CCDOPS only allows for RGB imaging.  For LRGB imaging programs such as MaxIm DL or Photoshop can be used.  Also, color combined images are automatically output as 8-bit files that cannot be screen stretched, so combining FITS files in CCDOPS is not recommended.

Note:  CCDOPS cannot do much with a color image, so plan on exporting color files to another program such as Photoshop or MaxIm DL to do more processing after combining an RGB image or converting a one-shot color image.

RGB Combine

Begin by selecting Utilities > RGB Combine from the main menu.  This brings up the RGB Combine window.

Click on the first Set Name button to choose a file.  CCDOPS saves color images from Color Grab sequences as SBIG Color Components.  Red-filtered images are given a .R extension, green files have .G and blue files have .B extensions.  When you click the Red Set Name button all of the .R color component files are shown.  You may also select other file types such as FITS files which will not have color extensions.  Select the file you wish to use and click Open. 

The file you selected should now appear in each color box with the appropriate extension for each color if it was an SBIG color file.  For a FITS or other type of image, you will have to sleect each file separately.

Above:  Color components for an image of the Trifid Nebula have been selected.

Click Do It to combine the images.  Since there is no way to align the images beforehand in CCDOPS, what you will likely see is a messy multihued menagerie of misalignment.  (And you thought you wouldn't see any alliteration on this website....)

Above:  The Trifid Nebula after the initial RGB Combine.

To fix this, you must refine the position of each image using the adjustment boxes in the RGB Combine window.  This window stays open after the images have been combined to allow you to make the necessary adjustments.  There is some trial and error involved in matching the files (MaxIm DL, on the other hand, can automatically align images).  It is best to select a reference image (one of the colors) and to match the other two to that.  In the above picture the green component in more or less in between the other two, so we'll use that as a reference.  Relative to the green, the red image needs to move to the right and down slightly.  The blue image needs to move left and down.

In the adjustment boxes, enter an amount to shift the image.  The units are in pixels.  Note that negative numbers move left and up.

Above:  The final RGB Combine window showing the necessary adjustments.  The green ended up a bit below the red and blue images, so instead of moving each of those down, the green was bumped up 1 pixel.

Above:  The final RGB image of the Trifid Nebula.

Converting One-Shot Color Images

To convert a one-shot color image from black and white into color, go to Utility > Single Shot Color > Color Process.  This opens the Single Shot Color Processing window.

Above:  The Single Shot Color Processing window.

The key to getting the right color out of a one-shot color image is to select the proper X/Y Offsets.  Each camera is different, and CCDOPS allows you to preview the image before committing the changes.  Contrast, brightness, and color balance settings can be made as well.

Above:  A one-shot color image before conversion.

Above:  One-shot color image after color conversion.

Next, Saving Files....

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