1.0c)

http://www.thelightsright.com/TLRProfessionalSharpeningActions

The update to the actions in the TLR Professional Sharpening Actions collection are largely superficial. The only change to settings is the Clarity Enhancement action. The effect was intensified slightly.

The sharpening settings, techniques, and Blend If settings in the sharpening actions and the scripts in the TLR Professional Sharpening Toolkit are consistent. Choosing between actions and scripts is largely a personal preference.

TLR Professional Mask Toolkit (Version 4.0)

http://www.thelightsright.com/tlrprofessionalmasktoolkit

The changes are entirely superficial. The scripts now display a CS3/CS4 designation. No changes were made to settings or masking features.

Future Updates

Version 4.0 of the TLR Professional Sharpening Toolkit is expected in early 2009. The update will change the user interface. Instead of scrollbars with numbers, the actual sharpening settings will be accessible. Configurator panels that tie to .PDF and video instruction are also planned.

The eBook/video, Sharpening Your Photographs, will be updated to include support for Photoshop CS4 and the latest versions of the TLR sharpening actions and scripts. This will include version 4.0 of the TLR Professional Sharpening Toolkit. In addition to delivery on DVD, purchasers will also have the option of electronic download.