{"id":76116,"date":"2021-11-18T10:00:04","date_gmt":"2021-11-18T15:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=76116"},"modified":"2024-06-15T22:32:48","modified_gmt":"2024-06-16T02:32:48","slug":"5-best-photoshop-plugins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/5-best-photoshop-plugins\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best Photoshop Plugins for Photographers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Adobe Photoshop<\/a> is already a powerful and comprehensive piece of software \u2014 but there are even more ways it can suit every photographer\u2019s needs. Photoshop plugins are the solution utilized by photographers across many disciplines to modify and enhance photos. They can improve functionality, provide extra resources, accelerate workflow<\/a>, and enhance creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A plugin is essentially an additional piece of software that, once installed, adds to your existing Photoshop program. It works in tandem to extend Photoshop in some way. There is a range of Photoshop plugins available today \u2014 some are free \u2014 and they can do a massive variety of different tasks. It\u2019s worth browsing for plugins related to your discipline to see what other artists are using and what could work well for you. Here we\u2019ll cover the five best plugins that can come in handy for most Photoshop users, as well as how to install plugins in Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

On1 Resize<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On1 Resize is a powerful program for resizing and enlarging images. With the ability to resize photos up to 1000% larger, this program uses specialized algorithms to optimize clarity and enhance detail so you\u2019re never left with a low-resolution photo. This plugin is helpful for photographers looking to print out their work, particularly in large format. The plugin allows you to create extended margins for canvas print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even better, the program doesn\u2019t just offer image resizing. It also allows you to batch process your images and has built-in presets, controls, and an organization system. The plugin comes with a variety of payment options, including subscription options from around $10 monthly for a complete bundle of plugins and stand-alone On1 Photo RAW add. However, you can also just get the Resize Plugin one-off payment of $125.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by David Clode on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Topaz Labs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Topaz Labs provides professional quality plugins for photographers and designers who want to enhance their image quality. There are four plugins, which you can buy separately or as part of a set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gigapixel AI<\/strong>: A photo enlargement plugin allowing you to upscale your photos by up to 600% while still retaining image quality using an AI-powered algorithm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DeNoise AI<\/strong>: A plugin to remove annoying noise from your photography, creating crisp, clear images with an AI tool that\u2019s the first of its kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharpen AI<\/strong>: This sharpening plugin has incredible sharpening capabilities, with AI algorithms that can tell the difference between noise and detail. The result is a high-quality, enhanced image with crisp sharpness and no added noise.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by Omer Salom on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Raya Pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Raya Pro is a plugin designed to simplify your post-processing workflow<\/a>. Using just a few clicks and sliders, you can blend multiple images, create luminosity masks, and apply various enhancements to your images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you ever tried creating your own luminosity masks, you will know that it is not an easy task. Even if you get them all created, the work involved in using them is only for the most patient landscape photographers. However, the effort is worth it. With a plugin like this, the task becomes a lot easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plugin comprises seven panels: Raya Pro Hub, InstaMask, Precision Mask, Quick Blend, Colours, Dodge Burn, and Filters\/Finish. Raya Pro is particularly useful for landscape photographers who want to blend their multi-exposures and enhance their landscape photography<\/a>. By specifically targeting the masks affecting the image, you can achieve various incredible effects at the click of a button, without having to create and edit adjustments and masks in Photoshop manually.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by Huper by Joshua Earle on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Nik Collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Nik Collection is among the most popular Photoshop plugins in the design industry. The collection consists of seven plugins for Lightroom<\/a> and Photoshop<\/a>, each of which works independently. Formerly costing an eye-watering $500, the Nik Collection was on offer for free after being bought by Google and has now been acquired by DXO, who have put the price back up to around $100. This is still much more affordable for an industry-standard piece of software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Nik Collection is a series of plugins. Each provides a different effect, such as adjusting color\/tonality, achieving the perfect black-and-white look, sharpening, and more. The plugins use a special U-point technology for creating masks by adding sample points of what you want to include in the mask \u2014 no need for complex selections. However, Nik plugins can also work using Photoshop\u2019s own selection tools. There is a plugin to help you through almost every part of the post-processing workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently included in the Nik Collection are these plugins:<\/p>\n\n\n\n