FXhome ships Imerge Pro 2.0

HitFilm developer FXhome has released Imerge Pro 2.0, the latest version of the still image-editing tool, adding a new GPU-accelerated RAW conversion engine and support for 16-bit image export.

The ‘world’s first non-destructive RAW image compositor’
First released last October, Imerge Pro is a new $149 application that FXhome pitches as the “world’s first non-destructive RAW image compositor”.

As well as RAW files – it supports EXIF, XMP and IPTC metadata – it can import images in a range of standard 2D file formats, and processes images in 16-bit float space.

It offers a range of blending modes, filters and layer effects that will be familiar to users of other applications of this type, and supports unlimited image layers.

The software also features what look to be quite powerful greenscreen keying and grading toolsets.

New in 2.0: better import of RAW data, 16-bit export and workflow improvements
To that, Imerge Pro 2.0 adds a new GPU-based RAW conversion engine which improves import times – FXhome doesn’t say by how much – and recovery of detail from blown-out highlights in images.

The software can also now actually export in 16-bit formats – you have a choice of PNG, TIFF, HDR or OpenEXR – although it still only supports single-layer OpenEXRs.

There is also a new resize tool, intended as a “more flexible way of changing the canvas size while maintaining layer positions”.

Workflow improvements include a handy-looking context-sensitive insert menu for applying effects and masks, and a more comprehensive layer search system.

The interface has also been updated, with a choice of preset layouts, the option to rename effects, and better display of preview and thumbnail images on Hi-DPI displays.

Pricing and availability
Imerge Pro 2.0 is available for 64-bit Windows 8.1+ and Mac OS X 10.12+. It costs $149.

Read a full list of new features in Imerge Pro 2.0 in FXhome’s online changelog