During the installation wizard, you will see a list of compatible host applications. Check the box next to .
To get the most professional look, avoid applying the filter directly to your base image. Follow this non-destructive industry workflow. 1. Create a Light Layout Layer
Knoll Light Factory for Photoshop is a specialized plugin designed to create realistic, 3D-style lens flares, reflections, and light rays. Unlike standard, pre-baked flares, Knoll Light Factory allows you to customize the composition, color, and behavior of light within your images, making it an essential tool for photographers, matte painters, and graphic designers. Key Features of the 3.x Series for CC 2015:
It is important to note that the software landscape has evolved significantly since the release of Photoshop CC 2015. John Knoll eventually took the unusual step of releasing the algorithms behind Knoll Light Factory as open source. This act of generosity allowed developers to integrate these high-quality optical effects into a wider range of software, and eventually, the plugin was acquired by Maxon (developers of Cinema 4D) and integrated into their product suite. While the original plugin as a standalone purchase is no longer the primary way modern users access this technology, its presence in the CC 2015 era marked a golden age of plugin development.
Adjust the layer slider to blend the light realistically into your composition. Pro-Tips for Ultra-Realistic Lighting Knoll Light Factory For Photoshop Cc 2015 Mac
, the legendary lens flare plugin that remains a staple for digital artists who want cinematic lighting without the cheese. Why It’s the "Hollywood" Choice
Click OK to apply the effect to your Photoshop layer. Conclusion
Note: Because Photoshop CC 2015 and older Red Giant installers are legacy software, they are designed for Intel-based Macs. If you are running a modern Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Mac, you will need to run Photoshop via Rosetta 2 emulation for older plugins to load properly.
💡 If you are working on a high-resolution retina display, make sure your GPU acceleration is turned on in Photoshop Preferences to ensure the flare preview remains smooth and responsive. If you'd like to dive deeper, let me know: During the installation wizard, you will see a
Browse the on the left panel to select a starting point.
Click to apply the effect to your Photoshop layer. If the effect feels too intense, simply lower the Opacity of the flare layer or use a layer mask to softly brush away unwanted reflections over your main subject. Pro-Tips for Photorealistic Results
, which was the final stable version for Photoshop before the focus shifted to video hosts. Locate the Plugin Folder : Most Photoshop plugins on Mac are installed to: /Applications/Adobe Photoshop CC 2015/Plug-ins/ Manual Installation
Use the preview window to place the light source exactly over an existing light in your photo (e.g., the sun, a streetlamp, or a car headlight). Follow this non-destructive industry workflow
If you’ve updated to a recent macOS (like Ventura or Sonoma) or are using Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), you might run into installation issues as this legacy plugin was discontinued in March 2023. It thrives best on Intel-based Macs running older OS versions consistent with the CC 2015 era. Pro Tips for Better Flares Use "Unmultiply":
During the installation process, the Red Giant installer should recognize your existing Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 application. Launch Photoshop: Once finished, open Photoshop CC 2015.
Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 (v16.0 or higher).
Lens flares designed based on real-world camera optics.