Introduction

(Cosmic Voyager Exclusive)

PixInsight is a powerful, modular image processing platform built specifically for astrophotography and other technical imaging fields. Unlike one-click editors, it provides a comprehensive suite of tools for calibrating, stacking, and processing astrophotography data with complete control over every step.

This guide covers everything you need to do to set up PixInsight correctly so you can hit the ground running.

⭐ Step 1: Download & Install PixInsight

📅 As of 28 July 2025, PixInsight offers a free 45-day trial.
👉 Download PixInsight

1️⃣ Download the installer for your OS.
2️⃣ Install PixInsight and run the application.
3️⃣ Activate your trial license or enter your purchased key.

🖼️ [Placeholder: Screenshot of PixInsight trial page]

💎 Step 2: Purchase, Install & Activate RC-Astro Plugins

To get professional-grade results, add the RC-Astro suite of premium plugins:

🔹 BlurXTerminator – Restores fine detail in stars and nebulae.
🔹 NoiseXTerminator – AI-driven noise reduction that preserves signal.
🔹 StarXTerminator – Removes or separates stars for advanced workflows.

🛒 Installation & Activation:

1️⃣ Purchase from RC-Astro.
2️⃣ Download and install the package.
3️⃣ In PixInsight, open any RC-Astro process.
4️⃣ Click the spanner/wrench icon.
5️⃣ Enter your email and activation code to unlock the plugin.

🖼️ [Placeholder: Screenshot of RC-Astro plugin panel and activation dialog]

💡 Each plugin has a free trial so you can test before buying.

🌠 Step 3: Install GraXpert (Free)

GraXpert is an AI-powered gradient removal tool for fixing uneven backgrounds.

1️⃣ Download from GraXpert.org.
2️⃣ Install the PixInsight module following their guide.
3️⃣ Restart PixInsight to load the plugin.

🖼️ [Placeholder: Screenshot of GraXpert process inside PixInsight]

⭐ Step 4: Link Star Databases (for SPCC Colour Calibration)

PixInsight’s Spectrophotometric Colour Calibration (SPCC) requires access to star catalogues.

Recommended Databases:

• GAIA DR3 – Deep-sky calibration
• APASS DR9 – Wide-field calibration

🔧 How to Install:

1️⃣ Go to Process > All Processes > Gaia.
2️⃣ Download GAIA DR3 and APASS DR9 from the provided links.
3️⃣ In PixInsight, go to Resources > Updates > Manage Directories and link the downloaded folders.

🖼️ [Placeholder: Screenshot of Gaia panel showing catalog options]

✅ Step 5: Update Repositories & Synchronize

1️⃣ Go to Resources > Updates > Manage Repositories.
2️⃣ Add official PixInsight and plugin repositories.
3️⃣ Click Check for Updates and apply any available changes.

🖼️ [Placeholder: Screenshot of PixInsight repository manager]

🎯 You’re Now Ready to Process

With PixInsight installed, RC-Astro plugins activated, GraXpert running, and star databases linked, you have the full toolkit to produce professional-quality astrophotography images.

This setup ensures you’re ready for the Bubble Nebula 10-Step Workflow, coming next in the Cosmic Voyager section.

🖼️ [Placeholder: Before/After image of Bubble Nebula ]