What this script does

In plain English, the workflow is:

1. Reads your DWARF session metadata (shotsInfo.json) to understand capture settings.

2. Finds the best matching calibration frames in CALI_FRAME (bias/dark/flat).

3. Copies files into a fresh working folder (so your originals stay clean).

4. Builds master bias/dark/flat, then calibrates your light subs.

5. Registers (aligns) the frames.

6. Optionally culls the worst frames by FWHM (bigger FWHM = worse, smaller = tighter stars).

7. Stacks into a final linear FITS you can process however you want next.

What it intentionally does not do:

• It does not “finish” the image artistically.

• It does not lock you into my stretch or my taste.

You still get to do the fun part: AutoBGE, your favorite stretch (Hypermetric / GHS / etc.), color choices, star reduction… all the “make it yours” stuff.

If you need help with that, I have this beginners video on exactly that!

COLOR PROCESSING DEEP DIVE VIDEO

Folder setup (important)

✅ Start with a COPY of your Astronomy folder

You can run this on your only copy… but I don’t recommend it. The script creates a working folder and can overwrite its previous working folder if you rerun. Running it on a copy keeps your original export “clean”.

Expected DWARF export layout

Your folder should look like this:

• Astronomy/

  • CALI_FRAME/

    • bias/.../*.fits

    • dark/.../*.fits

    • flat/.../*.fits

  • DWARF_RAW_.../ (your target/session folder)

    • shotsInfo.json

    • *.fits (your subs + DWARF extras)

    • thumbnails/ (ignored)DeepSkyLab_DWARF_Mini_OneClick_…

Also: DWARF session folders often contain extra stuff (stacked FITS, JPGs, thumbnails). The script is designed to ignore DWARF-made extras and focus on the individual subs.

Requirements

• Siril 1.4.0+ (Python scripting support is built in starting in 1.4).

• Start Siril at least once before running the script (so the Python engine is initialized).

• You’ll want enough free disk space for a working copy of your session.

(If you’re on Siril older than 1.4, upgrade first.)

Installation (Windows / Mac / Linux)

1) Create a folder for your custom scripts

Example (Windows):

• C:\SirilScripts\DeepSkyLab\

Put the .py file in that folder.

2) Tell Siril where that folder is

In Siril:

• Open Preferences

• Find Scripts paths / Scripts storage directories

• Add your scripts folder path

• Click Apply

• Your script should now appear in the Scripts menu

3) Don’t put it in Siril’s auto-managed “siril-scripts” folder

Siril has a special folder it uses to auto-download community scripts. Don’t save your own scripts there—it can get reset and wipe changes.

How to run it (the “don’t overthink it” version)

1. Open Siril

2. Go to Scripts → run the Deep SkyLab DWARF Mini preprocess script

3. When it prompts you:

   • Select the target/session folder (the DWARF_RAW_... folder you want)

   • Confirm/choose the matching bias / dark / flat folders

   • Choose your Keep % (this is the “how picky do we want to be?” slider)

4. Let it run.

What you’ll get when it’s done

The script creates:

Working folder (all intermediate files)

Inside your target session folder, next to your lights:

• <DWARF_RAW_...>/DSL_SIRIL_PROCESS*/

Final linear stack

Bonus: frame stats CSV

“Safe use” notes (read this once, then ignore forever)

• The script is built to copy

• If you rerun and choose overwrite, it may delete/recreate the working folder—another reason to Use a COPY
  Siril usually tells you exactly which command was unhappy right before the error (that’s the line I’ll ask for if you need help).

What to do next (aka: the fun part)

Once you have the final linear stack, you can:

• VeraLux Hypermetric / GHS / your preferred method)

• Star control, sharpening, noise reduction, etc.

That’s where your taste comes in—and why I kept this script focused on the repeatable, boring part.

Troubleshooting (fast)

Script doesn’t show up in Siril

• Confirm Siril is 1.4+ and has been launched once.

• Confirm you added the scripts folder in Preferences → Scripts paths, clicked Apply, and then checked Scripts menu.

It processed the wrong files (stacked/jpg/etc.)

DWARF exports can include stacked products; the script is designed to ignore those and focus on individual subs.

Not affiliated / tiny disclaimer

This is a community tool made for DWARF Mini owners using Siril. It’s provided as-is. If it saves you a hectic proccing morning… mission accomplished.