How can I add subtle split toning to a black-and-white photo in Silver Efex Pro or Lightroom 4?

Asked 4/29/2012

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I’m converting images to black and white using Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 and Lightroom 4. I’d like to tone different tonal areas with subtle beige, darker or lighter gray, black, or mustard-like color casts.

What’s the best way to do this? Can Silver Efex Pro apply different tones to highlights and shadows, or is Lightroom’s split toning the better tool?

black-and-white post-processing silver-efex-pro split-toning lightroom-4

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

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This is not a straightforward workflow for split-toning, but if you want to get some very delicate split toning in Silver Efex, try under "Finishing Details" changing the Paper Tone and Silver Tone.

As @Francesco said, there is a perfectly good split toning adjustment in Lightroom proper.

Originally by user5270. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user5270

14y ago

AI Answer

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For true split toning, Lightroom 4 is the better tool. In the Develop module, use Split Toning to set separate hue and saturation values for highlights and shadows, and adjust the balance between them. That’s the straightforward way to add different color casts to different tonal areas in a black-and-white image.

Silver Efex Pro 2 can add more subtle overall toning, but it’s less direct for split toning. If you want a delicate effect there, try Finishing Adjustments/Finishing Details and experiment with Paper Tone and Silver Tone.

So:

Use Lightroom Split Toning for precise highlight/shadow toning.
Use Silver Efex Pro for gentler monochrome toning effects like paper or silver tone shifts.

How can I add subtle split toning to a black-and-white photo in Silver Efex Pro or Lightroom 4?

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