Google Nik Efex Now Free

The Powerful Nik Efex Suite is now free

As from March 24th 2016 Google has made the latest version of Nik efex plug-ins for free to download for all users. The Nik Collection is comprises seven desktop plug-ins set of image enhancement tools and photographic filter plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom , Elements and Aperture and other photo-manipulation and RAW conversion software. The collection includes:

• Analog Efex Pro:  which allows you create the look and feel of classic cameras, films, and lenses.
• Color Efex Pro: A powerful set of filters for color correction, retouching, and creative effects.
• Silver Efex Pro: to create the best black-and-white photography with darkroom-inspired controls.
• Viveza: to selectively adjust the color and tonality of your images without complicated masks or selections.
• HDR Efex Pro: “From natural to artistic, explore the full potential of HDR photography.
• Sharpener Pro:  to bring out hidden details consistently with the professional’s choice for image sharpening.
• Dfine: a powerful sharpening and noise reduction tool to improve your images.

For a while Google offered version 1.007 of the Nik Collection for free back in 2013 after it had acquired Nik Software, but not long after the plug-in collection was selling for $149. Google say users who have purchased the Nik Collection in 2016 will be offered a full refund. Too bad for those who got it for Christmas. Worse for me as I paid £199 for the Nik Collectin back in 2012.

Nobody seems to know why Google are doing this and they say on the website:

Google: We’re excited to bring the powerful photo editing tools once only used by professionals to even more people now.

The general consensus on the web seems to be that they are no longer willing to continue development of the plug-ins in their current form, which would be a real shame. Only time will tell.

In the meantime, grab a bargain from here.