Everything you need to know about using Tonecraft and Nikon Picture Controls.
Picture Controls are Nikon's built-in image processing presets. They control how your camera processes color, contrast, sharpness, and tone in JPEG photos.
Think of them like Instagram filters, but built into your camera — no phone needed. Nikon includes basics like Standard, Vivid, and Monochrome, but you can create custom ones too. That's what recipes are.
Method 1: NP3 File (recommended)
NIKON/CUSTOMPC/ folder on your memory cardMethod 2: Manual entry
Note: Flexible Color recipes MUST use the NP3 method — they can't be entered manually.
Flexible Color is Nikon's most advanced color system, available on newer cameras (Zf, Z6III, Z50II, Z5II, Zr, Z8, Z9). It gives you two powerful tools:
Think of it like having a professional color grading suite built into your camera. You need NX Studio software or NP3 files — you can't create these in-camera.
Which cameras work with this app?
All Nikon Z cameras. Some advanced features like Flexible Color need newer cameras (Zf, Z6III, Z50II, Z5II, Zr, Z8, Z9).
Do I need to pay?
No, Tonecraft is free. Browse, discover, and save recipes at no cost.
How do I submit my own recipe?
Go to the Submit page from the navigation bar. Fill in your Picture Control settings, companion settings, and shooting tips, then publish. Your recipe will appear in the browse section.
What's an NP3 file?
A file that stores all Picture Control settings. Copy it to your camera's memory card to instantly load a recipe.
Where do the sample photos come from?
Many recipes feature real sample photos taken by the creators themselves — Stephan Morais, Serban JPG, and Scott Tucker. Other recipes use carefully matched reference photos that represent the recipe's visual character.