In this step, we will see how to install DxO ViewPoint as a standalone application and as a plug-in for the host applications that we will be using later.

For Windows, after downloading the software, launch the installation program (DxO_ViewPoint_Setup.exe). After accepting the license agreement, click on Next. A dialog box will present you with two installation options, standard or custom.

To automatically install the standalone application and the Adobe plug-ins, select Standard installation and click on Next. A dialog box will give you the option of installing a shortcut on your desktop (check the box if desired). Click on Next. A dialog box will appear listing the program features that can be installed: DxO ViewPoint as a standalone application as well as one or more plug-ins for the Adobe application(s) installed on your computer. The storage location of the standalone installation folder as well as the choice of language are also indicated.

The software is now ready to be installed! Click on Install.

If you want to choose the Adobe plug-ins to install as part of your host applications, choose Custom Setup and click on Next.

Choose the plug-ins that you want to install from the list, then click on Next. A dialog window will display the storage location of the standalone application installation folder, which you can change by clicking on Modify. The storage location of the Photoshop plug-in installation folder is likewise shown (you can change it if automatic detection fails). Follow the remaining steps (which are the same as the standard installation).

For Mac OS X, after downloading the software, launch the installation program (DxO_ViewPoint.dmg) and double-click on the installation package icon. After accepting the license agreement, click on Continue. You will then see the list of components, with checkmarks by the plug-ins that are available for the Adobe applications installed on your computer. If necessary, uncheck the ones that you don’t want to install. You can also modify the storage location of the Photoshop plug-in installation folder if automatic detection fails. Click on Continue and then on Install.

In this step, we will see how to set the preferences in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 so as to best use DxO ViewPoint as a plug-in.

Go into the Lightroom > Preferences (Mac) or Edit > Preferences (PC) menu.

In the preferences dialog box, click on the External Editor tab.

In the Additional External Editor window, adjust the settings as follows:

• 1File format: TIFF or JPEG (the latter is only available with Lightroom version 4.1 or higher). A universal uncompressed format, TIFF files do not lose information when saved, and this is one reason we recommend using it for your prints. The disadvantage is that TIFF files are very large. JPEG-format files are smaller, but saving them at a high rate of compression degrades the image quality.
• 2Color space: Adobe RGB (1998) or ProPhoto RGB. The Adobe RGB space is perfectly suited for printing and produces very good results. ProPhoto RGB is a larger color space that should be used with, for example, landscape photos that have many gradations.
• 3Depth: 8 or 16 bits (TIFF only). 8-bit files are smaller and compatible with many external programs. We recommend using the 16-bit format, which is larger but better preserves tonal nuances.
• 4Resolution: Specify the value 240 dpi (dots per inch), the lowest resolution needed for a good-quality inkjet print.
• 5Compression: None. This setting allows you to preserve the quality of the images that will be sent to DxO ViewPoint.
• 6Check the Stack With Original button. This means that when you have processed your image in DxO ViewPoint, it will automatically be placed in a stack that includes the original image. (Note: In Lightroom 3, this option is not found in the Preferences, but in the dialog box that appears when transferring the image from Lightroom to an external editor.)

Close the Preferences window: the settings are immediately taken into account.

In this step, we will see how to edit an image in DxO ViewPoint while using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.

Go to the Photo menu and select Edit in > DxO ViewPoint. You can also right-click on the image and select Edit in > DxO ViewPoint from the context menu.

A dialog box will open. In the What to Edit section, you will see three checkboxes. Depending on the format of the original file that you are working on in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4, the configuration is as follows:

• If you are working with a RAW file, only the option Edit a Copy with Lightroom Adjustments is checked and the others are inactive. The file created for DxO ViewPoint will incorporate all of the corrections made by Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.

• If you are working with a JPEG, TIFF or PSD file, the Edit a Copy and Edit Original options are also active. If you choose Edit a Copy (which we recommend), Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 will create a duplicate file. If you choose Edit Original, the original file in DxO ViewPoint will be permanently changed (i.e., any corrections cannot be undone).

Click on Edit: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 will create a copy of your image in TIFF or JPEG format according to your preference settings, and will automatically launch DxO ViewPoint.

Correct your image in DxO ViewPoint.

Once you have made your changes, save your work by clicking on Save on the bottom right side of the DxO ViewPoint window.

DxO ViewPoint closes and you return to the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 interface, where your corrected TIFF or JPEG image (depending on your settings) will automatically appear next to the original image in a stack (labeled “1 of …”).