Using Multiple Softwares

I have used exclusively LR and CSx up to now. I am interested in a few of the Nik programs and was wondering what your workflow is when using more than one program.

In LR, I can "Edit in PS" and it stays in LR.... Should I follow my normal workflow, then export a tiff and edit that in Nik? Set up LR to "Edit in Nik" or anything else?

Thanks.

OR, is all this stuff plug ins??

Software like Nik typically offers various options, and an important option to be aware of is that of working as a "plug-in", a "mini-app" that can work withing Photoshop or that can be used in Lightroom in a similar way that LR works with the "Edit in Photoshop" function (where a tiff/psd copy is created, "keeps" whatever changes are made and stays in the LR catalog.

If you are a regular at working in Photoshop, there is a very clear advantage to having/using a Photoshop plug-in because you can work with the plug-in as a Photoshop layer, meaning you can revisit and change it at will.

If you don't "frequent" Photoshop, but prefer to remain in Lightroom when possible, then an Lightroom plug-in may be a more efficient way to work, although once the tiff/psd file is saved by the pluging, you will not be able to work with it like you could a Photoshop layer.

Do I have to choose either LR or PS plug in or does it come with/as both?

Also, it appears I cannot order and download the software, I actually have to order the disks???

I'm not a Nik user and can't provide the details. I do see though at the Nik site that you can either download a free trial or pay for a download.

Did you check out the Nik site?

http://www.niksoftware​.com/index/usa/entry.p​hp

Be aware that you can get the complete "bundle" or the specific filters you want. Various people prefer using one or two of the filters, but some folks buy the whole bundle.

As to whether you can use one plug-in for both Lightroom and Photoshop/Photoshop Elements, I don't know. You can poke around the Nik site for edits, although hopefully someone will chime in here to fill in the blanks!

I did, I guess I missed the pay for a download part, although I am looking for a package.... I'll look again. Thanks Tony.

edit: I see why, the collection I was looking at is Box Only. I'll just get the full collection! Great excuse!