GraXpert 2.0: Single click background extraction right within PixInsight
GraXpert is a relatively new tool that makes background extractions pretty easy to do, with generally good results. The recently released version 2.0 brings two important improvements. First it is now based on an AI-model, which significantly enhances the final results. Secondly, it is now available as a script right within PixInsight.
During an earlier beta-phase of the product, people could submit ‘difficult’ images to train the AI model. And the first impression is that this was a successful approach, as the early signs of performance are quite impressive and markedly improved over earlier versions. GraXpert can still be used as a stand-alone application. But for PixInsight users, the script dialog offers single-click functionality to eliminate background gradients.
GraXpert is free of charge. It is available for Mac, Windows en Linux and can be downloaded from the website. An instruction video on how to install and use is available on YouTube. The application needs to be installed first, before the script in PixInsight can be used. After installation, Mac-users should open the application first to click through the safety barriers that MacOS imposes on newly installed software. To install the script in PixInsight, add the following url to the Repositories under the Resources tab: https://www.ideviceapps.de/PixInsight/Utilities/
After updating the system and restarting PixInsight, the script can be found under Scripts/Toolbox. Upon first use, click the wrench icon to point to the location of the AI model. For Mac users this is the application in the Application folder. An open view can be selected as the source image, and either the blue triangle or green checkmark can be clicked for the script to run. The first run will take a while, as it will download the AI model first. Subsequent runs will actually go pretty fast.
It is amazing what AI has brought astrophotographers already in recent years. And GraXpert 2.0 is no exception to that. It will for sure make image processing a lot easier to do.