25/10/2026
**Dual-Band SHO Processing in PixInsight — Sharing My Workflow**
A few people have asked me to share my workflow for creating **SHO-style astrophotography images using two dual-narrowband filters**, so I thought I’d share the process with the community.
This is a workflow I have developed and refined through my own processing experience. It can be used to create **Hubble, Foraxx and other custom colour palettes** from dual-band data.
I’ve included a workflow graphic to make the process easier to follow. **Please download it and use it as a reference whenever you need it.**
# # # My 6-Step Workflow
**1. Capture & Stack**
Capture separate datasets using your **L-eX / L-Para (Hα + OIII)** and **OIII-SII (OIII + SII)** dual-narrowband filters. Stack each dataset using your preferred software.
**2. XTerminator Processing**
Apply **BlurXTerminator and NoiseXTerminator** as appropriate to your linear images.
**Important: Do NOT stretch the images before DBExtract.** Stretching at this stage can blow out the Hα channel.
**3. Extract the Channels**
Use **DBExtract** from *Script → Suite Astrositas* to extract the individual Hα, OIII and SII channels from the dual-band data.
**4. LinearFit the Channels**
Use **Statistics** (*Image → Statistics*) to compare the median values of the extracted channels. I normally use the channel with the **lowest median** as the reference for LinearFit, then bring the other channels into alignment.
**5. Create Your SHO Palette**
Use **LRGBCombination** to combine the extracted channels. From here, you can create a **Hubble, Foraxx or completely custom palette**. Experiment with the channel assignments and parameters to develop your own colour interpretation.
**6. Refine & Create Your Final Image**
Continue with your preferred PixInsight processing — colour balancing, contrast, saturation, star processing, masks, sharpening and other finishing techniques — until you achieve the result you are looking for.
# # # Now comes the fun part!
These steps are **not a recipe for producing one particular look**. They are a starting point.
The same data can produce dramatically different results depending on how you combine the channels and process the image. **Be creative, experiment with different palettes and don't be afraid to break the rules.**
If you find this workflow useful, **please download the guide, try it with your own data and share your creations with us.** I'd love to see what you come up with.
And if this has helped you, please **give it a Like and Subscribe to my channel** for more PixInsight tips, astrophotography techniques and interesting astrophotography compilations.
Also, have a look through my **previous posts and videos on the channel** — there are plenty of processing tips and examples to explore.
Clear skies and happy processing!
**Astroman.au**
*Hawthorne Deep Sky Observatory*
