Using Nik Software v4 - specifically Silver Efex Pro 3 - with Affinity Photo 2

[ADW]

Apologies if this is answered elsewhere.  I've searched and failed.  I'm running MacOS 15.5

I'm one of the many Photoshop users migrating to AP 2.  I frequently use Silver Efex Pro3 (included in the Nik Collection 4 bundle) and very occasionally some others.  I've been trying to enable them as plugins.  Followed a few videos showing how to install the collection in a separate folder, adding the folder to the AF settings etc etc.   Works great!  Except....

When I run Silver Efex Pro 3 (almost the only app I use) the bar across the bottom (containing the cancel, brush and apply) buttons is absent.  So I can't apply the preset and return to AP 2.   Other than Viveza (which I don't use) all the other Nik applications work as expected.   So there's something I'm missing with Silver Efex. 

I've tried removing the Nik package and reinstalling.  Same issue.   

Help please

 

[R C-R]

Not sure but it looks like there is a scroll bar on the right that might reveal those buttons if you scroll down with the mouse.

[ADW]

Thanks.  Good spot.  Sadly I thought that too but it doesn't.  It simply scrolls the parameters within the frame.

[stokerg]

Hi @ADW,

I'm struggling to find a copy of the installer for V4 of the Nik Collection to test this.

I do have version 5 of the Nik Collection and the Silver Efex plugin has the toolbar along the bottom.

[ADW]

6 hours ago, stokerg said:

Hi @ADW,

I'm struggling to find a copy of the installer for V4 of the Nik Collection to test this.

I do have version 5 of the Nik Collection and the Silver Efex plugin has the toolbar along the bottom.

Thanks for the help.

It seems you need to sign in then download what you’ve spent your $$$ on.  If you didn’t have v5 it may be you can’t download v4. (I have to admit I’ve found DxO support the least helpful of any of the photography software vendors I’ve experienced) 

[mopperle]

@ADW At least here in Germany, currently via some magazines the Nik Collection 6 is promoted for free. So maybe you can use this link to get v6 for free:
https://heft-dvd.de/forwardnik6/ You have to enter an email, but not sure if it still works, seems to be limited for a certain periode of time.

And no, the link does not lead you to any suspicious websites. 😉

[ADW]

Thanks Otto.  Sadly it simply took me to the German version of the page that I see in English.  But thanks for taking the trouble to send the link 🙂

[mopperle]

Yes , the entry page is German, as the link comes from a German PC magazine.When you finally get the download, you should be able to choose the language when installing the product. At least in v7 you can do so.

[h_d]

2 hours ago, mopperle said:

@ADW At least here in Germany, currently via some magazines the Nik Collection 6 is promoted for free. So maybe you can use this link to get v6 for free:
https://heft-dvd.de/forwardnik6/ You have to enter an email, but not sure if it still works, seems to be limited for a certain periode of time.

 

Not any more it would appear - even after submitting an email address, the link just leads to the DxO shop, which (at least for me in England) doesn't have any free offers, just paid-for products.

[lacerto]

On 6/11/2025 at 10:29 PM, ADW said:

It seems you need to sign in then download what you’ve spent your $$$ on.  If you didn’t have v5 it may be you can’t download v4. (I have to admit I’ve found DxO support the least helpful of any of the photography software vendors I’ve experienced)

I have NikCollection 4 and have not purchased a newer version, and can download both the Windows and macOS version, and the activation code. I have no issues using Silver Efex Pro 3 (on Windows 11 Pro) with APhoto, but have not tested the operation on macOS. But since PS uses a separate dashboard for launching NikCollection plugins, I had not copied all plugin files under my PS plugin folder, so in order to have Silver Efex Pro 3 available from within Affinity Photo, I had to add a PS plugin search path under Aphoto 2 that points directly under C:\Program Files\DxO\Nik Collection\bin\plugins, where there is a configuration file for Efex Pro 3. Maybe you need to do something similar on macOS to have the plugin fully operational from within Affinity Photo.

UPDATE: I just installed the NikCollection 4 package on my macBook Air M3 and it seems to operate fine at least on macOS Sequoia 15.5 and APhoto 2.6.3 (once the plugin is activated). DxO gives special instructions for installing the package in context of Affinity Photo; basically I think the instructions involve making sure that DxO plugins are copied in a specific folder so that they can be made available by making the above mentioned path definition within APhoto PS plugin environment.

https://download-center.dxo.com/Support/docs/NikCollection_v4/user-guide/Nik4_manual_EN.pdf

UPDATE2: It proved out that "activation" of NikCollection 4 package on Sequoia is not technically possible (confirmed by DxO support, which replied within 5 hours to my question). I am not sure why there is such a limitation since the package operates fine on Windows 11 Pro and works without issues on this platform also in context of Affinity Photo (including v2.6.3)

UPDATE3: On further inspect, it seems that the DxO policy is to stop supporting activation of "old" versions, even if tried with supported computers on supported systems (like Windows 11 Pro) -- I just tried, and got an error message that max 3 activations are already in use; the tech support says that there are activations remaining but they just raise their hands and state that they cannot help detecting why an "old" and "no longer supported"  software (purchased 3 years ago) does not activate on "your" computer! Never had much use of their software, anyway, and certainly won't spend another buck to renew my "perpetual" licenses 🙂 

UPDATE4: Still one more thing: NIK Collection 4 itself operates just fine on latest macOS 15.5., proven by using it in trial mode. As stated by OP, it also works partially in context of APhoto (2.6.3 tested), allowing "saving as" changes made within a plugin, but not allowing applying changes to transfer them back to APhoto, nor directly saving back the image. So it is clear that their perpetual license model is built on forced upgrades (and is in fact a covert subscription model), with very little true development between the versions.

[mikerofoto]

login to your dxo account and download the latest update of your nik v4. doesn't mean you have to buy an upgrade.

you can read the entire nik v4 update bugs fixed 

https://download-center.dxo.com/Support/docs/NikCollection_v4/release-notes/Nik4_release-note_mac_EN.pdf

New in Nik Collection 4.3.2

Bug Fixes

• Nik Collection removed from DxO Photolab after installation (3rd party applications remove Nik

Collection keys from registry)

NOTE: To benefit from the fix, use DxO Photolab 5.1.3 or higher

• Nik Sharpener Output, Nik RAW Presharpener stop working on Mac Monterey 12.1

• There is no footer with Cancel and Apply buttons in Affinity

• Installer does not detect Photoshop Elements 2022

• Control Point effect disappears from Nik Viveza or Nik Silver Efex after enabling and disabling

highlights in the Histogram

• Nik Viveza and Nik Silver Efex have no full screen when maximizing window on Mac

• Some Custom presets in Nik Silver Efex have a colorful thumbnail preview

• Some Custom presets in Nik Silver Efex do not display as Favorites after upgrade from Nik Collection

3 to Nik Collection 4

[ADW]

5 hours ago, mikerofoto said:

login to your dxo account and download the latest update of your nik v4. doesn't mean you have to buy an upgrade.

you can read the entire nik v4 update bugs fixed 

https://download-center.dxo.com/Support/docs/NikCollection_v4/release-notes/Nik4_release-note_mac_EN.pdf

 

New in Nik Collection 4.3.2

Bug Fixes

• Nik Collection removed from DxO Photolab after installation (3rd party applications remove Nik

Collection keys from registry)

NOTE: To benefit from the fix, use DxO Photolab 5.1.3 or higher

• Nik Sharpener Output, Nik RAW Presharpener stop working on Mac Monterey 12.1

• There is no footer with Cancel and Apply buttons in Affinity

• Installer does not detect Photoshop Elements 2022

• Control Point effect disappears from Nik Viveza or Nik Silver Efex after enabling and disabling

highlights in the Histogram

• Nik Viveza and Nik Silver Efex have no full screen when maximizing window on Mac

• Some Custom presets in Nik Silver Efex have a colorful thumbnail preview

• Some Custom presets in Nik Silver Efex do not display as Favorites after upgrade from Nik Collection

3 to Nik Collection 4

Thanks Mike.  Actually it’s a new installation on a new Mac so I’ve download the most recent version just a week or so ago. 

[ADW]

On 6/12/2025 at 6:31 PM, lacerto said:

I have NikCollection 4 and have not purchased a newer version, and can download both the Windows and macOS version, and the activation code. I have no issues using Silver Efex Pro 3 (on Windows 11 Pro) with APhoto, but have not tested the operation on macOS. But since PS uses a separate dashboard for launching NikCollection plugins, I had not copied all plugin files under my PS plugin folder, so in order to have Silver Efex Pro 3 available from within Affinity Photo, I had to add a PS plugin search path under Aphoto 2 that points directly under C:\Program Files\DxO\Nik Collection\bin\plugins, where there is a configuration file for Efex Pro 3. Maybe you need to do something similar on macOS to have the plugin fully operational from within Affinity Photo.

UPDATE: I just installed the NikCollection 4 package on my macBook Air M3 and it seems to operate fine at least on macOS Sequoia 15.5 and APhoto 2.6.3 (once the plugin is activated). DxO gives special instructions for installing the package in context of Affinity Photo; basically I think the instructions involve making sure that DxO plugins are copied in a specific folder so that they can be made available by making the above mentioned path definition within APhoto PS plugin environment.

https://download-center.dxo.com/Support/docs/NikCollection_v4/user-guide/Nik4_manual_EN.pdf

UPDATE2: It proved out that "activation" of NikCollection 4 package on Sequoia is not technically possible (confirmed by DxO support, which replied within 5 hours to my question). I am not sure why there is such a limitation since the package operates fine on Windows 11 Pro and works without issues on this platform also in context of Affinity Photo (including v2.6.3)

Thanks.  I don't know about not running on Sequoia.  Mine is running quite happily on 15.5 and the Nik Collection can be launched from both Photoshop and AP2.  The only problem is the lack of that bar across the bottom of Silver Efex.  I can see from the release notes I was sent that it has been a problem previously and corrected in an earlier version of Nik. but for Affinity Photo.  I'm guessing the fix doesn't work for Affinity Photo 2.   I've put in a support request but don't really hold out much hope.  The last request I sent to DxO re Nik Collection 4 I was given a very short response that there was no support for Nik 4.   

TBH if they had a decent upgrade path for existing users (not just for users of 6 or 7) I'd go for it, I use Silver Efex a lot.

[ADW]

Update - I've had a very speedy response which simply says, as I guessed that Nik Collection 4 is neither supported on Sequoia or with AF2.

 

[mopperle]

22 hours ago, ADW said:

Update - I've had a very speedy response which simply says, as I guessed that Nik Collection 4 is neither supported on Sequoia or with AF2.

 

sent you a PM regarding Nik v6 😉

[stuck]

On 6/12/2025 at 5:04 PM, h_d said:

Not any more it would appear - even after submitting an email address, the link just leads to the DxO shop, which (at least for me in England)

'appear' is the key word there.

I too followed the link, entered my email address and nothing seemed to happen, except ending up at the DxO Shop.  I too thought, "Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained."

That was then but...

Today I got an email, all in German, with a link to download Nik 6.  The email also included an activation code.  The first thing the installer Did was to ask for the language I wanted to use,but English seemed to be the default.  It then recognised my Photolab an Affinity Photo installations.  It completed without error and when I opened Photo, all the Nik 6 plugins were available within Photo.

Result!

[mopperle]

Glad I could help you with my hint.

And to add: when you receive the email with the download link and the license key, you also get a code to buy Nik v8 with 20% discount.
The download is not eligable for a normal upgrade.

[h_d]

11 hours ago, stuck said:

Today I got an email, all in German, with a link to download Nik 6.  The email also included an activation code.  The first thing the installer Did was to ask for the language I wanted to use,but English seemed to be the default.  It then recognised my Photolab an Affinity Photo installations.  It completed without error and when I opened Photo, all the Nik 6 plugins were available within Photo.

Yes I too got a similar email last night - haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but as you say - Result!

[ADW]

11 hours ago, stuck said:

'appear' is the key word there.

I too followed the link, entered my email address and nothing seemed to happen, except ending up at the DxO Shop.  I too thought, "Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained."

That was then but...

Today I got an email, all in German, with a link to download Nik 6.  The email also included an activation code.  The first thing the installer Did was to ask for the language I wanted to use,but English seemed to be the default.  It then recognised my Photolab an Affinity Photo installations.  It completed without error and when I opened Photo, all the Nik 6 plugins were available within Photo.

Result!

Great.  Fingers crossed I’ll eventually get an email then! If so I’ll let you know 😎

[stuck]

16 hours ago, mopperle said:

The download is not eligable for a normal upgrade.

That's not a problem for me, this v6 freebie will be more than I need for a while.   I bought the first version of Nik released by DxO (in 2018??) but have never bothered to update it as I found the only plugin I was using was Silver Efex so it just wasn't cost effective to upgrade.

I've now installed this freebie on both my desktop PC and my laptop.  The activation code has worked in both cases.  That's another result!

[ADW]

On 6/15/2025 at 6:57 PM, stuck said:

'appear' is the key word there.

I too followed the link, entered my email address and nothing seemed to happen, except ending up at the DxO Shop.  I too thought, "Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained."

That was then but...

Today I got an email, all in German, with a link to download Nik 6.  The email also included an activation code.  The first thing the installer Did was to ask for the language I wanted to use,but English seemed to be the default.  It then recognised my Photolab an Affinity Photo installations.  It completed without error and when I opened Photo, all the Nik 6 plugins were available within Photo.

Result!

...and indeed 'appear' was the key word.   As you described, the email you'd anticipated turned up yesterday evening, complete with activation code for Nik Collection 6.  I've just tried it and... boom!  I now have Nik Collection 6 which integrates nicely with AP 2.  So many thanks for the solution.

Interestingly I did message DxO and ask if there was a way of getting NC 8 for less than the full price from them.  Absolutely not it seems.  However I might try the PCMAG 'Gutscheincode" at some stage.  Or simply stick with this.

Thanks again

[ADW]

On 6/12/2025 at 2:03 PM, mopperle said:

@ADW At least here in Germany, currently via some magazines the Nik Collection 6 is promoted for free. So maybe you can use this link to get v6 for free:
https://heft-dvd.de/forwardnik6/ You have to enter an email, but not sure if it still works, seems to be limited for a certain periode of time.

And no, the link does not lead you to any suspicious websites. 😉

Thanks Otto, and yes, I did (eventually) get an email (auf Deutsch) with a download link and activation code.  Many thanks for the help

[stuck]

11 hours ago, ADW said:

Nik Collection 6 which integrates nicely with AP 2

One thing to note is that although Nik Perspective is part of Nik Collection 6 and is installed as part of this freebie, it is not available as a plugin in AFP.  It does work as a stand alone application though.

[stuck]

12 hours ago, ADW said:

a way of getting NC 8 for less than the full price from them.

In years gone by DxO have always discounted all their software over the Black Friday period.  What they won't tell you is whether or not this year's discount will be more than the 20% on offer via this freebie.

[mopperle]

1 hour ago, stuck said:

In years gone by DxO have always discounted all their software over the Black Friday period.  What they won't tell you is whether or not this year's discount will be more than the 20% on offer via this freebie.

There is a simple rule: If you need it, buy it now, regardless of the price. If you can wait for a better price, you dont need it, so dont buy it at all.

This rule is a derivate of Eisenhowers principle for setting priorities. 😉