This partial documentation was retrieved from archive.org.

It is not complete as much has

been lost since GoPro killed the company Kolor and stopped supporting their products in
September 2018.

Autopano - Main Window -

Toolbar

Browse folder
This icon allows you to browse a folder and extract all the images before sorting them in groups.

Principle
During a shooting, the camera attributes the EXIF data to each picture.
This data contains information such as the focal length, aperture, the date and time of shooting,
the brand and model of the camera, etc.
Generally, there is a time span of a few seconds between the pictures and composition of a
panorama.
A picture isolated in time does not belong to a panorama.
Autopano will therefore combine images based on the date and time of shooting in using the
moments when there are no pictures as a delimiter between two groups.

Operation
When you start analyzing a folder, Autopano gathers all the images in it, recognizes the images
belonging to the same panorama and groups them.
In case Autopano cannot detect the right amount of panoramas after you dropped all the images
from multiple panoramas (composed with the same number of pictures), you have now the
possibility to set the number of pictures (stacked or not) per panorama:
To do so, click the Browse folder icon, set the Average number of images per panorama, set
the Maximum time-lapse (sec.) to 0 (zero), then click OK

Interface

Button "..."
Lets you select the file that you want to
analyze.
Recurse into subfolders
If this box is clicked, Autopano will analyze all
of the folders contained in the selected folder
beforehand.
Images contained in different folders are placed
in different groups.

Auto detection
Automatically starts the detection of panoramas
and displays the previews for all groups
created.

Minimum number of images

This value limits the minimum number of
pictures present in a group.
Average number of images
This value influences the number of pictures present in a group.
This is by no means a limit and you can always create new groups, add and move images
between the groups from the group window.
Maximum time lapse
The pictures are examined in the order of shots; for a picture to be placed in the same
group as the previous picture, the time interval between shots needs to be less than this
maximum time lapse.
Don't mix landscape and portrait
If you click this box, the groups cannot contain images in portrait and landscape mode at
the same time.
Group by focal
If you click this box, the groups will only contain images with the same focal length.
Creation of groups
The groups are created based on 2 values: Average number of images and Maximum time
lapse

• Autopano considers that all the selected file images form one group. The images are
classified by shooting date (the EXIF shooting date) in ascending order.
• The algorithm then searches for the largest time gap between 2 consecutive images.
o If this gap is already lower than the 'Maximum time lapse, the algorithm
stops because it means that all images were each taken with a gap lower
than the Maximum time lapse.
o If this gap exceeds our Maximum time lapse limit, it divides this group
into 2.
• The algorithm continues to divide the groups until the image number limit reaches
the Average number of images.

Examples of use:

• Average number of images = 1 and Maximum time lapse = 10

o The groups that do not have images will be separated by a maximum of
10 seconds. Groups with one picture can exist.
• Average number of images = 1000 and Maximum time lapse = 10
o Groups may have approximately 1000 pictures each but the time gap
between the images is not guaranteed to be 10 seconds for each group.

Select images
This icon allows you to import images into Autopano by directly clicking them.
The selected images will be placed in the same group.

Import from...
Click on this button to open the Import Wizard.
This module is also accessible via the menu (File/Import...)

Batch Renderer
This icon opens the Batch Rendering menu.
 Contextual help
Click on this icon to activate this tool. Then click on the icon of your choice to view information
about its use.

Autopano - Main Window -

Groups Window
The group window is the workspace for grouping and sorting images.
A panorama detection can then be launched on each group independently.
The detected panoramas will display in the Panorama window.
The bottom of the group window contains features that are relative to all common groups.
Group interface
The group interface allows to show all group content, shooting information and to adjust the
panorama detection settings.

Toolbar
The toolbar gives access to the parameters for the group only.

Detect / Stop detection

This launches the panorama detection for the current group.
Press again to stop the detection.

Group settings
Contains many settings for the panorama detection and the processing of group images.
For more information, consult the page dedicated to Group settings.

Image properties
This contains various information and settings of the image’s EXIF data and their interpretation
by Autopano.
For more information, consult the page dedicated to Image properties.
 Add images
Opening a file browser allows you to click pictures you want to add to the current group.

Plugin Wizard ( Autopano Giga only)

You can apply plug-ins to your images so that they can be processed before moving to the
creation of panoramas.
For more information, consult the page dedicated to Plugin Wizard.

Close
Closes the current group.

Image display area

Each group's image is represented by a thumbnail (default display mode).
Right click on this area to open the contextual menu.
The options available in the contextual menu apply to selected images or all images if none
image is selected.
Any selected images is highlighted. You can select multiple images at once by drawing a
selection rectangle by holding down the Shift key or using the ctrl (Windows) / cmd (Mac) key.

Viewer (double click)

Double click an image lets open the viewer to display a preview of the images.
This window allows to preview images one by one using arrows or the images list.
It is also possible to zoom in/zoom out thanks to the zoom level at the bottom left part of the
window.

The EXIF button lets display an information tab containing EXIF data of the images:

Contextual menu (right click)

Open containing folder...
Opens a file browser window where your images are found.
View image...
Displays the selected image in Autopano's viewer. You can open as many viewers as you want.
View

The display icon is the default display The display details presents the
mode; each image is represented by a images as a list and it also shows
thumbnail with its name. additional information.

Reload pictures
This refreshes the images stored in temporary folders.
This is useful if you change an image after adding it to a group and avoids the creation of a new
group. The new version of this image will replace the old.
Add images ...
By opening a file browser you can select pictures to be added in the current group.
Remove images
Deletes the selected images.
Keep selected images
Select some images in a group, choose this option and it will remove all other images.
Copy/Paste images
Copies the selected image or glues the images in the current group.
Copy images to a new group
Creates a new group that contains a copy of the selected images. Now, all new groups created
stay together. Previously the new group was created at the end of the group list.
Move images to a new group
Creates a new group and moves the selected images. They will no longer be available in their
original group. Now, all new groups created stay together. Previously the new group was
created at the end of the group list.
Split group here
Split the group at the desired place: use this option on an image will cut the group at this place
to create a new group including the selected image and all its following images.
Group selection into stack
Groups the selected images as one stack. They will appear as a single thumbnail with a small
symbol . This function is useful when shooting with manual bracketing. It groups the
different bracket levels belonging to the same shoot.
Create stack by N
Group the selected images into several stacks. They will appear as a single thumbnail with a
small symbol . If you bracket shot with three different levels of exposure, type 3 to
automatically group all identical views together.
Un-stack
This is opposite from “Stack”, it breaks up the pile so that each image is displayed
independently.

Shooting information
This frame displays information about the shooting corresponding to a group.
Number of images in the group.
Focal length of lens used.
Shutter speed used.
Aperture used.
Shooting date.
Time interval needed for the shooting.
All groups

The toolbar in the lower part of the group window contains the functions relative to all
common groups.

Detect / Stop everything

The detection on all of the common groups will be launched when this button is pushed.
If the button is pressed again during the detection, the detection will stop.

New group
This button creates an empty group in which you can add pictures.

Close all groups

This button closes all running groups.

Thumbnail size
Use this slider to adjust the sizes of the thumbnails found in the groups.

Autopano - Import...
This option lets you import projects from different origins such as images of a shooting that was
taken from a motorized head or projects from the panotools. This module is also accessible by

clicking on the button of the interface toolbar.

6 import modules are available:
 1. Gigapan
2. Papywizard
3. Panotools
4. VR Drive 2 (Autopano Giga only)
5. Clauss (Autopano Giga only)
6. iStar (Autopano Giga only)

Autopano - Panorama
Editor

Panorama editor interface

Fast editor new feature lets you edit huge or gigapixels panoramas faster than ever before. This
can cause temporary visual artifacts until the calculations are done (this is due to some
compromises made to accelerate everything). As a reminder, you can disable it from the General
tab in Preferences menu.

The panorama editor is presented on a separate interface with 4 main areas:

• Toolbar: Groups the editing tools.

• Panorama editing area: Lets you use the editing tools, to move and to zoom in the
panorama.
• Information window: Lets you see the assembly information, the history and the
parameters of the currently used tool.
• Layers editor: Used to classify images according to several criteria, as well as add and
delete images.
Toolbar

A : Save project
B : Undo/Redo
C : Projections
D : Geometry Correction
E : Images mode
F : Move mode
G : Control points editor
H : Masking tool (Autopano Giga only)
I : Color Correction
J : Render tools
K : Editor settings
L : Help
Clicking the preview icon ( ) automatically applies a standard blending and color
correction.

Save the project

The panorama project files have a “.pano” extension. Access to the following choices is given by
clicking on the small arrow to the right of the icon:

Save
Saves the project to the same location as the last backup.
If this is the first time it is saved, Autopano executes “Save as….”.
Save as...
Open a file browser so that you can indicate where to save the project.
Extended save as...
This is the same as “Save as...". Autopano also creates a file with the same name as the
project and places all the images needed to create the project in this file.
This is useful if you want to transfer the completed project to a third support (USB key,
hard disk, CD, etc.) so that it can be opened on another machine.
Save in old format as...
Just used to keep a compatibility for Livepano in some previous versions of Panotour Pro
Save as Template...
Autopano saves the links used to create the panorama within a model. This can then be used
to create new panoramas with the same configurations.
To re-use a template, you need to specify it in Group settings (Detection tab) before
launching the panorama's detection. Doesn't work with stacked images.

The template files are located in:

OSX: Hold the "ALT" key, then open Go menu in the Finder. Go to Library, Application
Support, Kolor, AutopanoProXX or AutopanoGigaXX, User, Templates
Windows: C:\Users\user_name\AppData\Local\Kolor\Autopano Pro X.X or Autopano Giga
X.X\User\Templates
Export to Panotools...
Open a file browser so that you can indicate where to save the project.
This button lets you export your project in a format that can be read by the Panotools.
Export to Papywizard...
Create an .xml file which contains the shooting settings

Undo/Redo
Lets you to undo or reset the editing actions.

Editor settings
These settings have an effect on the quality of the preview and operation of the editor. The
settings that affect the quality of the final rendering are adjusted in the Rendering launcher
window.

Grid
These options let define the types
and spacing of (primary and
secondary) lines that make up the
grid in the panorama’s editing area.
Lets set the value type for the grid,
in pixels or degrees.
Also lets modify the pimary lines
and sub-divisions (or secondary
lines) color. Note: The grid fits
depending on the prjection used.

Toolbar
These settings define the size of the
toolbar icons. You can also choose
to add a description text to the icons
or replace the icons with text.

History
Lets you set the number of saved
actions and the memory allocated to
them.

Tools validation
Allows to define if changes relevant to the use of any tool is by default:

• Always asked
• Always validated
• Always cancelled

Contextual help
Click on this icon to activate this tool. Click on the icon of your choice to view information
about its use.

Panorama editing area

This editor's area is the visual zone allowing to interact and view the result of the different tools
available in the editor.

Basic features (Windows / OSX)

Zoom
Ctrl+ / Cmd+ et Ctrl- / Cmd-

Alt key hold + mouse scrolling

Zoom buttons and at the bottom left on the editing zone.

Directly type the desired value in the field where the current value is displayed.

Display

Fit panorama on screen: Ctrl+0 / Cmd+0

Fit the zoom level to the image resolution: Ctrl+1 / Cmd+1

Fit the whole panorama extend on screen: Ctrl+2 / Cmd+2

Move

Sidebars (horizontal and vertical)

Space key hold + left click then mouse moving

Specific features
Grid
The grid allows to view the panorama in a space defined in pixels or in degrees (this parameter
can be set on the Editor settings). This is very interesting because this grid totally depends on the
projection used.
You can display/hide the grid using the icon at the bottom right part of the displaying zone.
Vanishing point
Based on the same concept than the grid, except that no setting is available about its displaying.
Allows to view the vanishing point of the panorama, to check if it requires to be modified or not
with the related tool.
You can display/hide the vanishing point using the icon at the bottom right part of the
displaying zone.
Quick Preview
Using this icon lets the displaying zone to transform the project preview in final preview, in real
time.
Note that tool only render the visible part of the displaying area, be careful using it in
combination with a full resolution zoom for example.
You can enable/disable the preview using the icon at the bottom left part of the displaying
zone, a green outline will appear around your panorama once the preview has loaded.

Information window

Info tab
 General information
Groups information such as:

The number of images

The number of links and

control points

The overlapping rate (in %)

The stitching quality (RMS)

Selecting a tool in the

toolbar brings up the
parameters of the tool
instead of the Info tab if it is
active.
This window's display can
be different following the
panorama and the
operations done, for more
information, go to the Control points editor page, in Stitching information section.

History tab
 The "History" dialogue box
views all of the steps carried out
since the opening of the
panorama or its creation. A click
on a step contained in the history
lets you bring it back up so that
you can continue editing at the
desired location. Clicking on
"Create a screenshot" also lets
you freeze the state of your
panorama at a given moment.
PTo reset this state, click on the
desired screenshot.

The history is deleted when you

exit the editor. If you open the
same panorama again, only the
last version will be visible and
usable.

Field of view
The field of view of the assembled panorama can be seen in the bottom right of the editor.
Theta corresponds to a horizontal angular field and Phi corresponds to a vertical angular field.
The positive and negative values correspond to the angles from a central point of view, as
symbolized by the grid's gray lines.
Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Layers Editor

Principle
This tool is based on a known fact: many panoramas are made up of images that have common
information, the same speed, the same openness or the same focal length.
It is interesting to group images with similar characteristics during the mixing phase and process
them as a sub-group (layers).

Beyond common features, the Layers editor allows to group images as you want, for example by
separating the panorama at the horizon level, to process the sky separately to the ground.
The use of layers makes sense when stitching bracketed images, where each bracket level can be
defined in separate layers, allowing direct blending or an export of each layer.
Each layer is optimized by the use of all constraints and all pictures of all layers. The positions of
the images are thus relevant to the whole stitching.

Interface
Toolbar

Add images
Lets you to add one or more images to the selected layer. Autopano Pro will then integrate this
image (or these images) into the panorama preview. You can also use the contextual menu (right
click).

Remove images or layers

Select an image or layer and click on this button to delete it. Autopano Pro will then remove it
from the panorama preview. You can also use the delete key or the contextual menu (right click).

Image properties
Lets you see and change the image properties.

Reload Image
Reload an image after any changes. This allows you to edit an image in a third-party software,
without leaving Autopano and reload it in the panorama editor with changes made.

New layer
Creates an empty new layer in which you can slide or add images.

Reset layer
Lets you return to the initial state.

Group by aperture
Creates layers that depend on the aperture of each image.

Group by bracket
Creates layers that depend on the bracket of each image.

Group by focal length

Creates layers that depend on the focal length of each image.

Group by speed
Creates layers that depend on the speed of each image.
 Group by stack
Creates layers that depend on the stacks of input created images.

Display/Hide Exif info

Shows/hides Exif information of images (image information source) in the layer list:

• Focal
• Speed
• Aperture
• Iso

Display/Hide Localization info

Shows/hides Localization information of the images (image information after optimization) in
the layer list:

• Yaw: localization on horizontal axis (X)

• Pitch: localization on vertical axis (Y)
• Roll: localization on Z axis
• Fov: field of view
• Computed Focal: computed focal
• K1: 1st order distortion factor
• K2: 2nd order distortion factor
• K3: 3rd order distortion factor
• Offset X: localization difference between the center of the lens and the center of the
sensor on the horizontal axis (X)
• Offset Y: localization difference between the center of the lens and the center of the
sensor on the vertical axis (Y)
 Display/Hide Color info
Shows/hides the color information of images in the list of layers:

• Color anchor: defined color anchor

Layers list
This area lets you manage the layers and images that form a panorama.

The information used by each image can be seen in independent columns :

• These columns are sort by type (Exif, Localization and Color) that can be

displayed/hidden with the buttons (located on the right of the toolbar).

• Each of these columns can be sorted by clicking on its title, which quickly shows the
logic in a sequence of images.

This window also lets you:

• Move an image from one group to another: Select the desired image and drag & drop to
the desired layer.
 • Rename a layer: Double-click on the name of the layer so that it can be edited. You can
also use the contextual menu (right click).
• Show/Hide an image/layer in the preview:
o Lets you display or hide an image or a layer in the preview of the panorama,
just check / uncheck the image or layer.
o This function is applicable only for the preview of the panorama editor and
not for the rendering. If you do not want an image to be viewed in the
rendering, delete it.

Contextual menu (right click)

Rename layer: Lets you rename the layer.
Copy image name: Lets copy the name of
the selected image(s)

Copy image location: Lets copy the location

of the selected image(s)
Paste image location: Lets paste the location
of the selected image(s)

Add images: Lets you add images. This

works the same way as the Adding images
tool.
Remove images or layer: Lets you delete
images or layers. This works the same way as
the Delete images tool.
Reload Image: Reload an image after any
changes. This allows you to edit an image in
a third-party software, without leaving
Autopano and reload it in the panorama
editor with changes made.

Move to new layer: Moves the current

selection to a new layer. The latter will
appear in the layers list on the Layers editor.
 Copy to new panorama: Copies the current
selection to a new panorama. The latter will
open in the panorama window.
Move to new panorama: Lets you move the
current selection into a new panorama. The
latter will open in the panorama window.

Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Projections
You will find the tool here:

Concept
This tool lets modify the projection of the current panorama. Many projections are available
here, allowing to adjust the global panorama's geometry as well as possible, or even to realize
more graphical or abstract images.
Indeed, if some projections are available to recreate real situations to reach specifical
applications (planar or spherical projections), other projections are generally for aesthetic
purposes only.

Projections
Spherical or equirectangular projection
Pros:
 Authorizes the assembly of all panoramas.
Cons:
For the direct display (without a viewer) of a panorama on the screen and for feel we need
to ensure that the curvature of parallel straight lines on the horizon is still acceptable (there
is no rule, you need to be the judge).
When the vertical viewing angle is large, the stretching effect at the top of the image (near
the zenith) and at the bottom of the image (near the nadir) varies from unusual to very
unusual.

Planar or rectilinear projection

Pros:
Good choice if the angle is low, recommended for architectural shots because it is the only
mode that does not curve lines that are deemed to be straight lines.
Cons:
Can be used only if the view angle is less than 180 degrees along the diagonal of the image,
practice shows that beyond 90 degrees the stretching of the image is already visible along
the edges and in the corners.
Beyond 120 degrees, the result is no longer acceptable, because the stretching of the image
causes an unpleasant loss of sharpness.
Settings

Horizontal squeeze: Allows you to squeeze the horizontal field of view to improve distortions on
the borders of the panorama.

Pannini projection
The Pannini projection is also called "Recti-Perspective", "Panini" or "Vedutismo".
Pros:
Keep vertical lines vertically and straight radial lines. This can give a strong sense of
perspective on views whose horizontal field of view is wide and has a single and central
vanishing point.
Cons:
Makes curved the straight horizontal lines. Squeeze values can reduce or avoid this curving,
at the expense of radial lines which would be more or less folded.
Settings

Distance: Lets squeeze the horizontal space of the panorama, to avoid distortions due to the
horizontal FOV.

Maximum H-FOV: keeps the horizontal FOV the same as the computed value.
Top squeeze: Allows you to squeeze the area upper to the horizontal axis of the vanishing point,
to straighten horizontal curves of the top part of the image. Verical lines are not affected with
this setting.

Bottom squeeze: Allows you to squeeze the area lower to the horizontal axis of the vanishing
point, to straighten horizontal curves of the bottom part of the image. Verical lines are not
affected with this setting.

Cylindrical projection
Pros:
Can be used up to 360° (horizontally).
Cons:
The lines parallel to the horizon (curbs, tops of buildings) are still more or less curved.
The vertical angle is limited, it is imperative that it is less than 160 ° but the stretching begins to
slightly deform at the top and bottom of the image when it exceeds 45 degrees above or below
the skyline.

Mercator projection
Pros:
Can be used up to 360° (horizontally). The effect of stretching up and down the image is
attenuated compared to the spherical projection.
Cons:
The lines parallel to the horizon (curbs, tops of buildings) are still more or less curved. The
vertical angle is limited, it is imperative that it is less than 160 ° since the stretching begins to
slightly deform at the top and bottom of the image when it exceeds 55 degrees above or below
the skyline.

Little planet projection

The Stereographic projection (also called fisheye projection) can be used to create a little planet.
A right way up panorama lets get a planet effect and a backward panorama (180° rotation) let get
a tunnel effect.
Pros:
Allows you to create an original view of a panorama, mainly using equirectangular panoramas
(360°x180°).
Cons:
Using this projection with panoramas whose horizontal field of view is less to 330° is neither
aesthetic nor usable.
Pixels density on image borders is really much lower than the center.

Settings

Keep the horizon: Allows you to use the little planet effect by keeping the horizon straightened.

Squeeze: Lets define the projection zone to reduce loss pixel density, this is equivalent to crop
the image without deterioration.

Hammer projection
This projection is pretty similar to a flattened world map, mainly used in astronomy applications.

Orthographic projection
This is the view point of a sphere, whose panorama is viewed from afar, mapped to the outside
and not inside like most other projections.

Fisheye projection
This is the same thing than shooting with a perfect fisheye lens, without any distortion.
Settings

FOV: Lets set the FOV of the projection, without any distortion.

Mirror ball projection

This projection is the result of a visualization of the whole panorama on a spherical mirror, like
looking into a crystal ball.
Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Geometry
Correction
The following tools are used to correct the geometry:

Rotation

90° rotation to the left or right

These buttons let you switch a panorama when the corresponding group pictures do not have a
good landscape/portrait orientation.
Note that even if the panorama seems well aligned, rotating it 90 degrees can cause a
misalignment in the pictures. Therefore, we strongly advise you to click on the Auto Level tool
after rotation

Modify Yaw Pitch Roll

This tool lets you make changes to the panorama with the 90° right rotation, 90° left rotation,
positioning of the viewpoint, Automatic Level and vertical lines tools.
The angle of rotation must be expressed in degrees; the successive changes are added to each
other (a rotation of -10° is cancelled when it follows a 10° rotation).
 Yaw
Horizontal shift (towards the right for a
positive value).

Pitch
Vertical shift (towards the bottom for a
positive value).

Roll
Rotation around a central point (clockwise for a positive value).
The panorama’s central point is indicated by the intersection of the two grey lines of the grid,
one is horizontal and the other is vertical.

Transform:
Click on this button to confirm the modifications or push the enter button. The preview of the
panorama then adjusts according to the constraints you have to define.
You can undo changes after validation using the history.

Reset:
Click this button to ignore the changes and return to the previous state.

Point of view, horizon and

vertical lines
Vanishing point
The vanishing point tool will change the panorama’s point of view; this implies a visual change
of the vanishing points due to a type of projection selected previously.
Before displaying the preview, Autopano has already made an estimate on the center of the
skyline.
That being said said, it is better to be aware that Autopano totally ignores what has been
photographed and that you are in a better position to choose.
This tool centers the image where you click. In other words, it defines another point of view that
the point of view of origin, which has a dual effect:

• Drags the point of view's vertical axis (the vertical grey line will be the reference point).
• Drags the point of view's horizontal axis (the horizontal grey line will be the reference
point).

With the rectilinear projection, the vanishing points are affected by the dragging of the point of
view’s center (Perspective transformation equivalent to that can be seen in a camera's viewfinder
when you rotate it to the left or right).
The point of view’s horizon line should, in principle, be at the same height as the camera during
shooting, except for when taking low angle shots (vanishing point towards the top) or a view
from above (vanishing point towards the bottom).

Automatic horizon
Often, Autopano automatically creates a panorama where everything is level and thus the
"before" and "after" difference is not seen!
The tools described above were used to incline or vertically centre the panorama and on the
contrary, the Automatic level effect becomes visible.

Moreover, Autopano does not always straighten the panorama:

• If the camera’s rotation axis was not vertical when passing from one picture to the other
(shooting without a tripod or the tripod axis or the pan head was not aligned).
• If all the pictures were taken from the same side (this should not happen with a
panoramic head, in the case of a tripod this is different than the previous setting).

In these two cases, the Vertical lines tool needs to be used to put everything into place.

Vertical lines
This tool lets you straighten a panorama by tracing vertical lines in the panorama’s editing area.
The vertical lines tool is only available in the spherical and rectilinear (planar) projections.

Trace the lines (symbolized by blue strokes) from top to bottom, where vertical lines are found
in the photographed item (the edges of buildings, doors and windows, corners in the walls,
furniture).
The yellow dotted line (which is displayed at the same time as the blue line) is used as a
reference mark to straighten the horizons. This is very useful if your panorama does not have
vertical lines (landscapes, nature, etc.).
Only the blue lines appear with the rectilinear projection. With the spherical projection, the doted
yellow line appears each time a blue line is traced.

To change the orientation or length of a line: click on it and use the red boxes found at the ends
of the lines. To delete a line: click on it and press the delete key.
Two or three lines are enough, especially if they are spaced from each other. It is possible to
place more if they are reliable. Autopano will find the best compromise based on your
instructions and the links between the pictures.

Tracing one single line can make a panorama rotate quickly: the traced line will become a perfect
vertical. If the blue line is horizontally traced, the panorama will make a quarter turn and if the
line is traced from the bottom to the top it will make a half turn.

Using the Horizontal line will straighten a tilted

skyline.
This works the same way as the Vertical line tool: just
trace a stroke on the line that should be horizontal.
This tool is only available when using the rectilinear
projection mode.

Apply
Click on this button to confirm the modifications or
push the enter button. The preview of the panorama
then adjusts according to the constraints you have to
define. You can undo changes after validation using
the historical.

Cancel
Click this button to ignore the changes and return to
the previous state.

Cropping

Crop
This tool lets you choose the frame of the panorama. Its original position automatically
corresponds to the maximum rectangular area of the current panorama.
The default framing is automatic; no part of the selection is left
To resize the frame, use the small squares around the frame. When pressing the Ctrl key, the
resizing is done starting from the center of the frame. To move the frame, place the mouse cursor
inside the frame. The cursor turns into a hand. To rotate the frame, place the mouse cursor
outside of the frame. The cursor turns into a rotation arrow.
Crop zone: Lets you precisely change the framing:

• Auto: Lets crop the panorama at its whole extend, to take all pixels in account.
• Maximum projection / Full sphere (360x180): this option changes depending on the
current projection. It crops the panorama at maximum projection or at full sphere (in
case of spherical projection used only).
• X Min/Max: Croping zone in the current projecting zone, 0 min, 1 max (horizontal)
• Y Min/Max: Croping zone in the current projecting zone, 0 min, 1 max (vertical)
• Theta Min/Max : corresponds to the length of the frame.
• Phi Min/Max : corresponds to the height of the frame.
• Rotation : allows to set a rotation angle to the frame.

Ratio: Lets you define a framing ratio (useful to define a framing for printing or to have an
identical ratio for a series of panoramic images).

• Style:
o Normal: (default) Defines a free frame (without height and width
constraints).
o Ratio: Forces the frame according to the height and width values.
§ Width: Defines the ratio width.
§ Height: Defines the ratio height.
§ Swap: Lets you invert the height and width values.

Apply
Click on this button to confirm the modifications or push the enter button. The preview of the
panorama then adjusts according to the constraints you have to define. You can undo changes
after validation using the history.

Cancel
Click this button to ignore the changes and return to the previous state.
Autofit
This tool produces an effect that is the opposite of that obtained with the Crop tool: the
panorama is framed with a rectangle that is as large as necessary so that nothing remains outside
the frame.

Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Images mode
You will find the tool here:

Concept
This tool lets see how the source images are located in the panorama. It allow to check positions,
overlap, parallax then also to remove images if necessary.

It is also interesting to note the images display is not similar to a standard viewer like the
preview on Windows or Mac.
Indeed, images are displayed and projected on the inner walls of the reference sphere, images are
distorted consequently to stitch correctly, depending on the whole panorama and projection field
of view.

Use
Activate this tool allows to display the relevant index to the source images in the editing
zone, the first image is indexed with the number 1, the second image with the number 2... etc...

Overfly an image with the mouse cursor lets highlight the image.
 o If the cursor is located on an overlaping zone, use the mouse wheel to scroll
images located there one by one.
o If the cursor is over image zone or overlaping zone, the whole panorama is
displayed.

Select an image by clicking on the index lets highlight it.

o The index displays with a red border.

o Multiple selection is possible (hold Ctrl / Cmd key + left click).
o A right click allows to remove the image(s) selected. You can also use
rubber band selector to select multiple images. Click on the panorama then
select images by moving the cursor over the images.
o After having select an image (an index), it is possible to use the arrow keys
to scroll images one by one.

Note : Select an image combine its selection in the Layers editor, very useful to check where this
image is located into the layers and to apply local modifications, mostly if the panorama contains
a lot of images.

Click again on the tool to leave that mode.

Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Move mode

Moving images
This section describes how to move the images within the panorama so that they can be correctly
positioned. It also describes how to move the whole panorama in its projection space with the
help of the tool. Displaying types are proposed following to the moving mode selected: whole
panorama or individual images.

Moving the whole panorama

 Move

Pano: Lets you interact with the panorama in its entirety (only if the
GPU mode is enabled)

Pano pan: Lets you move the panorama in its projection space. This
tool is very useful when selecting the center of a 360° panorama.

Pano rotate: Lets you rotate a panorama in its projection space.

Wizard

Guess position: Lets you find the position of orphan images (without
links).

Apply
Click on this button to confirm the modifications or push the enter
button. The preview of the panorama then adjusts according to the
constraints you defined. You can undo changes after validation using
the history.

Cancel
Click this button to ignore the changes and return to the previous
state.

Moving individual images

Selecting this mode will display images index in the editing zone, allowing to select them
directly in this area.
Selecting an image will display its coordinates in the Location values. You can also use rubber
band selector to select multiple images. Click on the panorama then select images by moving the
cursor over the images.

Move

Image : lets process on each of the images independently.

Move : allows to move the current selection.

Rotate : allows to apply a rotation to the current selection.

Zoom : allows to increase/reduce the size of the current selection.

Location
Lets directly modify the image's location value.

• Yaw: horizontal shift (towards the right for a positive value).

• Pitch: vertical shift (towards the bottom for a positive value).
• Rolls: rotation around a central point (clockwise for a positive value).
• FOV: changes the angular fields (positive value reduction).
• Apply : click on this button to validate changes on Location options.

Transformation
lets defines an offset value from the image's location value.

• Yaw: horizontal shift (towards the right for a positive value).

• Pitch: vertical shift (towards the bottom for a positive value).
• Rolls: rotation around a central point (clockwise for a positive value).
• Transform : click on this button to validate changes on Transformation values. Click
again on this button validates the modification again with the same values from the
new location.
• Reset : Reset all the Transformation values to 0.

Wizard

Guess position: Lets you find the position of orphan images (without links).

Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Control Points
Editor
Principle
The control point editor lets you manually correct the links and control points in order to obtain
an optimum placement of your images. Indeed, sometimes the automatic mode poorly positions
or excludes images. This can be easily corrected with the control point editor.

Where to find
The following tools are used for editing control points:

Presentation of the interface

The active control point editor interface uses 2 windows:

• The Panorama Editor window

• The Control points Editor window

You have now the possibility to rotate your images clockwise or counter-clockwise directly in
the CP editor window (see below underlined in red)
Panorama editor window
Panorama editing area
Meshing of the editing area
The mesh appears above the preview of the panorama and lets you view the links between
images and their quality. It also lets you select the images and links. A color code lets you
quickly see the state of the links:

(RMS lower than 5): Good quality link.

(RMS between 5 and 10): Average quality link.

(RMS more than 10): Bad quality link.

(the RMS value is not very important): Modified and unoptimized link.

Note: learn more about the RMS value in this page.

Selecting images
When you select an image, the editor displays them as superimposed and the red
lines show you all the related images.
Note: You can also use rubber band selector to select multiple images/links. Click
on the panorama then select images by moving the cursor over the images.
Selecting links
When you select a link, it is highlighted in red. You can select more than one link,
the display of the mesh will change based on the selection.

Contextual menu (right click)

The contextual menu opens when a right click is applied on an image, to access the
following options:

• Local geometry analysis: Useful if the image selected has no link with
the other images, that allows to search (and find) links automatically by
geometry analysis in all the other images.
• Local optimize this image: Allows to optimize all the links of the
selected image.
• Optimize viewpoint of this image: ( Autopano Giga only) allows
variations in the nodal point for the selected image and detects changes
in viewpoint, whatever the shooting conditions.
 • Hard link to (image index): Allows to add a hard link with random
control points. Useful in case it is impossible to find control points on
the selected image and its neighborhoods, to fix the position of this
image with the desired image.

• Optimize viewpoint of all images: ( Autopano Giga only) allows

variations in the nodal point of all images and detects changes in
viewpoint, whatever the shooting conditions.
• Do not optimize viewpoint of all images: ( Autopano Giga only)
locks variations in the nodal point of all images and detects changes in
viewpoint, whatever the shooting conditions.

Stitching information
The stitching information window rindicates the RMS value of the stitching and the
number of control points of the whole current panorama:

Tools

• Full optimization: Lets you optimize the whole panorama.

• Quick optimization: Lets optimize the latest changes only.

• Geometric analysis: Useful if the image selected has no link with

the other images, that allows to search links automatically by geometry
analysis in all the other images
 By default, the tools available there are only the Full optimize ( ) and Quick
optimize ( ) buttons, the 4 advanced tabs (filters, steps, scopes and points) are
grayed out.

Advanced Mode
You can access these 4 advanced tabs by ticking the Advanced Mode option.

Filters tab
• The sliders are used to hide points
and/or links to visualize and
identify the worst points/links.

• Clear displayed links: This

button is used in combination
with the Filter links cursor.

• Clear displayed points:

This button is used in
combination with the Filter points
cursor.

Steps tab
1) Local / global: lets you pre-position the
images locally
Local approach: intelligently
validates the control points
calculations. This changes in the
stitching if the calculations seem
wrong (false links) and that allows to
not affect too much the good links.

2) First optimization: looks for the ideal position of each image simultaneously.
3) First lens distortion: Corrects lens distortion (very useful for short and medium focal
lengths).
4) Geom analysis: double checks the control points / links without taking into account the
filtering done during the detection.
5) Final Lens distortion: Corrects lens distortions again if Step 4 was performed (cleaning
links/control points).

• Use grid position: only available if you have imported pictures taken with the
help of a pan head via a Clauss or Papywizard import plug-in (this option re-uses
the coordinates provided to pre-position the images).
• Assume row/column shooting: Active for panoramas coming from a Gigapan
head. This method requires high precision in the shooting matrix.

• Clean:
o Bad points: clears control points when RMS is too high

Bad links: clears links when RMS average is too high

Scopes tab
•

• Scope: defines if the related setting is applied on each image, group of images (set
above) or panorama
o Image: the related setting would be applied on individual images
o Group: the related setting would be applied on the grouping defined above
o Pano: the related setting would be applied on the whole panorama (groups
and individual images included)

• Yaw Pitch Roll: image or group

• Focal: Sets the method for calculating the focal length.

 o Automatic: (default) Autopano decides by itself what kind of focal
calculation to apply (and if it is necessary), depending on the content of
the group of images.
o Do not optimize: Autopano does not calculate the focal lengths, the
default value is used.
o Optimize: Lets Autopano calculate the focal lengths.
o Keep current value: Autopano does not calculate the focal lengths, the
current value is used (in this case, only the quick optimization is
available)

• Distortion: Sets the method for calculating the distortion of the lenses.
o Automatic: (default) Autopano decides by itself what kind of distortion
calculation to apply (and if it is necessary), depending on the content of
the group of images.
o Do not optimize: forces Autopano to not calculate distortions.
o 1st order: common distortion, Barrel distortion or Pincushion distortion
o 2nd order: more complex distortion, Barrel distortion, Pincushion
distortion or mix of Barrel/Pincushion (mustache).
o 3rd order: further complex distortion. Few lenses still get this type of
distortion (not very useful in practice).
o Keep current value: Autopano does not calculate the distortion, the
current value of k1, k2 and k3 is kept (in this case, only the quick
optimization is available)

• Offset:
o Automatic: (default) Autopano decides by itself the offset value (the
difference between the center of the lens and the center of the sensor) to
apply (and if it is necessary), depending on the source images.
o Do not optimize: forces Autopano to not calculate offsets to apply.
o Optimize: Lets Autopano calculate offsets for the group defined.
o Keep current value: the current offset values are kept (in this case, only
the quick optimization is available)

Viewpoint: ( Autopano Giga only) tolerates variations in the nodal point and
detects changes in viewpoint to provide a satisfactory result, whatever the shooting
conditions. Autopano will optimize or not depending of the choice.

Points tab
 •

Detection (used by manual add and geometry analysis)

• Quality of detection:
o Standard: (default) Increases the density of the points at the expense of
the detection speed.
o High: Useful if one, several or all images are ignored. Very slow, reserved
for desperate cases.

• Number of control points: Affects the number of control points exported to Panotools
as well as on the detection quality. 50 (default value) seems to be the best choice in
the majority of cases.

• Filtering model: lets select the detection algorithm.

o Automatic: (default) let Autopano uses one or several models depending
on the source images EXIF data to find control points.
o Similarity: (fast approximation) to use with linear images shot at long
focal (between 24mm to the infinite).
o Homography: (complete model in image plane) to use with linear images
shot with short focal lengths or in case of aerial shots.
o Spherical: (complete model on the sphere) to use with fisheye images.

Geometry analysis

• Find control points:

o Where none exist: tries to find control points where none exist to
complete links.
o Everywhere and merge with old CP: finds control points everywhere and
add the new points found with the current ones.
o Everywhere and remove old CP: finds control points everywhere and
remove the old points to let the place to the new points found.
 RMS max: sets the maximum RMS value that limits the control points research.

Optimization groups
Optimization groups use the Layers window to show the groupings defined in the Optimization
scopes. The frames group values when there is similarities between them.

Control points editor window

Control points editing area
The control points editing area is divided into 2 windows where 2 images selected from the list
can be viewed and the different tools could be used to edit the control points.

Selection lists
The selection list is divided into 4 closely related parts (Current link, images list, links list and
control points list):

• Any image selected in the image list will display the current link which
it belongs, its list of links or control points in common with other
images (according to the selected tab).
• The links tab displays the list of common links when you select one or
more images.
• The Ctrl Point tab displays the list of common control points when you
select one or more images.

The Current link part displays the number (index) of the images belonging to the current link
selected.
In parallel, the edition zone and the list of links is updated depending on the current link selected.
Use the arrows and to scroll through the links of the selected image (or images selected):

List of images List of links List of control points

Lets you quickly see Lets you see the links Lets you see the
if an image is and their RMS control points and
properly connected to quality. their RMS quality.
another. The links can be The points can be
A redundant image deleted with the use deleted with the use
can be deleted with of the delete key. of the delete key.
the use of the delete
key.
Selecting all of the
images will display
all the links between
all of the images.
Toolbar

Enable/Disable Views
This tool lets you decide whether to display or not to display the images in the control point
editing area.

Window layout
Lets you change the display of the control point editing area.

Synchronize Views
Lets you synchronize the display of images in the control point editing area. This is useful to
simultaneously view the images when the zoom level is high.

Optimize the panorama

Lets you confirm the changes to the control points/links done in the editor. The preview of the
panorama then adjusts according to the constraints you have to define.
The optimization can be adjusted in the control point editor settings.
 Locally optimize the panorama
Lets you only optimize the latest changes. The preview of the panorama then adjusts according
to the constraints you have to define.

Adding control points to the selected areas

After having selected 2 overlaying images (the 2 images have similar details), draw a rectangular
with the help of the mouse on the 2 images in the control point editing area.
The control points will be automatically calculated and displayed.

You can also delete control points by selecting an area and pressing the delete key.

Add manual control point

The adding of a single control point lets you precisely define the control point (and not an area
like the pervious tool).
For this reason, you have to define the same point on 2 images with the help of the mouse and
the zoom tool active in the control point editing area. The created control point will be displayed
in blue.

Delete selected control point

This tool is opposite to the single adding tool and lets you delete control points singly. Just select
a control point and click on the "Delete selected control point" icon. You can also delete a point
with the 2 previous tools, select the point and then press the delete key.

Add control point using geometric analysis

Geometrically analysis the panorama to find the new control points. Uses the images’ common
positions to find the overlapping areas. If the 2 images overlap and there are no control points,
the algorithm will try to add them.

Contextual help
Click on this icon to activate this tool. Click on the icon of your choice to view information
about its use.

Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Masking tool
 Autopano Giga only! This feature is available only in Autopano Giga.

Concept
The Masking tool allows to define objects to keep or to remove on the panorama.

During a panoramic shooting, it may happen that an object is visible in an image and place in
another location on another photo (in other words a moving object).
It is also possible to want to display/hide elements of the panorama (in this case it is advisable to
double shots to recover material behind those elements, to display either this material or the
element, depending on the user's choice).

This tool is based on the Anti-ghost blending algorithm, which automatically keeps or removes
moving objects but that doesn't let the user define which element to keep or to remove.
The new Anti-ghost algorithm is now always computed on all panorama to have the same final
result in the Panorama editor (a quick render is computed when you open it) and in the rendered
panorama.
Using the masks allows to bear this automatic calculation of the Anti-ghost blender to indicates it
what it must keep or not:
Simply target a single pixel of the image so that it calculates the relevant object to completely
keep or remove it.
It is sometimes useful to define several targets to completely keep/remove an object, if the color
tone differences between pixels of the same object are too frank for example.
A new feature let you now see visually where the anti-ghost algorithm decided to put the seams
between images (seams visual feedback).

It can so be compared to the Fusion mask tool of Photoshop. Its use is however really simpliest
but restrictive and doesn't necessarily allow to be very accurate.
Btw, the following video shows how it is simple to process them:

Where to find
You will find the tool here:
Use

Tools

Add a marker to keep the object

Use this marker in case one or several objects must be kept:

• Select the marker of individual images to apply the mask on a non-bracketed panorama or
on an individual image of a bracketing set of images.
• Use the stack marker to keep an object on all images of a stack (bracket).
 Add a marker to remove the object
Use this marker in case one or several objects must be removed:

• Select the marker of individual images to apply the mask on a non-bracketed panorama or
on an individual image of a bracketing set of images.
• Use the stack marker to remove an object on all images of a stack (bracket).

Lock/Unlock selection
Use this tool to lock the image you want to process, that helps when placing markers to not
switching to the other images of the panorama.

Remove
• All markers: removes all the markers placed on the Panorama editing area
• Keeping markers: removes only the keeping markers placed on the Panorama editing area
• Removing markers: removes only the removing markers placed on the Panorama editing
area

Contextual menu
The contextual menu appears when doing a right clic over the Panorama editing area.

• Remove current marker: removes the marker of the current image selected
• Remove current markers: removes the markers of the current image selected
 • Remove current keeping markers: removes the keeping markers of the current image
selected
• Remove current removing markers: removes the removing markers of the current image
selected
• Remove all markers: removes all the markers of the whole panorama
• Remove all keeping markers: removes all the keeping markers of the whole panorama
• Remove all removing markers: removes all the removing markers of the whole panorama

Seams
You can click on the preview icon (at the bottom of the window) to display the
visualization of the seams which will help you understand overlapping / moving objects better. It
is also compatible with our masking markers ( green/red - see above) in the mask editor and it
really helps you choose which moving objects you want to keep and the ones you want to erase.
Have a look at the screenshot below to understand better this improvement.

Note: the seams will refine themselves in real time according to the decisions you are taking with
the masking markers.

Mistakes to avoid
Classic mistake is to consider markers as «pinholes» on a layer mask. Anti-ghost is a smart and
complex algorithm that detects paths in the image, only few markers properly placed are
required. If results are not what you expected, try to move the markers to a more relevant place.

Bad markers positions

Good markers positions

Using Anti-Ghost
Using Anti-Ghost

The concept
Anti-Ghost is the smart image-cutting algorithm (first appeared in Autopano 2.5).

During the blend of stitched images, the layered pixels are not necessarily identical.
This can be caused by stitching problems (when nodal point is not respected, when lens
distortion is hard to correct...) and/or from objects in the picture moving between shots.
The Anti-Ghost is designed to find a cutting path between images in order to avoid blending
pixels that don’t match.
The “smart” part is choosing a cut that preserves the integrity of the photographed subjects as
much as possible.

Introduction
This new algorithm replaces the cutting step performed by Smartblend before Autopano 2.5 was
released.
The results are not always perfect (or don’t always look quite as we expected), we will show a
few possibilities that can help guide cutting decisions.
The giga-advantage of the new algorithm is that it can handle Gigapixel images, which
Smartblend can’t do. The last part will illustrate this using the image Paris 26 gigapixels.

Manually Adjusting Anti-Ghost

For illustrating anti-ghost adjustments, we will work with following project which represent a
biker in action with a lot of de-ghosting possibilities.

Following picture is the default rendering computed by Autopano. We can't really said why a
biker is kept and not another one but proposed result do not have ghosting issue.

Even if the result is satisfying, we will show how to guide Autopano in his choices.

Choosing images
When there are sufficient areas of overlap, it is often useful to delete certain images in order to
facilitate Anti-Ghost’s selections.

With fewer constraints to reconcile, the panorama now appears as expected.

Mask edition tool

Autopano Giga only
Now we will keep all pictures and act with markers of mask tools to guide anti-ghost choices.
Mask tool is often confused with a painter tool, but it's not. Is more powerful on simple case but
can be less intuitive in hard cases (see next session).

Just add few green markers on the biker you want to keep.
If you don't mind which biker to keep but you know that you don't want a particular one use red
marker.

This tool is powerful because it does not require a lot work to select or erase an object.

As said before this tool is really efficient on simple case. For smart cutting algorithm, a simple
case is when objects can be entirely kept or remove without contradiction (on object is already
cut on full input picture, two kept objects are overlapped...).

More difficult cases

When we want to keep overlapped a painted tool can be more intuitive but it's not impossible to
use the mask tool of Autopano.
To illustrate difficult cases, we just take two picture of previous project. We want to keep the
yellow biker of the first picture and the black one of the second picture.
We obtain this result.
We can remark that black biker of the first picture is not entirely removed. It just because this
solution does not exist, we don't have alternative choice for the wheel.
The simple solution for keeping the two bikers does not exits because they are overlapped. In
this case, it's important to guide the smart cutting and indicate where we want to do the cut. This
done by the close green markers : the first one on the short of the yellow biker and the second
one on the wheel of black biker. To guide for keeping close object of different pictures allow to
guide where the cut must be done.

Mistakes to avoid
Classic mistake is to consider markers as «pinholes» on a layer mask. Anti-ghost is a smart and
complex algorithm that detects paths in the image, only few markers properly placed are
required. If results are not what you expected, try to move the markers to a more relevant place.

Bad markers positions

Good markers positions

Adding an alpha layer

For very difficult case or users who prefer use a painter-like tool, it's possible to use external
painter tool for guiding smart cutting: Anti-Ghost through transparency painting

Color Correction influence

When there is not as much overlap as in the previous example, it is not possible to delete an
image in its entirety to guide Anti-Ghost:
In the picture below, a moving flag is situated in an area of overlap. Unlike the previous
example, it is not possible to delete an image without drastically altering the overall panorama.
Here is the rendering obtained when color correction is not applied:
Anti-Ghost chose to keep the flag from the image of the zenith (image 7), whereas we would
prefer to keep the one from the central image (image 1).
In addition, this cutting selection does not compensate for the fit error around the flagpole.
This time, if we apply color correction, Anti-Ghost’s choices are different and yield the visual
result we expected:
It’s partly by chance that color correction makes it possible to keep the right flag. But what’s
interesting here is to understand how color correction influenced Anti-Ghost’s choice:
In order to select the best cutting path, the algorithm is based on analysis of the differences
between the images. When there are differences in exposure and/or white balance between two
images, Anti-Ghost is forced to find the cutting path in the places where the images are alike.
In the first example, without color correction, the hue of the sky in the zenith (image 7) is quite
different from the hue in the central image (image 1). Therefore it’s less of a problem to make a
cutting error involving a few pixels around the flagpole than to keep compounding differences by
trying to blend the sky.
In the second example, color correction makes it possible to harmonize the hues in the sky,
meaning it’s less of a problem to cut in the sky. Anti-Ghost chooses to cut the sky rather than
cutting around the flagpole, where the adjustment error is now more difficult.

Using Gigapixel
As stated in the introduction, the new Anti-Ghost can be applied to Gigapixel images. We
rendered the image Paris 26 Gigapixels, originally created with Autopano 2.0, using Autopano
2.5. This image will soon be available on a new site. Meanwhile, here are some screenshots of
the new rendering. You can try finding these screenshots in the original image if you would like
to compare the results: Paris 26 Gigapixels
The first two captures illustrate Anti-Ghost’s effectiveness. Vehicles and people were retained in
their entirety. Blurry zones appearing in the rendering created with Autopano 2.0 are gone.

This last screenshot shows that some errors still remain. This is generally because some
problems still can’t be solved:
The front end of an object appears in a non-overlapping zone (which must be retained) but the
other end doesn’t appear in the adjacent image because in a Gigapixel image, the time gap
between shots of adjacent images can be very long.

Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Color Correction
Autopano Pro & Giga 4.2

From Autopano Pro & Giga 4.2 we added a better support of large differences in exposure which
gives much better results and let you choose the global exposure tone. You will also find a better
white balance stability (see Color modes section below).

Default color space is sRGB and can't be modified

The following tools are used to correct the colorimetry:

Anchors
This tool regoups the global color correction and color corrections of individual images
functions. Enabling it displays:

Correction anchors, on each image on the panorama editing zone:

We introduced a new color correction engine that prevents vignetting and gradient.
This example illustrates the vignetting effect (with special thanks to Jérôme Pouille)
Color modes

No Correction
In this mode, the mechanism to equalize the brightness or color of pictures against each other is
not used. In fact, in certain cases, the color correction is not needed. For example, when the
picture is shot in manual mode. Warning, surprises could arise with the manual mode (automatic
ISO, light conditions could change due to passing of a cloud, etc.).

LDR Correction (standard correction)

This mode is active by default. The purpose of this adjustment is to align the small differences in
brightness, contrast and color in the series of pictures that make up the panorama.
For the most part, this is the correction that you will use.

From version 4.2, a new Exposure compensation menu will let you display overexposure (in red)
& underexposure areas (in blue-not shown in the example) and choose the global exposure tone
by using the slider.
HDR Correction
This icon is only available if your images contain Exif data for the aperture and shutter
speed.
This mode is used when a subject requires a large margin of exposure. The algorithm is different
from the LDR mode and allows for the harmonization of panoramas when the differences in
brightness are much larger. This method of correction directly calculates the luminance for each
pixel; Autopano no longer works with the pixel values, but works with the real values of the
scene. In practice, you will not see the difference on a scene with low dynamics but everything
changes when the exposure differences are very large.
When passing to the HDR mode, the produced image often has a very large dynamic and we
need to reduce this dynamic to have something that is displayable. The levels are available in the
HDR mode and they let you make certain global changes on the panorama in order to reduce this
dynamic.
Use this mode is you want to make a post-production of the rendered file in a dedicated third-
party software. HDR mode in Autopano is basic.

Color correction anchors

The correction anchors are used for seamless image stitching (colour, exposure, contrast, etc.).
An anchor represents how the corresponding image will be changed by the color correction
algorithm.

Type of anchors
• Reference image: It is the reference for the correction of other images. The
anchors of the other images will therefore be influenced by the contrast, exposure
and tone of this anchor.

• Adjust gamma: Corrects the gamma ( Autopano 4.0.x only).

• Adjust exposure: Corrects the exposure.

• Adjust Color tone: Corrects color tone

 • Vignetting correction: Corrects vignetting

• Gradient correction: Corrects gradient (color scale)

Contextual menu
A right click on the image opens the contextual menu:

• Do a right click on one image (on the number) let you put a single anchor on it. Right
click somewhere on the panorama put anchors on each image. You can also use
rubber band selector to select multiple images. Click on the panorama then select
images by moving the cursor over the images.

Manual Gamma correction in Autopano 4.0.x only).

Settings
Optimize by layers
If your panorama has layers (brackets, etc.), the changes will be applied to all the layers of the
panorama.

Color level after update

The Level histograms will be adjusted according to changes

Optimize on any anchor change

By default, this option is enabled to view the results after each change.

Optimize color
If the "Optimize on any anchor change" option is unchecked, clicking on this button will let you
confirm the changes so that the result can be seen.
Levels

Levels
This window lets us adjust and change the entries and exits in terms of light intensity.

Input level

• Pull-down list: Lets you select the image layer on to which the histogram is to
be displayed.
o RGB: Displays the complete histogram (of all the layers).
o Red: Displays the histogram for the Red layer.
o Green: Displays the histogram for the Green layer.
o Blue: Displays the histogram for the Blue layer

• Histogram:
o Lets you view the current curves and amplitude, displayed as Min.
/Max.
o The sliders let you adjust the dark tones (black) and the light tones
(white).

Gamma
The slider adjusts the contrast ratio of the selected channel.

Buttons

• OK: Enables the changes.

• Cancel: Undoes the changes.
• Auto: Automatic correction.
• Settings...: Opens the Level Options window for automatic correction.
• Reset: Resets the previous state of the histogram.
• Eyedroppers:
o Black point: Lets you define the black point value directly on your
image.
 o White point: Lets you define the white point value directly on your
image.

Preview
Check or uncheck the box to show/hide the preview of the Level tool changes on the
panorama.

Level Options
The window lets you set the applicable automatic correction mode via the Auto button.

Algorithms

• Enhance monochromatic contrast: Applies the Min and Max values of the
RGB layer to maintain the balance of the tones in the separated layers.
• Enhance per channel contrast: Applies the Min and Max values for each
layer separately, it could cause an imbalance of the colors and tones may
disappear.

Clipping

• Black: Sets a tolerance threshold (in %) from the Min. value on the RGB
layer or on separate layers according to the selected algorithm.
• White: Sets a tolerance threshold (in %) from the Min. value on the RGB
layer or on separate layers according to the selected algorithm.

Fusion
Closely related to the use of a bracketed shooting, with this tool you can obtain a perfectly
exposed panorama when mixing different exposures (also familiarly called HDR).

There is no real rule about the use and configuration of the Exposure fusion tool (based on
images, the desired result, etc.), except that it can only be used with bracketed images.
This part of the documentation only describes the technical aspects of this tool.
For more information, see the page dedicated to its use: Use the exposure fusion

The tool is divided in 2 parts:

• The Exposure weights part allows to set the global exposure, and pixels weighting
on both dark and light tones.
• The Blend settings part allows to view the fusion result depending on the setting
defined, that lets check the settings to apply or not when rendering.

Note : Enabling this tool combines the activation of the Preview tool, allowing to view the final
result before to process to the final rendering.

Exposure weights
Enable
Check this option to enable the fusion. This will display the fusion.
This curve represents the exposure of the fusion or the importance of each pixel in the
final mixture according to its exposure. By default it is set at an average exposure
target.

Exposure target
It lets you set the principal exposure value.
Slide the bar until you reach the most important desired value (to the left for dark
exposure, to the right for bright exposure).

Dark enhancement
Lets you give more or less importance to dark exposure areas.

Light enhancement
Lets you give more or less importance to bright exposure areas.

Blend settings
• Blending:
o None: For each position, the algorithm uses the pixel with the
greatest importance according to the required weight.
o Linear: The rendered pixels are the result of a weighted average
of input pixels.
o Multi-band: Lets you mix the average value (color trend) of the
images while maintaining their details.
§ Multi-band level: Lets adjust the influence zone for
each input pixel. Consult the following
page Understanding and using the rendering
engine for more information.

• Cutting:
o None: no cutting is applied on the panorama.
o Smart: (default) Autopano chooses itselfs the cutting paths
between images (anti-ghost)
o Iso: keeps picture areas which are closer to each picture
centers. Unlike smart cutting, this is not an anti-ghost mode.
Picture contents will not be analysed.
o Priority to: Lets define the cutting choices of the blender
according to the desired result (ghost removing or long focal
preservation) with the slider.
§ Ghost: (default) all moving objects will be retained
or removed according to their positions in the
overlap areas. The anti-ghost himself makes this
choice.
§ Long focal: Used to promote the details of the
images of long focal length.

The left side of the slider bar enables the Ghosts removing at 100% and makes
the Long focal preservation inactive.
The right side of the slider bar enables the Long focal preservation at 100% and
makes the Ghosts removing inactive.
Move the slider bar allows to play on both settings (ghost removing or long
focal preservation) at the same time, ie giving more priority to one of both
settings leads to a lower priority for the other.
Consult the following page Understanding and using the rendering engine for
more information.
 • Weighting:
o Diamond: The pixels in the centre of the images are more
important than the pixels on the edges of the images.
o Fusion: enable/disable the tool.
o HDR ghosts:
§ Avoid mixing the superimposed pixels that do
not have the same information and that come
from different levels (moving object on the
same bracketed image).
§ At least 3 different information (layers) are
needed to determine the information to
exclude. It is advisable to get more for a greater
reliability of matches (warning, a layer that is
entirely over-exposed or under-exposed can not
be used).

Apply
Click on this button to confirm the modifications or push the Enter button.

Cancel
Click this button to ignore the changes and return to the previous state.

Autopano - Panorama
Editor - Render tools

Where to find it
You will find the render tools here:
Default color space is sRGB and can't be modified

Preview
The preview is a real rendering of the area displayed on screen only. It is equivalent to a
rendering done after a cropping and a computing of the rendering size.
Depending on most of the aspects (color, rendering mode... etc) it gives you a good idea of the
end result. However, for the anti-ghost, the choices done are recalculated depending on the zoom
level, so the result can be different once you've rendered the full panorama.

Render
The “Render” window is the last step in creating a panorama. This window lets you set (or re-
set) the rendering options for the exporting of the panorama, according to your needs.

Output size
• Lets you adjust the panorama’s output size with the cursor (percentage of the
maximum size), by entering the desired width (in pixels) and by entering the desired
height (in pixels).
• A reminder of the maximum size is shown on the first line. The maximum size
(100%) corresponds to that of the original pictures. This information was registered
at the shooting and will be kept on the final image.

Density Histogram
The histogram visible above the slider is used to find the density of pixels with a ratio 1:1
according to the final size of the panorama. The black portions sizes are best suited to the
preservation of the 1:1 ratio for each pixel:

• In case of a panorama created from photos of same focal length: the histogram will
be heavy at about 100%.
 • For a panorama created from photos of multiple focal lengths (shown in the picture
above) the histogram will contain several peaks, corresponding to the 1:1 ratio of
each focal used. In other words, this corresponds to the dimension for which the
image has more details (the longer focal length) will be 1 (for one pixel in the source
image, there is one pixel in the destination panorama). The pixels corresponding to
images of intermediate focal lengths will stretch.

Notes:
Do not feel obliged to work 100% systematically! If the diagonal viewing angle is greater than
90° in the rectilinear projection and if the vertical viewing angle is more than 90° in the
cylindrical projection, the pixels of certain parts of the image are considerably stretched out (the
rectilinear edges, the cylindrical height). In any case, it is recommended to take into account the
density histogram to adjust the output size of your panorama to obtain the best possible result.
In terms of speed, it is the surface that counts: at 30%, it is 10 times faster!

Interpolator
The interpolator is used to project the pixels of the source image on the panorama. Its quality
often depends on the sharpness of the panorama.

• Nearest: Reserved for testing, because of the numerous and very visible artifacts
created. In return, this is the fastest.
• Bilinear: This is a correct quality/speed ratio choice.
• Bicubic: (default) Use it if you do not know. The difference with the bilinear is almost
imperceptible to the naked eye but can be seen in the lines with strong contrasts. Its
default use is recommended.
• Strengthened bicubic: This is the same thing as the bicubic but it is stronger (the
fortification level corresponds to the same settings as in Photoshop when changing
the size of an image).
• Softened bicubic: This is the same thing as the bicubic but it is softer (the softening
level corresponds to the same settings as in Photoshop when changing the size of an
image).
• Spline36: This powerful method of interpolation is to be used when extreme or high
post-rendering is necessary. The difference with the bicubic is not seen by the naked
eye.
• Spline64: This works the same as the Spline36, but it is stronger, slower and usually
better (you need to try it to see).
Blending settings

The purpose of the mixer is to combine the overlapping zones without it being seen so that a
perfect stitching of the panorama images can be obtained. Autopano offers 4 optimization
profiles adapted to your needs without having to change them yourself.

Blending Presets

• Simple: This is fast but it is possible that defects are seen where the areas overlap.
• Anti-ghost: Conserve the image's strong characteristics (stops, lines, curves) when
mixing while automatically removing objects that have moved.
• Exposure Fusion: To be used if the panorama was created with a bracket shoot.
Keeps the best of different exposures.
• HDR output: To be used by users who wish to create a .hdr format file in order to
create post-production or special effects.
• Custom: This is enabled when you manually change the parameters and they no
longer correspond to a profile.

Advanced settings

Blending:
 • None: For each position, the algorithm uses the pixel with the greatest importance
according to the required weight.
• Linear: The rendered pixels are the result of a weighted average of input pixels.
• Multi-band: Lets you mix the average value (color trend) of the images while
maintaining their details.
o Multi-band level: Lets adjust the influence zone for each input pixel. Consult the
following page Understanding and using the rendering engine for more
information.

Cutting:

• None: no cutting is applied on the panorama.

• Smart: (default) Autopano chooses itself the cutting paths between images (anti-ghost)
• Iso: keeps picture areas which are closer to each picture centers. Unlike smart cutting,
this is not an anti-ghost mode. Picture contents will not be analysed.
• Priority to: Lets define the cutting choices of the blender according to the desired result
(ghost removing or long focal preservation) with the slider.
o Ghost: (default) all moving objects will be retained or removed according to their
positions in the overlap areas. The anti-ghost himself makes this choice.
o Long focal: Used to promote the details of the images of long focal length.

The left side of the slider bar enables the Ghosts removing at 100% and makes the Long focal
preservation inactive.
The right side of the slider bar enables the Long focal preservation at 100% and makes the
Ghosts removing inactive.
Move the slider bar allows to play on both settings (ghost removing or long focal preservation)
at the same time, ie giving more priority to one of both settings leads to a lower priority for the
other.
Consult the following page Understanding and using the rendering engine for more
information.

Weighting:

• Diamond: The pixels in the centre of the images are more important than the pixels on
the edges of the images.
• Fusion: enable/disable the tool.
• HDR ghosts:
o Avoid mixing the superimposed pixels that do not have the same information
and that come from different levels (moving object on the same bracketed
image).
o At least 3 different information (layers) are needed to determine the information
to exclude. It is advisable to get more for a greater reliability of matches
 (warning, a layer that is entirely over-exposed or under-exposed can not be
used).

Format
Lets you choose the output format, encoding, compression quality and resolution.

File type Options Notes

• Compression:
quality from
1 to 12
• Depth: only 8
bits (does not • Maximum size: 64,000 x
keep the 64,000 pixels.
alpha layer) • Adobe Photoshop doesn't
JPEG
• GPano XMP support jpeg files up to 30,000
support: yes pixels.
• Support ICC:
yes
• Support IPTC:
yes

• Compression:
from 1 to 7
• Depth: 8 or
16 bits (keeps • Maximum size: 64,000 x
the alpha 64,000 pixels
PNG layer) • Maximum file size: 2
• Support ICC: gigabytes.
no
• Support IPTC:
no
 • Maximum size: 300,000 x
300,000 pixels
• The PSD format is a traditional
Adobe format, which is
accepted by all Photoshop
versions and other software.
• Depth: 8 or • The PSB format is a new
16 bits with Adobe format, this format is a
alpha layer variation of the PSD, used for
• Handles saving larger images, even
embedded gigantic according to the usual
PSD / PSB images criteria.
• Support ICC:
no You can now activate RLE compression
• Support IPTC: mode to get a smallest file size. To get an
yes even smaller file, uncheck Embed all
outputs checkbox with RLE compression.
When one of the panorama’s dimensions
surpasses 30,000 pixels or when the file
size exceeds 2GB,
Autopano automatically chooses the PSB
format instead of the PSD format.

• Maximum size: 2 gigabytes.

No maximum pixel
• Depth : 8 or
dimensions.
16 bits
• 16-byte TIFF files are not
without alpha
compatible with certain
layer
software.
• Compression:
• The TIFF compression modes
none, LZW,
are not very good. We
ZIP
TIFF strongly recommend
• GPano XMP
compressing the LZW with a
support: yes
16-bit TIFF file. The resulting
• Support ICC:
file will seem larger than if it
yes
had been saved without
• Support IPTC:
compression. The ZIP
yes
compression remains a good
choice.
 • Depth: 32 bits
• Maximum size: none
• Compression:
• This file format is recognized
none, RLE
by Photoshop CS 2 as well as
• Support ICC:
HDR by software that use tone
no
mapping such as Photomatix
• Support IPTC:
or FDRTools.
no

• Depth: 32 bits • Maximum size: N/A

• Compression: • http://www.openexr.com :
none, RLE This file format is recognized
EXR • Support ICC: by Photoshop CS 2 as well as
(OpenEXR) no by software that tone maps
• Support IPTC: such as Photomatix or
no FDRTools.

• Depth : 8, 16 • This very simple file format

or 32 bits was created in order to
• Compression: render in an unprocessed file
KRO none format without any limits. See
(Kolor • Support ICC: more information about
Raw) no the KRO file format.
• Support IPTC: • Recommended for Gigapixels
no • Maximum size: none

Exported data
Lets you define how and what data needs to be exported:

Data:

• Panorama: (defaults) Allows to export the panorama.

• Layers: Allows you to export the layers created in the Layers window of the editor (for
example the layers of each bracket level).
• Pictures: Allows you to export all the photos used to create the panorama.
Options:

• Embed all outputs: Incorporates all the data (Panorama, Layers and/or Pictures) in the
same file (useful in the case of an export in .psd format for example)
• Remove alpha channel: Deletes the alpha layer of the exported files.

Output
Folder:

• Lets you specify the file in which the image will be saved.
• Click on the icon for a description of the symbols that make up the models (syntax)
of the file name:

Filename:

• Default syntax of the file name.

• Click on the icon for a description of the symbols that make up the models (syntax) of
the file name:
Autopano Documentation -
Keyboard shortcuts
CTRL+1 Main Window Show Groups only

CTRL+2 Main Window Show groups and panos

CTRL+3 Main Window Show panos only

CTRL+B Main Window Browse Folder

CTRL+N Main Window Create a new group

CTRL+O Main Window Open a project (.pano)

CTRL+T Main Window Load an Autopano workspace (.apw)

CTRL+U Main Window Open UIStyleSheetEditor

CTRL+SHIFT+T Main Window Save an Autopano workspace (.apw)

CTRL+Render Main Window Render all the detected panoramas, skipping the render window for e
All Your default rendering settings will be used.

F1 Main Window Help

F2 Main Window Detect/Stop all

Shift+F1 Main Window What's This?

CTRL+0 Pano Editor Fit pano on screen

CTRL+1 Pano Editor Zoom 100%

CTRL+2 Pano Editor Fit projection on screen

 CTRL+F Pano Editor Hide all Tools

CTRL+S Pano Editor Save open .pano file

CTRL+SHIFT+S Pano Editor Save open pano as .pano file

CTRL+W Pano Editor Close currently opened .pano file

CTRL+Z Pano Editor Undo last (done) change

CTRL+Y Pano Editor Redo last (undone) change

Numpad + Masking Tool Use green marker

Editor

Numpad - Masking Tool Use red marker

Editor

SHIFT + click Move Images Allows you to move the panorama along the horizon without shifting
move vertically.

Note: All shortcuts using Ctrl can be used on a Mac using Cmd instead.

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