Saving outputs#

Ways to leave a multicolorfits session with publication-ready products.

Rasters#

Build a matplotlib figure (GUI Plot Full Resolution, or make_combined_figure) and save; the extension selects the format:

from multicolorfits.figures import make_combined_figure

fig, ax = make_combined_figure(session)
fig.savefig('out.png', dpi=300, bbox_inches='tight')
fig.savefig('out.pdf', bbox_inches='tight')

For image-only stamps (no WCS chrome):

session.apply_bare_plot_style(transparent=True)
fig, ax = make_combined_figure(session)
fig.savefig('stamp.png', transparent=True, dpi=200, bbox_inches='tight')

RGB FITS#

session.save_rgb_fits('combined.fits')           # adds provenance HISTORY
# mcf.save_rgb_fits(path, rgb_array, header)       # low-level

GUI Save FITS… can also write annotated combined cubes and per-layer data/color components with provenance keywords (MCFTYPE, MCFMODE, MCFBLEND, …).

Transparent cutouts#

For slides with irregular outlines:

rgba = session.export_transparent_cutout(size=400)
# GUI: Export transparent…
M74 transparent-sky cutout stamp

Preview the matte on checkerboard / dark / light before shipping:

Cutout previewed over checkerboard, dark, and light backgrounds Cutout previewed over checkerboard, dark, and light backgrounds (dark chrome)

Worked example with fade shaping (alpha_gamma) and deblend helpers: M74 — transparent cutouts for slides & stamps.

Session JSON and scripts#

session.save_state('session.json')
open('recreate.py', 'w').write(session.export_script())

export_script() replays alignment steps and emits the current PEP 8 names (not the silent v2 aliases).

Multi-panel figures#

Prefer make_component_mosaic() for a hero + per-layer strip (see Figures and mosaics). A mosaic export button in the GUI is deferred; scripting is the supported path.

Tutorial: Save and export.