TK8 Plugin

TK8 Plugin for Photoshop

NOTE: The TK8 plugin for Photoshop is no longer available now that the TK9 plugin for Photoshop has been released. Please visit the TK9 plugin page for the latest info on this newer version. You can purchase the TK9 plugin and instructional videos on the Panels & Videos page

The TK8 plugin is the latest release (September 2021) of my comprehensive panel for making luminosity masks and running Photoshop. Like its predecessors, it's modular, so users can configure it in whatever manner works best in their workspace. The plugin is used worldwide and comes pre-programmed with six common languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Chinese. Users can choose the language they prefer. TK8 works equally well on Windows and Mac computers, including computers running Apple silicon processors, like the Mac M1. Installation is easy and the same installers work on Mac and Windows. Photoshop 2022 version 23.2.0 or higher is required to run it.

Additional resources:

My blog has more information on using this plugin and is updated regularly. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest updates.
Sean Bagshaw's YouTube channel has a playlist of TK Quick Tips that cover several different versions of the TK panel.
Dave Kelly's YouTube channel has an ever-expanding playlist of TK8 videos.
There are several videos from Sean Bagshaw's TK8 Video Guide on this page as well as videos from Dave Kelly and me.

The main feature of the TK8 is its ability to make pixel-based masks, like luminosity masks. But luminosity masks are just the beginning. TK8 also makes masks based on color channels, hue, color, saturation, vibrance, and the user's own alpha channels. Edge masks are latest addition to the kinds of masks easily generated with TK8. The video below shows where to find the newest features. Scroll down to see a more complete list of features.

In July 2022, the My Actions module was added to the TK8 plugin. This module provides a place where users can place actions that contain their personal Photoshop actions, menu items, keyboard shortcuts, and even Photoshop scripts. As long as these are first recorded into actions, they can be added to the My Actions module. This ability to completely customize the My Actions module means users can now essentially create their own Photoshop plugin. Simply record whatever Photoshop features you use most into Photoshop actions, and then add these actions to the My Actions module. From there they can be rearranged and color-coded in whatever way works best for your workflow. The videos below show how the My Actions module works.

I would like to express my gratitude for your and Sean Bagshaw's work. You two have changed my art and been instrumental for me to realize the unreachable "vision" that never seemed attainable before. The satisfaction in that is without price! −Richard Adams
Honestly, without the TK Panel and Sean Bagshaw's tutorial videos I couldn't get this kind of output from my images. Really, really thank you for your panel and tutorial videos. The are truly invaluable resources. −Jaydip Mehta
Two things – firstly, thanks for doing the update in such a way that my panel customisations and actions were still available to me. Brilliant. Secondly, I struggled a bit with earlier versions, due to my own inability and lack of commitment. But with this version I also bought Sean’s course and think the TK panel is exceptional and am using it 100%. −Colin Baterip
Thank you for making such a great program available. You and Sean have done a great service for photography. −Anthony Esposito
Thanks so much for your ongoing work to innovate and create updated panels…they are invaluable tools in the image processing workflow!!! —Jim Garrelts
Your latest TK8 plugin is pure bliss, really perfect. Very easy to learn. I’m impressed. Good job. −Daniel Desbenoit
I am finding that TK8 is easier, smoother, and more accessible. I think that the redesign and reengineering on the road to UXP has brought greater usability, and I appreciate being a benefactor. −Roy Robinson
I've only been using TK8, together with Sean's video guide, for 1 day, and I am already impressed with its capabilities. I am an intermediate Photoshop user and have basic notions of luminosity masks. With TK8 everything quickly becomes crystal clear so that literally "the sky becomes the limit" to post-processing digital photos. Aside from the intrinsic intuitiveness and flexibility of the panel, I find Sean's video guide to be equally impressive. Sean bends backwards to make sure that every last feature of the panel is clearly understood! Congratulations and thank you to you and Sean for creating such a wonderful tool and educational experience. −Jorge Perez-Martinez
The TK7 panel is one of the greatest tools I’ve found for luminosity masks and photo post-processing. The tools have helped me to not only understand luminosity better, but have increased the speed of my workflow many, many times over. −Travis Dieringer
I honestly don't remember the first version of TKActions panel I started off with, but it has been the best tool I've used for my photography. It really did change my post processing for the better...which is what makes it so extremely useful. Your new TK7 update (with the Infinity Color Masks) has been my favorite so far. I've been using the color masks with every image, and it has made life much easier. So thank you! −Ryan Stikeleather
I just bought the TK7 update and gave the infinity color mask feature a quick try. Wow! This is a huge, huge, huge game changer!!!! I tried it on an easier image...a Namibia shot and was able to easily make a perfectly feathered curves adjustment to the blue only...including the variations of blue in the sky and avoiding the clouds and other bright non-blue areas of the image. I was also able to easily select the dunes instantly with perfect adjustments. I tried the masks on a more complex image and was easily able to target specific colors. I am really happy here. This will be a huge time saver and help my workflow tremendously! I need to spend more time to realize the full potential, but this is really amazing. −Ken Koskela
Thanks for your amazing work! Having been a software developer for 40 years (now retired) I can say that you have certainly made some major improvements in function as well as usability. The TK panel wasn’t all that approachable at the beginning but you have definitely made strides toward making what is complex mathematics very comfortable. The ease of use now makes for a fluid workflow and I can accomplish a WHOLE lot more in exacting steps. −Paul Blais
Just a quick line to say how useful and game-changing your new infinity colour masks are. Who would have thought that the panel could be improved but you have done something, in my eyes, that is revolutionary to photography. I also think your accompanying video is extremely well presented and thought through. −David Court
The new V7 is more than I could have hoped for. I got on board a while ago in V5 and while I "got it" then, this new V7 is more accessible and a more easy workflow. No one wants the workflow from hell. This ain't it. Photoshop actually is a difficult jump to this level without this add on - if you want it all! Adobe never really tried but they could have done it. I was a software developer starting back in 1976. I am just amazed how much you have been able to encapsulate into the UI. The presentation and the new UI shows an agonizing attention to details. Sean's videos ties it all together. −Paul Blais
I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know how valuable and efficient the Rapid Mask 2 module is. It’s very easy to understand yet highly effective. It’s also very easy to explain to people when I am doing for the workshops how to integrate luminosity masks into their processing workflow. So thank you again for all your hard work putting this together. I couldn’t imagine my workflow without luminosity masks. −Kevin McNeal (PERSONAL NOTE: Kevin has an amazing eye for composition in the field as well as an amazing touch with the light in Photoshop. There are some stellar images on his website that show how good nature photography can be when someone is dedicated to the art form.)
I finished watching Sean’s video showing “what’s new in version 7” and I’m blown away. You’ve done it again! You’ve taken a great product and kicked it up a notch adding new features and streamlining existing workflows! Thank you for continuing to develop this essential toolkit for professionals. Since I added the TK Actions panel to my post-processing workflow, I feel like I finally have total control over delicate adjustments to my images. It’s been a game-changer for me! −John Arnsdorf
I have been very impressed with your approach to Luminosity Masks, and, with the help of Sean’s videos, I have been burying myself in learning the techniques. It has reignited my love of the art. I have been struggling to regain the enthusiasm for photography since I transferred from film and the darkroom as I was unable to get the photos to reflect my memories as I was able to with the old Ilfochrome technology. However, learning your techniques has brought my photos to life again, and the fire for photography has been reignited – thank you, from the bottom of my heart! −Andy Campbell
Your panel is an absolutely integral part of my workflow. I’d be literally lost without it! −David Keep (PERSONAL NOTE: Not only does David have a great eye for photographs, but he's also developed a style that showcases how bringing the perfect light to an image makes you want to just linger a bit longer and enjoy.)
I had to stop in the middle of processing an image with TK Actions V6 for the first time and let you know that V6 is absolutely fantastic! I love the logical way that the Rapid Mask module is laid out. The submenu approach keeps everything clean and accessible. The masks work lightning fast and provide total flexibility. This is definitely my favorite iteration of TK Actions so far. Thank you for making it available! −Ken Koskela (PERSONAL NOTE: Ken has an amazingly diverse online gallery of gorgeous images. He also has a free eMagazine that's definitely worth checking out for its tips and insights to photographic processes.)
I've been working with you panel for a while, and I absolutely adore the ease of use and quality of this instrument. Photoshop is not complete without the V6 panel. −Rob van Esch (PERSONAL NOTE: Rob's website has some really nice architecture images. Luminosity masks aren't just for nature photographers.)
Just got the V6 upgrade and went through the new videos. I am amazed how much you have been able to simplify the UI and make it more intuitive...you've done a wonderful job sorting out the workflow and made it so much easier to just fool around and try options. −Paul Blais
Very impressed with this release, a joy to use. Well done! −Les Wilk
Thanks for making such a great product - my Photoshop just feels wrong without it! −Evan Thomas (PERSONAL NOTE: Lots of great Milky Way shots in Evan's portfolio.)
I can't thank you enough for this new V6 panel. It is a huge improvement. I have downloaded Sean Bagshaws's video guide and feel very comfortable with the functionality of the panel. I have used the other panels currently on offer to photographers but yours is the most intuitive and quickest to use. It's great to have the tools to improve images while keeping them looking natural. You've given photographers an amazing tool to be creative. −David Court
The update to the Rapid Mask 2 module is amazing. It gives flexibility and allows creativity. Sean's videos are brilliant and make the functionality very clear indeed. −Rajiv Chopra
Wow, I had a chance to use the new panel, and it is even easier to use. Your commitment to this technique is unmatched. −Tom Polys
This tool is just so powerful and helpful. −James McGovern
V6 is another outstanding evolution of your masking panel, which is a difficult feat, given the attributes of V5. The power and flexibility in one compact panel is extraordinary. I really appreciate the considerable creative effort you’ve put into this panel. I still maintain that it is grossly underpriced. As always, I find Sean’s videos invaluable for quickly understanding the rich features and potential of the panel. −Gerald Vincent (PERSONAL NOTE: Really love Gerald's "Lake Winnipeg" gallery. It shows the unique images that result when a nature photographer takes the time to really see what a place has to offer.)
Excellent work. Without doubt the best update. Once again thanks for such an excellent add-on for those who enjoy photography. Special mention to the option for photography in BW. −Ennio Fratini
Congratulations on the v5/v6 enhancements and simplifications. I am starting to rework a few images, previously done with the earlier versions, and must say I really like what I am seeing. My workflow is faster and simpler and allows me more time to engage with the image. −David Eckels (PERSONAL NOTE: Check out David's "Favorites" gallery for a diverse collection excellent images.)
Just a quick line to say how brilliant I find the upgrades on the TK7 panel. I'm grateful that the layout has stayed much the same but with ingenious tweaks! The extra addition of mask modification buttons is extraordinarily useful. As a piece of creative software, I hope the world applauds you for your contribution to creative photography. −David Court
I know you are a busy guy but, concerning your new Rapid Mask 2 panel...absolutely a masterful piece of software! Very much appreciated. −Richard Adams.
Thanks a lot, Tony!! I can't overstate how important your panel has become to my workflow. It is simply brilliant, as are Sean's videos. −Saptashaw Chakraborty
This author of this video is spot on in ranking TK Actions the #1 choice of luminosity panels. I have tried other luminosity panels and I agree with his results. TK Actions remains my go to tool for luminance masking. If the author had seen RapidMask2 panel he would agree that it breaks the barrier for ease of use. With the release of the RapidMask2 panel it is now intuitively easy and powerful to create effective masks. TKActions is the only luminosity tool that uses calculations for creating the masks and can generate new selections rapidly for testing and refining masks. You’ve really put it all together here. −Michael Colby
You should really charge more for your panel. It's an incredible tool and while I'm (still) no expert at photo editing, I've come a long way thanks to the ease with which you've made it possible to create and manipulate luminosity masks. −Robert Petrie
I just wanted to congratulate you and thank you. The TKV6 panel is a masterpiece. My sincere thanks and I hope you continue with this magnificent work. Thank you. Greetings from Taiwan. −Salvador Marco
I love the panels. They work really well for B&W, eliminating all those nasty halos! −Thomas Pohlig (PERSONAL NOTE: All black and white all the time on Tom's photo stream. It's really neat to see what happens when a photographer focuses in this manner.)
I wanted to say how much I appreciate your panels. They have become a very sophisticated and comprehensive addition to any workflow, and Sean's videos are a model of clarity that I find essential to keep up with the pace of your developments! −Bas Montgomery
As a web developer, thank you for the awesome panels. It is awe-inspiring what you have done with Photoshop. As a hobbyist photographer, thanks to Sean for the awesome videos as well as the artistic inspiration. My eyes have opened to a whole new world due in part to the both of you! −Tim Horne
I have used Photoshop for at least 20 years and stuck with it through all the learning curves. Along came the newer versions of Capture One and I basically switched. I really liked the RAW interpretations and the ability to customize the workspace. With your last two versions of the RapidMask module, I find myself relying more and more on Photoshop to get what I want. Using your panels has made all the difference. They allow me to much better utilize the underlying power of Photoshop −Jerry K.

The TK8 plugin is compact and loaded with functionality. In addition to the main interface, there are logical submenus that can be easily accessed using the buttons on the main interface, and these submenus automatically close when they are no longer needed. Rolling the mouse over the image below displays more of the underlying menus available in these modules.

The TK8 plugin uses Adobe's UXP architecture and is designed exclusively for Photoshop. The latest version of TK8 requires at least Photoshop 2022 version 23.2.0. TK8 should work in future versions of Photoshop, but it will not install or work in older versions. Below are some of the features of each module.

Multi-Mask

Multiple sources/multiple masks−TK8 is much more than just a luminosity mask plugin. Channel, zone, color, saturation, vibrance, and now edge masks are created just as easily as luminosity masks. From these sources, entire spectrums of 16-bit, pixel-based, self-feathering masks can be generated.
Organized workflow-The user interface provides a clear, stepwise process for making masks. Choose the SOURCE, make the MASK, MODIFY it, and OUTPUT it.
Numerous output options−Adjustment layers with layer masks, burning and dodging, creating selections, mask painting, filter masks, and pixel layers from masks all with one click.
Accented button mask interface−The current mask button (Lights-1, Lights-2, Darks-1, Midtones-2, etc) is always highlighted in order to keep track of the current mask in order to help decide what to try next.
Add and subtract masks with ease−The mask calculator provides an easy way to add, subtract, or intersect any mask created by the panel.
Adjustment layer color grading−Color grade an image using a Curves adjustment layer with the module's color-wheel interface controlling the adjustment.
Layer Mask mode−Switch and adjust layer masks while watching the image to find the best mask for a particular adjustment.
Edit an active selection as a mask-Easily turn an active selection into a mask, modify it, and then continue using it as a selection.
Make color and black and white sketches−Turn any image into a sketch with Steve Dell's sketch action.
Use gradients to enhance the image−Use 1-color and 2-color gradients to quickly enhance the image.
One-click adjustment layers-Eight of the most common adjustment layers can be added directly from the main interface.

Combo/Cx

Compact design−Combines Photoshop control, web-sharpening, watermarking, and creative actions into one module.
Run Photoshop from the module−Many common Photoshop functions, keyboard shortcuts, and menu items can be run with a single button click from the module.
Muted color interface−Buttons are separated into logical groups in order to quickly find the correct Photoshop function. Button color saturation can be adjusted in each module's preferences.
Multi-function buttons−Some buttons have dual functions that are graphically displayed on the button itself or that can be activated with the CTRL/command key.
Use the "TK ▶" button to access creative Photoshop actions-A menu of practical and creative actions is available for speeding the Photoshop workflow and experimenting with different techniques.
Exposure blending actions−Stack, Align, and Focus Blend are found in the "TK ▶" menu.
Integrated web-sharpening−A new and expanded web-sharpening interface is included in TK8. It offers presets, file-naming, and file-saving for web-sharpened images.
Watermarking−Add your personal logo to any image. Customization options include position, size, edge offset, and opacity.
User actions−Create a personalized list of actions you've recorded by importing them from Photoshop's Action menu. They can then be run directly from the User actions menu in the module.
Programmable buttons−Fifteen (15) buttons can be reprogrammed with the user's actions. So, buttons that aren't being used can be given a new function.
Instant action−One button on the main interface is dedicated for programming to that favorite action you use all the time.
Right-click color-tagging−Right-clicking on buttons, menu items, and user actions provide enhanced color options in order to quickly find your favorites.

My Actions

Create a custom list of your most frequently used Photoshop actions−Add personal actions from any action set on Photoshop's Actions panel.
Dynamically organize the list to meet your needs−Move actions higher or lower in the list, highlight them with a colored background, and add and remove actions from the list with ease.
Create your own plugin−Keyboard shortcuts, Photoshop menu items, and Photoshop scripts can also be added to this module as long as they are embedded in a Photoshop action. This makes it possible to create a panel that contains all the frequently used functions in your Photoshop workflow.
Multiple configurations−This module can be docked anywhere in the Photoshop workspace. I can also be resized to the narrow width of the Cx module so that it can be contained in the same narrow vertical dock. This way it is always open and ready to use.

All Modules

Active selection indicator−An obvious new edge is added to the modules when there is an active selection even if there are no marching ants visible or they've been hidden.
Multiple languages−English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Chinese.
Tooltips−Helpful messages appear at the top or bottom of the module when rolling over the different buttons. This feature can be disabled once users are familiar with what each button does. However, even when turned off, tooltips can still be quickly accessed by holding down the ALT key on windows or the "option" key on Mac.

For a more detailed look at the TK8 plugin, download the TK8 Instructions Manual.

Where to Get It

The TK8 plugin is available on the Panels & Videos page.

Sean Bagshaw Videos

Sean Bagshaw is an expert user of luminosity masks. For many years he has helped me improve the panels and plugins and has created numerous videos that teach photographers how to use these techniques. For the TK8 plugin, Sean has put together an all-new "TK8 Video Guide" series that covers all the TK8 modules in detail. The videos review how to install the modules, how to set up Photoshop for luminosity masks, how to use the various buttons, and ways to incorporate the panel into any workflow. Sean has a unique ability to explain even complicated things in a manner that makes them understandable to almost everyone, and while the modules really aren't all that complex, Sean shows just how easy it is to use them. The "TK8 Video Guide" is available on the Panels & Videos page. Several sample videos from the series can be viewed below.

I hope you find the TK8 plugin useful in your photography. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.

Tony Kuyper Photography

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TK8 Plugin for Photoshop