PixInsight Beginner's Tutorial! - Part 1: OSC M45 - Free Data Provided

I've made this first part of my new series to try and help people get off to a flying start in PixInsight! - Come process along with me during this tutorial and learn by doing.
You will need the following -
1: PixInsight (installed & updated)
2: EZ-Processing suite - (new location) elveteek.ch/pi...
3: Either Starnet2 (free)
www.starnetast...
or StarXterminator (paid software)
www.rc-astro.c...
4: The data and Toolset - drive.google.c...
Huge thanks to my good friend Bill Blanshan for providing these great tools for us all! - find his channel here - / @anotherastrochannel2173
NEW! : Affiliate link for RC astro! - HUGE thanks to Russell Croman! :-)
If you choose to use any of these links you'll be helping me out at no additional cost to yourself!
BlurXTerminator -
www.rc-astro.c...
StarXTerminator -
www.rc-astro.c...
NoiseXTerminator -
www.rc-astro.c...
If you found this useful please consider supporting me and the channel either via KZbin Membership or Patreon! :-)
/ @lukomatico
/ lukomatico
Thank you!!
Find my 3d printed parts stores at ebay and etsy! :-)
www.ebay.co.uk...
www.etsy.com/u...
AFFILIATE LINKS!!
Topaz Denoise, Gigapixel & Sharpen AI are some of my favorite software to aid in astro and terrestrial image processing! If you buy the software through this link I would receive a commission at zero extra cost to yourself!
Topaz Labs Affiliate Link! - topazlabs.com/...
Amazon Affiliate Links! - Anything you buy through one of these links will give me a small commission at no extra cost to yourself!
Amazon UK - amzn.to/3EOCgpV
Amazon US - amzn.to/3quGPlD
High Point Scientific Affiliate Links!
High Point Scientific Affiliate Link - www.highpoints...
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars Affiliate links!
www.pjatr.com/...
www.pntrs.com/...
www.pntrs.com/...
Timestamps:

[@dersupra]

OMG... i learned the importance of paid software today lol. Noise exterminator is the first time I've gotten a post i'm happy with.

[@lukomatico]

That's really cool to hear mate, so glad you're happy with it! :-) Clear skies!

[@dersupra]

@@lukomatico what are clear skies! 😂 But seriously. Thank very much for doing these tutorials. There is a wealth of knowledge here for beginners like me

[@lukomatico]

UPDATE - Since the new PixInsight update the "PCC" step starting at 6:07 in the video should be skipped and replaced instead with "process > colour calibration > background neutralization" first, and then "process > colour calibration > colour calibration" running both of these at defaults should be fine - then apply a fresh STF stretch & if needed, a final SCNR (drag and drop should be fine) - skip to 7:30 in the video and continue 🙂 Sorry for any confusion this has caused people! Alternatively, if you have the fantastic RC astro tools then this newer video of mine would be preferable to follow now :-) it can be applied to many targets, not just galaxies. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2nZepaGmJZ9nc0

[@ianjeffery3762]

sadly, now the "PCC" step is not relevent, i have no idea what i should be doing with the colour calibration :-( maybe a newer video is required ?

[@lukomatico]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2nZepaGmJZ9nc0 is a newer video on this type of subject - it does use some further paid software though

[@dersupra]

I am also having issues seeing the tool icon/shortcuts and I am not seeing the extra tools from Bill Blanchan. I'm totally new to this and so far your instructions have given me the by far best attempt at post process. Thank you. I am starting with a bad canvas also. My captures arent great and I'm fighting light pollution but its all part of the process!

[@TulsaAstroGeek]

Thank you for this tutorial! With it, I was able to reprocess one of my old images of the Horsehead and Flame nebulas and I was very impressed with the results. One note for anybody else following it along, a recent update to PI removed the platesolving functions from PCC, so you'll probably need to use Script > Image Analysis > Image Solver prior to using PCC or the new SPCC.

[@00ophelia00]

I just spent 20 mins searching for it before I saw your comments!!! Very useful, thank you!!

[@JamesStafford-o2p]

Fantastic tutorial video!. Like most people, I found the learning curve of PI very steep. This video has given me solid base to run on when processing through my old imaging files from years back. Also, great work on adding the links to the additional scripts for PI. I'll definitely use those links to purchase the add-ons. Definitely going to watch your other videos

[@flappah]

Thanks Luke! I was kinda hesitant going down the PixInsight route but with what you've shown it might actually be something I could do as well. Thanks for your hard work!!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much for watching mate!!

[@albertfeuerstein8773]

Lifesaver for a newcomer in PixInsight! Best tutorial to get jump started! great job! THANK YOU!!

[@lukomatico]

Fabulous to hear that Albert! Thank you so much my friend :-)

[@mntaskew]

Relatively New to PI and this tutorial really helped me along the path to better astrophotography. Great Job.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much mate!! Really happy to hear you've found this useful :-) Clear skies!

[@briangray8924]

came across this by searching, one of the easiest tutorials to follow and with providing the base data as well. Thank you

[@lukomatico]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting Brian :-)

[@donkelly5970]

Thanks for sharing , excellent tutorial!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you for watching!

[@walleobservatory3857]

I've had pixinsight on my PC now for about a year and despite the cost, I've given up in the past trying to get onto it. I'm just so used to PS that I couldnt get my head around the transition to a new programme. However I was sent a link to your channel today, and after watching this video, it's made the initial entry managable. I appreciate the simplicity of it and the pace is just right. Thank you!

[@lukomatico]

Wonderful to read that my friend, thank you very much for watching and sharing a great comment, and thank you to the person who shared my video to you also! :-) Clear skies!

[@josephluciani5531]

Amazing tutorial. Based on the adage that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’….I thought, “I’m no beginner!” I’m glad I didn’t let my arrogance prevent me from watching this video. I simply can’t believe the many subtleties I’ve been missing! In fact, I’m sure I’ll be watching this more than once. You’re right that Pixinsight can be quite intimidating, but you have a real talent for simplifying and explaining each step of the process. I look forward to more follow-up tutorials that go deeper into Pixinsight. As a post script, your Hubble Palette tutorials are are both brilliant and just as easy to follow as this one. Thank you for this Luke.

[@lukomatico]

Aw that's just awesome to hear Joe! - I'm so happy you found some use from this one too mate, genuinely that makes me happy to read! I'm hoping the coming tutorials will prove helpful to people, it's very rewarding to share techniques and reasoning like this - I definitely don't understand everything in PixInsight myself, - it's still confusing at times lol, but what little I do know I'm all too happy to share :-) Clear skies my friend!

[@robinhoward6447]

I've processed my first ever image and chose this target so I could follow your tutorial. Wow! I'm amazed at the outcome. -9 degrees aside, I am genuinely amazed at my result and this tutorial helped walk me through my first journey into using PixInsight. Thank you Luke for sharing your channel and sharing your skills, clear skies! I'm off to get the image developed and I can display it my the study.

[@lukomatico]

That's just superb to hear, Robin!! Thanks so much for sharing your success story, I'm so happy to hear it! All the best & clear skies!

[@stewartlife]

I don’t have pixinsight but i still watch it from start to end 😂 great explanation, very thorough and articulate, thanks!

[@lukomatico]

Ah mate that's going above and beyond haha! :-) I really do appreciate the support, I'm so happy to hear that you found the video interesting still as a non PixInsight user! Hope you have a superb week ahead bud, Clear skies!

[@simonlaverick9920]

That tutorial was first class - For the first time I feel I've learned rather than just followed along - brilliant work

[@lukomatico]

Great to hear that Simon!! Thanks for the lovely feedback :-)

[@gregklein4902]

Great tutorial, especially for a Pixinsight beginner! Thank you!

[@lukomatico]

Glad you enjoyed it! Clear skies!

[@julianp3060]

Fantastic tutorial, Luke! I had gotten the PI trial a few weeks ago, became despondent at the learning curve, and almost gave up...this vid gives me new hope! Thank you!

[@lukomatico]

That's lovely to hear Julian!! Very glad for you my friend :-D Clear skies!!

[@corinlewis3073]

Thanks Luke, I'm at work just watching your Pixinsite tutorial . I bought a gameing Laptop to run Pixinsite when I but it hopefully next year .

[@lukomatico]

Excellent to hear it Corin!! Clear skies my friend ❤️🙏

[@corinlewis3073]

@@lukomatico Thanks bud

[@savedbythebloodofchrist513]

Hi Luke I just want to say the reason I haven't not got into astrophotography is the post processing it never looked enjoyable to me but you're teaching method is very relaxed clear and concise and I believe you changed my mind LOL thanks again!

[@lukomatico]

That's really kind of you to say my friend, thank you!! - I'll hopefully be coming out with some updated tutorials soon to refresh these as things have changed a bit since these tutorials were published though! :-D Best of luck to you mate if you do get started with Astrophotography, it's a worthy endeavour in my opinion! Clear skies! :-)

[@ech0tang0]

Thank you so much. Very happy how my first edit turned out. After figuring out how the new SPCC, GAIA and the 60GB download of XPSD files are connected, the rest was easy thanks to your video.

[@lukomatico]

Great to hear! Sorry about the SPCC/GAIA roadblock in the middle haha, I'll have to update this tutorial at some point for sure!

[@BucNasty32]

Without question, the best video I’ve seen for this program. It was so confusing before I watch this and it will still take time to learn but thank you so much as you really helped the community with this. I’m so excited to be able to edit these pictures thank you

[@lukomatico]

That's so kind of you to say my friend, thank you!! Glad it was helpful 👍👍

[@Clint-pe8hi]

Bought my first telescope Esprit 80 and my first light was AUG2020. Tried many different free applications to learn stacking and post processing. Tried PI late 2020 and just gave up after a week (too damn complicated for a beginner). Went back to all the free apps for stacking and post processing. Finally decided to go all out and purchase PI DEC2021 and took me almost a year to figure out stacking and post processing. I sure wish you had made this video before I started to pull my hair out. You made this process seem simple. You are an amazing teacher! Appreciate your time and effort. Please keep the videos coming. Thanks Luke!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you for that kind comment Clint, I appreciate it mate! - That was one heck of a rapid learning curve you mentioned there, wow! huge respect for sticking in there and coming back to Pix to have another go by the way! Clear skies mate :-)

[@iamjessieray]

Finally grabbed my free trial and watching this while I wait on it to stack a project I did recently. Watching someone work in PI that isn't assuming any previous knowledge is refreshing and quite helpful. I'm afraid I might end up buying it XD shame the price went up, but if I feel like it helps my images I will suck it up and buy it.

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate! :-) So glad you're giving the trial a go, it's a heck of a piece of software though not the most user friendly to navigate! I wish you the best of luck with it! :-)

[@astrobrother]

Incredibly helpful! Just what I needed to try to switch to PixInsight after 2 years with Photoshop! Thanks !!!

[@lukomatico]

Great to hear that Nicolas! - You're onto a winner! PixInsight is well worth the difficulty learning it, I wish you good luck my friend! :-)

[@thomasrider5852]

Excellent tutorial. Really helped me as I start my astrophotography journey. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos

[@lukomatico]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching my friend :-)

[@JohnB23177]

Thanks Luke. One of the best, easy to follow tutorials I've seen.

[@lukomatico]

I appreciate that John!! Thank you mate :-)

[@marcinb493]

My "prayers" were answered :) - thanks Luke! I am looking forward to the tutorial with your UHC workflow.

[@lukomatico]

Ahh that's just awesome Marcin! So happy to have helped you my friend :-) Can't wait to get more in the series made! - Clear skies!

[@michaellorentzen1672]

thank you SO MUCH for this tutorial. I followed along with some old data that I had given up on and your guidance made it AMAZING!

[@lukomatico]

Really happy to hear that Michael!! :-) It always makes me smile to hear things have gone well! Thanks so much for watching and getting in touch!

[@karlrudin7946]

I love how comprehensive you made this tutorial!! I am still learning, and your channel has helped me exponentially!!

[@lukomatico]

That's wonderful to hear my friend, thank you ever so much!!

[@craiglowery4427]

Thank you Luke for this video. PI is finally making sense at the beginner level thanks to you

[@lukomatico]

That's wonderful to hear Craig! Thank you so much for the kind comment mate! 👍👍

[@bonzer2u]

I started out in EAA/AP a couple months ago and stumbled onto your siril tutorials with personal success. As expected, I plan to migrate to PI soon and find all your videos easiest to follow, understand and actually produce outstanding results. Thanks for your efforts, much appreciated from Oregon, USA.

[@lukomatico]

That's really kind of you to say my friend, thank you! - I hope you enjoy your migration to PI, it's a heck of a program! :-) Good luck and clear skies bud!

[@offgrid1461]

Thank you for this great video. I finally pulled the trigger on Pixinsight after trying the demo last year. This has been a big help getting me back into the swing of things.

[@lukomatico]

That's wonderful to read my friend, PixInsight really is the best processing software you can get in my opinion, so any time spent learning it is time well invested for sure! :-) Clear skies!

[@jr10]

As a PI newbie I am so grateful that you took the time to do this video. It helped me so much.

[@lukomatico]

That's wonderful to hear mate! - Thank you so much for giving it a go and letting me know how it went! Clear skies!

[@MayfieldCreekObservatory]

That is exactly what I did a few months ago. I just sit down and did it. I studied videos about each tool and also tutorials like this and finally can do a pretty good job with it. Thanks for your videos and all you do.

[@lukomatico]

That is awesome! - Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment my friend :-) Clear skies!

[@bluespeck-qc2zv]

Hi Luke. One more thing... After practicing some more and then coming back to this tutorial again, I was really struck by your comment about over-correction in ABE. I don't think that I fully understood this the first time around. Wow... what a difference! I had previously been leaving the "function degree" at the default value of "4" which as you noted can cause over-correction with added vignetting. Since reducing this value I am getting much better results. Thanks!

[@lukomatico]

Great to hear! Really glad the extra little bits of info have been helpful my friend :-D Thanks for the feedback!!

[@ronhavelock1870]

Thank you. Just like you after a couple of days and watching other "Tutorials for beginners" I was ready to give up. You don't assume we know anything which is the problem with most of the others and I thank you again for that, PI makes such a difference to my astro images. Looking forward to learning more from the rest of the series.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Ron! I'm extremely glad to hear you found the tutorial useful my friend, Good luck with furthering your processing, and clear skies! :-)

[@obafgkm30108]

Hey Luke, thank you so much for making this video so noobs like me don't have to go through the same frustrations!

[@lukomatico]

My pleasure mate!! So glad you like the video! :-D Clear skies!

[@MrSpike2450]

Good timing, I’ve found with the majority of tutorials that we follow along the author is using good data from their high quality rigs and the biggest issue we have is knowing with our poorer data when to stop stretching the data etc and when to call it a day as it’s so easy to over process. Don’t get me wrong we really appreciate any tutorial you are all amazing for putting thee effort in. The noise Exterminator is definitely worth the extra purchase.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks for the feedback Spike!! - I agree it's really easy to over-process, I guess that's one of the things we sometimes all do every now and then haha :-) RE: the data, it was taken with a redcat and 2600mc, so good scope and cam, but from bortle 7 skies here at home so that brings in a challenge at least!! :-D Thank you for watching!

[@stephenclayton2042]

Great video and easily explained your process, so thank you very much for your time and effort. Very much appreciated.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@BurnleyFreefighters]

Brilliant . I've just bought pixinsight this is going to help loads .Thanks Luke

[@lukomatico]

That's just fantastic to hear Dave!! - I hope the coming videos help you out as you get to grips with the program my friend! :-) As always, thank you for watching and for your continued support mate - It is appreciated! Clear skies!

[@BlackravenarmouryUk]

Hey Luke, just wanted to say… seriously this video alone has been the key to allow me to really get started in this hobby … seriously to be able to produce an image with this guidance .. so early on in the hobby, it’s a total bonus

[@lukomatico]

Hey again mate! - I was just working my way through the recent comments when I saw your kind donation! Thank you again, honestly that has made my whole month haha! Reading something like this is honestly magic to me, I'm so very happy to hear that the video has been helpful to you and got you off to a good start! :-) Thanks for taking the time to spread some positivity, it's so welcomed! All the best wishes! Luke

[@BlackravenarmouryUk]

@@lukomatico seriously Luke, I have my own online Academy although I don’t give freebies like this… I just feel it’s important to show thanks with more than just a comment. If you saw What are my first image look like 2 1/2 weeks ago & what the same in which looks like today thanks to your tutorial… If you ever decide you’d like to take it a step further give me a shout, I think I could help if you wanted to take things to another level

[@lukomatico]

That's wonderful to hear mate, honestly it's hard for me to express in words alone just how it makes me feel to hear that my efforts in making videos have actually helped folk progress! :-) I'll certainly bear your kind offer in mind by the way, I do like to offer things for free wherever possible but admittedly it doesn't make much sense to do that from a financial/business perspective sometimes! :-) As a side note, would it be OK with you if I added you to my video end credits list? I want to show my appreciation somehow! :-) Thanks again!

[@Astrobloke]

Excellent work Luke, this will be a massive help to many. Very clearly explained. clear skies mate.

[@yourfavoriteastronerd]

That was very nice Luke! What format do you use to export the image from Pixinsight? I noticed , certain formats look very different in Photoshop. Would be glad to support ! Thanks for your precious time. Diana

[@lukomatico]

Hey Glenn! - Thank you so much, that means a lot coming from you mate :-) Hope you've got a cracking weekend ahead bud, all the best!

[@lukomatico]

Hey there Diana! - I'll be honest I often just export as .jpeg at 100% quality! the reason I don't use .png or similar is simply because some video editing programs occasionally throw a fit with them (shotcut used to regularly trip me up) , additionally some socials act strange with larger file sizes it seems (looking at you, Instagram) so .jpeg it is haha! :-) Thanks so much for your support!! - Hope you have a great weekend, and hopefully some clear skies!

[@yourfavoriteastronerd]

Awesome! I will check your links and support ! Your videos are very good with great production too. Nice audio, all great. Have a great weekend too! Diana

[@mattestabrook]

Thanks, Luke--I'm looking forward to this series!

[@lukomatico]

Hope you enjoy it Matt!! - Thanks so much for the encouragement mate :-)

[@spunbearing]

Thanks Luke, that was very helpful, nicely detailed in every step.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much for watching!! 👍👍

[@paulsmaglik5063]

Thank you so much for the demonstration on how to use pixinsight it was a big help.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Paul! - I'm really glad that you found it interesting my friend! :-) I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment, and I just wanted to say thank you for joining my channel too!! All the best, Luke

[@Mel-127]

Great tutorial Luke. Most (Not all) tutorials are click happy, glad to see your not one of them. Each move of the cursor was easely followed. I for one will be looking forward to the future series your planning. Your a credit to the hobby. Well done Luke.

[@lukomatico]

Awesome, thank you very much indeed for that feedback Mel! - If I can remember for the next one I'll try and increase my mouse pointer size too to make it even easier to follow for folk :-) Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! - Clear skies!

[@rikkicasmara]

Excellent tutorial Luke as per usual. Thanks for all you do for us wannabe's.

[@lukomatico]

Rikki! - Great to hear from you mate, hope you've been well! :-) So happy you liked the tutorial, that's always lovely to hear - it's a great feeling to be able to help in some way! Hope you enjoy the bank holiday mate, all the best! Luke

[@davidrousseau8066]

Except (may be) for a few geniuses out there, I think we all feel the same way when we open PixInsight for the first time :) I wish I had this video series available 2 years ago :) :) :) Amazing tuto once again Luke! Cheers.

[@lukomatico]

That's really lovely to read David my friend, as bad as my own early learning experience was with pixinsight it's still comforting to know I wasn't the only one who initially found it difficult haha! :-D As always, thank you for your support my friend! Clear skies :-)

[@MrFlopinours]

Thanks a lot, I spent a week looking for a good (& recent) M45 tutorial. Perfect timing !

[@lukomatico]

That's awesome haha!! - So happy to hear it's worked out well for you! :-D

[@danboulton2128]

Thanks for this Luke. I'm just starting back after 3 years of losing my mojo with AP. PS has always been a drag for me so this tutorial is perfect. I got myself some data on M45 last night as it was my 1st night trying to get my rig working remotely so thought I'd search M45 and PixInsite and found this video from one of my fav and subbed sites!! Thanks Luke and more of the same please.

[@lukomatico]

Great to hear that Dan!! - I'm super pleased you've got your mojo back and found this useful my friend, and good job on getting your rig up and running remotely - that's a great accomplishment! Thanks for watching!

[@baszonneveld7740]

Hi Luke, THIS was were i was looking for! Thank you for your clear walk through PI. Keep up the good work.

[@lukomatico]

That's awesome Bas!! - Thank you very much indeed my friend, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the video! :-)

[@MyNikonian]

Great video Luke very easy to follow instructions, looking forward to more.

[@lukomatico]

Hey there mate! - So glad you liked the vid! I'm just about done creating part 2, this time on some lrgb data :-) hope you enjoy it bud!

[@richards3192]

Glad you started this series Luke. I've been holding off on taking the Pixinsight plunge due to the lack of structured online learning and the sheer complexity of the interface and workflow, so I've been working with SiRil for a year and TBH it does a good job. Some of the tools on PIS (lol) look very useful though and I'm ready to take the next step. Many thanks for this and I'll be following along. From an ex-Yorkshireman in Saudi - you're international mate ')

[@lukomatico]

Hey there Richard! - Ah mate, I feel suddenly more exotic now from hearing that haha :-D Really glad that you've found it worth following, and I totally hear you about not wanting to dive headlong into PixInsight in a hurry yet!! :-) Thank you for watching!

[@normhughes9777]

a very good tutorial for basic processing. thanks for putting this together.

[@lukomatico]

Glad you enjoyed it Norm! - Thank you very much :-)

[@marygarcia4544]

Your tutorials are just awesome! I went ahead and found my way to using Pixinsight + Topaz De-noise great software. I'll be revisiting my Pleiades images using your tutorial(s) during rainy days. Thanks again on all your great work!

[@lukomatico]

That's awesome to hear Mary! I'm so happy you found them useful :-D Thanks so much for watching and leaving a great comment! Clear skies!

[@incognitoastronomer]

This video tutorial might actually get me to try my hand at a little AP! I do lots of EAA, but I haven't even dipped my toe into the post processing realm. Thanks for another well made video!

[@lukomatico]

Well that's some incredibly high praise my friend, thank you!! - I really do hope you find enjoyment from AP, the more aspects to astronomy you can enjoy then the broader your horizons are! :-) Clear skies mate!

[@peterlaubscher3989]

Many thanks, Luke - I am halfway through my trial period with PixInsight. I think it is a superb programme, but it does take some persistence to master it. As you say, you have to repeat things many times to get into it, but I am finding that even my early results aren't too bad. I am looking forward to really getting into it. Thankyou for this tutorial, I learnt a lot. I hope to produce a really good image in the next month or so! I will be following all of your videos.

[@lukomatico]

That's superb to hear Peter, it sounds like you're already getting to grips with it very quickly! :-) I hope the future videos I'm planning will be useful to you my friend, good luck!!

[@peterlaubscher3989]

@@lukomatico Thanks, Luke - I am so looking forward to your next videos.

[@zyban99]

Thank you so much for all the efforts to bring this to the masses Luke.

[@lukomatico]

My pleasure mate!! Thank you very much for such a kind message! :-) clear skies!

[@azrayastrophotography2260]

Hi Luke, I have been thinking about getting PixInsight for myself and this video is a great start for me. A big thank you for your instructions on it. Cs

[@lukomatico]

Hey there Ray! I'll have to redo these tutorials at some point as certain things have changed now, but I'm glad it was useful to get an idea of how it looks when processing in pixinsight my friend!! :-) Hope you are well!

[@azrayastrophotography2260]

Thanks Luke, I'm doing well thanks for asking. I hope all is well with you also. I will look forward to seeing the tutorials when they come out, Hope you have clear skies and get a chance to get under the stars. Take care my friend. Cs

[@kenm4958]

Thanks Luke great tutorial as usual

[@lukomatico]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend, thank you!! :-)

[@karennash2937]

you did a great job explaining this now iam not so scared to get this program. iam going to use the free trial for 45 days and see how i do. your picture of m45 was excellent.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks ever so much Karen! I wish you they best of luck with pixinsight 🙏 it's an uphill battle to begin with but the rewards are so, so worth it!

[@Deechie]

Luke, thanks so much for ALL your videos and providing the data content is priceless. to follow along with you is the greatest training tool! i have learned a lot from all your videos. thank you again for helping me with my AP journey.

[@lukomatico]

That's wonderful to hear Donna! - I'm over the moon that you've found my videos so useful! :-) Thank you very much indeed for leaving such a nice comment, I appreciate it! All the best, Luke

[@alfredterrence6112]

Amazing tutorial. Clear, concise and straight to the point !

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Alfred!! - I really appreciate it 👍👍

[@5arkInsid3]

Thanks a lot for this tutorial, very very useful for the community 🙂 take care man!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much buddy!! :-D very happy indeed to read that! All the very best, Luke

[@Branhil]

Hi Luke, You have finally ended my 6 year ordeal with PI. I got a result of NGC6960 within one hour, which I have only dreamed of before. 1000 times thank you as a new Patreon from Bavaria!

[@lukomatico]

Ah mate that's awesome!! I'm really happy to have helped, that's a very good feeling! I just saw that you joined my Patreon and dropped you a quick message on there, Thank you again for your support!! :-) All the very best, Luke

[@SimjetAU]

Awesome tutorial Luke...I will work on my data again. great simple explanation PI is such a mind killer you make it much easier

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Mark!! - I appreciate the feedback my friend, clear skies!! :-D

[@Oamaruastro]

You really do a phenomenal job of making this rather challenging application more approachable and understandable. Well done, and many thanks!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you very much James!! That's good of you to say mate :-) Clear skies!

[@gerardford1116]

Great Video Luke. At times PI seems daunting. You just made it much easier! Will give this a go with your data, then try with some of mine. Thanks for your efforts and time in putting this together!

[@lukomatico]

That's awesome Gerard! - PixInsight had me waking up in cold sweats that first month LOL, but I'm glad I stuck with it - I'm sure you will be too!! :-) Clear skies!

[@bluespeck-qc2zv]

Hi Luke. Thanks for the excellent tutorial. Much like you described in the intro, I too was well into the trial period and was getting quite frustrated with my progress (or lack there of). I was struggling a bit, was starting to feel a little dumb and was just about ready to call it quits. Your video really helped fill in some gaps and has me feeling a lot more comfortable with Pixinsight. There is still so much to learn, but my confidence is higher and I am looking forward to the journey ahead. Thanks :)

[@lukomatico]

Ah mate that's just fantastic to read, thank you so much for the wonderful comment!! - It's always hugely encouraging to see people using the tutorials and forging ahead with their own learning too, superb!! Thanks for sharing, and for watching too! All the best, Luke

[@arisblan5171]

I did what you suggested and icons showed up Thanks a lot!

[@lukomatico]

Glad to hear it mate!! :-D

[@chasingghostsphotography4091]

This was so perfect! I am learning so much following along. Thank you for doing these.

[@lukomatico]

So happy to hear these are useful for you :-D thanks so much for watching and giving your support!!

[@PatJones82]

Well done Luke! Thank you for taking the time to make this video and providing the links, the data and the toolset! VERY helpful! :)

[@lukomatico]

Hey there Pat! - I'm so happy to have helped, thank you very much indeed for taking the time to watch and comment my friend! :-) Clear skies!

[@4auswanderer]

A great video. Thank you very much 🙂

[@lukomatico]

So nice of you to say that! 👍

[@4auswanderer]

@@lukomatico , you are very welcome. I nice channel have you got :-)

[@CDigata]

Thanks for this - and for what you do for us beginners

[@lukomatico]

Thank you again Chris my friend, that really does mean a lot to me 🙏 Clear skies buddy!!

[@marcw.4015]

Thank you Luke for this series. You have inspired me to make the switch to PixInsight from PhotoShop. It just seems so much more fluid. I will be following more of your tutorials. Thank you.

[@lukomatico]

That's tremendous Marc! - Genuinely so happy and humbled to read that! :-) I think you'll really grow to enjoy pixinsight over time, it's an incredible piece of software for sure! Thank you for watching and commenting my friend, and good luck with PixInsight! 👍👍 Clear skies!

[@carollines7994]

Great, thank you. I’m just outside Strasbourg but bortle 3/4.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks for watching! - Your skies sound wonderful, I hope you get many clear nights to enjoy them! :-)

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Hii Luke, Great turtorial. YES, I did learn some more techniques. Thank You.

[@lukomatico]

That's wonderful to hear Pat! - Thank you so much for sharing my friend 👍👍 All the best, Luke

[@MarvelousLXVII]

Excellent video. In the last year, I have gotten my dream telescope system and have been tooling through photoshop but my processing skills are lacking. I think Pixinsight might be what I need thanks for the tutorial!

[@lukomatico]

That's awesome to hear, so happy you've got your dream system! :-) I totally agree by the way, if processing astrophotos is what you want to do, then there's no better program than PixInsight IMO! Thanks for watching mate!

[@bradsnell7676]

Great video Luke. I may now commit to PI once I start gathering some decent data!

[@lukomatico]

That's awesome to hear Brad! It's certainly worth the purchase price and time to learn the program in my opinion my friend 👍 Good luck!

[@jamescowlan8465]

Hi Luke - yet another brill video and very informative- thank you

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much James!! Super appreciate it mate!

[@allenlloyd1074]

Excellent video. Look forward to more.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Allen! :-)

[@jonbasstro1413]

Hi Luke, great tutorial. Well explained in all the processes and at a steady pace everyone can follow. I am looking forward to this series. There is always something new to learn with PixInsight. Thanks for providing the data to try out, a great final image with all that background dust popping out that surrounds the Pleiades region. Clear skies.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Jon!! Agreed mate, there's always something new to learn - I actually learned something new from the comments on this video already about the STF functions, haha! :-) I'm glad you liked the video my friend, I hope you've been having a great weekend! Thank you for watching, and for your support as always mate :-)

[@kenhansard3734]

Such a great communicator. I know this looks really polished but I'll bet there is a ton of editing involved. Whilst I consider myself a seasoned pi user you have pointed me towards some new tools and methods which will really help so thankyou Luke I really appreciate your help time and considered approach to what may seem obvious but isnt

[@lukomatico]

Hey there Ken! - it's very kind of you to leave such a positive comment my friend, especially interesting to read your thoughts too as they peek behind the curtain a little! :-D Re: the work on the videos, I'll be honest, it is completely as you expected! - it's quite a lot of hours to go from 'idea' to 'finished product' kinda thing, truly though it's a great privilege to be able to help folk via this medium, so it makes it not really feel like work so much, - I love doing it! :-) I enjoyed reading and digesting your comment my friend, thank you for taking the time to share it! Clear skies!

[@avt_astro206]

Very Comprehensive tutorial Luke! That Pleiades looks Like short from a Nice Dark site!!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks Avanteesh!! :-D It was shot from my bortle 7 backyard as it happens haha! :-D turned out well in the end, plenty of dusty bits - I like it! Clear skies bro!

[@zubuyerkaolin]

Hey Luke, thanks so much for the Tutorial! This really sped up my learning and I'm already processing my image (properly) after just one day of using PI. Can't thank you enough for making is easy to follow and not skipping on the obvious shortcuts. Best wishes for you and your channel. Subbed!

[@lukomatico]

Really happy to hear that mate, thank you so much for the positive comment - it's really lifted my day! :-) clear skies my friend!

[@Astrolavista]

Hey Luke! Your explanation and pacing would stand in good stead for a teaching role I reckon, excellent job mate! Easy to understand and follow, not rushed so it can sink in, perfect. This is going to be a very popular video, worth the hard work that must have gone into it. Always nice to see what your up to on a Friday evening, a good start to the weekend :)

[@lukomatico]

Bahhh you'll make me blush mate haha! :-D I'm really chuffed to hear you think so highly of my methods bud, it's very flattering indeed! As always, I want to say thank you for all your support over the last whoever knows how long at this point, a long time anyway! - I appreciate it! Clear skies mate, and I hope you have a super weekend

[@dbakker7219]

Great tutorial Luke! Watched many but yours is the best explanation yet, for me. Struggled also for months and switched to startools . Which ,if you dive into it, can do amazing things too. I will process my startools knowledge and your pi tutorial and see what is best for me to use or use best of two worlds like I do with APP and Siril. Thanks!

[@lukomatico]

That's an interesting comment my friend, thank you so much for taking the time to share! - I do think taking the best parts of multiple programs is a fine way to process, I do it myself somewhat to be honest too! For most of my data these days I tend to stack in APP and do initial gradient removal and colour calibration in there first, then process the rest of the way in PixInsight! :-) Thanks for watching!

[@randyrowe1182]

Thank you. Just what I was looking for. Great data.

[@lukomatico]

Glad it was helpful Randy!! - Clear skies my friend :-)

[@SimonsAstro]

Hey Luke, excellent tutorial! An exciting series to come! one which I will follow with interest as I’m still learning Pixinsight! This will help many people, me included, so a huge thanks for that and for sharing your data, that’s brilliant mate, especially for people who struggle to get their own data to work with! I wish you great success with this series, a great idea mate! Cheers Luke and clear skies!

[@lukomatico]

That's so nice of you to say Simon, - genuinely appreciate that matey! I'm still learning PixInsight myself which makes me an odd fit as a 'teacher' of sorts, I guess! - all the same, what little I know I'm more than happy to share :-D Hope you have a cracking weekend ahead bud, all the very best!

[@SimonsAstro]

@@lukomatico Thanks Luke, building the Obsey this weekend 😀

[@lukomatico]

@@SimonsAstro Oh yes indeedy! Fantastic to hear that mate, good luck!! :-)

[@scotiaastro]

Another corker of a video, Luke! Excellent, clear and concise as always! Nice job! :)

[@lukomatico]

Wow, thanks for that!! :-D Really happy to hear you liked it my friend, clear skies!

[@alboroto440]

great tutorial!! Thank you!

[@lukomatico]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching :-D

[@seanfullard2337]

Thanks, Luke great video learned so much today

[@lukomatico]

So glad to hear it Sean mate! - That's superb :-) Thanks for watching and giving your support, as always!

[@stephen.and.the.huskies3741]

Great tutorial, Luke! PI could be very hard at the beginning but it's also a lot of fun. I am looking forward to capturing M45 in the next months. CS and have a nice weekend!

[@lukomatico]

Ah mate thank you! - I'd love to see how your M45 turns out when it's finished bud, please do tag me if you post it on any socials etc! :-) Hope you have a super weekend too mate, all the best!

[@stephen.and.the.huskies3741]

@@lukomatico Sure, I will kindly do. I am on Instagram - same name 😉

[@bdavis123321]

Fantastic content per usual Luke. Great job.

[@lukomatico]

Glad you enjoyed it Brian, thanks so much mate! :-)

[@scottrk4930]

Hiya Luke , You are a very generous and patient Astrophotographer ! Thank you for doing this Series . Sadly I would need to upgrade my PC again if I was to go this route with PixInsight so it won't happen any time soon , Too many other demands at the moment . I'll stick with SiriL and others for now but will use this Video as a Reference and send the Link to a few friends . Cheers./SRK

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much Scott! - I really appreciate that you'd do that and share it around for me mate! :-) Certainly nothing wrong with sticking to siril and such, I did for a long time!! Cheers for watching matey, hope you have a great week ahead :-)

[@AstroCrescentDIY]

Nice tutorial. On top of that, your presentation is amazing 👍🏼👍🏼.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much bud! - I'm honestly so happy you feel that way :-) Clear skies!!

[@edwardbornman1458]

Awesome... your timing is spot on... Thank You!

[@lukomatico]

You are so welcome Edward! - Thank you so much for watching and giving your support - Clear skies! :-)

[@edwardbornman1458]

@@lukomatico Quick Question sir... I am a real newbe to PixInsight... do the Topaz tools integrate into PixInsight? I have these for my photography work and would love to use them with PixInsight.

[@lukomatico]

Hey Edward! - They do not integrate directly I'm afraid, you have to export the image from Pix, process in Topaz, then re-import back to Pix. - It sounds a faff, but it works really well and doesn't take too long! :-) Sorry about the late reply!

[@MrFaiGor]

Hi, Luke, thanks for the good work.

[@lukomatico]

Hey, thanks for that mate! :-D

[@paulholdsworth2502]

This is excellent Luke for anyone just starting out with pixinsight. I think you've got a natural tutorial style which I found incredibly helpful last year when I started to process my images using pixinsight. For me I would never go back to any other software and have to say I personally think it's easier than photoshop with all its layers and masks etc. I reckon once you've processed two or three images it's pretty straightforward. Great video mate 👍

[@lukomatico]

Aw thank you Paul mate!! - I agree with you RE: Pix being amazing when you start to get used to it, I couldn't seriously go back to any other software now I think as it's just a powerhouse that can do seemingly anything, I'm still just scratching the surface it seems like! As always mate, thank you so much for watching!! - Clear skies! :-)

[@robertw1871]

Excellent, thanks…

[@lukomatico]

Thanks for watching mate!

[@petecarpenter1068]

Hi Luke , it’s a shame there’s not a “really really like “ button as a simple like seems insufficient. Thanks so much for this type of content, super useful to me as a beginner in Pixinsight. I appreciate the help on my Astro journey no end. Cheers mate. 😊🇳🇿

[@lukomatico]

Haha, that's fantastic Pete! SO happy to hear you liked the vid that much mate, that's made my day! :-D Clear skies!