Did you see the NIK software announcement from Google?
Truth be told, I’ve always wanted to play with and use NIK software but it was never an expense I was willing to part with. Like many of us, funds are limited and I couldn’t justify buying something when I need a new camera body first. When a friend shared with me the news from Google that NIK software was released for free, I was excited. I downloaded it right away and then came across some negative aspects of the free download.
Good news, yes the software is indeed free. It’s the same full program that has been a paid for product for years. In fact, even if you purchased the software anytime in 2016, you will received a refund. Here’s the official statement from Google:
The Nik Collection is comprised of seven desktop plug-ins that provide a powerful range of photo editing capabilities — from filter applications that improve color correction, to retouching and creative effects, to image sharpening that brings out all the hidden details, to the ability to make adjustments to the color and tonality of images.
Starting March 24, 2016, the latest Nik Collection will be freely available to download:
- Analog Efex Pro
- Color Efex Pro
- Silver Efex Pro
- Viveza
- HDR Efex Pro
- Sharpener Pro
- Dfine
If you purchased the Nik Collection in 2016, you will receive a full refund, which we’ll automatically issue back to you in the coming days.
Now the bad news. It is not a supported software for your latest Max OS. There also hasn’t been any developments or updates for the past year. In addition, it is not compatible with Photoshop elements 14. You can read more on the support here: https://support.google.com/nikcollection/answer/3000889
This means, this is a dead software. There will be no more updates and what you download is what you will get. As you update your computers and editing suite systems, the program will eventually not work for you anymore.
Should you still download it? Sure, I did and I’m already enjoying some of the features. I’ve wanted for years to play with Silver Efex. I will probably continue to use it until I no longer can and hopefully have developed my own set of presets or find another program to fill the void.
In the meantime, our friends over at Kelby One created a tutorial on how to use the software. You can find that tutorial here: http://kelbyone.com/course/skelby_nik_collection/
Happy Editing!
Here’s the direct link on downloading the free software: https://www.google.com/nikcollection/
What a load of bollocks. My Nik (paid for and have owned for years) works perfectly fine with my latest Mac OS.
Look at the link… they haven’t updated it. The point is that no developers are left. Software continuously needs maintenance updates to work with newer operating system changes. In the near-term the plugin will fail. Unless Google chooses to put resources back on the project and actively develop it.
Kind of bad wording in the paragraph. “It is not a support software for your latest Max OS.” I assume that is supposed to read “it is not a supported software.”
Regardless… as of right now, it works just fine on the latest version of PS in OSX 10.11.4. I suspect there will be a bigger problem when Photoshop updates than when OSX updates.
I saw it yesterday when it published and the system wouldn’t let me edit it until today. It’s fixed now.
I didn’t say it wasn’t working with the latest software right now, I just mentioned it’s not technically supported. When you view the link about what is supported, it shows: Mac: OS X 10.7 through 10.10 This means, you can bet on it not working with future updates.
So, if I understand you correctly, you weren’t prepared to pay for the software. Now that it’s free, your biggest complaint is that the support and continuous development, for which software companies need to charge a price to be a viable business, is not there. Talk about wanting to have your cake and eat it!
I’m not complaining about anything. I’m just educating that now that this software is free…it’s probably for good reason. So in the meantime, I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts but be aware, it’s not going to work forever.
I’m on OS X El Capitan. Mine continues to work just fine. The only thing that hurts is remembering how happy I was when I bought it at a pretty good discount for $377. Bummer. Can I get a refund? :-P
I didn’t say it wasn’t working with the latest software right now, I just mentioned it’s not technically supported. When you view the link about what is supported, it shows: Mac: OS X 10.7 through 10.10 This means, you can bet on it not working with future updates.
It works perfectly with Adobe Photoshop Elements 14
Google (and some other large profitable software companies) have been making a habit of buying other companies software and setting unwanted parts to the unsupported pile. They should do the right thing and open source them, there are plenty of volunteers around in the open source community that would take over support and updates.
My all time favourite
The problem is that it doesn’t work at all on macOS Sierra. I’ve paid for a piece of great software, and I’ve had good use out of it, but it is now useless about a year after it was “acquired” by Google. I’ve just wasted a whole evening trying to install on a new MacBook Pro – to no avail. Very disappointed in Google’s failure to support software – it you’re not interested then open source it for gods sake.
They’ve now made it free.. but yeah… its dead with zero support
Back in 2010, I purchase the full NIK collection from B&H for $449.99., Of course, I also paid for one update before Google took over. I’m not blaming Google, but it is so unfair for those who want continued support. Those expectations are the reasons why so many amazing companies went under, but also innovations like NIK Software wouldn’t be here soon again.
Yes, please open source it, if you are not interested, so many peoply enjoye the Nik Collection
Typical Google BS. I bought it in 2014. Used it a bit for 2 years and then Sierra. Boo. I avoid Google whenever possible. They are not our friends. They are Chinese spies.
Google sold Nik in 2017. https://photofocus.com/news/the-nik-collection-gets-a-potential-new-life/ and https://photofocus.com/software/dxo-releases-nik-collection-2018/
Thank you Bryan. I guess I’ll have to pay again. When I get some extra cash I may do it. In the meantime I’m getting fine results from Topaz Studio, Lightroom Classic and On1. Another collection of photo apps is not high on my priority list.
It works perfectly with Adobe Photoshop Elements 14
I’m on OS X El Capitan. Mine continues to work just fine. The only thing that hurts is remembering how happy I was when I bought it at a pretty good discount for $377. Bummer. Can I get a refund? :-P
I didn’t say it wasn’t working with the latest software right now, I just mentioned it’s not technically supported. When you view the link about what is supported, it shows: Mac: OS X 10.7 through 10.10 This means, you can bet on it not working with future updates.
Google (and some other large profitable software companies) have been making a habit of buying other companies software and setting unwanted parts to the unsupported pile. They should do the right thing and open source them, there are plenty of volunteers around in the open source community that would take over support and updates.
My all time favourite
So, if I understand you correctly, you weren’t prepared to pay for the software. Now that it’s free, your biggest complaint is that the support and continuous development, for which software companies need to charge a price to be a viable business, is not there. Talk about wanting to have your cake and eat it!
I’m not complaining about anything. I’m just educating that now that this software is free…it’s probably for good reason. So in the meantime, I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts but be aware, it’s not going to work forever.
Typical Google BS. I bought it in 2014. Used it a bit for 2 years and then Sierra. Boo. I avoid Google whenever possible. They are not our friends. They are Chinese spies.
Thank you Bryan. I guess I’ll have to pay again. When I get some extra cash I may do it. In the meantime I’m getting fine results from Topaz Studio, Lightroom Classic and On1. Another collection of photo apps is not high on my priority list.
Yes, please open source it, if you are not interested, so many peoply enjoye the Nik Collection
The problem is that it doesn’t work at all on macOS Sierra. I’ve paid for a piece of great software, and I’ve had good use out of it, but it is now useless about a year after it was “acquired” by Google. I’ve just wasted a whole evening trying to install on a new MacBook Pro – to no avail. Very disappointed in Google’s failure to support software – it you’re not interested then open source it for gods sake.
They’ve now made it free.. but yeah… its dead with zero support
Back in 2010, I purchase the full NIK collection from B&H for $449.99., Of course, I also paid for one update before Google took over. I’m not blaming Google, but it is so unfair for those who want continued support. Those expectations are the reasons why so many amazing companies went under, but also innovations like NIK Software wouldn’t be here soon again.
What a load of bollocks. My Nik (paid for and have owned for years) works perfectly fine with my latest Mac OS.
Look at the link… they haven’t updated it. The point is that no developers are left. Software continuously needs maintenance updates to work with newer operating system changes. In the near-term the plugin will fail. Unless Google chooses to put resources back on the project and actively develop it.
Kind of bad wording in the paragraph. “It is not a support software for your latest Max OS.” I assume that is supposed to read “it is not a supported software.”
Regardless… as of right now, it works just fine on the latest version of PS in OSX 10.11.4. I suspect there will be a bigger problem when Photoshop updates than when OSX updates.
I saw it yesterday when it published and the system wouldn’t let me edit it until today. It’s fixed now.
I didn’t say it wasn’t working with the latest software right now, I just mentioned it’s not technically supported. When you view the link about what is supported, it shows: Mac: OS X 10.7 through 10.10 This means, you can bet on it not working with future updates.