What are the best tools and techniques for sharpening raw files without introducing artifacts?

1 Choose the right software

The first step is to choose the right software for editing your raw files. Not all software can handle raw files natively, and some may convert them to JPEGs or other formats that lose some of the original information. You want to use software that can read and process raw files directly, such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Camera Raw, or other alternatives like Capture One, Affinity Photo, or RawTherapee. These software offer various tools and settings for sharpening raw files, such as sliders, brushes, masks, filters, and presets.

2 Apply input sharpening

Input sharpening is the process of applying a small amount of sharpening to the raw file before any other adjustments. This helps to counteract the inherent softness of raw files, which are not sharpened by the camera like JPEGs are. Input sharpening is usually done in the software's raw converter or develop module, where you can adjust parameters such as amount, radius, detail, and masking. The amount and radius control how much and how wide the sharpening effect is applied, while the detail and masking control how much of the fine details and edges are affected. A general rule of thumb is to use a low amount, a low radius, a high detail, and a high masking for input sharpening.

3 Avoid over-sharpening

One of the most common mistakes in sharpening raw files is over-sharpening, which means applying too much sharpening or using inappropriate settings. Over-sharpening can cause artifacts such as noise, halos, and jagged edges, which make the image look unnatural and harsh. To avoid over-sharpening, you should always check the image at 100% zoom or higher, and compare the before and after versions. You should also use the software's histogram and clipping indicators to monitor the tonal values and avoid clipping the highlights or shadows. If you see any signs of over-sharpening, you should reduce the amount or radius of sharpening, or use a mask or a brush to selectively apply sharpening to certain areas.

4 Use noise reduction

Noise reduction is another important technique for sharpening raw files without introducing artifacts. Noise is the random variation of pixels in an image, which can be caused by factors such as high ISO, low light, or long exposure. Noise can reduce the sharpness and clarity of an image, and can also be amplified by sharpening. Therefore, you should use noise reduction to smooth out the noise and preserve the details in your raw files. Noise reduction is usually done in the software's raw converter or develop module, where you can adjust parameters such as luminance, color, detail, and contrast. Luminance and color control how much of the brightness and color noise are reduced, while detail and contrast control how much of the fine details and edges are preserved. A general rule of thumb is to use a moderate amount of luminance and color noise reduction, and a high amount of detail and contrast preservation.

5 Apply output sharpening

Output sharpening is the process of applying a final touch of sharpening to the raw file after all other adjustments and before exporting or printing. This helps to enhance the perceived sharpness and detail of the image for the intended output medium and size. Output sharpening is usually done in the software's export or print module, where you can choose from different presets or customize your own settings. The presets are based on the output medium (such as screen, matte paper, or glossy paper) and the output size (such as web, small print, or large print). The settings include parameters such as amount, radius, threshold, and sharpening type (such as standard, edge, or detail). A general rule of thumb is to use a higher amount and a lower radius for smaller outputs, and a lower amount and a higher radius for larger outputs.

6 Experiment and learn

The last tip for sharpening raw files without introducing artifacts is to experiment and learn from your own experience and preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for sharpening raw files, as different images may require different levels and types of sharpening. You should always review your results and see what works and what doesn't for your images. You should also learn from other sources, such as tutorials, books, or online forums, where you can find more tips and tricks for sharpening raw files. Sharpening is an art as well as a science, and you can improve your skills by practicing and learning.