Saving image montages

May require a separate license

Background

An image montage is a composite image created by combining multiple overlapping image tiles using the Montage tool on the Image ribbon.

You can save montages either as a montage or as a data file:

Procedure and options for saving your image montage

In most cases, we recommend saving as a montage to preserve your work. When saved as a montage, however, you can no longer edit (move or re-align) the individual images that were used to create the montage.
Data file: The individual image files and the layout structure are saved in editable .xml or .dat data files; you can modify the layout if needed.

Saving as a montage (a single image)

The images are combined into a single image or image stack. When saved as a montage, you can no longer edit (move or re-align) the individual image tiles that were used to create the montage.

Go to File > Save As and click Montage
Navigate to the desired location for the file and type in a File Name.
(optional) Choose from the following options:
- Save/Export as type drop-down menu:
  - MBF JPEG2000 is the default file type: we recommend it.
  - MBF JPEG2000 and MBF TIFF files can include high bit-depth pixel data (if present) and image-display adjustments you've made in Neurolucida 360. Metadata about the image, such as the microscope hardware used, is also saved.
  - JPEG2000 file format offers smart compression that can result in a significant reduction in the amount of storage space needed, with minimal data loss.
  - TIFF file format is uncompressed.
- Export the image file: Check the box to save (export) the image only and break its link to any associated data file.
  
  When checked, the Save button changes to an Export button.
  - The original image-display information and any high bit depth data that were present are lost.
  - This enables selection of additional Image Detail [or Stack Save Options] options.
- Image Detail options or Stack Save Options (for 2D and 3D image montages, respectively):
  - Save as individual channels [available for multiple color-channel images]: Saves each color-channel in the image as a separate file.
    
    The channel number is added to the end of the file name, e.g., "FileName_Ch01.jp2"
  - Save image color [available when you select Save as individual channels]: Saves the color information with each separate channel or stack.
  - Save as a series of single image files: Save each image plane as a separate file.
    
    The plane is added to the end of the file name, e.g., "FileName_001.jp2" or "FileName_001_Ch01.jp2"
- Compression [available when either JPEG2000 file type is selected]: Use the slider to indicate the amount of file compression desired.
Click the Save or Export button to save/export the file and close the dialog box.

Saving as an editable data file:

The individual image files and the layout structure are saved. You can edit the .xml or .dat file to modify the image montage.

Go to File >
- Save As if you're saving a file for the first time or want to save a file with an updated name or location. This will not change the original file.
- Save if you want to save updates to a file that has been previously saved and you do not want to update the file name or location. This will overwrite the original file.
  
  Alternatively, click the Save button on the Quick Access bar in either the main and 3D Neurolucida 360 window.
Click the Data File button.
- From File > Save, clicking Data File saves the file and returns you to the previous Neurolucida 360 view.
- From File > Save As, clicking Data File opens the Save As window. Choose options and save as described in the next step.
In the Save As window, choose options and save the data as follows:
1. Navigate to the desired location for the file and type in a File Name.
2. (optional) Choose the file type from the Save as type drop-down menu
  
  XML Document File (*.xml) is the default. We recommend it.
3. (optional) Type notes about the file into the Description box if desired.