Unsharp masking

[Zacchia]

Hi
Belive most people know this already but maybe not all: When i apply a "unsharp masking" filter (i have this filter in different applications like Photoshop) then every rendered image looks just sharper!

[flipya]

Unsharp mask is a nice tool indeed. However it tends to bring artifacts into the image as well, and sometimes boosts materials that have a fine bumpmap on them too much. I usually (both in photography- and renderpostpro) use the high pass method: Merge all visible layers to copy by clicking the top one and pressing ctrl+alt+shift+E, then go to filter->other->highpass and slide until you see outlines only. Then clock ok and set the top layer (the merge) to overlay. Most of the times this method doesn't sharpen texture details.

[Fletch]

Merge all visible layers to copy by clicking the top one and pressing ctrl+alt+shift+E,

Great tip!
fair warning... this command is a little confusing/frustrating because it only works if the layer you have currently selected is actually visible. If not, it does nothing.
Also, it does not work if there's only one layer. (Ctrl-J duplicates the layer in this case)

[flipya]

So true Fletch, if I had a dime for every time I hit CtrlAltShftE 10 times in a row while screaming 'WHY WON'T YOU WORK LIKE A NORMAL MACHINE!?'... Well, to be honest, I'd probably have a few bucks. But that's just because I fear my computer will retaliate...

OT though: how do you (Fletch) feel about High Pass sharpening versus USM in rendered images?

[Fletch]

High Pass sharpening, in my experience, looks very nice, and is fast - thanks for the tip!

[ZooBoing]

Thanks for the High Pass advice. I've never used it, preferring to use the unsharpen mask filter. I like this high pass technique!

[olishea]

high pass filter is much better in my opinion. more control and desirable results.