Picture Window Downloads

If you encounter problems downloading files from this page and are using firewall software such as Norton Personal Firewall, McAfee Personal Firewall or Zone Alarm, please try again after temporarily disabling your firewall. Most of our downloads are located on an FTP server maintained at BMT Micro and some firewalls may block FTP downloads.


Picture Window Software

Click on the link for the program you want to install and then follow the on-screen instructions.

  Picture Window Pro 4.0.1.6 -- A 30-day evaluation version of Picture Window Pro 4.0. The evaluation version can be converted to a full working version by purchasing a serial number.
For Windows 2000, Windows XP and later

Windows 2000 users: You may require a copy of gdiplus.dll.
     
  Picture Window 4.0.1.6 -- A 30-day evaluation version of Picture Window 4.0. The evaluation version can be converted to a full working version by purchasing a serial number.
For Windows 2000, Windows XP and later
     
  Picture Window Pro 3.5.0.10 -- A 30-day evaluation version of Picture Window Pro 3.5. The evaluation version can be converted to a full working version by purchasing a serial number.
For Windows 95,98,ME, NT4.0, Windows 2000,XP and later
     
  Picture Window 3.5.0.10 -- A 30-day evaluation version of Picture Window 3.5. The evaluation version can be converted to a full working version by purchasing a serial number.
For Windows 95,98,ME, NT4.0, Windows 2000,XP and later
 

Camera Profiles

     

Optional profiles for opening RAW images are available for the cameras below. Because of differences in cameras and in shooting conditions, the posted profile may not be valid in all cases. Thus we advise that you test the profile on your images. Note that a profile is not required to open a camera's raw file.

All profiles were created with the gamma set to 2.2 and colorspace convwersion set as noted. These settings are made in File/Raw Settings. You should make the same settings when you use the profiles.

In cases where the target image for the profile was provided by a user, the user's name appears in parenthesis. We welcome user-provided target images. So if a profile for your camera is not available and you think you may be interested in contributing a target image, please click here for details on what is needed.

Installing a profile:

  1. Download the profile.

  2. Copy the profile to your Color folder. On Windows XP this folder is under Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers\Color. On Windows 2000 the folder is under WINNT\System32\Spool\Drivers\Color.

  3. Right click on the profile file and select Install Profile. The profile is installed.

Installation enters the profile into the registry so that it can be found by application programs.

After installing the profile, open Picture Window Pro. Display the File/Raw Settings dialog. Set the profile for your camera.

     

Utility Programs
     
  Photo Screen Saver -- A free Windows screen saver that lets you display your favorite photos while your computer is idle.
     
  Depth of Field Calculator -- A free photographic calculator that computes depth of field based on lens aperture and focal length.
     
  Scanning Resolution Calculator -- A free calculator that helps you select the right resolution at which to scan your images.
     
  Ephemeris -- A free program that computes the times of sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset.
     



Picture Window Reference Manual

The entire Picture Window reference manual is available on-line. The manual is also included on the Picture Window CD-ROM should you choose to purchase the disk. In addition, you may purchase a hard copy version of the manual if you prefer.

The downloadable reference manual is available in two versions:

A single large file: This is the same file we distribute on the Picture Window CD-ROM . This version is your best choice if you have a high speed internet connection and want to download the entire manual.

A collection of individual chapters: This version is your best choice if you have a dial-up internet connection and do not have a Picture Window CD-ROM.

To view or save the reference manual, click on the respective link below. These documents are in PDF format -- to read it you need a copy of Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe.

 

This is the entire Picture Window Reference Manual rendered in high resolution suitable for printing. File size is about 15MB. Last update 22-Sept-2006.

Installing Manual: After downloading, to make the electronic manual accessible from Picture Window's Help/Open Electronic Manual command, the file Pw40.pdf must be placed in a folder named Docs created within the folder in which Picture Window is installed. To save Pw40.pdf instead of opening it, right-click on the icon to the left and select Save Target As... from the popup menu and then indicate the location at which you wish to save the file.
 
  Chapter 2- Picture Window Tutorial -- optimized for on-screen viewing
  bird.jpeg- Sample image used in tutorial


Sample Images

The sample images from the electronic manual are available for download as a single ZIP archive file. If you download this file you will need to extract the images from the archive. Under Windows XP, you can do this simply by double clicking on the file and dragging the images to a new folder. Under earlier versions of Windows, you may need additional software such as WinZip to open ZIP files.

  samples.zip -- All the sample images from the electronic manual.

 


Miscellaneous Files

Color Line Files

Color line files can be used with any transformation that includes a Color Line control, most commonly the Gray/Tint and Gradient transformations. To apply a color line file, click the Opt button just to the right of the Color Line control and select Load... from the options menu.

A collection of color line (.cln) files is available for download as a single ZIP archive file. If you download this file you will need to extract the images from the archive. Under Windows XP, you can do this simply by double clicking on the file and dragging the images to a new folder. Under earlier versions of Windows, you may need additional software such as WinZip to open ZIP files.
  cln.zip -- A collection of color line files.

Random Texture Files

Random texture files can be used as custom screens with the Special Effects/Halftone transformation to create mezzotint effects. Random texture files can also be used to create masks for use with the Gray/Brightness transformation to apply texture to images. When used for this purpose, the textures must be extended as necessary (using the Special Effects/Tile transformation) to equal or exceed the size of the input image and then cropped to match the exact size of the input image.

A collection of black and white texture files (distributed as TIFF files) is available for download as a single ZIP archive file. If you download this file you will need to extract the images from the archive. Under Windows XP, you can do this simply by double clicking on the file and dragging the images to a new folder. Under earlier versions of Windows, you may need additional software such as WinZip to open ZIP files.
  texture.zip -- A collection of random texture files.

Autorun.exe - Creating auto-play CDs

This file lets you create CD-ROM-based Picture Window slide shows that play automatically when the CD is inserted into the computer (assuming auto-play has not been turned off for the CD-ROM drive). Autorun.exe is a very small program that launches the file or program whose name is listed on its command line.

How to make an auto-play CD-ROM slide show:

1) If necessary, rename your slide show HTML file so there are no spaces in its filename (don't rename the slide show folder). Place your slide show (both the HTML file and its associated folder) in the top level folder of the CD layout.

2) Use Notepad, Word, or some other program that can edit text files to create a file called autorun.inf that contains:

[autorun]
open=Autorun.exe <slide show name>.html

with the name of you slide show. Place this file with the slide show files in the top level folder of the CD layout. Note there must be a space between Autorun and the slide show name and a carriage return at the end of the last line.

3) Burn the CD.
  Autorun.exe

Q-13.tif - Test File for use with Kodak Q-13 Step Wedge

This file is a simulated Q-13 Step Wedge and can be used to create custom curves to adjust the rendition of black and white images. When printed, the image should more or less match a Q-13. If some patches are too light or too dark, you need to create a curve that adjusts the image so its printout matches the Q-13. This same curve should then correct other black and white images to print with correct tonality. This technique is limited by the tonal range of the Q-13 -- the test image has been created assuming that paper white matches the lightest patch and full black matches the darkest one.
  Q-13.tif


White Papers

To view or save a copy of a white paper, click on the respective link below. These documents are in PDF format -- to read it you need a copy of Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe.

  Advanced Sharpen.pdf -- A detailed description of how to use the new Advanced Sharped transformation in Picture Window Pro 3.5.
  Astro.pdf -- Some notes on using Picture Window for astrophotography.
  Basics.pdf -- Some of the basics of digital images.
  Better Prints.pdf -- Some tips on getting better prints using Picture Window.
  Color Balance.pdf -- All about color balancing and color correction.
  Color Management Terms.pdf -- A glossary of color management terms.
  Color Management.pdf -- More than you ever wanted to know about color management.
  Colorize.pdf -- How to colorize black and white photographs.
  Dodge and Burn.pdf -- How to selectively lighten or darken images.
  Drop Shadows.pdf -- How to create a drop shadow effect.
  Extending Film Dynamic Range.pdf -- How to extend the dynamic range of an image by combining overexposed and underexposed versions (works for digital images too).
  Glossary.pdf -- A glossary of digital imaging terms.
  Histogram.pdf -- How to interpret and use curves and histograms.
  Layout.pdf -- How to use Picture Window's Layout transformation.
  Mask.pdf -- How to use masks.
  Raw Processing in Picture Window Pro.pdf -- How to use Picture Window Pro's raw processing features.
  Register and Distort.pdf -- How to align and warp images.
  Resampling.pdf -- All about image resampling and resizing.
  Retouch.pdf -- How to retouch images.
  Scan.pdf -- Tips for getting the most out of your scanner.
  Sharpen.pdf -- All about sharpening images (see also Advanced Sharpen.pdf above).
  Text Effects.pdf -- How to achieve a variety of special effects using text.
  Velvia vs Provia 100F.pdf -- A comparison of two films from the standpoint of digital imaging.
  Vignette.pdf -- How to create a vignette using Picture Window.

Color Mechanic Downloads

If you encounter problems downloading files from this page and are using firewall software such as Norton Personal Firewall, McAfee Personal Firewall or Zone Alarm, please try again after temporarily disabling your firewall. Most of our downloads are located on an FTP server maintained at BMT Micro and some firewalls may block FTP downloads.

Color Mechanic Plug-in

Download and Installation Instructions:
1) Download the appropriate compressed file for your system (PC or Mac) by clicking on one of the links below. This will download a zip (PC) or sit (Mac) file to your computer that contains both Color Mechanic and Color Mechanic Pro along with a copy of our license agreement and a Read Me file.

  Color_Mechanic.zip (Windows)
     
  Color_Mechanic1.sit.hqx (Mac OS/X only)
  Color_Mechanic.sit.hqx (Mac OS9 only)

If you are downloading the Windows version of Color Mechanic, please note that the latest 1.1b release is the one to which the above link points. There are compatibility problems between this latest version and some older versions of Photoshop and some other programs such as PaintShop Pro. If you experience problems with version 1.1b, please go to our Support page where you can read more about this problem and download version 1.1a.

2) Unzip (PC) or UnStuff (Mac) the downloaded archive to extract the files. If you are having trouble opening these compressed archive files, try using the free program StuffIt Expander (versions are available for both PC and Mac).

3) Copy the extracted plug-in file (either Color Mechanic or Color Mechanic Pro) to the Filters subfolder of your Photoshop Plug-Ins folder. At this point you should be able to run Color Mechanic using Photoshop's Filter/Digital Light & Color/Color Mechanic... command. Until you enter a valid serial number, Color Mechanic will be in evaluation mode and you will not be able to save your results.


Reference Manual

To view or save a copy of the Color Mechanic Reference Manual, click on the link below. This document is in PDF format -- to read it you need a copy of Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe.

  Color Mechanic Reference Manual.pdf (Windows or Mac)
     


To view the manual on-line, just click the link above; to save a copy of the manual, click on the link with the right mouse button (PC) or Option-click on the link (Mac), select Save Source As... from the popup menu, and then indicate where you want the file saved. When the download is complete, to open the reference manual just double-click on it.

Sample Images:

The images from the reference manual can be downloaded here should you want to experiment with them yourself. They are all either royalty-free stock images we have purchased or photographs we have taken ourselves.

 

Sample_Images.zip (Windows)
     
  Sample_Images .sit.hqx (Mac)

Profile Mechanic - Scanner Downloads

If you encounter problems downloading files from this page and are using firewall software such as Norton Personal Firewall, McAfee Personal Firewall or Zone Alarm, please try again after temporarily disabling your firewall. Most of our downloads are located on an FTP server maintained at BMT Micro and some firewalls may block FTP downloads.

  PM-S_103.zip -- Windows edition of Profile Mechanic - Scanner Version 1.0.0.3. It requires a valid serial number before it can be used (your version 1.0 serial number will work). First extract the files from the zip file to a temporary folder and then run setup.exe to start the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you burn all the extracted files to a blank CD, you can re-install later from the new CD.
     
  PM-S_103.hqx -- Macintosh edition of Profile Mechanic - Scanner Version 1.0.0.3. It requires a valid serial number before it can be used (your version 1.0 serial number will work). Unpack the hqx file if necessary by double clicking on it and then double click the enclosed image file and follow the installation instructions.
     
  Profile Mechanic - Scanner 1.0.pdf -- This is the Profile Mechanic - Scanner Manual updated for Version 1.0.0.3 in Adobe Acrobat format.

Frame Explorer Download

If you encounter problems downloading files from this page and are using firewall software such as Norton Personal Firewall, McAfee Personal Firewall or Zone Alarm, please try again after temporarily disabling your firewall. Most of our downloads are located on an FTP server maintained at BMT Micro and some firewalls may block FTP downloads.

  Frame Explorer Version 1.0.0.0 software and documentation. It requires a valid serial number before it can be used.

Pocket PC Freeware

Several free Pocket PC applications written by Jonathan Sachs may be downloaded by following the link below. These programs include:

Eval   Scientific/Programmer's Calculator
DOF   Depth of Field Calculator
Ephemeris   Sun/Moon Rise/Set Calculator
Expose   Exposure Guide
StopTime   Combination Stopwatch, Timer, Alarm Clock, Reminder, Flashlight


Pocket PC Freeware Page

 

 

Photographing a calibration target

If a profile for your camera is not already available, we can create a profile for it from a target image that you provide. To create a profile, we need a photograph of a standard camera target taken in standard lighting such a sunlight. Suitable targets are IT8, Gretag-Macbeth ColorChecker SG and Colorchecker DC.

Here are a few hints at obtaining a good image:

  1. Gently clean the target before photographing it to remove dust and lint.

  2. Mount the target on a large neutral background, such as a grey art board, large enough to completely fill the frame of your camera. This is not absolutely required but makes setting the exposure easier and blocks background light sources from the entering the frame.

  3. Set up the target so that it is evenly illuminated. There should be no hotspots, or shadows and it should be positioned away from any sources of reflected light. There should be no glare as seen from the camera position.

  4. Set the camera to RAW plus jpeg (or RAW only if RAW plus jpeg is not available). Use manual exposure and no flash. White balance can be set to sunlight but is actually not used since the pre-white balance RAW file is used to create the profile.

  5. Frame the shot so that the target occupies a large part of the central portion of the frame but so there is adequate margins on all sides. The camera should be reasonably square to the target though no great precision is required.

  6. Determine the exposure so that the histogram is evenly centered.

  7. Take five or so shots bracketing this exposure in half stop increments.

Also, please include a shot of a general subject, to be used for a sanity check of the profile.

This admittedly creates a rather large amount of data. It can be transmitted to info@dl-c.com via a free web service such as www.yousendit.com.

Once we receive the images, we can usually post a profile in a few days.