Never got the code. Installed it over 12 hours ago. I guess they were just looking to fish for emails.

Waited for ID and code to show up. Never got it

Sorry for the late review as the giveaway time is almost up. I hope it's useful to the devs nonetheless.

I followed the readme and registered. Everything went smoothly on this part. There might be a little confusion on the "Serial Number" asked after the setup is complete. There is only one line of text on the first registration dialogue (where you enter the ID and the Registration Code you received in your email), and only there it says you'll need to enter the Registration Code as the Serial Number later (or something like that). That'll do and register the program.

I spent about an hour testing the software on some of my brackets (didn't test it on single photos).

► Documentation:
The first thing I noticed is that this software is very well-documented. Not only are there a setup instruction and manual included in the downloaded package - in PDF format, but useful tooltips and information exist for almost any control, effect, etc. The devs definitely made their effort to help the users on the workflow and achieve the best results or the best tradeoff where quality vs. processing time matters.

► Workflow:
The workflow and the UX overall are well-thought, well-designed, and well-explained. For the minor moments I felt lost, the manual and/or the in-software instructions helped me move on. Since the UI is already modular, the only improvement might be on packing the buttons for navigating the modules in one place - similar to Lightroom. The keyboard shortcuts also kind of feel non-standard. For example, Ctrl+F is used to switch the full-screen view, or I'd rather use Ctrl+S to save the project/workflow instead of the final image.

The ability to brush in/out different images in the bracket, erase scratches/sensor errors, etc. are a plus, although I didn't use them much in my testing.

The only issue I got is the undo/redo functioning. It's definitely supported and customizable in the settings, but I can't see any buttons on the toolbar, nor any menu items. The default Ctrl+Z/Ctrl+Y don't seem to work for me (maybe non-standard shortcuts again? At least you need to put them on the Edit menu).

► Import:
RAW files, along other formats, are supported. There is even a RAW processing module included in the software.

► Processing:
The UI is pretty responsive; it never crashed with the RAW files I threw at it.
But I was mostly impressed with the selection of different tone-mappers, filters, and effects included. They are far from gimmicks and actually play nice on the image. Moreover, Each has its own set of tune-up controls AND a powerful masking. Nice.

I also like how easily one can play with the smartly-color-coded set of filters, etc., enable/disable them and move them in the stack, as well as being able to save the stack as a new preset. The devs have even gone to the extent of giving you the ability to combine different presets.

► Export:
TIFF files up to 32 bits, along other formats, are supported. However, my Lightroom 6 messes up the 32-bit TIFF for some reason, so I stuck with the 16-bit version which is high-quality enough.

► Output quality:
After all the tune-ups, I liked the final quality more than Artizen HDR, which I'd similarly received via a promotion a few years ago, and especially more than the built-in Lightroom 6 HDR merger.

► Final conclusion:
A definite keeper. It's a very complete package for HDR processing, yet very responsive, easy to use, and with very good output quality. Thank you to Franzis and GOTD team for the great giveaway.

Still waiting for ID and code but I think I will start to smoke...
Is this some kind of payback to learn waiting the neccessary thing? :D

waiting two hours, and still have not received a confirmation or a code

Downlaoded and installed over 12 hours ago, still have not received the Email with the USER-ID and personal licence-code? I even registered with a different email address, still nothing. Very disappointed! :

Download and extract files and then you click the 'internet' button and enter your information but never got the user id and the registration code, only the product code. Unable to complete installation. I knew if was too good to be true.

I downloaded the file, extracted the contents, installed, filled out the requested information including making sure that the Country was United States, but the response was Hello Paul ...... then the rest was in German. Still waiting for email.

Ok, I hope that I can help some people out that are struggling with the installation/activation of this software.

First, once you have begun to install the software, there is a button on the installation page to use the internet, click that button.

It will take you to an all german page where you must enter in your email and check to receive their emails, like a good little boy. Then it gives you a strange message about filling in the code/password, and if you don't know it, click "forgot" password. Ignore this confusing information, and just continue to the next step.

Below the "email registration" box will appear requests for more information, you must fill this out as required. Once you have completed this stage of the process, and click "continue", you will then get the notification to check your email and follow the said instructions to retrieve your software code.

If you want to copy all the german shown in the "registration" phase and see what they are actually saying, just copy/paste in google translate, and you will see what I have explained here for the most part.

Once you input all the required data and click "continue", you will then see an email in your inbox/junkmail, inside there, you will find the link to confirm your new account. Once you click that, moments later you will get another email, this one includes your user ID and Key.

Once you have those two things, you then can go back to the installation box that is waiting for you to input that information, and once complete, you can continue/finish installing the new software.

I will add that I have not tested/tried this software, only figured out how to install it. For those trying to connect this with their PS, it does have a file in the installation folder that specifically addresses PS needs.

Hope this helps! Enjoy for those with the skill set to use this, it appears pretty complex and not for the faint of heart.....I feel dizzy.

few hours ago, unable to dl.
now can dl at once w/o going via fb or email.

follow stated steps, able to get code.
must read & check content at each web page i went.

finally installed & run on my system.
checked ok, now must start spending time on manual.

thanks GOTD & FRANZIS Verlag GmbH.

win 10 x64 os

It installed great, Just follow directions people. Not a problem. Can't wait to experiment with it. TY for a great program!!

No DMG to install on Mac. Has anyone succesfully installed the Mac version of this giveaway?

Would someone please explain how this should be installed on a MAC as there is no .dmg

It's like trying to install on Windows with the .exe installer!

Frustrating!

Worked for me with no problem. You just have to be patient and wait.

FYI I found the user manual for this version. PDF here: http://www.projects-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/70453_HDR-3_pro_user_manual_EN.pdf

In this version there is no plugin for Photoshop CC 2017. Anyone know if there is a workaround? maybe using one of the older plugins? or conversely maybe there's a CC 2017 plugin from a newer version that would work?

As usual for Franzis' give aways, it won't let me use my email. I don't know why it doesn't like my provider. Sorry, have to pass again.

The Link given to connect to the Internet in the download doesn't work - Can't register the Product to start the install .

I've had some great software from Franzis but sadly this time I didn't receive the Email with the USER-ID and personal licence-code after waiting for several hours. Very disappointed! : (

I think HDR is more of a thing now that UHD 4k TVs have experienced such a dramatic price drop, & so have become much more popular. The idea's the same -- pack more color into what we see -- though HDR is concerned with packing extra data into image files, while UHD is all about the ability to display more color data. And that's the catch with HDR photos -- the ability to view them in all their glory depends on the monitor & its calibration [though you can have higher end prints made]... bringing out subtle shadow detail means little if the display crushes blacks, can't display true [pure] black etc. Which is IMHO one of the reasons Franzis HDR Projects exists, to in their words: "... enables elementary enhancement of the primary colours’ vividness...". Put another way, it can help make the HDR in photos more noticeable.

To create a HDR photo you take 2 or more shots at different exposure settings, e.g. one under-exposed, one over-exposed, & one normal. Then you create one photo using the best parts of each individual image, e.g. the shadow detail from one, the highlight detail from another. You can do it manually, your camera may have a bracketing feature, where it takes more than one photo at different settings when you press the shutter button, or many cameras, & some cell phones, can automate the whole thing for you -- some phones will even do HDR automatically when the picture you're trying to take calls for it.

Now you probably don't really *Need* Franzis HDR Projects to do HDR -- there's a good chance that your image editing software already can do that -- but as with adding vividness, the Franzis software may help. Ideally you'll use a tripod to lock things down, so the images you use match perfectly, but practicality can get in the way, & you might have little choice but to use some alternative, e.g. a bean bag. HDR Projects might help with that slight mismatch. When you do low light photography you often get more noise -- over-exposing a photo to bring out shadow detail can add noise too. This is another example of where HDR projects might help.

As others have mentioned, the current version of HDR Projects is 5 -- today they're again giving away v. 3. Once you sign up for their emails you will get occasional offers -- till 11/1 they're offering HDR Project Std [not pro], along with several other apps, each for $20. The coupon code for HDR Projects 5 is NHR-3TD-VTB , though I've no idea if it will work for anyone else.

Last, plug-ins... I've seen Franzis apps install or supply included P/Shop compatible plug-ins in various ways. I've had them work copied into the image editor's plug-in folder, & not. I've had better luck personally putting the plug-ins in the Franzis program's folder, then adding a simple shortcut to that plug-in(s) in whatever app's plug-in folder.

Received the ID and Registration code, I type without error but the message is the ID or code are not the good ones. What next? I sent a message to "fragen@franzis.de" to get and answer, but still waiting, What next?
Thank-you,

I completed the registration and it stated the software was activated. When the software was started it then asked for a serial number. Nothing was mentioned concerning this information and it was not contained in their email with contained my User ID and registration code. Also didn't care for the fact it was mandatory to accept their future advertising emails before they would send the User ID and registration code.

I would have liked to try the software, but requiring both the use/releasese and receiving additional publicity were steps too far. Maybe if I like it, then I'd consent.

very nice program..........it seems to present many presets and options for a quick selection and several adjustments and filters for a quick preview......more than I have seen anywhere else.........BUT..........after having experimented with all of this, it still has to be guided by me the designer...........it would be a nice undertaking however to have what I call experimental tabs that present automated solutions or plugins.for example, a tab just devoted to a SMART CURVE, and another tab devoted to fixing the sky, or another to fixing pixels resolution, another devoted to 3 d sunlight of an object or photo, or another fixing the detail of a tree.........as a process of perfecting image details in various categories as separate tabs or dialogue pages devoted to a particular subject.in addition to what you have already. Obviously you cannot create a robot, but this would be the next best.

Can anyone who has installed this today please tell me what the version number is? In May of 2016 when this was offered it was: HDR projects 3 - V3.34.02375. I just wanted to know if this had some kind of update to it.

I have been waiting for 2 hours and still have not received the registration code for the HDR Projects 3 Pro. What should I do?

What specific version is this? I currently have Mac 3.34 installed so wondering if there has been any update.

Sorry, but there is no file installation ( .DMG ) for MacOSX in downloaded package. There is only one folder named "Content".

For those that got their old account kinda messed up and get wrong password info every time they want to login into franzis.de to request a code, there are 2 different portals, the new Metro-ish main one ( franzis.de ) and the old one ( register.franzis.de/franzis ). If you get asked in the main portal to enter your password, you have to enter the one from the old portal, not the new one because it uses the old portal registration form. Also, the main portal does not register your purchases, you might wanna check the old portal for that, i found all the Franzis softwares i ever registered there, would still be nice if Franzis at some point manages to merge everything into one and the same account page, with one and the same password.

This is not new software. There are reviews dating back to 2014 for HDR projects 3 Pro. Beware, this is NOT a product for the casual, or a 'beginner'. You'll drive yourself nuts looking for help using this program. That's because, there is none. I have a 10 year old PhotoShop 7. I hoped the last time they offer this software to get the PhotoShop plugin. Well, I'm still hoping, but not with this download.
It doesn't look very promising. Telling everyone, well you may get a key and there again, you may not. So, hey give it a try and see if you win. Here is a better idea. Go find a claw machine start dropping money in it. Thanks GOTD! Love you guys, just all the the software offer.

Registration is multi-step but not rocket science..... it all worked smoothly and was completed within a few minutes. Well worth the effort as the programme works very well. Just processed a recent IR image and compared the result with my best efforts with HDR efex pro from the NIK collection and I prefer the HDR projects version. It looks like a very useful package and will, at the very least, complement my other photography tools.
The best 'giveawayoftheday' for some time - thank you!

I'm waiting and waiting for "User identification code and receive a personal license code"..:-(....

I really like the Franzis tools and some are quite excellent (their B+W converter is the best I know and Sharpen Projects is again excellent once you get away from its default attempt), so I always try to see if I can help people get over the initial learning curve. (Registering if you haven't done it for a Franzis tool before is also an adventure, but the tools are good IMHO.) I like their HDR tool (which you can easily use by taking three bracketed exposures, the correct one and typically ones at plus and minus two stops, allowing you to overcome the limited range of brightnesses cameras support) and think it is well worth installing. Another free option is HDR Efex 2 which is part of the Nik Tools which were Google and are now DXO, but are available as a free download from https://www.google.com/nikcollection/ (see link at top right). Note the Nik tool is a Plugins but you can just (on Windows) drag a link to the HDR Efex 2 .exe to the desktop and go from there (although IIRC it just saves the result in a "standard" location rather than offering a choice). If you have Lightroom that also has built-in HDR support.

Note that HDR Projects 3 Pro has a lot of options and you may need to play around a bit to get a natural looking HDR, unless you fancy doing something with a more unnatural look (although some people are not fans of highly processed HDRs others like the effect).

Oh and while I am doing a bit of a quick start guide don't forget to check out the manual, especially the stuff of Ghosting removal on page 14: https://www.projects-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/70453_HDR-3_pro_user_manual_EN.pdf

Anyway, the following is mostly what I wrote last time, with a handful of updates, I hope it's of some use (I just missed my train writing it):


It's a bit of a pain to register but persevere and you'll get there.

Oh, if anyone reading this doesn't know what HDR is, it stands for "High Dynamic Range" and is usually used to combine differently exposed photographs of a scene to end up with an image capturing a greater range of brightness than the camera can. The classic example is being in a dark room looking out on a brightly lit scene. The camera can show the detail in the room, with the Window solid white, or the detail outside the window but everything in the room is black. But taking a set of (typically three) exposure-bracketed (standard, brighter, darker) images of the scene you can then combine them in some HDR software and have room and outside both visible in the picture.

You can either combine multiple images into an HDR or just select a Raw file (if you have one) and work from that (it won't be as good, but a fair bit better than the JPEG).

The Projects software is a set of (basically) stand-alone photographic processing tools, they do install as Photoshop plugins, but under File->Export, not as Filters, which IMHO doesn’t really count. Note the very latest Franzis tools do install as filters, but you need to buy those. Also to properly support 4k and 5k displays you again need the latest tools (to get the user interface sizing correct).

With the HDR software in today's give-away you have an additional step beyond just opening a photograph, you have to select the images to combine and choose some options. I was very pleased to see it has support for Raw file import, although as a 2015 program I don't know how it will do with the very latest cameras (but see at the bottom for a partial solution to this).

Once you’ve imported the images it works in basically the same way as the other Franzis Projects software.

The thing to get your brain around with the Projects software is they are a huge pile of image processing tools, which are gathered together into presets in the left pane. All those options do is select a bunch of processing tools and choose options for them, so they are infinitely tweakable.

After you've loaded the image(s) you want to work with you can then play with the canned effects on the left side, play with assorted things on the right side panel (which should start on the “Finalise” tab).

Once you are happy with that changing to "Expert" in the right panel means you can add filters from the list at the top, select them in the middle of the panel and tweak their effects at the bottom (may need scrolling down). (The options on the left are just choosing and configuring a bunch of these options for you.)

The boxes at the top of the left panel filter the effects that are listed in the panel, so ignore them initially. On a faster computer you can use the Eye icon on the toolbar to disable the preview mode and show the final image in the main window, which IMHO is worth trying.

When saving the final image note that the first dialog, where it asks for the title, is going to write that over the image, it isn't the file name. The main disadvantage is the lack of Undo operations.

I literally spent 90 seconds working on an image and was really quite pleased with the result. If you don't mind the learning curve and fancy playing with HDR I'd recommend it.

Oh, and to add raw support for more recent (although not very recent) cameras download this (if you're running 64-bit Windows):
http://transfer.franzis.de/projects/RawImageDllprojects_Win64.zip
and replace C:\Program Files\Franzis\HDR projects 3\FreeImage.dll with the dll file it contains.
If you're not running the 64-bit version of Windows, i.e. your computer doesn't have a directory "C:\Program Files (x86)" then the file you want for upgraded raw support in 32-bit Windows is: http://transfer.franzis.de/projects/RawImageDll_projects_Win32.zip
If you have a Mac you'll need to get the OSX version of FreeImage from SourceForge and replace the existing one, wherever it might be.

Good luck and enjoy!

Thirty plus minutes and no information on registering. I see some waited up to 15 minutes. Hope this doesn't get lost.

I got the confirmation e-mail after a few minutes. I have Photoshop CC 2018 and I don't know how to install the plugin or get it to work. Does anyone know how to do this?

rerun ?

Been 1/2 hour still no email for confirmation.

We are two versions backwards. Franzis are presently selling version 5. Still, there is a lot you will get in this 3 pro version:

http://www.projects-software.com/compare/1/5/hdr-projects-3-professional

It was already offered here last january:

https://www.giveawayoftheday.com/hdr-projects-3-pro

(same version, apparently, but I didn't install this one)

Many comments there are complaints about the lengthy and tortuous registration process, and tips about how to get through it. If you are interested in today's offer, don't let that put you off: it is not so complicated if you already have an account with Franzis, and if you don't, and you like improving your photos, it is worth confronting the hassle once and for all, as Franzis often offer here very good programs.

This is not my favourite one, as I never quite understood this "HDR" thing, but most of the tips I gave there (post #4):

https://www.giveawayoftheday.com/analog-projects-3/

are also valid for this giveaway, as all Franzis programs have a similar interface.

Does this work with single pictures too or you have to have a bracketing series?

Been waiting about 15 minutes so far for the email. I don't have all day to wait on you.

Hi, what does 'Please note that you won't be able to request the key for the second time with the same email address..' mean? What 'second time'?? People who have Accounts with FRANZIS surely use the same Address for logging-in and obtaining Keys? Needs to be explained better to avoid further confusion. Ah yes, FRANZIS (otherwise brilliant) Software is never simple to install, now this. Please Guys!!