With the release of version 2 of the FITS Liberator today it has become even easier to create stunning images. You can literally create "pretty pictures" like the iconic Hubble image "Pillars of Creation", seen here, in a matter of minutes.

The advantages of using FITS Liberator over previous image processing tools are indicated to the right: 1. Some added detail in the shadows, 2. Increased gamut (colour space, more nuances), 3. Slightly better noise characteristics and 4. Easier access to advanced cosmetic cleaning tools indicated by the removed ghosts.

The three-colour dataset used to create this image can be downloaded from: http://www.spacetelescope.org/projects/fits_liberator/eagledata.html

Credit: NASA/ESA & the ESA/ESO/NASA Photoshop FITS Liberator