This may be a very stupid question, but I can’t find an answer in the manual. Is filmic only for raw files? Or is it for use with TIFFs (16-bit, 8 bit) and JPEGs too (which have already been demosaiced, white balance set, etc.)? I checked and dt allows the module to be turned on with non-raw files. Most of what I have read about filmic has been in relation to using it for raw files, but is it useful for other files too? Or should it not be used for them? Thank you.
I have used it with both jpgs and tiffs, but yes, its main purpose is for raws.
It’s use is for high dynamic range images. An 8 bit image definitely is not that. But let’s face it, you can get some nice creative effects with filmic so in that sense, I use it all the time no matter if it’s a raw, tiff or jpeg.
I would say yes, filmic is for raw files, or at least for linear rgb files.
Jpgs or tiffs ot other format have a gamma function applied.
Filmic substitutes the base function used in cameras to boost contrast in middle tones, sacrifiying lights that the eya cannot distinguish.
So if the image is non linear, filmuc is not appropiate. May be you can get results anyway in some circunstances.
But let us see what experts say.
If the image already has a tone curve - as most non raw files do - then there is usually no need to add another. But in an unbounded workflow, the log tone mapping part of filmic can still be useful, it just depends how much you raise values in the prior modules. If you push them beyond 255 in eaely modules you can use White relative slider in filmic to bring them back. So if you were to use it in that fashion, I would set the filmic contrast to 0 and soft/hard settings to give a straight line (thus, no curve).
Edit: Contrast to 1 (which is minimum), not 0.
Thank you for your comment. I was thinking the same thing. 
I finally figured out how to include the comment I am replying to. The forum software did not make it obvious. For a long time I couldn’t see how to do it.
Yes, this is exactly what I was thinking and wondering about. Although filmic is meant for raw I was wondering if there possibly could be some utility in using it even with TIFF and JPEG files sometimes to reduce the chance while processing of values getting pushed to 0 and 255 (or 0 and 16,383 for 16-bit files). But I admit I do not have a full understanding of filmic although I have used it, read about it, and saw a video about using it. As we know, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing so that is why I ask here.
1 Like
Filmic applies a filmic curve which response to film used in the manual days. A JPG is an already devleoped photograh which already has such a curve applied.
You can use Filmic (and other linear-rgb modules) with JPGs, but you need to reorder the pipe so that Input Color Profile comes earlier in the pipe (near the bottom) before modules like Exposure and Filmic. This linearizes the work flow for JPGs.
1 Like
So that way you llinearize the jpeg or tiff in the first step?
Yes. You can see Aurélian Pierre doing this, and briefly explaining, on this video, from about 14m 20s:
https://youtu.be/kzACn3l49HM
And he explains fully in his reply to Ian McNab in the comments.
2 Likes
For those who are too busy today(!) to watch Aurélian’s video and read the comments, here’s what he wrote in his reply:
“JPEG files are saved with an ORTF (gamma) , which makes them non-linear, but that is only an encoding. The input profile decodes the gamma and linearizes the picture, so JPEG are non-linear before the input profile, and linear after. But since the default pipeline order is meant for RAW files, which are linear even before input profile, you need to reorder things to use linear operations in the linear part of the pipe when you are working with non-raw images.”
So, to edit JPEGs with dt, you need to move Input Color Profile below the modules affecting exposure. Simples!
Happy Christmas to all!
Just test nothing forbids it. I test the raw and jpeg it works fine.
Thank you for your reply. Here is a screenshot of the pipeline when I open a jpeg for the first time in 3.4.0:
And here is a screenshot after I have used the exposure module:
So, I need to somehow move input color profile below exposure, right? I will need to research how to do that.
Click the two boxes icon. A menu pops up, showing that you can move the module up or down.
Thank you! Brilliant. After doing that the pipeline now looks like this:
So, this is the recommended way to then continue dt processing of a jpeg or tiff?
I don’t use dt. Just gave the new release a run to see what has changed.
My advice is to hover over module titles to see what each expects the input to be. Naturally, moving the position of input color profile may affect modules that are usually positioned in between it and exposure.
You can do as @afre explained, or you can hold SHIFT+CTRL while you left-click and drag Input Color Profile with your mouse to the new position below exposure.
With great power comes great responsibility. 
Naturally, working on a raw file is best. We all know that. But sometimes what you have is a jpeg or tiff so I was curious if in some situations where one wants to do more than minor editing tweaks there might be some utility in using filmic. It seems like it may be useful in order to not blowout when you push pixel values beyond 255 (or 16,383 for 16-bit files) during the intermediate editing. Thanks to everyone who replied.