What It Does
Fixel Detailizer 2 AE breaks images into 5 separate frequency bands, letting you amplify fine details, mid-range textures, or large-scale structures independently. Think of it like an audio equalizer, but for visual detail. You can sharpen skin texture without touching facial contours, or boost architectural edges while leaving sky gradients smooth.
The plugin uses a wavelet-based algorithm instead of traditional sharpening methods. This frequency separation approach means you’re not just cranking up contrast universally; you’re targeting specific scales of information in the image.
Key Features
Five Independent Bands. Each scale corresponds to a different level of detail, from tiny textures to broad structural elements. Set amplification per band to control exactly what gets enhanced.
Preserve Saturation Mode affects only luminosity, preventing color shifts when you push detail enhancement hard. Useful for maintaining accurate skin tones or product colors while sharpening.
Pseudo-HDR Effect. High amplification on large-scale details can simulate an HDR look by exaggerating local contrast in broad tonal areas.
Multi-CPU Acceleration speeds up processing on multi-core systems.
Who It’s For
Useful for finishing passes on VFX plates where you need to match sharpness across CG and live-action elements, or for broadcast work where specific detail scales need enhancement without introducing artifacts. Colorists working on flat, log footage can use it to restore micro-contrast lost in acquisition.
Pricing
Note: This plugin is discontinued. It was originally sold for $19.99 standalone. A bundle including both After Effects and Photoshop versions was offered at $34.98. Owners of the previous version received a 50% discount on major updates, and minor updates were free. The plugin is no longer available for purchase.