Convert RAW data with LightZone

Configuration

LightZone is configured in three steps: You will find the Preferences entry, which leads to a three-part dialog, in the Edit menu. Basic adjustments are made in the first tab. You can set how output occurs under Save. It is usually sufficient to generate images as JPEG files and save them. You should, however, choose TIFF if you need printable output. Copyright notices, which the software embeds in the respective file on command, can also be set in advance.

LightZone saves bitmap representations of the scanned and edited images in your home directory below .lzncache. This directory grows quickly depending on how you use the software. If you lack disk space, it might be possible to delete the contents without any grave consequences, but that comes at the expense of loading time. You can even delete the entire directory; the software automatically creates it again when next started.

Conclusions

LightZone's compact design proves to be a hurdle at first for beginners and those who switch from another application. Those who are serious about converting RAW material will quickly determine that all the functions are in the right place. The styles mean that you don't need to experiment with controls every time; rather, you can simply reuse your proven settings.

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