DIY

DIY FilmLabs

Comprehensive Guide

Comprehensive manual

Install and configure Negative Converter.

Everything from installation to batch workflows, licensing and troubleshooting.

Contents

  • Installation
  • Quick Start
  • Workflow
  • Advanced Settings
  • Licensing
  • Tips
  • Troubleshooting
  • Shortcuts
  • Support
Start with installationSkip to support

Need the app instead? Download the free trial or purchase the full version.

DIY FilmLabs - Negative ConverterWindows Desktop App
DIY FilmLabs Negative Converter user interface showing film negative and positive preview with conversion tools.

Installation

No traditional installer required, just download, extract, and double click. Add RawTherapee if you want fast RAW conversions.

Step 1

Download the Application Download

  1. Download the latest installer by clicking the Download button above
  2. Extract the ZIP to any location (e.g., C:/Program Files/DIY FilmLabs - Negative Converter/).
  3. Double click DIY FilmLabs - Negative Converter.exe to launch.

Step 2

(Optional) Install RawTherapee CLI

  1. Download RawTherapee from rawtherapee.com.
  2. Install it (default or custom path).
  3. Note the CLI path such as C:/Program Files/RawTherapee/5.12/rawtherapee-cli.exe.

Step 3

Launch DIY FilmLabs

  1. After extraction, open the folder and run the executable.
  2. The main window loads instantly so you can start configuring inputs.

RawTherapee Configuration

Configure once, enjoy faster RAW files forever.

  • Launch RawTherapee after installing to ensure it starts correctly.
  • In Negative Converter, open Settings.
  • Select rawtherapee-cli.exe and save the path.

Expect 5-10s per RAW frame with RawTherapee vs. 15-30s without it.

Quick Start

Two minutes to your first conversion.

Configure Folders

  • Add Folder: choose the directory containing your scanned negatives.
  • Export Folder: pick where positives should land (eg: D:/FilmExports/2025-01-19).

(Optional) RawTherapee

  • Open Settings
  • Browse to rawtherapee-cli.exe and Save.
  • RAW conversions drop from 15-30s to ~5-10s per file.
💡 Without RawTherapee, RAW files take ~15-30s each. With the CLI configured, expect 5-10s.

Workflow

1

Load Previews

  • Set the Input Folder and click Load Previews.
  • TIFF/JPEG previews are instant; RAW files take longer depending on RawTherapee.
2

Review

  • Left panel shows the negative, right panel shows the positive preview (demo mode overlays a watermark).
  • Use the thumbnail carousel or ← / → to move between frames
3

Choose Metering

  • Evaluative for general scenes, Center-weighted for portraits.
  • Use Custom to drag a rectangle over a neutral area when colors look off.
4

Transform

  • Rotate in 90° increments, flip horizontal/vertical, or reset.
  • Enable Persist Transform Settings to reuse the same adjustments for every frame.
5

Convert & Review

  • Convert handles the selected frame; Convert All batches the folder (ESC cancels).
  • Open Export Folder to check final TIFF or JPEG files.

Interface highlights

Dual preview panels

The negative stays on the left while the positive preview on the right reflects your metering selection. Demo mode adds a watermark to the preview and exported files.

Contextual toolbar

Rotate, flip, compare, or enable batch transforms using the row of icons between the preview and carousel.

Logs and update notices

The left panel displays real-time logs (e.g., 'Generated previews successfully') plus update banners when new builds like v1.0.2 are available.

Advanced Settings

Match your output to your editing workflow and scene.

Export

Choose the right format

  • TIFF: 16-bit archival output, larger files, perfect for heavy editing or long-term storage.
  • JPEG: Lightweight 8-bit files for sharing or quick edits.
  • Monochrome: Optional luminance-based grayscale conversion for black & white output.

Metering

Control the conversion

  • Evaluative: Analyzes the entire frame. For evenly lit scenes and landscapes.
  • Center-weighted: Focuses on the middle 50%. Great for portraits or centered subjects.
  • Custom: Drag a rectangle over any sample area to control color balance in tricky lighting.

Licensing

Start with the demo, upgrade any time.

TierFeaturesWatermarkConversionTrial
No LicensePreview onlyYesDisabled-
DemoAll featuresYesEnabled60 days
FullAll featuresNoEnabledPerpetual

About the watermark

In demo mode the positive preview and exported files show the gray “DIY FilmLabs - Negative Converter” watermark. Upgrading to a Full license removes it while keeping the rest of the interface identical.

Activate your license

  1. Purchase from diyfilmlabs.com (you'll receive a .lic file via email).
  2. In the app, click License → Load from File (or paste the license text).
  3. Click Activate License. Status badges show Demo, Full, or Expired and persist between sessions.

Tips & Best Practices

Scan Settings

  • Use the highest DPI you can (2400+ recommended).
  • Capture RAW/DNG and disable any automatic corrections.
  • Keep scans linear/unprocessed for best inversion quality.

Metering

  • Start Evaluative, switch to Center-weighted for portraits.
  • Use Custom on neutral gray areas when colors skew.

Batch Processing

  • Group similar negatives (same film + lighting).
  • Persist transform settings if every frame needs the same rotation.
  • Watch the log and hit ESC if you need to pause.

File Organization

  • Keep originals untouched in their own folder.
  • Export to dated or descriptive directories for quick reference.

Troubleshooting

Borrow these quick fixes whenever something looks off.

Unable to generate preview

Cause: Unsupported or corrupted file.

Fix: Use supported formats (CR3, CR2, NEF, RAF, ARW, DNG, RW2, ORF, TIFF, JPEG). Please convert to DNG or TIFF using external tools if the above suggestion didn't work.

Conversion failed: License Required

Cause: No valid license loaded.

Fix: Activate Demo or Full via the License dialog.

Previews are slow

Cause: RawTherapee not configured.

Fix: Install RawTherapee and point the app to the CLI executable.

Colors look wrong

Cause: Metering mode mismatch.

Fix: Try a different mode or sample a neutral area with Custom.

App will not start

Cause: Check if the AntiVirus has quarantined any files.

Fix: Add an exception for the app folder and re-extract if needed.

License validation error

Cause: Corrupted or mismatched license file.

Fix: Re-download your .lic from the purchase email or contact support.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Quick keys that mirror the desktop UI hints.

ESCCancel batch conversion
←Previous image (when preview loaded)
→Next image (when preview loaded)
RRotate Counterclockwise (when preview loaded)
TRotate Clockwise (when preview loaded)
FFlip Horizontal (when preview loaded)
VFlip Vertical (when preview loaded)
CConvert Selected
QEvaluative metering
ACenter Weighted metering

Support & Resources

Same places the landing page points to—just gathered in one tidy list.

Websitehttps://diyfilmlabs.com
Download Latesthttps://diyfilmlabs.com/download
Support Emailsupport@diyfilmlabs.com
Purchase Licenseshttps://diyfilmlabs.com/checkout
Communityhttps://discord.gg/kEs3SuWT

Version history

v1.0.1 (Current)

  • Initial release with RAW and TIFF conversion.
  • Multiple metering modes, batch processing, transformations.