Process Catalog

Purpose, scope, audience, prerequisites, expected result, and authority

Use this catalog to choose the right built-in process or tool, find its current menu route, and check when it normally belongs in a linear or nonlinear workflow. It covers all 77 navigated process/tool destinations, including the consolidated immediate actions reached mainly through the Image menu.

The catalog is authoritative for discoverability, current menu category, workflow role, and high-level timing. The linked destination page is authoritative for exact inputs, controls, algorithms, previews, masks, sequences, outputs, metadata, persistence, failures, and performance.

Reachability or applicability

• Open Process to use Favorite Processes, Recent Processes, or one of the 16 current category submenus.
• Right-click a standard image/sequence view and open Process. It is the main Process menu with the same entries and state; the mouse press made the clicked view active, so a launch targets it.
• Use the Image menu for channel extraction, precision conversion, fast geometry, sequence operations, masks, and several inspection/tool actions.
• Dashboard quick actions, recent/favorite lists, and extension-provided actions can reach registered descriptors, but they use the same availability and launch guards as the normal Process route.

An item can be visible but disabled because no active image exists, its color rule fails, or its descriptor (an external or extension one included) is unavailable. For a built-in single-image process, an unsupported source channel/type or still/sequence state, the same process already attached, or an exclusive conflict is refused when you launch, with a titled message; an extension entry is disabled in the menu by those guards as well. A top-level process can open without the single-image active-target guard and performs its own source selection or validation.

Complete reference matrix

The matrix groups destinations by workflow role, not merely by menu placement. Every linked page appears at least once; several menu categories deliberately contain tools from different workflow roles, and Gaussian Blur is exposed from both Details and Filters.

Item/exact label	Type/unit/category	Default/current value	Valid values/constraints	Meaning/effect	Dependencies/applicability	Trade-off/side effect	Scope	Persistence/metadata
Image Calibration	Calibration	Process > Preprocess > Image Calibration	Raw/CFA/mono/RGB compatibility and master matching are page-specific	Calibrate sensor data with bias/dark/flat correction	Compatible source and prepared masters	Wrong masters or settings invalidate later work	Uncalibrated linear frames	Files, views, metadata, and state markers are page-defined
Cosmetic Correction	Calibration	Process > Filters > Cosmetic Correction Filter	Defect-list and detection constraints are page-specific	Repair hot/cold pixels and defects	Compatible source or sequence	Aggressive correction can replace real signal	Usually pre-registration linear data	Output, history, sequence, and state behavior are page-defined
Debayer	Calibration	Process > Color Spaces > Debayer	Requires compatible CFA data and correct pattern/method	Reconstruct RGB from CFA samples	Known CFA layout	Wrong pattern or early conversion damages color	Calibrated CFA data before registration/integration	Output type, metadata, and state are page-defined
Split CFA	Calibration	Process > Color Spaces > Split CFA	Requires compatible CFA geometry	Extract the four positional CFA planes	Known CFA layout	Planes are positional, not universally named colors	Raw or calibrated CFA data	New views, naming, and metadata are page-defined
Merge CFA	Calibration	Process > Color Spaces > Merge CFA	Requires four compatible positional planes	Interleave CFA planes into one mosaic	Matching geometry/type and intended phase	Wrong plane order corrupts the mosaic	Prepared CFA component planes	Output view, pattern metadata, and state are page-defined
CFA Integer Resample	Calibration	Process > Geometry > CFA Integer Resample	Integer factor and compatible CFA layout	Resample each CFA position without mixing phases	Known CFA phase and valid factor	Changes sampling, dimensions, and stored-value behavior	Linear CFA data	WCS/SIP, metadata, and output behavior are page-defined
Image Registration	Registration and alignment	Process > Preprocess > Image Registration	Star content, geometry, and still/sequence rules are page-specific	Match and warp frames to a reference	Compatible frames and reference	Resampling changes samples and edges	Normally calibrated linear data	Transform, output, WCS/SIP, and sequence behavior are page-defined
Plate Solving	Registration and alignment	Image > Information > Plate Solve	Needs detectable stars and configured catalog/solver inputs	Derive sky-coordinate metadata	Solver/catalog readiness	A wrong solution misleads downstream WCS use	Suitable still image	WCS/SIP metadata and diagnostics are page-defined
Star Profiler	Registration and alignment	Process > Star Processing > Star Profiler v1; Process > Star Processing > Star Profiler v2	Star detection/profile rules differ by version	Measure stars and save reusable profiles	Suitable stars and compatible target	Poor profiles mislead profile-driven work	Analysis at the documented state	Profile files, overlays, and outputs are page-defined
Image Integration	Stacking and integration	Process > Preprocess > Image Integration	Related frames and valid project settings	Run the full calibration-to-report workflow	Input storage, codecs, and optional solver/catalog data	High disk, memory, and runtime cost	Multi-frame linear workflow	Project, manifest, report, artifacts, and metrics are page-defined
Image Integration Lite	Stacking and integration	Process > Preprocess > Image Integration Lite	Lite front-end scope and accepted frames are page-specific	Configure and launch the simplified integration path	Valid source frames and output location	Fewer controls than the full workflow	Multi-frame linear workflow	Project handoff and outputs are page-defined
Image Stacking	Stacking and integration	Process > Preprocess > Image Stacking	Registered compatible inputs and rejection settings	Normalize, reject, and combine frames	Related registered frames	Memory/runtime and rejection choices affect signal	Calibrated registered linear frames	Master, maps, metrics, and metadata are page-defined
Image List Analyzer	Stacking and integration	Process > Utilities > Image List Analyzer	Input-list and metric constraints are page-specific	Inspect/rank a frame list	Readable compatible images	Analysis cost scales with frame count	Pre-integration assessment	Lists, metrics, and persistence are page-defined
Color Calibration	Color calibration	Process > Color Calibration > Color Calibration	RGB and sample/reference requirements are page-specific	Balance image channels	Suitable linear target and samples	Bad samples or clipping bias the result	Usually gradient-corrected linear master	Diagnostics, history, and state are page-defined
Photometric Color Calibration	Color calibration	Process > Color Calibration > Photometric Color Calibration	Requires documented WCS/catalog readiness	Fit catalog photometry to image color	Valid solution, catalog, and detected stars	Bad matches or nonlinear data bias calibration	Linear master before stretch	WCS, diagnostics, and provenance are page-defined
Spectrophotometric Color Calibration	Color calibration	Process > Color Calibration > Spectrophotometric Color Calibration	Requires documented spectra and response inputs	Fit measured colors to synthetic photometry	Catalog spectra and response profile	Wrong response/reference biases color	Linear master before stretch	Profiles, diagnostics, and provenance are page-defined
Background Neutralization	Color calibration	Process > Color Calibration > Background Neutralization	Needs a representative neutral background sample	Remove channel offsets from background	Suitable sample/preview	Object-contaminated samples shift color	Linear master before primary stretch	Target, history, masks, and state are page-defined
SCNR	Color calibration	Process > Color Calibration > SCNR Filter	Channel/amount constraints are page-specific	Suppress a residual color cast	Compatible color image	Strong removal can damage valid color	Usually calibrated image near color workflow	Target, masks, history, and state are page-defined
Linear Match	Color calibration	Process > Color Calibration > Linear Match	Requires a compatible registered reference	Match target scale/offset to reference	Matching geometry and intended reference	Bad reference or clipping biases the match	Linear registered images	Target/output, diagnostics, and state are page-defined
Histogram Transformation	Stretching	Process > Intensity Transformations > Histogram Transformation	Transfer/channel constraints are page-specific	Set shadows, midtones, and highlights	Histogram and compatible source	Clipping or poor black point loses data	Primary linear-to-nonlinear transition	History, masks, sequence, and state are page-defined
Curves Transformation	Stretching	Process > Intensity Transformations > Curves Transformation	Component/spline constraints are page-specific	Apply shaped tone/color transfer curves	Compatible source and selected components	Can clip, shift color, or quantize output	Stretching or nonlinear finishing	History, masks, sequence, and state are page-defined
Generalized Hyperbolic Transformation	Stretching	Process > Intensity Transformations > Generalized Hyperbolic Transformation	Transfer-family and protection-point constraints	Apply a configurable nonlinear stretch	Valid ordered parameters and source	Strong settings compress or clip tonal regions	Primary or corrective stretch	History, masks, and state are page-defined
ArcSinh Stretch	Stretching	Process > Intensity Transformations > ArcSinh Stretch	Black/strength and channel constraints are page-specific	Lift faint signal with an arcsinh mapping	Compatible mono/RGB input	Individual clipping can alter color ratios	Linear-to-nonlinear stretch	Target, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Statistical Stretch	Stretching	Process > Intensity Transformations > Statistical Stretch	Finite image statistics and parameter limits	Derive a stretch from measured statistics	Compatible source statistics	Outliers or aggressive targets can clip	Usually primary stretch	Target, history, masks, and state are page-defined
Gamma Correction	Stretching	Process > Adjustments > Gamma Correction	Positive gamma and compatible channels	Apply a normalized power-law tone map	Compatible source	Changes midtones and nonlinear state	Tone adjustment, normally nonlinear finishing	Target, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Exposure Correction	Stretching	Process > Adjustments > Exposure	Current multiplier/clamp model is not stop scaling	Multiply and clamp stored values	Compatible source	Highlights can clip; label differs from standard stops	Tone adjustment, not the primary stretch contract	Target, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
DeepSNR	Noise reduction	Process > Noise Reduction > DeepSNR	External model/runtime and image constraints apply	Run learned astronomical denoising	Installed compatible DeepSNR package	External inference is costly and can remove signal	Usually linear or early nonlinear	Outputs, temporary files, history, and state are page-defined
Wavelet Denoise	Noise reduction	Process > Noise Reduction > Wavelet Denoise Filter	Scale/threshold/channel constraints are page-specific	Reduce noise in Haar-wavelet bands	Representative noise/scale choices	Strong thresholds remove detail or block structure	Usually linear or early nonlinear	Target, masks, history, and state are page-defined
Total Variation Denoise	Noise reduction	Process > Noise Reduction > Total Variation Denoise Filter	Solver/weight/channel constraints are page-specific	Reduce total variation while retaining structure	Compatible input and finite settings	Can produce piecewise-smooth stair stepping	Usually linear or early nonlinear	Target, masks, history, and state are page-defined
NL-Bayes	Noise reduction	Process > Noise Reduction > Non-Local Bayes Filter	Patch/noise/pass constraints are page-specific	Group and shrink similar local patches	Representative noise and enough neighborhoods	High runtime and oversmoothing at strong settings	Usually linear data	Target, diagnostics, history, and state are page-defined
Patch PCA Denoise	Noise reduction	Process > Noise Reduction > Patch PCA Denoise Filter	Patch/window/strength constraints are page-specific	Suppress low-variance patch components	Adequate neighborhoods and noise estimate	Expensive settings can erase faint texture	Usually linear data	Target, history, and state are page-defined
Bilateral Filter	Noise reduction	Process > Filters > Bilateral Filter	Spatial/range settings and channel support are page-specific	Smooth while limiting cross-edge mixing	Compatible source	Can flatten low-contrast structure	Linear or early nonlinear	Target, masks, sequence, history, and state are page-defined
Gaussian Blur	Noise reduction	Process > Details > Gaussian Blur; Process > Filters > Gaussian Blur	Radius/channel/sequence constraints are page-specific	Apply Gaussian smoothing	Compatible source	Removes fine detail and correlates noise	Any state for deliberate smoothing	Target, masks, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Median Filter	Noise reduction	Process > Filters > Median Filter	Kernel/channel constraints are page-specific	Replace samples by neighborhood median	Compatible source	Alters fine structure and edges	Repair or denoise at documented state	Target, masks, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
GRAYCstoration	Noise reduction	Process > Noise Reduction > GRAYCstoration Filter	Diffusion parameters and the G'MIC adapter's constraints apply	Perform anisotropic structure-aware smoothing	G'MIC adapter (optional; Preview and Apply are disabled where the library is absent)	High cost or strong diffusion can soften detail	Usually linear or early nonlinear	Target, temporary data, history, and state are page-defined
Banding Reduction	Noise reduction	Process > Filters > Banding Reduction Filter	Row/column model and channel constraints are page-specific	Remove one offset per row or column	Axis-aligned banding	Cannot model diagonal or within-line variation	Sensor-artifact correction before strong stretch	Target, masks, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Unsharp Mask	Sharpening and detail	Process > Details > Unsharp Mask	Radius/amount/channel constraints are page-specific	Add a Gaussian detail residual	Controlled noise and representative scale	Can amplify noise, halos, and clipping	Usually after denoise, often nonlinear	Target, masks, history, and state are page-defined
Sharpen Alpha	Sharpening and detail	Process > Details > Multiscale Alpha Sharpen	Multiscale opacity settings and the G'MIC adapter's limits apply	Alpha-composite enhanced detail scales	Compatible source	Can amplify noise and halos at high strength	Usually after denoise	Target, temporary data, history, and state are page-defined
High Pass Filter	Sharpening and detail	Process > Details > High Pass	Blur scale/channel constraints are page-specific	Create a neutral high-pass detail layer	Compatible source	Output is a layer, not finished sharpening	Layer preparation at suitable state	New view, metadata, history, and state are page-defined
Local Contrast Enhancement	Sharpening and detail	Process > Details > Local Contrast Enhancement	Scale/amount/channel constraints are page-specific	Increase contrast over a local scale	Representative structure scale	Can create halos and amplify noise	Often nonlinear finishing	Target, masks, history, and state are page-defined
Local Histogram Equalization	Sharpening and detail	Process > Intensity Transformations > Local Histogram Equalization	Local window and contrast limits are page-specific	Redistribute local intensity histograms	Compatible source	Can exaggerate noise and local artifacts	Usually nonlinear detail work	Target, masks, history, and state are page-defined
CLAHE	Sharpening and detail	Process > Intensity Transformations > CLA Histogram Equalization	Tile/clip/channel constraints are page-specific	Apply contrast-limited local equalization	Compatible source	Can change color, noise, or tile appearance	Usually nonlinear detail work	Target, masks, history, and state are page-defined
Auto Gradient Removal	Background extraction	Process > Background Modelization > Auto Gradient Removal	Needs representative background coverage	Fit and remove an automatic background model	Suitable sky/background	Object-heavy fields can bias the model	Registered cropped linear master	Corrected target/model and metadata are page-defined
Background Extraction	Background extraction	Process > Background Modelization > Background Extraction	Needs valid manual samples and model settings	Fit and subtract/divide a sampled background	Representative samples	Poor samples remove real structure or create division artifacts	Registered cropped linear master	Corrected target/model, samples, and metadata are page-defined
Star Mask	Star operations	Process > Mask Generation > Star Mask	Detection/scale/morphology constraints are page-specific	Generate a mask from detected stars	Suitable star field	Settings can miss stars or include non-star structures	Mask preparation at documented state	New mask view, history, and metadata are page-defined
Starnet++	Star operations	Process > Star Processing > Starnet++	Requires compatible StarNet2 CLI/model	Produce starless and optional star products	Installed supported external tool	Mismatches or strong preprocessing can create halos/seams	Often branch from a stretched working copy	Starless/star outputs, temp files, and state are page-defined
StarNet++ Star Mask	Star operations	Process > Mask Generation > Starnet++ Star Mask	Requires compatible StarNet2 CLI/model	Produce the external tool's star-mask product	Installed supported external tool	Mask semantics differ from unscreen stars	Mask branch at documented state	Mask output, temp files, and state are page-defined
Star Reduction	Star operations	Process > Star Processing > Star Reduction	Requires matching target/starless inputs	Reduce stars through a derived protection mask	Same geometry and compatible branches	Mismatches create halos or seams	Usually nonlinear star branch	Target, mask, history, and state are page-defined
Starmask Recombination	Star operations	Process > Star Processing > Starmask Recombination	Requires compatible target/starless/mask inputs	Recombine star and starless branches	Matching geometry and prepared mask	Mismatched processing causes seams or clipping	Nonlinear composition branch	Output, masks, history, and state are page-defined
Profiled Starmask Recombination	Star operations	Process > Star Processing > Profiled Starmask Recombination	Requires compatible images and saved profile list	Recombine through rasterized star profiles	Matching geometry and valid profiles	Bad profiles leave artifacts or wrong coverage	Nonlinear composition branch	Profile files, outputs, history, and state are page-defined
Dark Structure Enhance	Star operations	Process > Details > Dark Structure Enhance	Scale/kernel/amount constraints are page-specific	Build a dark-structure mask and enhance selected detail	Suitable source structure	Strong settings exaggerate noise or dark artifacts	Often nonlinear detail work	Target/mask outputs, history, and state are page-defined
Channel Composition	Color composition	Process > Color Spaces > Channel Composition	Requires compatible component planes and model choice	Assemble components into a color image	Matching geometry and intended encodings	No implicit registration, normalization, or calibration	Usually registered linear components	New output, naming, metadata, and state are page-defined
LRGB Combination	Color composition	Process > Color Spaces > LRGB Combination	Requires compatible L and RGB inputs	Blend/replace lightness in an RGB image	Matching geometry and intended scale	Unmatched data creates color/detail artifacts	Usually registered linear masters	Output, masks, history, and state are page-defined
NBRGB Combination	Color composition	Process > Color Spaces > NBRGB Combination	Requires compatible broadband/narrowband inputs and widths	Inject line signal into RGB channels	Matching geometry and intended normalization	Simplified continuum model can bias color/signal	Usually registered linear masters	Output, diagnostics, and state are page-defined
NB Color Mapper	Color composition	Process > Color Spaces > NB Color Mapper	Layer/mapping/expression constraints are page-specific	Map narrowband layers into custom color	Compatible mono layers	Mapping is artistic/computational, not spectral calibration	Usually registered linear masters	New output, presets, metadata, and state are page-defined
Narrowband Palette Composer	Color composition	Process > Color Spaces > Narrowband Palette Composer	Input-role and preset/formula constraints are page-specific	Explore fixed narrowband palette formulas	Compatible direct/OSC inputs	Clipping and global normalization alter scale	Linear or exploratory palette work	Outputs, presets, and state are page-defined
Colorize	Color composition	Process > Color Spaces > Colorize	Scalar source and color-model constraints are page-specific	Assign hue/saturation around a scalar intensity	Compatible mono/source component	Does not guarantee perceptual lightness preservation	Page-defined linear/nonlinear use	Output, masks, history, and state are page-defined
Crop	Geometry	Process > Geometry > Crop	Bounds and still/sequence constraints are page-specific	Change framing and dimensions	Valid retained rectangle	Removes data and may invalidate WCS/SIP	Linear or nonlinear working copy	Geometry, WCS/SIP, sequence, and history are page-defined
Resize	Geometry	Process > Geometry > Resize	Dimensions/interpolation/channel constraints are page-specific	Resample to new dimensions	Appropriate interpolation and enough memory	Changes sampling, noise correlation, and edges	Any state with page-specific scientific caution	WCS/SIP, metadata, history, and sequence are page-defined
Rotate	Geometry	Process > Geometry > Rotate	Angle/interpolation/canvas constraints are page-specific	Rotate into selected output geometry	Appropriate interpolation and canvas	Resampling changes samples and border content	Any state with page-specific scientific caution	WCS/SIP, metadata, history, and sequence are page-defined
Integer Resample	Geometry	Process > Geometry > Integer Resample	Integer factors and reducer constraints are page-specific	Reduce dimensions by source blocks	Compatible dimensions/factor	Reducers do not preserve integrated stored-value sums	Linear or nonlinear, preferably a duplicate	WCS/SIP, metadata, history, and sequence are page-defined
Pixel Math	Pixel Math	Process > Pixel Math > Pixel Math	Valid expression, symbols, references, dimensions, and output settings	Evaluate explicit per-sample formulas	Referenced open images and valid grammar	No preview; clipping/domain/stateful-global effects are expression-dependent	Any state; the expression determines physical linearity	Output view/type, metadata, .anpm, and sequence are page-defined
Image Compare	Analysis	Process > Utilities > Image Compare	Requires compatible images for visual comparison	Present two images for inspection	Suitable open views	Provides no quantitative comparison metrics	Compare like processing states	Snapshot and viewer behavior are page-defined
Image Blend	Analysis	Process > Utilities > Image Blend	Requires compatible inputs and selected blend equation	Combine base and blend samples	Same-size/aligned inputs; no implicit matching	Clipping and state changes depend on blend mode	Any compatible state; arithmetic may remain linear	Output, history, masks, and state are page-defined
Range Selection	Analysis	Process > Mask Generation > Range Selection	Finite normalized range and smoothing settings	Derive a hard/fuzzy interval mask	Compatible source	Fuzziness/smoothing can broaden selection	Mask preparation at needed workflow stage	New mask output, history, and state are page-defined
Mask Drawing	Masking	Process > Mask Generation > Mask Drawing	Drawing canvas/tool constraints are page-specific	Draw and save/assign a mask	Compatible target/view	Manual shapes may omit or over-cover structures	Mask preparation at needed workflow stage	Generated view, assignment, file, and history are page-defined
Binarize	Masking	Process > Intensity Transformations > Binarize	Inclusive threshold and channel behavior are page-specific	Convert samples to type minimum/maximum	Compatible source	Destructive threshold erases intermediate values	Usually a grayscale/binary working copy	Target, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Morphological Transformation	Masking	Process > Morphology > Morphological Transformation	Operation/kernel/iteration constraints are page-specific	Erode, dilate, open, or close structures	Suitable mask/working copy	Can erase small features or expand unwanted regions	Mask cleanup at needed stage	Target, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Multiscale Linear Transform	Multiscale	Process > Multiscale > Multiscale Linear Transform	Layer/kernel/threshold/deringing/channel constraints	Process separated detail scales and residual	Scale choices matching target/noise	Wide/many layers increase cost and artifacts	Commonly linear or early nonlinear	Reconstructed target, maps, history, and state are page-defined
Adjust HSL	Color adjustment	Process > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation/Lightness	RGB/HSL range and component constraints are page-specific	Adjust hue, saturation, and HSL lightness	Compatible color image	Gamut clipping and hue behavior can alter color	Mostly nonlinear finishing	Target, masks, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Adjust LCh	Color adjustment	Process > Adjustments > Lightness/Chroma/Hue	RGB/LCh range and gamut constraints are page-specific	Adjust CIE lightness, chroma, and hue	Compatible color image	Reconstruction clips out-of-gamut RGB	Mostly nonlinear finishing	Target, masks, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Adjust Brightness/Contrast	Color adjustment	Process > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast	Current additive/contrast transfer ranges are page-specific	Change normalized brightness and contrast	Compatible source	Clamping can lose shadows/highlights	Nonlinear finishing	Target, masks, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Color Saturation	Color adjustment	Process > Intensity Transformations > Color Saturation	Hue-band/lightness/amount constraints are page-specific	Change HSL saturation in selected hue bands	Compatible RGB image	Hard bands and clipping can create color transitions	Nonlinear color finishing	Target, masks, history, and state are page-defined
Tighten Edges	Color adjustment	Process > Morphology > Tighten Edges	Amount and current fixed-edge model constraints apply	Darken Value around a modified Sobel map	Compatible source	Can create border/noise artifacts; not mathematical morphology	Linear or nonlinear; recorded state is preserved	Target, history, and state are page-defined
Noise Generator	Utility	Process > Utilities > Noise Generator	Distribution/amount/channel constraints are page-specific	Add synthetic noise for testing from a seed each window draws afresh	Compatible source	Not reproducible (the seed cannot be set) and destructive to signal	Controlled test working copy	Target/output, history, sequence, and state are page-defined
Extract Sequence	Utility	Image > Sequence > Extract Sequence	Active sequence and inclusive contiguous range required	Write selected frames to a new sequence	Output path, codec, and readable frames	Writes data and can consume substantial storage	Sequence utility at any compatible state	User files, naming, overwrite, and cancellation are page-defined
Non-Interactive Processes	Utility	Image > Actions; Image > Extract Channel; Image > Convert Format; Image > Fast Geometry; Image > Mask; Image > Sequence; Process > Adjustments	Action-specific active-view/type/channel/still/sequence gates	Resolve 67 immediate actions and one declared unreachable action	Compatible active view and action-specific prerequisites	Some actions are destructive or lose precision/metadata	Any compatible state; each action row states its data effect	New/replaced views, history, masks, files, and metadata are action-defined

Consolidated immediate actions

The Non-Interactive Processes page is the single action matrix for 67 reachable actions plus the declared but currently unreachable Automatic MTF Transform. Use these families to find the exact row rather than assuming every tool opens a process window.

Family	Current route	What the consolidated page resolves
Duplicate	Image > Actions > Duplicate	Still deep copy versus sequence backing-file reopen, identity, metadata, and history
Channel extraction	Image > Extract Channel	RGB, CIE Lab/LCh/XYZ, HSL, HSV, HSI, and YCbCr component outputs
Precision conversion	Image > Convert Format	Seven sample-type targets, enablement, quantization, and storage
Fast geometry	Image > Fast Geometry	Horizontal/vertical mirror and 90°/180° rotations, including WCS/SIP removal
Sequence actions	Image > Sequence	Extract Frame, Extract Sequence, Export, SER/Image List conversion, and the disabled FITS conversion
Direct adjustments	Process > Adjustments	Negative Transformation, Convert to RGB, and Convert to Grayscale
Mask actions and rendering	Image > Mask	Selection/removal plus enable/show/invert and eight rendering modes; Masks is the detailed authority

Linearity and timing

Stage	Recommended recorded/data state	Typical destinations	Checkpoint before moving on
Prepare sensor data	Raw/CFA or uncalibrated linear frames	Calibration and CFA destinations	Correct masters/pattern; calibrated output remains geometrically valid
Register and integrate	Calibrated linear frames	Registration, Integration, Stacking	Common geometry/reference; inspect rejection/normalization and master outputs
Correct the linear master	Integrated linear master	Background extraction, linear color calibration/matching, early denoise	Background and color are stable without irreversible stretch clipping
Stretch	Linear input becoming nonlinear	Histogram, GHT, ArcSinh, Statistical, Curves	Inspect black point, highlights, color, and history on a duplicate
Finish and compose	Tool-specific linear or nonlinear working copy	Denoise, detail, stars, masks, composition, analysis, geometry, color adjustment	Follow the destination page; do not infer safe timing from the menu category alone

How to use this reference

1. Start from the job or artifact you have, then choose its workflow-role row.
2. Check the Type/unit/category cell for the current route. If the action is an Image-menu operation, open the consolidated immediate-action matrix.
3. Check the row's normal timing, then open the destination page and confirm its exact recommended image state, inputs, masks, sequence support, external prerequisites, and destructive/output behavior.
4. Activate or select the intended source immediately before launch. A Process category or favorite is a route, not proof that the current target is valid.
5. For strong or irreversible work, use a duplicate/working copy and inspect the destination's Preview, history, output, and save guidance.

Implementation behavior and model

AfterNight registers built-ins as SingleImage, TopLevel, or NonInteractive descriptors. Single-image launches use the active view and enforce availability, channel, still/sequence, duplicate-attached, and exclusive process guards. Top-level launches open an application-level process window and perform their own source selection/validation. Non-interactive descriptors or direct menu connections act from the active view and may still open an export or extraction dialog or run a background sequence job.

Three classifications serve different purposes. A built-in descriptor's registry category is an internal registration/lookup grouping and does not define exact menu placement; an extension process's manifest category does choose its Process submenu. The generated UI builder defines the user-visible Process-menu category and label. This catalog's workflow role is documentation guidance about task and timing; it is not registry data and can cross menu categories.

The 77 documentation destinations are not a one-to-one count of QAction or registry descriptors. The current parity audit maps 122 registered built-in actions, three direct-wired Process actions, and 32 direct-wired Image actions. Many immediate actions intentionally share one destination; Star Profiler v1/v2 share one page; and a few pages cover application tools outside the Process menu. Recent/favorite lists store stable registered IDs and use the same launch guards; a successful launch, not merely opening a menu, advances the recent list.

flowchart TB
    accTitle: Deep-sky processing map
    accDescr: A typical eight-stage path from raw lights and calibration frames to composition and export, with analysis and geometry used where needed.
    A[Raw lights and calibration frames] --> B[Calibration and CFA handling]
    B --> C[Registration, WCS, and alignment]
    C --> D[Normalization and stacking]
    D --> E[Background and color calibration]
    E --> F[Stretching]
    F --> G[Denoise, sharpen, masks, and stars]
    G --> H[Composition and export<br/>Analysis and geometry as needed]

Recorded linear/nonlinear state is useful provenance, not a universal launch gate. Some processes validate it, some only recommend it, and some preserve a possibly stale state marker. The destination page states the actual behavior.

Inputs, outputs, persistence, and metadata

The catalog itself reads no image and changes no application state. Launching a destination can modify the active image, create new views/sequences/files, open a top-level project, or change runtime mask/history state. The destination page defines naming, precision, metadata/WCS/SIP, history, temporary files, overwrite, and recovery.

Process favorites and recents persist as application settings; process parameters persist only where the individual process says so. Viewer display state, catalog navigation, and merely opening a menu do not change stored image samples or metadata.

Performance and resource implications

Catalog lookup and menu construction are small application operations. Actual cost ranges from one image pass to multi-frame registration/integration, external inference, catalog access, or large temporary outputs. Use Preview or a representative crop only where the process page says it is equivalent enough for tuning. For project workflows, check disk space and cancellation/partial-output behavior before execution; for sequence work, expect cost to scale with frame count as well as dimensions and algorithm complexity.

Worked lookup example

• Evidence mode: Source-and-test-derived.
• Question: “I have a calibrated, registered linear master with a gradient; what should I open, and where is it?”
• Lookup: The Background extraction row points to Process > Background Modelization > Auto Gradient Removal for automatic all-pixel modeling and Background Extraction for a manually controlled sample model. Both pages place correction before color calibration and the primary stretch. If the intended task were only channel extraction or precision conversion, the Consolidated immediate actions table would instead route to the Image menu and the 68-row action matrix.
• Limitation: This verifies source/menu/page mapping and workflow timing only; no gradient image, output quality, runtime, GUI layout, or platform behavior was executed.

Warnings and limitations

• Menu category describes reachability, not safe workflow order. For example, the Intensity Transformations menu mixes the main stretch family with mask, saturation, and local-histogram tools.
• Do not treat a recorded “linear” marker as proof that every prior operation preserved scene-linear data; some processes do not update that provenance.
• Immediate actions can be destructive, precision-reducing, metadata-changing, or sequence-wide even though they open no parameter window.
• A Preview can be display-only, ROI-based, cached, approximate, or unsupported. The individual page defines what Apply actually commits.
• External tools/catalogs and extension processes have readiness and trust boundaries not implied by a visible menu entry.
• The catalog does not replace File Formats, Process Windows, Masks, or the detailed destination page.

Troubleshooting

Symptom/question	Verified interpretation or cause	Resolution/next page	Evidence source
A process entry is disabled or refused at launch	No active image, a color rule, or descriptor availability disabled it; a channel/type, still/sequence, or duplicate/exclusive guard refused the launch with a titled message (an extension entry is disabled by those guards)	Activate a compatible view and read the destination's At a glance and troubleshooting sections	ActionStateCoordinator.cpp; ProcessRegistry.cpp; ProcessLauncherTest.cpp
A documented tool is not under Process	Several complete tool families are Image-menu actions	Use Consolidated immediate actions and Toolbar & Menus	generated menu wiring and parity audit
The same tool appears in two menu categories	Gaussian Blur is intentionally placed in both Details and Filters	Use its one Gaussian Blur authority page	AfterNightAppUiBuilder.h
Recent Processes did not change	The list advances only after a successful registered launch	Resolve the launch error, then launch again; see Toolbar & Menus	ProcessMenuState.h; menu tests
Output linearity or metadata is unclear	Category-level timing cannot describe every process exception	Open the destination's inputs/outputs/metadata and warnings sections before committing	completed process pages

Related pages

• Process Windows — shared targets, channels, previews, masks, Apply/Reset/Close, cancellation, history, and persistence.
• Toolbar & Menus — exhaustive menu/action, recent/favorite, context-menu, state, and shortcut behavior.
• Masks — assignment, enable/show/invert, rendering, and process interaction.
• File Formats — authoritative precision, compression, metadata, sequence, and save/export behavior.
• Broadband Imaging, Narrowband Imaging, Planetary Imaging, and Mosaic Workflow — end-to-end decision paths.
• Glossary — linearity, launch, color, integration, mask, multiscale, file, and extension terminology.

References and provenance

• src/AfterNightProcesses/app/ProcessRegistryBuiltins.cpp — registered built-in descriptors, internal registry categories/IDs, launch modes, and guards.
• src/AfterNightControls/app/AfterNightAppUiBuilder.h — exact Process/Image category/action placement and labels.
• src/AfterNightControls/app/MenuActionManager.cpp and src/AfterNightControls/app/ActionStateCoordinator.cpp — registry binding, direct actions, and enablement.
• src/AfterNightApp/app/AfterNightApp.cpp — successful-launch recording and recent/favorite settings persistence.
• src/AfterNightControls/app/ProcessRegistry.h, src/AfterNightControls/app/ProcessRegistry.cpp, and src/AfterNightControls/app/ProcessMenuState.h — availability/launch guards and recent/favorite rules.
• src/AfterNightTests/Test_ProcessFramework/test_process_registry_rules.cpp, src/AfterNightTests/Test_ProcessesShared/ProcessLauncherTest.cpp, src/AfterNightTests/Test_ProcessesShared/ProcessRegistryTest.cpp, src/AfterNightTests/Test_ProcessFramework/test_process_menu_wiring.cpp, src/AfterNightTests/Test_AfterNightApp/ApplicationMenuTest.cpp, and src/AfterNightTests/Test_AfterNightApp/test_process_menu_state.cpp — focused descriptor/category/launch/menu-state coverage; ProcessRegistryTest opens every registered action's real window.
• Each of the 77 linked destination pages remains authoritative for its detailed process/tool behavior.