nate | 2025-06-17 21:06:56 UTC | #1
# NEGATIVE LAB PRO V3.1
## New Color Processing, Support for Slide Film & Digital, Improved Batch Editing, and More...
Hi friends,
**I'm so excited to *finally* be able to share this sneak peek with you of v3.1!** This update has been in the works a LONG time, with powerful new features to enhance your workflow and expand your creative control over your film.
**Also, a BIG "thank you" to you all for your patience and support these past few months**... As some of you may know, we live in St. Petersburg Florida, and we were hit with two major hurricanes recently (Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton). The storms were pretty devastating and disorienting for not just our family, but for the entire community here. But we are thankful to all be safe and healthy, and that each day brings us a little closer to normal.
Despite theses challenges, I’m thrilled to finally share with you the sneak peek of Negative Lab Pro v3.1!
---
## Download
Want to try NLP v3.1 for yourself?
You can find the latest version on the [download page](https://www.negativelabpro.com/download-for).
---
*TABLE OF CONTENTS*
1. **New Color Process Options**
2. **Positives and Slide Film Support**
3. **UI Improvements to LUTs and Saturation Controls**
4. **Batch Conversion and Performance Improvements**
5. **Sync-Scene "Match" Feature**
6. **Native support for Apple Silicon**
7. **Bug Fixes**
8. **More on the way!**
---
## 1. New Color Process Options (LRC 13+ Required)
Version 3.1 introduces a new **ColorProcess** setting in the "Advanced" settings tab, which offers two distinct options:
* **Classic** (*Default in v3.0 and earlier*)
This is the same color process model delivers vibrant, dynamic colors with extended richness in shadows and highlights. It excels at creating dramatic color contrast, making small differences in hues more pronounced. It has a tendency to accentuate cool tones in shadows and warm tones in highlights, which can create more dramatic scenes, but could sacrifice some accuracy.
* **Refined**: (*New in v3.1*)
This is a new option that produces cleaner neutrals, smoother color transitions, and more accurate tonality. This options will produce a more polished, modern look, and will typically provide "truer-to-life" colors, especially on thin negatives or on negatives where heavy editing is required.
### Examples
The new "Refined" color process option (right side) can help improve the accuracy of color rendering, especially in the shadows and highlights. Here, it helps remove the bit of blue/turquoise tinting, which is mostly evident in the shadows, and also slightly improves the accuracy of the sky.
(**LEFT: "Classic" color process. RIGHT: "Refined" color process)**
**TIP: On all these photos, you can drag the slider to compare the before and after.**
Below, you can see how the left side (using the "Classic" color process) produces lush, vibrant greens, which contrast nicely with the slightly saturated magenta in the skin tones. The right side (using the "Refined" color process) is more accurate to the scene and looks very clean, with pure singular colors. But this doesn't always mean it's better... Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which you prefer for your style!
One more example...
The differences you see will be subtle in most cases, with the refined option keeping the neutrals really clean and providing slightly better color accuracy (although, you may see major changes if the negative is thin).
Here, watch the deep shadows in the water, and the color of the fish fountain. The "refined" option just keeps everything more neutral.
### How It Works
The Refined mode leverages the layer mask tool introduced in Lightroom Classic v11. By combining tone curves on both the main layer and masked layers, it gives me more control over how the colors are rendered.
***Please note: this feature requires Lightroom Classic v13 or later, as it relies on features which were introduced with that version.***
---
## 2. Positives and Slide Film Support
### Now, you can use Negative Lab Pro will ALL your captures!
With v3.1, Negative Lab Pro now supports editing **slide film and positive digital images**. A new option in the Convert Tab lets you change the image type from Negative to Positive or Edit Only:
* **Positive**: Great for slide film. This mode offers exceptional control over dynamic range, ensuring natural highlight retention, color integrity, and pure neutrals. It uses the same powerful color correction engine as for negatives, while adjusting for tonal differences.
* **Edit Only**: Ideal for quick edits on digital shots, slide film, or previously converted negatives. This skips the image analysis and allows you to go straight to editing.
### Why use Negative Lab Pro for Slide Film or Digital Images?
Of course, you do not *need* Negative Lab Pro to process positive images in Lightroom.
BUT, I have found that there are some clear advantages to using Negative Lab Pro with positive images.
**1. Better Tonality Control & Highlight Retention**
While Lightroom by default tends to push highlights (in a way that is virtually impossible to get back to neutral), the pipeline in Negative Lab Pro keeps the tonal response linear in the earliest stages, making it easier to get natural tones and maximum dynamic range.
**2. A Purer, Simpler Color Pipeline**
I've had to be very careful with the way I designed the pipeline in Negative Lab Pro, because any small mistakes become exaggerated when the negative is inverted and normalized to full dynamic range. I've found that the profiles that come with Lightroom by default are doing too much too early in the pipeline, which causes problems further down the road when you begin editing. By keeping the camera color profiles as simple and precise as possible, and being very careful about the order of operations, it's able to produce fantastic results.
**3. Access to NLP's Unique Editing Controls**
There are some editing controls that you really just can't do directly in Lightroom (unless you have a lot of time and are really good at math). Things like the brightness slider (which is a precise gamma correction) are not directly possible in Lightroom. The same goes for many of the settings in Negative Lab Pro which work uniquely and would be difficult to do directly in Lightroom.
### Examples
Here's a perfect example of the color and tonality improvements with Negative Lab Pro, on a camera scan of a Fuji Provia slide.
**LEFT**: Original Camera Scan in Lightroom. **RIGHT**: Processed with Negative Lab Pro
**On the left side, the initial Lightroom interpretation has blown out a lot of the rich color, texture and details of this Fuji Provia slide.** This is happening so early in the pipeline that it is really impossible to get it back exactly as it should be. Look at the missing details in the brightest section of the wall, the tops of the umbrella, and the missing color and details in the blue shirt of the gentleman on the left side. Using the "highlight" slider, you can try to get this back, but it will not be exactly as it should. You may also notice some subtle "hue shifts" in the hue of the yellow wall in the brightest section and darkest section. This is happening because of hue twists in the color profile itself. This is impossible to undo directly.
**On the right side, this is processing it through Negative Lab Pro... in this case, it basically looks like I'm looking directly at the slide on the light table.** The dynamic range is perfect. The hues are pure and simple with no shifting. All the color and details are there from the start. Move the slider to the left and see how the rich detail and color are there, exactly as they should be.
Here's another film slide example:
**LEFT**: Original Camera Scan in Lightroom. **RIGHT:** Processed with Negative Lab Pro
**On the left side, just opening it up in Lightroom has gotten this pretty close, but there are still a few issues.** First, there is a slightly green tint to the whole image (which is visible on the slide). While it is possible to use the White Balance tool in Lightroom to correct for this, that is not the ideal way, as the dual-illuminant profiles will also try to adjust the colors and not just address the tint. And second, there is some loss of fine detail in the shadows. While it is possible to bring some back, you are losing some of the naturalness of the image (because the internal curve causing the loss of the shadow detail is different from the tool being used to try to bring some back).
**On the right side, Negative Lab Pro has dealt with this very naturally.** It corrects the green tint (without throwing off any other colors), and does a better job of maintaining the shadow details and colors. They are small details, but they do add up and make a difference!
Ok, let's look at a few digital image examples.
**LEFT:** Original Digital Photo Import into Lightroom. **RIGHT:** Processed with Negative Lab Pro
I find on brighter skin, Lightroom (left) tends to wash out the skin and cause some unnatural highlights. The differences here are subtle, but I find the colors and details here through the Negative Lab Pro pipeline (right) to just take everything up a notch.
One last example, just to show how dramatically this method can improve highlight detail in digital files...
**On the left, Lightroom has really massacred the fine detail and color and in the highlights of the flower. And there is no way you can get this back properly using Lightroom's controls!** The muddying of these details happens at a very early stage in Lightroom's normal pipeline. When you use the "highlight" slider in Lightroom here, you are just making this muddiness less bright.
**On the right, Negative Lab Pro has brought out the intricate colors and details as they were meant to be.**
## 3. Enhanced LUTs and Saturation Controls
I've never been happy with the previous implementation of the HSL LUTs and Saturation control. The new UI makes it so much easier to control the intensity of the LUT you are applying, as well as the saturation.
* Adjust HSL correction intensity with a simple slider.
* Control saturation levels without navigating dropdown menus.
Easy-peasy!
## 4. Batch Conversion and Performance Improvements
### Faster and More Stable Batch Processing
With significant under-the-hood memory optimizations, you can now convert hundreds—or even thousands—of images in one go.
There will still be some limits just based on your specs, but for example, on my 2019 MacBook Pro, I can now process over 500 images in one go with no issues.
## 5. Match Feature
### Bringing Back “Sync Scene” as “Match”
The much-missed Sync Scene feature has returned, now renamed **Match**. Match takes the settings and image analysis from one negative and applies them directly to the rest of your selection—perfect for ensuring consistency across a batch of images.
## 6. Native Support for Apple Silicon
This has been a big request from Mac users, and now, Negative Lab Pro runs fully natively with no need for Rosetta. You should notice some speed improvements during conversion (partially due to using a native Apple Silicon build, but also due to other memory improvements).
## 7. Bug Fixes
### General Bug Fixes
* Resolved Windows licensing issues causing frequent drops.
* Fixed syncing and copying errors that caused settings to fail.
* Updated camera calibrations to match Lightroom Classic’s latest release.
### Ongoing Issues
* I’m still working on an issue affecting Intel Mac users running the latest Lightroom Classic and macOS versions. Until resolved, I recommend using Lightroom Classic 13.5 for stability.
## 8. More Improvements Coming Soon
A key feature I’ve been developing is **auto-cropping for negatives**, which will now be released in v3.2. I was really hoping to have it all done by now, but recovering from the hurricanes has really set me back on time.
Stay tuned for further updates and improvements!
---
## How to Try the Beta Version
You can download the latest beta version here:
* [Mac Installer Beta Download (beta 10)](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/snhc87qd2dogxr5x58wp3/Install-Negative-Lab-Pro-v3.1b10.pkg.zip?rlkey=05hi29aqe8prpkery8t3ac7b6&dl=0)
* [Win Installer Beta Download (beta 10)](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5j2xmu9nlr74z4eym4ppr/WIN-Install-Negative-Lab-Pro-v3.1.0b10.zip?rlkey=rbiuohqcvlxir32cxrmuib5bt&dl=0)
Just run the installer, and you should be good to go. If you run into issues, please let me know in the [NLP v3.1 Beta Issues thread](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/nlp-v3-1-beta-issues-thread/9332).
---
Whew, that’s a lot of updates! Let me know what you’re most excited about in the comments below. Thank you for your support, and happy editing! 🙏
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Digitizer | 2024-11-25 17:02:47 UTC | #2
[quote="nate, post:1, topic:8492"]
ongoing build-back from the Hurricanes has really been draining
[/quote]
I can imagine and I suppose you started fixing things that are pressing and important, not that I'm trying to say that NLP isn't. Many love and use it and are keen to see the new features in action.
I do hope that NLP 3.1 will run on Apple Silicon computers without Rosetta... :face_with_hand_over_mouth:
-------------------------
okab | 2024-11-25 17:59:28 UTC | #3
Thank you for working on those upcoming updates! Auto-cropping is something I think about a lot, really excited for that.
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VladS | 2024-11-25 19:36:15 UTC | #4
All the best in your recovery from the hurricane! I’m very happy to hear that NLP will now support slides—this will be a real game-changer for me personally.
As you update the documentation for the new release, would it be possible to address best practices related to camera scanning technicalities? Specifically, topics like the optimal light source (e.g., continuous LED light, trichrome, sunlight, halogen lamp with a naturally broad red range), the best capture density, and methods to assess if the digital image achieves the optimal density range for conversion.
All the best, @nate. I can't wait for the new release to become available. Thanks so much for all your work!
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Fred_EL2 | 2024-11-26 03:48:26 UTC | #5
Fantastic *effort,* and fantastic *results*.
I'll be happy to get back into the slides this winter. Thanks so much.
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ArnoG | 2024-11-27 09:27:07 UTC | #6
As @VladS mentions: Slides…yes! One can wonder why NLP would be needed for a scan that’s already positive, but once one tries to match a scan to what is seen on the light table, it becomes very clear that it’s hard to match the dynamic range and colors. All in all, my slide scans seem so “ugly” that I stopped using Velvia and simply gave up. Indeed, there seems to be “stuff” that LRC does to the images which ain’t good. Yes, I tried to import using linear profiles, but I can’t seem to match anywhere close to the slide itself. Looking forward to find if V3.1 will do a better job!
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nate | 2024-11-27 21:18:17 UTC | #7
[quote="Digitizer, post:2, topic:8492"]
I do hope that NLP 3.1 will run on Apple Silicon computers without Rosetta… :face_with_hand_over_mouth:
[/quote]
In plan for v3.2 is the ability to use your own installed version of ImageMagick and ExifTool (rather than the ones that come packaged with NLP), in which case you could avoid using Rosetta.
[quote="okab, post:3, topic:8492"]
Auto-cropping is something I think about a lot, really excited for that.
[/quote]
Agreed! I'm eager to get this out, but the past few months really set me back on this.
[quote="VladS, post:4, topic:8492"]
would it be possible to address best practices related to camera scanning technicalities? Specifically, topics like the optimal light source (e.g., continuous LED light, trichrome, sunlight, halogen lamp with a naturally broad red range)
[/quote]
There is a lot of info on this in the forums (thanks in part to you and others in the community who have contributed!) so it probably would be good to bring more of that into the guide. The flip side is that I don't want to overwhelm newcomers. Perhaps I can add some more guides for advanced users, and I'd love the help of you and others in the community to do this!
[quote="ArnoG, post:6, topic:8492"]
All in all, my slide scans seem so “ugly” that I stopped using Velvia and simply gave up. Indeed, there seems to be “stuff” that LRC does to the images which ain’t good. Yes, I tried to import using linear profiles, but I can’t seem to match anywhere close to the slide itself. Looking forward to find if V3.1 will do a better job!
[/quote]
Yes! Lightroom is pretty "opinionated" with how it works under the hood. It isn't hard to edit to get slides "OK" in Lightroom, but it's basically impossible to get it "perfect." Can't wait to get this out broadly and see what the community can do with it!
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Glaroun | 2024-11-28 05:15:12 UTC | #8
If any beta testing needs to be done, I would like to put my name down for it. Excited to try these new features out!
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beneath | 2024-11-28 22:53:39 UTC | #9
Bravo Nate!
Thank you for your great work. I look forward to testing.
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SamA | 2024-11-29 14:57:41 UTC | #10
Nate,
Super impressive as always!
I know that the core of the user base is camera scanners. But there's a fair number of us still out there scanning to TIFFs and it would be great to have some real support and proper profiling. Myself, I always scan "raw" TIFFs with Nikon Scan from my Coolscan 9000ED and merely adjust the "analog gain" setting to get full range coverage on each RGB primary. I have presets for each emulsion. Other than that the scans are "zero colour management" and come out with no profile. But the profile I assign (or leaving it unassigned which pretty much equals sRGB) does have quite an effect on the inversion. And I've been getting a good education in the forums and in various articles about how the cross-talk problem can be dealt with by LUT profiles. The Coolscans do have narrow band RGB illumination but, as I understand it, a standard matrix profile doesn't reflect this. You basically need a LUT profile that will "reflect" the lack of cross talk or you get a related colour inaccuracy problem from the matrix profile implying broad spectrum illumination. I know this is pretty geeky but a lot of us are in this boat with only a few main devices (Epson flatbeds and Nikon Coolscans are used by a lot of film folks). Wondering if there might be some profiling that might kick in if we identify that this TIFF came from this scanner. Or even better, some tool to make such a correction LUT using a scan of a (photo of a) ColorChecker or something.
Anyway, great to see you still hard at it and can't wait for the new version!
Sam
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patvx | 2024-11-29 15:16:21 UTC | #11
Hi,
I can't wait to test the new color rendering and slide processing!
Is the workflow for scanning with Vuescan still valid for slides? In particular Media=image and Lock exposure for slides from the same film?
With this information, I'm already preparing my scans to test the new version!
Best regards,
Patrick
-------------------------
niklas | 2024-11-29 15:45:51 UTC | #12
Very excited for the slide film option. Currently it’s alot of working against LR instead of with it.
What’s the preferred source material for slides in NLP when using Silverfast? I usually just scan them as positives in DNG.
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mgilvey | 2024-11-29 16:47:02 UTC | #13
I hope your life is getting back to normal. My brother lives in Miami and escaped this time. Stay safe.
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antkent | 2024-11-30 06:06:25 UTC | #14
Given the clearly more important priorities you have on your plate, I will gladly wait for auto-cropping in v3.2. Living in a floodplain and dealing with yearly flooding, I am glad you and yours are safe!
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Alexismmef | 2024-11-30 11:39:17 UTC | #15
Incredible upcoming features Nate! Looking forward to the more color accurate mode! All all other teased improvements! All the best for you and your family
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Mark_Segal | 2024-12-02 00:44:23 UTC | #16
Hi Nate,
I'm looking forward to trying the new features when you are able to make the next release available. From your description they appear to be very useful. Most important, best wishes for a speedy recovery from the hurricane damage. That is all so regrettable. Be well.
Mark
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henryfilm | 2024-12-02 17:30:23 UTC | #17
@nate I haven't shot as much film lately and I didn't know you and your family were affected by the hurricanes. Just wanted to thank you for the work you put into NLP and wish you and your family a speedy material recovery (given that thankfully healthwise you guys are doing well)!
I invested in C1 as I was tired of paying a whole lot of money for an Adobe subscription that's also impossible to get out of without paying it all, but, given that I'm shooting 95% digital now, the feature I'd be most curious about is the editing of digital RAWs!
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wbhub | 2024-12-02 22:39:32 UTC | #18
Do you change the color temperature of your light source when scanning?
I use the Valoi Easy35 and they recommend the warmest setting possible for slide film. I've also seen others shoot it with an orange filter over the lens to warm up the image.
Very excited for all of these changes!!
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JamesR | 2024-12-03 00:41:29 UTC | #19
Hi Nate and others,
Just found out about ver 3.1 via an email from Nate. I have ver 3.01 and wondering if I need to buy the update to 3.1 or it is a free upgrade for 3.01 users
James.
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nate | 2024-12-03 01:32:33 UTC | #20
[quote="JamesR, post:19, topic:8492"]
Just found out about ver 3.1 via an email from Nate. I have ver 3.01 and wondering if I need to buy the update to 3.1 or it is a free upgrade for 3.01 users
[/quote]
If you have a license for v3.0, then v3.1 is a free update for you. 👍
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deyoung | 2024-12-03 20:29:21 UTC | #21
As a slide shooter, editing a positive using NLP linear profiles is going to be interesting.
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c0ntrast | 2024-12-03 22:37:38 UTC | #22
hello, I just upgraded from from 2.3 to 3, appreciate all the updates!
one thing i can't seem to change, the default ToneProfile is now "linear gamma" every time i convert a negative -- is it possible to change this?
thanks!
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Digitizer | 2024-12-04 10:58:06 UTC | #23
[quote="c0ntrast, post:22, topic:8492"]
i can’t seem to change, the default ToneProfile
[/quote]
Have you checked out the user guide?
It's available if you scroll to the top of the pages.
https://www.negativelabpro.com/guide/basics/#defaults
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c0ntrast | 2024-12-04 15:00:11 UTC | #25
Yes, it says the default tone profile is “Lab - Standard” but it keeps switching to “Linear Gamma” for me. I’ve poked around all the menus and don’t see a place to change the default.
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Digitizer | 2024-12-04 19:11:01 UTC | #26
[quote="c0ntrast, post:25, topic:8492"]
I’ve poked around all the menus and don’t see a place to change the default.
[/quote]
**Step 1**: In the second tab, select your favourite preset
**Step 2**: Make it your default:
**Step 3**: Confirm your entry:
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mlim18 | 2024-12-06 18:06:53 UTC | #27
Hi Nate, how can I update to 3.1? I've got a bunch of converting I need to do for a project that I'd love to use it for. :)
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SSelvidge | 2024-12-12 22:00:54 UTC | #28
Very much looking forward to this! My custom linear profiles help a lot, plus some presets and tint control (under Calibration, not temperature)... but this is looking much easier access to the neutral, linear starting point for slides I so desperately try to achieve!
Thanks, and cheers!
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orion93 | 2024-12-13 05:24:13 UTC | #29
Hi Nate!
Longtime user of NLP (since 2.1) and lurker.
I've have got some fairly successful scans using pixel shifting when scanning slide film using the aforementioned adjustments in LRC. Would processing those photos into 3.1 make a difference?
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nate | 2024-12-13 17:08:18 UTC | #30
[quote="orion93, post:29, topic:8492"]
I’ve have got some fairly successful scans using pixel shifting when scanning slide film using the aforementioned adjustments in LRC. Would processing those photos into 3.1 make a difference?
[/quote]
As they say, there's more than one way to peel an orange! So i'm sure this will be a bit of preference, and your existing method may be just fine. But hopefully this does provide some improvements for you both in terms of output and workflow.
The advantages of using the Slide process in v3.1 are:
1. **1-Click Dynamic Range Optimization**. So the underlying profiles are the same pure, linearized, untwisted, un-rolled-off profiles used for the negatives, but then the dynamic range is analyzed and adjusted automatically.
2. **Automatic Tint Removal**. Really the most accurate tool for removing tint is the individual RGB color curves, which is tedious to do by hand. So it is nice to have NLP be able to handle this for you automatically, especially for slides that are heavily tinted.
3. **Access to NLP's Precise Editing Tools**. Many of the settings in NLP are difficult to replicate by hand in Lightroom because they are relying on precise mathematical manipulation of tone curves. For instance, the "Brightness" slider is an extremely accurate (and natural looking) gamma adjustment that can't be done directly in Lightroom without NLP. The same goes for "contrast" (which is a special sigmoid function) and many of the other adjustments.
But I will love to get your feedback once it is out and you have a chance to try it!
[quote="mlim18, post:27, topic:8492, full:true"]
Hi Nate, how can I update to 3.1? I’ve got a bunch of converting I need to do for a project that I’d love to use it for. :slight_smile:
[/quote]
Working on it! Just ironing out a few things in beta...
[quote="c0ntrast, post:22, topic:8492"]
hello, I just upgraded from from 2.3 to 3, appreciate all the updates!
one thing i can’t seem to change, the default ToneProfile is now “linear gamma” every time i convert a negative – is it possible to change this?
[/quote]
Hi! As of v3, there is a separate default for B+W conversion vs color conversions. So "Linear Gamma" is the default for B+W because it is based on the gamma of B+W photo paper. But as @Digitizer has pointed out, it is possible to change the default in v3.
-------------------------
orion93 | 2024-12-13 23:34:05 UTC | #31
[quote="nate, post:30, topic:8492"]
As they say, there’s more than one way to peel an orange! So i’m sure this will be a bit of preference, and your existing method may be just fine. But hopefully this does provide some improvements for you both in terms of output and workflow.
The advantages of using the Slide process in v3.1 are:
1. **1-Click Dynamic Range Optimization**. So the underlying profiles are the same pure, linearized, untwisted, un-rolled-off profiles used for the negatives, but then the dynamic range is analyzed and adjusted automatically.
2. **Automatic Tint Removal**. Really the most accurate tool for removing tint is the individual RGB color curves, which is tedious to do by hand. So it is nice to have NLP be able to handle this for you automatically, especially for slides that are heavily tinted.
3. **Access to NLP’s Precise Editing Tools**. Many of the settings in NLP are difficult to replicate by hand in Lightroom because they are relying on precise mathematical manipulation of tone curves. For instance, the “Brightness” slider is an extremely accurate (and natural looking) gamma adjustment that can’t be done directly in Lightroom without NLP. The same goes for “contrast” (which is a special sigmoid function) and many of the other adjustments.
But I will love to get your feedback once it is out and you have a chance to try it!
[/quote]
Nate I'm really happy to see slide film processing added as it is the biggest headache to do when scanning yourself (with a digital camera and not a lab grade scanner). I can't tell you how excited I am to get 3.1 and rescan slides that were put through an autopilot Noritsu!
Though I did say I was fairly successful, I did mean in the context of good enough working with the annoying LR engine behaviors you mentioned in your opening post. My biggest gripe with scanning slides through a camera is that a lot of the blacks end up being blue (ie asphalt). Does 3.1's slide processor address this?
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shoochyu | 2024-12-17 04:37:12 UTC | #32
The refined color process looks amazing. Cannot wait to try this out!
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Corey | 2025-01-07 16:55:41 UTC | #33
Extremely excited for this update and the image samples look great. Question: Is there a special workflow to avoid the color pipeline issues that Lr applies? I usually import raw scans into Lr, immediately convert in NLP, then tweak a bit with the Lr sliders. Just want to make sure I’m not sacrificing any quality with this workflow. Thanks!
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nate | 2025-01-14 15:19:58 UTC | #34
[quote="Corey, post:33, topic:8492"]
Question: Is there a special workflow to avoid the color pipeline issues that Lr applies?
[/quote]
NLP handles the color pipeline under the hood... this is one of big advantages of working with RAW.
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evan | 2025-01-14 20:38:50 UTC | #35
Does anything change in terms of camera scanning slide film? Like, to still overexpose by 1-2 stops?
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klnadler | 2025-01-15 16:38:35 UTC | #36
Any updates on beta access for v3.1?
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Alexei | 2025-01-18 21:19:57 UTC | #37
I can't wait to try a new version of NLP.
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dneuman | 2025-01-19 01:33:26 UTC | #38
An update on when we can expxect to see 3.1 and 3.2. Holding off on slide scans with bated breath. :)
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dneuman | 2025-01-19 01:34:09 UTC | #39
Any update and expect. Sorry for the typos.
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SSelvidge | 2025-01-22 16:39:52 UTC | #40
If you want any beta testers obsessed with slides, let me know :slight_smile:
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wbhub | 2025-01-26 20:21:57 UTC | #41
Same! Eagerly awaiting :)
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Overture | 2025-02-05 13:11:21 UTC | #42
auto-cropping pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease!~~~~
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teknofile | 2025-02-07 21:19:54 UTC | #43
@nate, any update 3.1?
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onetoncity | 2025-03-10 06:22:34 UTC | #44
@nate, been checking every day, and have a tons of negatives on hold to scan - any updates on when 3.1 will be released?
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nate | 2025-06-04 21:50:06 UTC | #45
**EDIT 2: I've updated this to b11, which is a release candidate, with the following fixes:**
* Fixed issue with LrC versions prior to v13. Note that the "Refined" color process requires LrC v13 and later
* Fixed issue with "editOnly" image type.
* Fixed an issue with conversion settings persistance
**EDIT: I've updated this to the most recent beta (b10) which includes a number of fixes and enhancements:**
* Native support for Apple Silicon
* Presets specifically for Positive / Edit Only edits.
* Installer for Windows
* Analysis improvements (better consistency converting grainy photos)
* More graceful handling of any issues that arise during batch processing
* Fixing a few bugs that were still causing hangups
* Adding an option in Plugin Manager to get a more detailed breakdown of any batch processing issues
* Using the "reset" button on the convert pane should now successfully remove any previous settings attached to the negative
* New positive copies now should open correctly in Negative Lab Pro for Positive/EditOnly modes.
This should be the final version unless there are any issues with the installers or other bugs that might have slipped in...
---
You can download the latest beta version here:
* [Mac Installer Beta Download (beta 11)](https://negativelabpro.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/MAC-NEGATIVE-LAB-PRO-v3.1.0.zip)
* [Win Installer Beta Download (beta 11)](https://negativelabpro.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/WIN-NEGATIVE-LAB-PRO-v3.1.0.zip)
Just run the installer, and you should be good to go. If you run into issues, please let me know in the [NLP v3.1 Beta Issues thread](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/nlp-v3-1-beta-issues-thread/9332).
-------------------------
jannisrichli | 2025-03-11 18:11:54 UTC | #46
Does this version v3.1 also adress the "?:0: attempt to index a nil value" error when trying to convert negatives? Haven't found a solution to it yet, even with all the information from the forum :frowning:
-------------------------
nate | 2025-03-12 20:52:21 UTC | #47
Yes. For the majority of users with the Mac Intel issue, this will fix this issue or greatly improve it. I’m still working a few edge cases, but it should be significantly more stable for batch processing.
Also, not yet in this beta, but the final v3.1 works fully natively on Apple Silicon. No Rosetta needed.
-------------------------
JSyder | 2025-03-13 01:06:54 UTC | #48
@nate unless I’m missing something obvious, I’m not seeing the ‘refined’ option under color process. In fact, I’m not seeing color process in the 3.1 beta at all.
-------------------------
nate | 2025-03-13 03:30:50 UTC | #49
Look in the Advanced tab.
And if you are on Windows, it is a few builds behind and it may be called by a different name… but my guess is you just need to look in the Advanced tab.
Try it on all kinds of conversions, and you may find that sometimes you will see no difference and other times it can be a substantial improvement!
-------------------------
JSyder | 2025-03-13 11:12:12 UTC | #50
I might be a few builds behind(I am on Windows). I checked all the dropdowns in the advanced tab.. or is it called 'Correction' on Windows? And multi-pass is the new Color Process? If so, I have tried it and do see subtle(and better) differences on some. It doesn't appear to be sticky as I have to change the setting on an image by image basis. I'm guessing this is as intended. Would prefer it to be sticky but I can sync the setting across multiple files at least.
-------------------------
nate | 2025-03-13 12:59:30 UTC | #51
Ha, yeah, it’s just a couple of builds behind on Windows. But “multi-pass” here is the new color process.
It’s treated like any other setting, so you can sync it, or set up what you want by default. On new conversions, the new method should be used by default.
It’s a little more processor intense, so with it enabled, you may find it a little slower.
In general, you will see a bigger difference on images where you’ve had to make larger edits in NLP, but there should be subtle improvements almost across all images.
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-03-13 16:57:57 UTC | #52
[quote="nate, post:45, topic:8492"]
But if you want to try the v3.1 beta you can use these links
[/quote]
The package for Mac installs a folder with .exe files for windows.
I've removed said folder and everything works as expected so far.
Maybe the new installer can do without the ballast?
-------------------------
e2b | 2025-03-14 01:46:19 UTC | #53
This is not directly about the beta version but about slide processing in v3.1 generally. Is it the case that NLPv3.1 is NOT intended to recover original colours from badly faded slides? If this is so, can it use a colour-recovered TIFF version of a faded slide (e.g., processed in Photoshop) as the basis for further adjustments in LR (as with negatives)?
-------------------------
nate | 2025-03-14 02:43:47 UTC | #54
NLP v3.1 is *amazing* for recovering colors from badly faded slides.
There should be no need to preprocess in Photoshop or anywhere else. Just capture RAW and analyze with the Slide option, and it should give you a great starting point.
I should probably point to this feature out more, but my personal collection of slides is quite new, so I don’t have anything I’m able to share. But it is designed to recover colors in this scenario and beta testers have raved about using it with old faded slides.
-------------------------
SSelvidge | 2025-03-14 23:05:12 UTC | #55
Very exciting, thanks!
-------------------------
tim | 2025-03-20 21:12:42 UTC | #56
I find NLP great for restoring colours in old slides. I've scanned some old Agfa slides from the 60s that my uncle took. They are badly discoloured with magenta and NLP just makes them look natural with little or no effort! Hopefully the new positive option will make this even easier!
-------------------------
Alexei | 2025-03-24 21:16:16 UTC | #57
It's a great news! I've been waiting for the v3.1 for a very long time!
Nate, could you clarify, please, why I can't find the Refined Color Process under the Engine Settings Tab? In the Convert tab I see the option of Positive Type. I'm running the Windows version of NLP 3.1.
-------------------------
Marty | 2025-03-25 05:57:03 UTC | #58
@nate thank you for posting the beta link and adding the color positive feature. I can confirm that NLP 3.1 beta 7 does such a great job with Ektachrome 100 with very minimal effort. This is such a time saver compared to my previous hand editing workflow for slides.
-------------------------
solopix | 2025-03-25 10:42:47 UTC | #59
question for @nate:
I'm using NLP 3.1beta4 on Windows and have noticed the following behavior.
As I understand it, the advanced setting "*ColorProcess*" (MAC) is called "*Correction*" under Windows. The options for this setting on the MAC are "*Classic*" and "*Refined*," and on Windows "*Single-Pass (fast)*" and "*Multi-Pass (accurate)*". **Is this correct?**
When working with the "*Classic*" or "*Single-Pass (fast)*" setting, CurvePoints are created/set. CurvePoints are not created with the "*Refined*" or "*Multi-Pass (accurate)*" setting. **Is this intended, or is it a bug?**
Note: The screenshots are in German because I live in Austria.
-------------------------
mblank | 2025-03-26 08:14:33 UTC | #60
I'm not speaking for Nate, but I think I have the answer for you: This doesn't seem like a bug to me, it's the intended behavior. That's because in multi-pass mode, NLP only uses the curves for inversion and black and white point setting. The actual color balancing is done in a mask.
Have a look at your masking settings and you will probably find it.
[quote="nate, post:1, topic:8492"]
### How It Works
The Refined mode leverages the layer mask tool introduced in Lightroom Classic v11. By combining tone curves on both the main layer and masked layers, it gives me more control over how the colors are rendered.
***Please note: this feature requires Lightroom Classic v11 or later, as it relies on features which were introduced with that version.***
[/quote]
-------------------------
benpicko | 2025-03-26 17:25:52 UTC | #61
This is great! Loving the beta so far.
One thing to note, and I'm sure you may be aware of it as it's a beta, but each time I re-open NLP on a photo after the initial conversion it seems to wildly change the conversion. Sometimes the initial conversion will be completely blown out, for example, but upon reopening the conversion will look correct (without changing any setting). Or the conversion will look correct on the initial conversion, but upon reopening the image will now be incredibly dark.
I've been getting around it by reconverting each time I want to re-edit an image, as it remembers the settings.
Another thing to note is that Resetting a negative doesn't forget the last settings, at least for me, and I'm not sure how to completely reset an image as a result.
Edit: Removing NLP from Lightroom, relaunching Lightroom, and then adding it back seems to have fixed both!
-------------------------
tadtadd | 2025-04-03 23:00:59 UTC | #62
[quote="nate, post:47, topic:8492"]
Also, not yet in this beta, but the final v3.1 works fully natively on Apple Silicon. No Rosetta needed.
[/quote]
@nate, I am setting up a brand new iMac and would prefer not installing Rosetta on it. However, until I have Negative Lab Pro up and running I cannot be complete; this is one of the most important apps for me.
Any idea how long before an Apple Silicon version is available, even if it's a beta?
Unfortunately, I will need to ship the old Mac to Apple in the next week or so.
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-04-04 15:44:25 UTC | #63
@tadtadd , I understand your want to run the new Mac without Rosetta2 for whatever your reason might be.
What I did to prepare for *Rosetta free use* is this
* Create e.g. three volumes on the new computer
* * One volume (A) as an archive for the photos and software installers
* * One volume (B) for macOS without Rosetta 2
* * One volume (C) for macOS with Rosetta 2
* Copy the "stuff* that should be on (A) from the old Mac to an external volume
* Install macOS on (B) and migrate user(s) without the "stuff*
* * the new Mac will now work from (B)
* Copy "stuff" from the external drive to (A)
* Reconnect Lightroom to the photos on (A)
* Install macOS on (C) and migrate user(s) from (B)
* * the new Mac will now work from (C) and you can install NLP and Rosetta too
* * once you can get everything universal or native, boot from (B), get things from (C) as needed and remove (C)
Keeping photos and installers separate speeds up the migration and helps to manage drive space. I use Carbon Copy Cloner to move things to and from separate volumes. CCC can copy with checksum verification. It takes some additional time and provides data integrity.
Applying the concept listed above, the Mac I use for testing has a shared volume (A) and one volume each for macOS 11, 12, 13, 14, 15...and I just deleted the volume for Sequoia with Rosetta. I also use (A) for apps that can live in such conditions. Caveat: APFS has evolved over the last few years and one is well advised to *not use disk utility too liberally in recovery mode* because it has the potential to mess things up.
-------------------------
tadtadd | 2025-04-04 21:02:16 UTC | #64
That would be a bold move! Thanks for putting together a solid punch list.
For now, I'll sit tight for a few days and see what other things I start finding as I move into the new machine. Already TurboTax is a Rosetta offender: I'll just do my taxes on the old machine before sending it off.
If I find too many other things that need Rosetta I'll just have to bite the bullet and install it. If I can still avoid it though, and NLP takes a few more weeks, I suspect I can hang back until the release before doing negative scanning, though that will be a challenge!
It's easier to stop shooting in the dead of winter, but springtime is coming fast.
Looking forward to the release not only because of Rosetta, but also because I face the same Lightroom issue that has forced many of us to revert to an older version of LR--that should be fixed in the new release.
-------------------------
dneuman | 2025-04-08 23:00:01 UTC | #65
I have noticed that the multipass option can't be saved in 3.1. Am I doing something wrong?
-------------------------
dneuman | 2025-04-08 23:14:51 UTC | #66
I have been using the 3.1 beta for slide processing over the last few weeks and it is an amazing improvement. I have slides going back to the 1950s, some very badly discolored and NLP 3.1 has in many cases made miraculous recoveries. I am rescanning all my hundreds of slides with the beta 3.1. (All this is on a Windows machine). BRAVO Nate!
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-04-11 13:49:34 UTC | #67
[quote="dneuman, post:66, topic:8492"]
I have slides going back to the 1950s, some very badly discolored and NLP 3.1 has in many cases made miraculous recoveries.
[/quote]
Here's an example.
The photo was taken in 1956 and the slide has a heavy cast as can be seen at left above. Framed between to layers of fairly thick glass, the slide has been well protected, but some changes that look like they have crept inwards from the edges show up. I remember the slide being underexposed and some additional adjustments could improve the overall appearance. With all the details hidden in the shadows, the slide could probably profit from exposure bracketing HDR.
Can't say what the film was, I'd have to open the frame for that - and I'm not inclined to do so.
-------------------------
Overture | 2025-04-11 02:46:36 UTC | #68
Hello,Nate.
Could you tell me the approximate release date for the full version?
-------------------------
Witek | 2025-04-11 08:40:28 UTC | #69
I am also waiting :smiling_face_with_tear: ... so long...
-------------------------
mlim18 | 2025-04-14 18:58:39 UTC | #70
Wedding photographer here... just wanted to say having the Match feature back with the 3.1 beta has been amazing. I'll often have several images under identical conditions that the match feature is nailing for consistency. Cheers!
-------------------------
jannisrichli | 2025-04-15 14:49:37 UTC | #71
scanning my first roll with the beta, the match feature is indeed so soo good! also the problem with the nil-value thing for intel macs seems to be worlds better. thanks so much!!
-------------------------
DavidM | 2025-04-20 22:58:47 UTC | #72
Hello Nate,
Like others having a great results so far with the "positive" feature so far in the beta (windows b4). No problems so far from a functionality perspective. Have noticed conversions are often a bit "bright" but still working through settings. Mostly Kodachrome slides from the early 70's - lots of fading variation including the typical purple shift. So far so good with NLP giving me a fantastic starting place - so much faster than my lightroom-photoshop workflow.
Will play with the negative features soon.
Also like others - really curious if you have any updates on the product release - e.g. timing.
Thanks again for all of the hard work making these great improvements to the product!
-------------------------
Jiheffe | 2025-04-28 19:25:03 UTC | #73
Hi Nate,
Maybe I'm missing the obvious... but where do I download the latest version? Also, do you also send out emails to registered users to announce new updates? I just noticed I am still on 3.0.2, the version that was actual when I bought the licence :upside_down_face:
-------------------------
Harry | 2025-04-28 19:52:03 UTC | #74
I think you'll find that 3.0.2 is the latest version (still) though there is a beta version of v3.1 available for testing. Development was severely affected by two hurricanes in Florida.
https://www.negativelabpro.com/pricing/
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-04-28 21:11:48 UTC | #75
[quote="Jiheffe, post:73, topic:8492"]
Maybe I’m missing the obvious… but where do I download
[/quote]
Searching the forum, you'll [find](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/negative-lab-pro-v3-1-new-color-processing-support-for-slide-film-improved-batch-editing-and-more/8492/44) a link to a beta version of NLP 3.1
I've worked with it for a while now and it works almost without issues.
Due to other problems with Lightroom, I've downgraded to Lr 13.4.
-------------------------
Dayvo | 2025-05-02 19:16:14 UTC | #76
I finally jumped in to the 3.1 beta a few days ago and found it is instantly improving the colour balance I am getting on the slides I was trying to manually colour grade in lightroom with much time and effort. It is making a big difference to me.
I am using version 11 of lightroom classic on windows 10.
This evening though, I have found that I am coming up against an issue with negatives I have already converted when I try to use the multi pass setting. When I switch to multi pass on a converted negative in the engine settings menu, the image instantly changes, usually getting slightly brighter, but when I then try to move the sliders in the edit tab, the sliders have no effect on the image. If I reset or reconvert the negative using multi pass the same is true, the sliders are ineffective in changing the image. The sliders only start to work again when I go back to single pass. I just can't seem to get multi pass to work for me. Perhaps there is some kind of glitch my end. Has anyone else found similar or it is just me.
A bit of further experimenting and it's possible that I am able to do a multi pass on a positive image, rather than a negative one. The default is always set to single pass the first time, but then i set it to multi pass. But no... I'm thinking, an additional pass isn't actually being done by simply changing the setting in the engine tab is it. But the sliders work, with it set like this, which is different. But no, I don't think I have actually had a successful multi pass result yet.
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-05-08 07:12:29 UTC | #77
Here's another positive conversion done by NLP 3.1 Beta:
The original slide (captured on the left) is more than 30 years old but has mostly kept its quality even though I had stored it rather sloppily. NLP's conversion produces a more moody image with slightly higher contrast that makes the lantern look more blown, makes the grain of the wood more visible and deepens shadows. I'd want to remove some of the magenta off the floor and the rest of the image though.
-------------------------
Harry | 2025-05-09 18:04:09 UTC | #78
Can't help wondering how you produced the 'scan' on the left, a film scanner perhaps? It looks fine to me, much better than the one on the right, but then I haven't seen the original.
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-05-09 21:51:31 UTC | #79
[quote="Harry, post:78, topic:8492"]
Can’t help wondering how you produced the ‘scan’ on the left
[/quote]
That's the rig -> https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/lets-see-your-dslr-film-scanning-setup/27/336
[quote="Harry, post:78, topic:8492"]
much better than the one on the right
[/quote]
Oh, that was just a capture and a conversion without additional adjustments.
In general, NLP converted slides have more punch (and possibly colour shifts), but nothing to worry about. I consider conversions as starting points, and if I'm unhappy with them and the picture is worth it, I'll edit, preferrably on a 16 bit TIFF positive copy.
-------------------------
Harry | 2025-05-10 06:22:03 UTC | #80
Ah yes, your setup is an elegantly simple solution, very solid I imagine. Picture shows it in 120 stitching mode presumably.
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-05-10 12:26:53 UTC | #81
[quote="Harry, post:80, topic:8492"]
Picture shows it in 120 stitching mode presumably.
[/quote]
Pictures taken with Mamiya 645 cameras appear to be in portrait orientation on the film strip, because film is transported vertically. That is why the camera is installed like it is.
-------------------------
MAD | 2025-05-13 21:33:31 UTC | #82
I am experiencing the same exact problem. Once I switch a previously converted image to multi-pass, all sliders don't do anything.
-------------------------
nate | 2025-05-19 18:42:27 UTC | #83
[quote="MAD, post:82, topic:8492, full:true"]
I am experiencing the same exact problem. Once I switch a previously converted image to multi-pass, all sliders don’t do anything.
[/quote]
Can you try the latest beta (b10) and see if the issue is still there? It should be fixed.
You can download the latest beta version here:
* [Mac Installer Beta Download (beta 10)](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/snhc87qd2dogxr5x58wp3/Install-Negative-Lab-Pro-v3.1b10.pkg.zip?rlkey=05hi29aqe8prpkery8t3ac7b6&dl=0)
* [Win Installer Beta Download (beta 10)](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5j2xmu9nlr74z4eym4ppr/WIN-Install-Negative-Lab-Pro-v3.1.0b10.zip?rlkey=rbiuohqcvlxir32cxrmuib5bt&dl=0)
Just run the installer, and you should be good to go. If you run into issues, please let me know in the [NLP v3.1 Beta Issues thread](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/nlp-v3-1-beta-issues-thread/9332).
[quote="jannisrichli, post:71, topic:8492, full:true"]
scanning my first roll with the beta, the match feature is indeed so soo good! also the problem with the nil-value thing for intel macs seems to be worlds better. thanks so much!!
[/quote]
[quote="mlim18, post:70, topic:8492, full:true"]
Wedding photographer here… just wanted to say having the Match feature back with the 3.1 beta has been amazing. I’ll often have several images under identical conditions that the match feature is nailing for consistency. Cheers!
[/quote]
Awesome!
[quote="Overture, post:68, topic:8492, full:true"]
Hello,Nate.
Could you tell me the approximate release date for the full version?
[/quote]
Assuming there aren't any major issues in b10, it should be this week. I'm also trying to time this with a website update (with an updated and refreshed Guide section).
[quote="Digitizer, post:67, topic:8492"]
Here’s an example.
[/quote]
Wow! Love this example!
[quote="tadtadd, post:62, topic:8492"]
Any idea how long before an Apple Silicon version is available, even if it’s a beta?
[/quote]
It's in this latest beta, linked earlier in this post.
[quote="benpicko, post:61, topic:8492"]
Another thing to note is that Resetting a negative doesn’t forget the last settings, at least for me, and I’m not sure how to completely reset an image as a result.
[/quote]
Should be fixed in v3.1b10.
[quote="solopix, post:59, topic:8492"]
When working with the “*Classic*” or “*Single-Pass (fast)*” setting, CurvePoints are created/set. CurvePoints are not created with the “*Refined*” or “*Multi-Pass (accurate)*” setting. **Is this intended, or is it a bug?**
[/quote]
It's intended... basically the "refined" option uses two separate curves (one in the regular tone curve panel and one on a separate mask.
[quote="Marty, post:58, topic:8492, full:true"]
@nate thank you for posting the beta link and adding the color positive feature. I can confirm that NLP 3.1 beta 7 does such a great job with Ektachrome 100 with very minimal effort. This is such a time saver compared to my previous hand editing workflow for slides.
[/quote]
[quote="Dayvo, post:76, topic:8492"]
I finally jumped in to the 3.1 beta a few days ago and found it is instantly improving the colour balance I am getting on the slides I was trying to manually colour grade in lightroom with much time and effort. It is making a big difference to me.
[/quote]
Awesome, that's great to hear! Would love to see any samples you'd be willing to share here!
[quote="Dayvo, post:76, topic:8492"]
This evening though, I have found that I am coming up against an issue with negatives I have already converted when I try to use the multi pass setting. When I switch to multi pass on a converted negative in the engine settings menu, the image instantly changes, usually getting slightly brighter, but when I then try to move the sliders in the edit tab, the sliders have no effect on the image
[/quote]
This issue should be fixed in b10, but let me know if it isn't!
-------------------------
Dayvo | 2025-05-19 22:05:07 UTC | #84
I made a bit of a discovery tonight while I was working on my dad's old slides from the 1950s and I think it may lead to a small additional to my process. All I can say at this point is that it has lead to an improvement to my end result.
I used the positive option as normal, tinkering a little with the white balance and colour sliders to get the colours as natural as I could, did a conversion, edited out off the scratches and marks in lightroom that I inevitably get with these old slides. Then went back and I made my tiff copy. Only then am I tinkering with the curves to get the contrast as I want it, sharpening etc. It seems to work better doing these things when it's a tiff even though it shouldn't matter as it was a positive image.
This previously was my end point. But I was finding tonight that if I put this end stage tiff through negative lab pro again - so the second time the sane image has gone through, it improves the colours more - the contrast gets better, any slight colour cast issue that I have been struggling with gets sorted. Everything looks puncher. This is not something you can do with a negative - putting it through twice, but with a positive you can do it and I am liking the result.
-------------------------
lillion | 2025-05-26 13:39:08 UTC | #85
EDIT: Just saw in the beta report section that it has to do with the LR version. Because my iMac is an old one from 2013 I try to stay as much on an old LR version as possible, so I can use the same catalogue on both machines…
guess I've either to stay at NLP 3.0.2 or upgrade my old iMac…
I just downloaded the beta 10 and installed it over the 3.0.2 and tried to re-convert some scans and also some new dngs.
However, it does not work and always stops with an error "bad argument #4 to 'format' (no value)".
Any ideas what might be the problem?
I'm on a MacBook Air M1
-------------------------
jjpulido | 2025-05-28 01:36:37 UTC | #86
Which version of LR should we be using for the latest version of NLP?
-------------------------
nate | 2025-05-30 16:15:02 UTC | #87
[quote="lillion, post:85, topic:8492"]
EDIT: Just saw in the beta report section that it has to do with the LR version. Because my iMac is an old one from 2013 I try to stay as much on an old LR version as possible, so I can use the same catalogue on both machines…
[/quote]
Sorry, it's a bug in the b10 beta. Fix coming.
[quote="jjpulido, post:86, topic:8492, full:true"]
Which version of LR should we be using for the latest version of NLP?
[/quote]
It should be the same as previous versions of NLP (any version of LR Classic, or the old perpetual license LR 6.14).
But..
* The "Refined" color process requires later versions of LrC
* There is an issue with the current beta (b10) that is impacting older versions of LrC, which will be addressed shortly.
-------------------------
runswithsizzers | 2025-06-10 01:04:08 UTC | #88
Nate, I'm using NLP 3.0.2 with Lightroom version 13.0.2 on an Intel Mac running Sonoma 14.7.5. I am not having any problems and I want to keep it that way. But after reading your recommendation:
[quote="nate, post:1, topic:8492"]
I’m still working on an issue affecting Intel Mac users running the latest Lightroom Classic and macOS versions. Until resolved, I recommend using Lightroom Classic 13.5 for stability.
[/quote]
...it sounds like I might get away with updating Lightroom to 13.5 (if possible) and trying the NLP 3.1 beta? yes? no?
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-06-10 10:35:23 UTC | #89
[quote="runswithsizzers, post:88, topic:8492"]
sounds like I might get away with updating Lightroom to 13.5 (if possible) and trying the NLP 3.1 beta?
[/quote]
When LRC 13.5 was released, I had issues with NLP 3.0.2 and went back to LrC 13.4.
A few days ago, I updated macOS to 15.5 and LrC to 14.3.1...and issues came back. Checked other combinations and gave up. Finally, I restored macOS 14.7.6, LrC 13.4 and NLP versions 3.0.2 and beta 10 without issues so far. All of this on a 2019 5k iMac.
Note that downloading beta 11 worked, but the installer often was rejected and macOS proposed to trash it. -> attn. @nate
-------------------------
nate | 2025-06-10 21:57:04 UTC | #90
[quote="runswithsizzers, post:88, topic:8492"]
…it sounds like I might get away with updating Lightroom to 13.5 (if possible) and trying the NLP 3.1 beta? yes? no?
[/quote]
Hi @runswithsizzers,
You can also keep Lightroom at 13.0.2 and try NLP v3.1... that would be my reco for now.
You don't really gain much at the moment by updating to LrC v13.5 or later, but you are welcome to try that. In theory, you should be OK unless you are trying to do large batch conversions, and even then it *should* work. I'm also working directly with Adobe to try to help with the overall stability issues for plugins in v13.5 and later on Intel machines (they are aware of the issue and trying a fix for an upcoming version).
[quote="Digitizer, post:89, topic:8492"]
Note that downloading beta 11 worked, but the installer often was rejected and macOS proposed to trash it. → attn. @nate
[/quote]
I'm curious if anyone else is having this issue... I have confirmed that the package is properly notarized with Apple, and it doesn't really make sense that it would work sometimes on your system and sometimes not, which makes me think it may be a systems issue with your computer.
Just to be safe, I've reuploaded the package.
-------------------------
Digitizer | 2025-06-19 09:23:34 UTC | #91
[quote="nate, post:90, topic:8492"]
it doesn’t really make sense that it would work sometimes on your system and sometimes not, which makes me think it may be a systems issue with your computer.
Just to be safe, I’ve reuploaded the package.
[/quote]
...and the beta 11 installer properly worked this time.
The issue was that macOS rejected the *installer*, not the plugin. Maybe the OS needed a few behind-the scene updates (Gatekeeper?) after I had re-installed macOS Sonoma because Sequoia (and Lr 14) were making NLP unable to convert more than a single digit number of files in one batch.
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Update:
I had one issue, when NLP worked with super resolution-, stitched images and with roll analysis. (NLP3.1 b11, LrC 13.4 macOS 14.7.6, 5k iMac 2019)
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Update June 19th, 2025
New version of NLP [tested and okay](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/negative-lab-pro-v3-1-new-color-processing-support-for-slide-film-improved-batch-editing-and-more/8492/94).
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runswithsizzers | 2025-06-11 11:34:47 UTC | #92
Nate, thanks for your reply.
I don't know how many images it takes to qualify as a "large" batch. Lately I have been shooting 120, so a roll is only 12 shots. However, I just loaded my old Pentax MX with a 36 exposure roll.
I would really hate to have to uninstall my system software and /or Lightroom and revert to a previous version, so I am reluctant to "try" anything that does not have a very high probabilty of working. My 2020 Intel iMac is very similar to the one @Digitizer is using, so I am not going to try anything that does not work for him. Thanks, @Digitizer for doing the testing so I don't have to!
So I guess for now, I wait for the next version of Lightroom and see if Adobe's fix works. I am in no hurry to update my system software from Sonoma to Sequoia, but I would like to update Lightroom and NLP as soon as practical.
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Digitizer | 2025-06-19 09:18:47 UTC | #93
Did a few test runs with NLP 3.1 b11 on LrC 13.4 on macOS Sequoia 15.5 from an external SSD attached to the 5k iMac 2019 - without any issues I relate to NegativeLab Pro.
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nate | 2025-06-11 17:00:04 UTC | #94
[quote="runswithsizzers, post:92, topic:8492"]
I would like to update Lightroom and NLP as soon as practical.
[/quote]
Understood. You can also update NLP without needed to update Lightroom Classic... v3.1 will work great on LrC 13.0.2.
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Digitizer | 2025-06-19 09:25:39 UTC | #96
Looking at the first post in the thread, I got the impression that NLP version 3.1 has silently been released by @nate ... I downloaded and installed NLP 3.1 without any issues on my 2019 iMac running macOS Sonoma 14.7.6 and Lightroom Classic 13.4. So far so good.
Testing against a collection of 138 images worked without issues and with results that met my expectations. This is how I tested:
* Created a new catalog and added test images to it
* Cropped the images and adjusted orientation as needed (rotate and flip)
* Adjusted WB automatically for all images (colour and b&w)
* Created a set of virtual copies, launched NLP and repeated the following
* * Set conversion parameters (Basic, Pre-Saturation = x, Border Buffer = 10%)
* * Start conversion and wait until done, hit okay
* * Create a set of VCs from the newly converted images
* * Select NLP's first tab and undo the conversion
* At the end, I got converted VCs with pre-saturation set to 1, 2, ... 5
Converting and resetting or un-converting VCs had so far and often produced popups because of whatever the causes were. NLP 3.1 as available from the download page *did not cause any ill effects during the tests*.
NLP 3.1 seems to run stably in the system described above and *it's my expectation* that it will do so with other versions of Lightroom, operating systems and hardware platforms. I might retest on M1 MacBook Air. Don't hold your breath!
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nate | 2025-06-19 16:36:12 UTC | #97
[quote="Digitizer, post:96, topic:8492"]
Looking at the first post in the thread, I got the impression that NLP version 3.1 has silently been released by @nate
[/quote]
Yep! Updated website with the official v3.1 is now live. You can find the release on the [download page](https://www.negativelabpro.com/download-for). It's close to identical to v3.1b11.
[quote="Digitizer, post:96, topic:8492"]
Testing against a collection of 138 images worked without issues and with results that met my expectations.
[/quote]
Great!
Yeah, it should be running really well (certainly way better than v3.0.2), although you still might get some Lightroom errors here are there on intel-based Macs. I'm working with Adobe to solve some of those issues that I can't do on my end.
If you do run into any issues, please use the [v3.1 issues tracking thread](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/nlp-v3-1-beta-issues-thread/9332)!
Thanks for all your help @Digitizer, you are a legend for all your help! 🏆
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Digitizer | 2025-06-20 13:24:17 UTC | #98
[quote="nate, post:97, topic:8492"]
It’s close to identical to v3.1b11.
[/quote]
I compared the checksums of the respective zip files. According to the checks, the downloads for b11 and the released version are identical.
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wanamgung | 2025-06-21 15:52:22 UTC | #100
Hi, did you get to fix the issue? I'm having a same issue as well..
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miemo | 2025-06-21 16:02:46 UTC | #101
Very interesting update with the positive/digital editing possibilities!
Been doing some initial testing with archive files today, here are some comparison samples:
**Kodak Gold 200 negative conversion v3.0 vs v3.1** – this one really shows the benefit of the Refined color process well, the green tones of the truck were overpowered by the overall warm tint in previous version, the v3.1 brings out the green really nicely, while still retaining an overall warm look.
**An old Fuji Velvia scan with an Epson flatbead to a TIFF, earlier Lightroom edits vs NLP 3.1 in Positive mode** – NLP really brings out the Velvia tones and contrast in a very natural (to that film!) way.
**Digital RAW file (Canon 5D), edited to taste in Lightroom vs a quick spin at NLP 3.1 in Edit only mode** – Much prefer the skin tones and the overall tonality on the NLP version. Overall this might be the mode and use case I'm most exited about, will be interesting to see how well NLP finds it place in a purely digital workflow as a way to make the files look more natural & analogue!
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nate | 2025-06-21 17:27:20 UTC | #102
Hi,
If you are asking about the camera profiles, **the correct camera profile will be Negative Lab v2.3**. So if you see that, that is correct.
It’s pretty rare for me to change the underlying profile, and it’s only happened when I’ve found very specific ways to improve it.
-Nate
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nate | 2025-06-21 17:35:01 UTC | #103
Hi @miemo,
Thanks so much for sharing these examples!
And I couldn’t agree more! The “edit only” mode is something that I’ve been loving in my own workflow with digital positives… I haven’t hyped it too much since I don’t want to take away the focus from film, but man, it really is such a useful tool for digital!
Back when I used to design presets, this would have been a game changer for me. I may have to make another post or tutorial just specifically about this…
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