DxO has released the latest version of its photo editing software, Nik Collection 7. The update includes substantial advancements for Nik Color Efex, including improved U Point local adjustment technology, workflow improvements, and several other enhancements.

According to the company, Version 7 of the Nik Collection suite adds options for elliptical and polygonal shapes, as well as luminosity masks to the U Point technology, giving users more control, as well as a significant speed boost to the suite overall, including a 30% faster opening, instant switching between plugins, and more.

“Nik Collection exists to accelerate visual creativity in any photography workflow. With version 7, not only have we maximized performance, but we’ve introduced new selection tools that deliver a remarkable level of control,” explains Boris Oliviero, Product Director. “As an upgrade, users get creativity, speed, and flexibility like never before.”

Version 7 is touted to boost performance by up to 30% in almost every case, including opening files directly in the app as a standalone or from a hotspot program as a plugin. Furthermore, the upgrade enables users to swiftly and easily switch between plugins without returning to the host program, resulting in a more efficient editing workflow.

To further increase performance, the company has added access to Nik Viveza from within the Nik Color Efex app, making the process more fluid and easier, and providing users with extra access to Nik Viveza as a filter within Nik Color Efex. Version 7 of the Nik Collection includes a Quick Search function. It enables users to arrange their custom presets and filters for easier access, as well as a handy Quick Export feature for quickly exporting photographs from within a plugin.

The well-known U Point local adjustment tool has been updated with three additional features that allow users to make even more precise decisions. The upgrade includes a Polygonal Tool for swiftly masking strange or irregular forms, and conventional Control Points can now be stretched or compressed into any elliptical shape.

The updated color picker tool allows users to select a hue and tone for the modification to target that is independent of its placement, and Luminosity Masks can be used throughout the suite to target brightness levels.