Brighten image for retouching

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alecdann
Posts: 2
Joined: 11.09.2019 18:54

Brighten image for retouching

Post by alecdann »

I'm having trouble retouching an image because the processed image it is too dark to see well. That's because the original captures were underexposed and HF apparently imports the RAW files without any Lightroom adjustments.

Is there a way in HF to brighten the image for retouching purposes?

I am exporting NEF RAW files from LIghtroom Classic 8.4 (current version) into Helicon Focus 7.5.6 Pro. My computer is a Macbook Pro 2017 running Mojave 10.14.6.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Alec
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Catherine
Posts: 1850
Joined: 29.04.2019 23:38

Re: Brighten image for retouching

Post by Catherine »

It doesn't seem to be possible with raw files. However, if you export tiff files from Lightroom to Helicon Focus, all the LR adjustments will be preserved.
alecdann
Posts: 2
Joined: 11.09.2019 18:54

Re: Brighten image for retouching

Post by alecdann »

How do I submit a request to the developers to add the capability to lighten the image in HF? A dark image is impossible to retouch.
skotak
Posts: 2
Joined: 17.12.2025 19:33

Re: Brighten image for retouching

Post by skotak »

I have the same issue now. I would like to see brighter RAW file when retouching. I would also like to see this feature included in the future. Thank you.
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Catherine
Posts: 1850
Joined: 29.04.2019 23:38

Re: Brighten image for retouching

Post by Catherine »

Hi, I'm adding it to the to-do list and we will likely implement this after we're done with the current work.
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ebonino
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Joined: 08.09.2020 15:59

Re: Brighten image for retouching

Post by ebonino »

I agree with the two previous posts; this is a function that is interesting for me as well, especially when working with very dark subjects, such as flower inclusions in amber.
Any sneak peek about the next major release? 🙂
skotak wrote: 02.01.2026 00:47 I have the same issue now. I would like to see brighter RAW file when retouching. I would also like to see this feature included in the future. Thank you.
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Catherine
Posts: 1850
Joined: 29.04.2019 23:38

Re: Brighten image for retouching

Post by Catherine »

ebonino wrote: 05.01.2026 15:02 Any sneak peek about the next major release? 🙂
Not just yet, but soon. We're finishing testing and polishing the Windows version, but the Mac version needs more work. We'll make a sneak peek available as soon as possible, and then we can work on new features (that were not already planned for 9.0), like this brightness adjustment suggestion.
el48tel
Posts: 105
Joined: 22.06.2016 17:05

Re: Brighten image for retouching

Post by el48tel »

Catherine wrote: 05.01.2026 17:07 Not just yet, but soon. We're finishing testing and polishing the Windows version, but the Mac version needs more work. We'll make a sneak peek available as soon as possible, and then we can work on new features (that were not already planned for 9.0), like this brightness adjustment suggestion.
sounds good ..... and interesting
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