Suggested workflow for sharper Raw images

Magnify image to 100%

The first step when sharpening images is to magnify an appropriate area of your image to 100%. You need to find an area of the image that shows edge detail or a clear area, so you can determine the effect that the sharpening is having on the image. Next, tick the Sharpen box and then the Unsharp Mask box.

Select your sharpening tools

Move the Intensity slider to increase the edge contrast in the shot, this will be your main slider to work with. Set the Radius slider to determine how many pixels on each edge will be affected by the Intensity slider. Use Threshold to set the difference in pixel contrast before sharpening will be applied on a given colour channel.

Adjust Sharpness masks

Using the colour channels, identify which colours need sharpening masks and in which priority. Now apply the required levels of Intensity, Radius and Threshold sharpening to each channel. Check for over-sharpening each time you move a slider, as the effect the sharpening on each channel will build towards the look of the image.

Review the Image

Use the Before/after tool to check that your tweaks of Intensity, Radius and Threshold sharpening have produced a sharper image. Make sure it is free from haloes or artefacts. Use the Unsharp Mask colour channel list or sliders to adjust the shot, as needed, to ensure sharpening adjustments have achieved the desired results.