Setting up your workflow for cleaner images

See the noise

In the Adjustment tab, raise the exposure of the image using either the Exposure Compensation or Levels and Curves editing tools. It doesn’t matter which one, you just need to see the noise. Next, open the Adjust Details tab and tick the Noise Reduction box to activate the sub-menu to give you access to the noise reduction features.

Sharpen as required

Now recover details lost in the shot, but without re-introducing any noise, by sharpening the image using the Sharpness Adjustment tool within the Adjust Details tab. The Sharpness slider increases the sharpness of outlines in an image. Unsharp Mask will increase the contrast of the edges but leave other areas untouched.

Reduce the noise

The Method sub-menu has various options, depending on your camera. The default is ‘Camera’s noise reduction’ and the sub-menu below that shows the setting that’s been applied. Choosing Normal or High gives the cleanest-looking shots. Use the Magnify tool to zoom in to 100 or 200%, so you can see the effect of the noise reduction.

Review the image

Use the Before/after tool to check that your noise reduction and sharpening adjustments have given the desired results. Magnify the shot to 100 or 200% and navigate around it to ensure that the noise has been removed while retaining as much detail as possible. Then reduce the temporary exposure lift back to an appropriate level.