2026-10-09 APP 2.0.0-beta48 has been released !
This is mainly a bug fix release for the reported bugs in beta47. In addition it has a significant User Interface performance improvement noticable when you need to process 1000s of images in APP.
2026-10-03 APP 2.0.0-beta47 has been released !
This is a very big release... many code optimizations/rewrites, many parts of APP are much faster and more precise, especially star analysis and registration are much faster ! Big mosaics will go much faster 🙂
And we introduce a new preview filter, which includes the new Adaptive Deep Sky Stretch and a General Levels Stretch, this has been long over due. The old preview filter (the panel on the right side to stretch and preview your data) has not been updated for a couple of years and it is a critical part of any APP session.
Adaptive Deep Sky Stretch or ADSS is a much more intuitive stretch algorithm. It is also color preserving (which is a great new addition in itself ! ) which means that the highlights are no longer bleached, color is maintained from the linear data while stretching. You can simply stretch your data using the sky background level and signal width sliders which work much easier and more intuitive. You no longer need to fiddle with the old complicated sliders with zoom buttons. All the zoom buttons for the sliders are made redundant. And you can enter slider values in the slider value fields yourself. I will make a youtube video in the coming days to explain and fully introduce ADSS. Once the video is ready, it will be highlighted on the forum.
RGB Combine upgrade !. The RGB Combine Tool has been rewritten mostly. The tool is faster and easier to use and most importantly, the Luminance slider to inject a luminance channel or channels into the RGB composite is now working correctly. It no longer bleaches the RGB colors. Combined with the new ADSS preview, you will get much better and easier great composites with great color! I will also explain this in a new youtube video.
Trying to figure out the best way to use this Light Pollution tool...I usually put about 10-15 smaller squares in the worst part of the pollution. I hit save then do it again, but the light comes back or it jumps around the screen. I'll repeat this process over and over until I can remove no more.
Can you give me the proper procedure for using this tool...Right now I'm just guessing.
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Thanks,
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Rod
Sure thing Rod;
The best way is to overstretch your image (select 30% stretch on the right). Over-saturate as well and then place 5 boxes all around on spots that to you look like proper background. Boxes don't need to be big. Then press calculate and have a look. Add 1 to 2 boxes each time towards the problem areas (not immediately on top of them) and press calculate again. Work your way up to the problem areas. The reason this works better is because the model APP uses is "rigid", true gradient's shouldn't go all over the place so that than helps the user to achieve a better result.
@vincent-mod
Wow, you have all the answers...! I'll cut and paste this into my APP notes Vince.
Thanks again!
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Rod
WOW - i didn't know that either, I have been doing it all wrong!Â
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I seems to work a lot better. I think the intention of the software is to click on the darkest areas first, then that slowly pushes the LP over to the other side attempting to eliminate it.Â
It won't get it all but it's a start...
I was clicking on the brightest parts thinking I was supposed to select what I was trying to get rid of.
same! in our mutual defence the on screen instruction just ask for 5 boxes, it's not completely clear which boxes! 🙂Â
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Having said that I went back a redid an image im working on today using the "proper" technique and it's not that different to my eye, which I think says a lot about how robust APP's algorithm is (at least it does to me)
I was working on a Milky Way image near the beach where I live. Light pollution being the worse enemy. I've been playing with this thing for three days.Â
I'll have to find a darker site next time.! I manipulated it so much to the point of destroying my back ground...Not good...
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stunning shot! I can see why you're putting the time into it!
