GraXpert AI: Revolutionizing Gradient Removal in Astrophotography

Embarking on the journey of astrophotography post-processing opens doors to a realm of continuous learning and exploration. New tools, techniques, and software frequently emerge, reshaping our workflows. Among these, the RC-Astro exterminator tools have proven invaluable. The concept of an AI-based gradient removal tool had always intrigued me, given the time-consuming nature of background removal using my existing method. When I learned about the beta version of GraXpert, boasting AI-powered gradient removal, I knew I had to dive in. The results? Nothing short of impressive. Despite being in beta, this tool excels, requiring no intricate settings or sample point selections. Simply load your image, click "Calculate Background," and watch the magic unfold. Over my last three projects, GraXpert AI has firmly established itself in my toolkit, replacing my previous method. What's more, it's free and compatible across various platforms, seamlessly integrating into Photoshop, Pixinsight, and Siril. In this post, I share my experiences, insights, and a step-by-step guide to incorporating GraXpert AI into your astrophotography journey.

Installation: To harness the power of GraXpert AI, begin by downloading two essential files. First, acquire the executable from here and the Background model from this link.

For Windows users, installation is straightforward. Create a folder named 'GraXpert' on your desktop (or a preferred location). Place the downloaded executable into this folder. Unzip the background model folder and add it to the 'GraXpert' folder as well. Both the executable and background model must reside in the same folder for the tool to function correctly. Double-click the executable to launch the tool. For easy access, consider creating a shortcut and pinning it to your taskbar.

Open the GraXpert AI tool:

Upon opening, you may see a message about a new version. Disregard this message; do not install a new version, as it does not contain the AI option.

Click 'Load Image' to select the image from which you wish to remove the gradient. You will need to select a Stretch Option to be able to see the image/gradient.

Under 'Interpolation Method,' ensure 'AI' is selected. For 'Smoothing,' a value of 0.5 generally yields good results, but feel free to experiment.
To initiate gradient removal, click 'Calculate Background.' Depending on your computer's speed, this process may take a few minutes. If the tool is stuck at the 'Calculating' message, ensure the executable is in the same folder as the background model.

Once the background is calculated, you'll see the processed version of the image. You can inspect the background by selecting the 'Background' option from the dropdown menu in the middle of the screen. However, the tool typically does an excellent job, making this step optional.

You can change the stretch option to evaluate any remaining gradient or observe the effectiveness of the background removal. When you're satisfied, click 'Save Processed' and choose your desired file format. Import the processed image into your preferred post-processing program to continue.

For optimal results, consider splitting the channels before loading the image into GraXpert. After gradient removal on individual channels, recombine them in your chosen program, such as PixInsight, before continuing with your regular workflow.

Conclusion: GraXpert AI represents a significant advancement in astrophotography post-processing. Its exceptional ability to swiftly and effectively remove gradients, combined with its user-friendly interface, makes it an invaluable addition to any astrophotographer's toolkit. Its compatibility across various processing platforms ensures accessibility for a wide audience. Personally, I've found it to be a time-saving gem, seamlessly integrating into my workflow. I eagerly await the possibility of it being adapted as a script or process for PixInsight, further enhancing its usability for the community.

Support My Journey: If you'd like to support my astrophotography endeavors, visit www.toozastro.store to explore a selection of awe-inspiring prints and products. Every purchase directly contributes to further explorations of the cosmos. Thank you for being a part of this celestial odyssey!