TKActions V7 Panels
Ethelyn Mullice
The TK7 panel is the newest release of the comprehensive panel for making luminosity masks and running Photoshop. It's now had two major updates. One in September 2019 and again in July 2020. Like its predecessor, the TK7 panel is modular, so users can configure it in whatever manner works best in their workspace. The Combo/Cx module even has two different arrangements to allow a new compact layout if that's desired. (Sean Bagshaw has a video at the bottom of this page that shows how to do this.) TK panels are used worldwide and come pre-programmed with six common languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Chinese. Users can choose the language they prefer. The TK7 panel works equally well on Mac and Windows computers and installs in Photoshop CC 2014 through Photoshop 2020.
The main feature of the TK7 panel is its ability to make pixel-based masks, like luminosity masks. But luminosity masks are really just the beginning. TK7 also makes masks based on color channels, hue (Infinity Color masks), saturation, vibrance, and even the user's own alpha channels. The latest update has the new "Go" module for doing this. It's demonstrated in the video below. The Go module displays masks at near real-time speeds, and it has a dedicated 16-bit workflow to ensure the best possible masks from creation through deployment.
My blog has lots more information on using this panel. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest updates. There are also additional videos at the bottom of this page that show various features of the panel and provide information on previous updates.
The TK7 panel is streamlined and efficient. Most users will only need two of the TK7 modules (either Go or RapidMask plus either Combo or Cx) to do everything. In addition to the main interface, there are logical submenus that can be easily accessed, and which automatically close when they are no longer needed. Rolling the mouse over the image below displays more of the underlying menus available in these modules.
The TK7 panel is designed exclusively for latest versions of Photoshop (CC 2014 through 2021) to take advantage of the HTML5 architecture that Photoshop can accommodate. It does not install or work in Photoshop CS6 or Photoshop CC 2013 (version 14.x). Below are some of the features of each module.
Sean Bagshaw is an expert user of luminosity masks. For many years he has helped me improve the panel and has created numerous videos that teach photographers how to use these techniques. For the TK7 panel, Sean has put together a comprehensive "TK7 Video Guide" series that covers all the TK7 modules in detail. The videos review how to install the modules, how to set up Photoshop for luminosity masks, how to use the various buttons, and ways to incorporate the panel into a any workflow. Sean has a unique ability to explain even complicated things in a manner that makes them understandable to almost everyone, and while the modules really aren't all that complex, Sean shows just how easy it is to use them. The "TK7 Video Guide" is available on the Panels & Videos page. Several sample videos from the series can be viewed below.
Since publishing the original luminosity masks tutorial in 2006, I have been deeply and personally aware of the creative impact they can have on each of us as photographic artists. Many people have written to tell me how helpful these methods have been (see user comments below) and to ask for help in learning these post-processing techniques. Over the years I have offered actions, tutorials, and luminosity mask panels to make them easy to use. The latest offerings are below. Some are free and others are relatively inexpensive. I sincerely believe that luminosity masks and the skill to use them can make photographers more creative.
I've also partnered with Sean Bagshaw who has created several excellent video series to explain luminosity masks and related techniques. His videos can be purchased below as well. Other international partners include Dieter Damm from Germany, Antonio J. Prado in Spain, Rafael Coutinho in France, Roy Yuan in China, and Nico Ruffato in Italy. The buttons below provide access to my plugins along with teaching materials my partners have created in different languages. The plugins work equally well on Mac and Windows computers. After completing your purchase, the download link(s) will be sent to the email address you entered at the time of purchase.
The TK Print plugin was an idea put forward by Sean Bagshaw to create an organized print-making workflow for Photoshop. It's based the concepts he and Zack Schnepf discussed in the Producing Better Prints video series (available below).
Over several months, Sean recommended the different sections and features. I coded these into the plugin and he tested and recommended changes. The end result combines selected Photoshop functions into a single platform dedicated to making prints. The plugin, along with Sean's TK Print videos series (also available on this page), outlines a logical workflow that allows for testing and experimentation with the intent of making the best possible prints.
This video series is a comprehensive guide to using the TK Print plugin for Photoshop. Sean Bagshaw breaks everything down section-by-section and button-by-button. In the process, he demystifies the print-making process in Photoshop to reveal how anyone can use the plugin to make better prints. In the different chapters, Sean shows how the plugin can be used to quickly:
There are chapters for each section of the plugin, and in the final chapter Sean demonstrates a start-to-finish printing workflow. It's this final chapter that shows how efficient printing in Photoshop can be once the various tasks have been brought together and organized by the plugin.
The TK Magic Mixer plugin is a new, more logical and more efficient way to interact with Photoshop's Channel Mixer adjustment layer when using its "Monochrome" option. It allows for mixing the Red, Green, and Blue channels while keeping image brightness constant. This makes it possible to experiment more freely with different channel combinations without having to deal with varying brightness at the same time, as is the case when interacting with the Photoshop Channel Mixer using the Properties panel.
Channel mixing is a great way to convert color images to black and white. It offers exciting options not readily available with other Photoshop adjustments. To facilitate this, a "Randomize" button instantly generates new channel combinations with each click. Six color channel buttons also provide a unique starting point for mixing channels in ways not previously possible.
Sean Bagshaw and Zack Schnepf have teamed up to create a comprehensive course focused on printing digital images. Whether you print using an at-home printer or send your image files to a commercial lab for printing, this series covers all the steps in the process from calibrating the computer monitor through considerations regarding print display. Printing from both Lightroom and Photoshop are covered in detail. This course is a video version of the live workshop Sean and Zack developed to help photographers make better prints. It's an excellent introduction to digital print-making for those new to the process and has valuable tips for all photographers looking to improve their print-making skills and produce higher quality prints. Watch excerpts.
Sean Bagshaw's new Umpqua Autumn video series provides a comprehensive walk-through of the creative process. It starts with a discussion of composition and light by reviewing several images from his trip into field and ends by adding the final touches that make the image as complete and elegant as possible. In between there's an inclusive look at the techniques, decision-making, and step-by-step progression required to bring out the best light in the scene. Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop, and the TK8 plugin are the main tools, but it's Sean's mastery in using these tools that create the real magic. This series is filled with new techniques he has not previously demonstrated, and his ability to share his knowledge with others makes them understandable and accessible. The course will provide viewers several new techniques to add to their photographic workflow and new ideas to stimulate their personal creativity. Watch samples.
With nearly 20 years experience, Sean Bagshaw has collected a wealth of knowledge about photography. His artistic approach to image development makes use of many specialized techniques that infuse his pictures with light, color, and drama. In this newest video series, he takes you step by step through some of his favorite methods for creating the best light using Photoshop. The ultimate goal is to help you discover your own personal interpretation of the light and to find new ways to bring balance, creativity, and excitement to your photographs. Watch samples.
Sean Bagshaw's second "Favorite Techniques" series is again wide-ranging. Blending exposures is common with landscape photography, but doing it well requires choosing and properly utilizing the best method. There's an art to getting a good transition, and Sean shares his skills with different approaches. This series also takes a close look at unexpected challenges that sometimes occur in post-processing. Problem-fixing is the focus of several chapters, and, along with the artistic chapters, will insure you're well prepared to bring the best light to your photographs. Watch samples.
I have tried the installer as well as a manual install into the default plugin folder as well as pointing the plugin search directories directly at it. So far I have not been able to get Affinity Photo to pick it up. Is this plugin something I should be expecting to get working with Affinity? If so, any pointers as to what I can look for as to why it isn't being picked up?
Hi Astro Road,
Welcome to Affinity Forums
This plugin will not work in Affinity Photo. We do not support plugins relying on automation, actions or custom UI panels. Only basic image filters are supported.