nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 applies optimal sharpening to an image based on image resolution, viewing distance, paper type, and printer resolution rather than the traditional radius, amount, and threshold values used by other sharpening software. Many digital photographers do not know how to correctly select the optimal radius, amount, and threshold for sharpening their digital images and frequently over, or under sharpen them. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 removes the guesswork and provides controls that photographers understand. The software then does the work of calculating and applying the optimal sharpening for an image.

When preparing an image for printing, it is important to consider the printing process before sharpening the image. Each type of printing process has its own image rendering characteristics that influence the sharpness of detail in the print. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is designed to address the image rendering characteristics of different printing processes (traditional halftone, dye sublimation, inkjet, and digital photographic) and even differences between inkjet printer manufacturers (Canon, Epson, HP, and Lexmark).

For photographers and digital artists who want to apply different amounts of sharpening to selected areas of the image, there are two sets of tools that allow users to apply selective sharpening: the sliders in the Advanced controls menu and the Selective tool. The Advanced controls menu in nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 provides five slider controls that can be associated with different colors in a digital image. The five sliders can be adjusted independently.