Final sharpening or Mode last stage

**BarryE** · 12-08-2014, 10:18 AM

I've started working in ACR using ProPhoto and 16-bit, then opening in PS.

The printer I'm using accepts Adobe 1998 and 8-bit files. So in PS I convert the profile to 1998 and then proof the image using their supplied profile.

When the image is ready to do the final sharpening (I've done an input sharpening in ACR) is it better that the final sharpening is done before the 16-bit to 8-bit conversion or after ?

Any advice, please.

Thanks

**jatrax** · 12-08-2014, 11:30 AM

Interesting question, and one I would like to see answers for as well. My work flow is similar, I stay in ProPhoto and 16bit as long as possible then go to 8 bit when I have to. However, I start in Lightroom and generally print from there as well so unless I use something that requires 8bit (filter gallery maybe) I stay in 16 bit, go back to Lightroom for final sharpening and printing. I'm not sure which way would be better, both programs offer advantages and disadvantages.

To answer your question, I would do final sharpening after conversion as final sharpening is well, final. But I would be interested in other opinions.

**clackers** · 12-08-2014, 12:36 PM

But you would do *all* processing while your file is still 16 bit and only change to 8 bit for output, right?

For instance, sharpening is increasing micro contrast and creates artifacts when there's not much data to play with.

08amczb · 12-08-2014, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by BarryE

I've started working in ACR using ProPhoto and 16-bit, then opening in PS.

The printer I'm using accepts Adobe 1998 and 8-bit files. So in PS I convert the profile to 1998 and then proof the image using their supplied profile.

When the image is ready to do the final sharpening (I've done an input sharpening in ACR) is it better that the final sharpening is done before the 16-bit to 8-bit conversion or after ?

Any advice, please.

Thanks

Doing it before conversation is better because it done more accurately (on 16 bit) and then rounded. So you didn't sharpend the rounding noise. But I doubt you can notice the difference.

**BarryE** · 12-08-2014, 01:26 PM

I guess sharpening on 16 bit was my gut feeling, but the reduction to 8-bit, I felt, may need a little sharpening adjustment, thus the question to correct the rounding down.
Looks like the conversion will now be the last step, for now ...unless someone comes in with a curve ball/googlie ...

Thanks for the advice

12-08-2014, 10:18 AM	#1
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,653	Final sharpening or Mode last stage I've started working in ACR using ProPhoto and 16-bit, then opening in PS. The printer I'm using accepts Adobe 1998 and 8-bit files. So in PS I convert the profile to 1998 and then proof the image using their supplied profile. When the image is ready to do the final sharpening (I've done an input sharpening in ACR) is it better that the final sharpening is done before the 16-bit to 8-bit conversion or after ? Any advice, please. Thanks

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12-08-2014, 11:30 AM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Interesting question, and one I would like to see answers for as well. My work flow is similar, I stay in ProPhoto and 16bit as long as possible then go to 8 bit when I have to. However, I start in Lightroom and generally print from there as well so unless I use something that requires 8bit (filter gallery maybe) I stay in 16 bit, go back to Lightroom for final sharpening and printing. I'm not sure which way would be better, both programs offer advantages and disadvantages. To answer your question, I would do final sharpening after conversion as final sharpening is well, final. But I would be interested in other opinions.

12-08-2014, 12:36 PM	#3
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	But you would do all processing while your file is still 16 bit and only change to 8 bit for output, right? For instance, sharpening is increasing micro contrast and creates artifacts when there's not much data to play with.

12-08-2014, 12:40 PM	#4
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	Originally posted by BarryE I've started working in ACR using ProPhoto and 16-bit, then opening in PS. The printer I'm using accepts Adobe 1998 and 8-bit files. So in PS I convert the profile to 1998 and then proof the image using their supplied profile. When the image is ready to do the final sharpening (I've done an input sharpening in ACR) is it better that the final sharpening is done before the 16-bit to 8-bit conversion or after ? Any advice, please. Thanks Doing it before conversation is better because it done more accurately (on 16 bit) and then rounded. So you didn't sharpend the rounding noise. But I doubt you can notice the difference.

12-08-2014, 01:26 PM	#5
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,653 Original Poster	I guess sharpening on 16 bit was my gut feeling, but the reduction to 8-bit, I felt, may need a little sharpening adjustment, thus the question to correct the rounding down. Looks like the conversion will now be the last step, for now ...unless someone comes in with a curve ball/googlie ... Thanks for the advice