Skip to main content

Google quietly kills off Nik Collection, has no plans for future updates

google nix the nik collection 43294422  designed modern workspace with white desktop computer
Screenshot via YouTube / Image by Katarzyna Białasiewicz / 123RF
The Nik Collection of Adobe photo editing plugins that Google bought out in 2012 is no longer compatible with the latest version of Photoshop. The website for Google’s popular image editing plugins that handle tasks from black and white conversion to sharpening, now states that the company has no plans to add future updates to the system.

The Nik Collection website now shows a banner saying that the collection is compatible through Photoshop CC 2015, but Google has no “plans to update the Collection or add new features over time.” The plugins are still compatible with OS X 10.7 and Windows Vista 7 and 8 and older versions of Photoshops, but updating to Photoshop 2017 drops the plugin entirely. Without an official announcement from Google, it is unclear when the company announced the change.

Recommended Videos

The Nik Collection grew in popularity not necessarily because it handled tasks Photoshop couldn’t, but for its ability to create advanced, precise edits quickly and simply. The Nik Collection included a number of different tools for adjusting a photo, including the popular black and white conversion Silver Efex Pro, as well as Analog Efex Pro, a platform for creating film-inspired effects. The suite also included tools for sharpening, reducing noise, and creating high dynamic range images.

Google bought the Nik Software in 2012, dropping a $500 set down to a $149 family of size plugins. The acquisition included the Nik Collection as well as the developer’s other programs, including Snapseed, a free photo editing app that as of March was still receiving regular updates. At the time of the acquisition, Google said it still had plans of continuing to develop the software.

Last spring, the Nik Collection became even more popular after the entire suite became a free download. At the time, however, fans were worried the move to a free collection wouldn’t give Google any motivation to continue enhancing the programs. Now, those features apparently were not unfounded as the Nik Collection, which is still available for download, will not see compatibility with future Photoshop versions.

Hillary K. Grigonis
Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…
GoPro launches ultralight, affordable Hero 4K Camera for $199
The 2024 GoPro hero is frozen in ice.

GoPro enthusiasts have a new camera to consider after the company introduced its miniature, ultralight 4K Hero late last week. It is the company's smallest and most affordable offering, costing just $199.

The Hero is waterproof and combines GoPro's simplest user interface with 4K video, 2x slo-mo at 2.7K resolution, and 12-megapixel photos. It is available on retail shelves around the world and online at GoPro's website.

Read more
The best camera phones in 2024: our top 9 photography picks
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

In the past decade or so, cameras on smartphones have evolved so much that they can pretty much replace a standalone digital camera for most people. The results you can get on some of the best smartphones these days are just so impressive, and being able to be with you at all times means you'll never miss a moment.

But what if you want the best possible camera phone money can buy? A camera that won't let you down no matter what you're taking a picture of? You've come to the right place. Here are the very best camera phones you can buy in 2024.

Read more
An ace photographer is about to leave the ISS. Here are his best shots
The moon and Earth as seen from the ISS.

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick is preparing to return to Earth after spending seven months living and working aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

After arriving at the orbital outpost, Dominick -- who is on his first mission to space -- quickly earned a reputation for being an ace photographer. He's been using the facility’s plethora of high-end cameras and lenses to capture amazing shots from his unique vantage point some 250 miles above Earth. Sharing his content on social media, the American astronaut has always been happy to reveal how he captured the imagery and offer extra insight for folks interested to know more.

Read more