StarTools comprises several modules with deep, state-of-the-art functionality that rival (and often improve on) other software packages.
Do not be fooled by StarTools' simple interface. You are forgiven if, at first glance, you get the impression StarTools offers only the basics. Nothing could be further from the truth!
In all modules, suitable heavy arithmetic is offloaded to your Graphics Process Unit (GPU).
AutoDev is an advanced image stretching solution that relies on detail analysis, rather than on the simple non-linear transformation functions from yesteryear.
The Bin module puts you in control over the trade-off between resolution, resolved detail and noise.
Thanks to StarTools' Tracking feature the Color module provides you with unparalleled flexibility and color fidelity when it comes to colour presentation in your image.
The Contrast module optimises local dynamic range allocation, resulting in better contrast, reducing glare and bringing out faint detail.
The Compose module is easy-to-use, but extremely flexible compositing and channel extraction tool. As opposed to all other software, the Compose module allows you to effortless process, LRGB, LLRGB, or narrowband composites like SHO, LSHO, Duo/Tri/Quadband and more composites, as if they were simple RGB datasets.
The crop module is an easy-to-use image cropping tool with quick aspect ratio presets and switchable luminance and chroma preview modes.
StarTools' Deconvolution module allows for recovering detail in seeing-limited and diffraction-limited datasets. StarTools' deconvolution is unique amongst astrophotography software in several ways;
The Unified De-Noise module offers detail-aware, astro-specific noise reduction. Paired with StarTools' Tracking feature, it yields pin-point accurate results that have no equal.
The Entropy module is a novel module that enhances detail in your image, using latent detail cues in the color information of your dataset.
The FilmDev module was created from the ground up as a robust equivalent to the classic Digital Development algorithm that attempts to emulate classic film response when first developing a raw stacked image.
The Filter module allows for the modification of features in the image by their colour by simply clicking on them. It is as close to a post-capture colour filter wheel as you can get.
The Fractal Flux module allows for fully automated analysis and subsequent processing of astronomical images of DSOs.
The HDR (High Dynamic Range) module optimises local dynamic range, in order to bring out the maximum amount of detail that is hidden in your data.
The Heal module was created to provide a means of substituting unwanted pixels in an neutral way.
The Layer module is an extremely flexible pixel workbench for advanced image manipulation and pixel math, complementing StarTools' other modules.
The Lens module was created to digitally correct for lens distortions and some types of chromatic aberration in the more affordable lens systems, mirror systems and eyepieces.
The Repair module attempts to detect and automatically repair stars that have been affected by optical or guiding aberrations.
StarTools' Detail-aware Wavelet Sharpening allows you to bring out faint structural detail in your images.
The Shrink module offers comprehensive stellar profile modification by shrinking, tightening and re-colouring stars.
New as of StarTools 1.6 beta, is the Stereo 3D module. The Stereo 3D module can be used to synthesise depth information based on astronomical image feature characteristics.
The Super Structure allows you to manipulate the super structures in your image separately from the rest of the image. It is useful to push back busy star fields, or emphasise nebulosity by colour, luminance, or both.
The Synth module generates physically correct diffraction and diffusion of point lights (such as stars) in your image, based on a virtual telescope model.
The Wipe module detects, models and removes source of unwanted light bias, whether introduced in the optical train, camera or by light pollution.
High-resolution data sets, such as those from a DSLR typically require at least 4Gb of RAM.
For its unique engine to function, StarTools needs to be able to make mathematical sense of your signal flow.
You can convert everything you see to a format you find convenient. Give it a try!