Is Nik Collection complicated to use?

Not at all. Nik Collection has long been regarded as an easy-to-use alternative to photo-editing software for Windows and macOS such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic. Being split into seven elegant applications keeps things simple, providing the tools you need whenever you need them.

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I already own a copy of Nik Collection. Is it worth upgrading to Version 9?  

Each upgrade introduces new tools and enhancements, and version 9 is our biggest upgrade to date. Nik Collection 9 introduces AI-enhanced tools such as Depth Masks and AI Masks, innovative Color Grading, and new creative effects including Chromatic Shift, Glass Effect, and Halation. These tools make it possible to achieve complex, professional-grade results that would normally require time-consuming, multi-step workflows, all in just a few clicks. Blending Modes further expand creative control, unlocking virtually endless possibilities.

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Can I use Nik Collection 9 with Adobe Lightroom Classic?

Yes, when you install Nik Collection 9, you’ll be given the option of adding it as a Lightroom plugin. This means you can highlight a JPEG or TIFF image in your Lightroom Classic catalog and then trigger the application you want to use from the Photo menu. Once finished, a copy of the image will appear back in your catalog.

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Can I use Nik Collection 9 with Adobe Photoshop?

Yes. On installation, you’ll be asked whether you’d like to add Nik Collection 9 as a Photoshop plugin. The seven plugins can then be accessed either from their own palette or via the Filter menu. Easy!

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Can I use the Nik Collection suite as standalone applications instead of plugins?

Yes, each of the titles that make up the Nik Collection can be opened as an individual application, so you don’t even have to own additional software to edit your images.

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Can Nik Collection be used as a plugin to any other software?

As well as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic, Nik Collection can be used with Affinity and DxO PhotoLab. (Host applications must be installed prior to installing Nik Collection.)

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On how many computers can I install Nik Collection? Can I use it on Mac and PC with the same license?

Nik Collection can be activated on a total of three personal computers, as long as it is never run on more than one computer at a time. You may install on both Mac and PC with the same license.

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Do I need to pay a subscription to keep using Nik Collection?

No. Unlike some other software packages, your purchase of Nik Collection 9 is a perpetual license. This means that once purchased, Nik Collection 9 is yours for good, complete with free updates within version 9. No hidden fees or extra spending are required.

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How do I know if I have the latest version of Nik Collection?

Launch any one of the apps and click on the Help menu, then choose Check for Updates. If there’s a new version of Nik Collection available, you’ll also be prompted to update via a pop-up within the app.  

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Can I install or buy individual apps instead of the whole Nik Collection?

Nik Collection is only available as a complete suite of applications. They are not sold separately. Similarly, you can only install the entire Nik Collection, not select parts of it.

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Is the trial version lacking any features?

The trial version of Nik Collection 9 comes without limitations because we want you to see just how good it is! You’ll have 30 days to decide whether you love it, and we’re sure you will.

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What types of image files can I use with Nik Collection 9?

Nik Collection supports images with an RGB color space, including JPEGs and TIFFs. Grayscale images are not supported, so they will need to be converted to RGB before they’re used.

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Is Nik Collection 9 capable of processing RAW files?

No, Nik Collection 9 does not support RAW files from your camera. If you want to use RAW files, you’ll first need to convert them to JPEGs or TIFFs with software like DxO PureRAW, DxO PhotoLab, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe Lightroom Classic. Nik Collection is optimized to work smoothly from within Photoshop, Affinity, Lightroom Classic, and DxO PhotoLab.