Software Tutorials
PixInsight tutorials and processing examples have been authored by PTeam members and expert users. Each tutorial has been organized as an independent set of XHTML documents and images.
Tutorials range from introductory documents to describe basic techniques, to background works on advanced image processing topics. In many cases tutorials include raw images and PSM files that you can use to reproduce the described procedures and examples with PixInsight.
To get the most out of PixInsight, be sure to visit this page along with the processing examples and video tutorials sections frequently to stay tuned, as they are being updated with new material at a constant rate.
Dynamic Range and Local Contrast
Vicent Peris (PTeam/OAUV/CAHA)
An in-depth tutorial on advanced techniques for dynamic range compression and local contrast enhancement in PixInsight. With an image of NGC 7023 (Iris nebula) acquired with the 1.23 meter telescope at Calar Alto Observatory.
Master Calibration Frames: Acquisition and Processing
Vicent Peris (PTeam/OAUV/CAHA)
A review of image acquisition and processing methodologies optimized for generation of master calibration frames with the ImageCalibration tool in PixInsight.
The DarkStructureEnhance (DSE) Algorithm in PixInsight
El Algoritmo DarkStructureEnhance (DSE) en PixInsight
Carlos Sonnenstein / Oriol Lehmkuhl (PTeam)
Includes JavaScript implementation of the DSE algorithm.
A New Approach to Combination of Broadband and Narrowband Data
Part I: Algorithm Description
By Vicent Peris (PTeam/OAUV/CAHA)
With raw NGC 2074 data acquired by Jack Harvey (SSRO/PROMPT)
PixelMath Reference
Tutorial by Juan Conejero (PTeam)
Important— The PixelMath tool has undergone important improvements in recent versions of PixInsight. We are currently updating this tutorial to reflect the new features and functions of this essential tool. Thank you for your patience.
Noise Reduction with ACDNR
Reducción de Ruido con ACDNR
Tutorial by Juan Conejero (PTeam)
With raw M45 data acquired by Vicent Peris (PTeam) and José Luis Lamadrid
Multiscale Processing of Deep-Sky Images with PixInsight
Background Article by Vicent Peris (PTeam)
With POSS-II M33 data
Although this tutorial is based on the old PixInsight LE freeware application, it continues providing an innovative and extremely interesting vision of the multiscale processing paradigm applied to deep-sky images.
Obsolete Tutorials
The following tutorials are considered obsolete. They don't represent the current state of the PixInsight platform in relation to the tools described. In many cases, these tutorials describe techniques and procedures that we no longer recommend (a good example of this is the tutorial on LRGB). We have not removed these tutorials, however, because they still contain valid and important information not found anywhere else, and also for historical reasons. These tutorials were originally published during the first development years of PixInsight Standard (2005-2006).
Planetary Image Processing in PixInsight Standard
Tutorial by Juan Conejero (PTeam)
With raw Jupiter data acquired by Christopher Go
LRGB Combination Techniques in PixInsight
Técnicas de combinación LRGB en PixInsight
Tutorial by Juan Conejero (PTeam)
With raw M63 data acquired by Jim Misti
Obsolete PixInsight LE Tutorials
These tutorials are based on the old PixInsight LE freeware application, which has been discontinued. Despite that, they still contain interesting data and techniques. There are also excellent descriptions of algorithms currently implemented as standard PixInsight tools (the PIP and SMI exponential transformations), and a clever flat-fielding method for film astrophotography based on linearized division, created by PTeam member Carlos Milovic. We keep these tutorials here also for historical reasons. These tutorials were originally published in 2004 and 2005.
Basic Histogram ans Curves Adjustments in PixInsight
Ajustes Básicos de Histogramas y Curvas en PixInsight
Introductory Tutorial by Vicent Peris (PTeam)
Flat-Fielding in Film Astrophotography
Flat-Fielding en Astrofotografía Convencional
Background Article by Carlos Milovic (PTeam)
Exponential Transformations: PIP and SMI
Transformaciones Exponenciales: PIP y SMI
Background Article by Carlos Milovic (PTeam)
Vignetting and Sky Gradient Correction:
The DynamicBackgroundExtraction Process in PixInsight LE 1.0.2
Tutorial by Juan Conejero (PTeam)
Important note— This tutorial is completely obsolete. It is included here only for historical reasons.