AKVIS News

AKVIS Coloriage 7.0: Add Color to Black and White Photos

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 12:00:55 +0600

AKVIS Coloriage has been updated to v.7.0. AKVIS Coloriage colorizes black and white photos and replaces color in color photos. Just choose the desired colors with a brush stroke; the program recognizes the object's border itself and tailors the new color to the grayscale tones of image. Read about the program here.

New to version 7.0:

Changed the interface design: new program skin and new application icon. See new screenshots.
Added new mode for the Pencil tool - Multicolor mode, and the Multicolor palette to the Settings Panel to manage this mode. Read the Tutorial.
It is helpful for complex patterns and objects with clear boundaries, where many areas would have to be marked by the pencil, such as tree branches against a sky, a bush with many flowers, or the buttons on a shirt. This new mode is available for advanced licenses (Deluxe, Business).
Improved compatibility with Windows 7 and Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6)
Added support for 64 bit to the plugin version (compatibility with Adobe Photoshop CS4 64 bit).
The plugin is now compatible with Adobe Photoshop Elements 8.
A new installation program on Windows.
To avoid problems Win-users must remove previous versions before installing this one.
Impoved the Print dialog box (added the possibility to select a printer and its resolution).
Updated the program documentation.

Test the software for 10 days free of charge.

Download the program here.

Registered users of Coloriage can update their version for free.

AKVIS Magnifier v.3.0: Increase Image Resolution without visible Quality Loss

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:00:55 +0600

AKVIS Magnifier has been updated to v.3.0. AKVIS Magnifier allows resizing images without noticeable loss in quality. If you attempt to blow up a picture (increase its resolution) using the standard Resize command of a photo editor, you will notice that the resulting photo is blurred and pixelated. The reason is that the input photo didn't contain enough information for the new size. AKVIS Magnifier copes with this problem and delivers good results. You can also use Magnifier to reduce the size of an image, which is especially useful for those who do not have a photo editor.

New to version 3.0:
- A new interface design.
- Added new measurement units to specify the size of the output image. In addition to pixels and per cent, it is now possible to set the size in centimeters, millimeters or inches.
- Added possibility to select image resolution when resizing.
- A new dialog box - Preferences. The dialog box contains overall program settings, such as switching on/off the Autorun mode, choosing the interface language, etc.
- Support for 64 bit has been added to the plug-in version (now compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS4 64 bit).
- Compatibility with Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 has been added.
- Compatibility with OS Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6) and Windows 7.
- A new installation program on Windows. To avoid the problems Win-users must remove previous versions (using the Windows Control Panel) before installing this one.
- Portuguese language interface. Now the program supports 8 languages.

Test the software for 10 days free of charge.

Download the program here.

The registered users of Magnifier can update their version for free.

AKVIS Enhancer v.11: Support for 64-Bit, Plugin as a Smart Filter in CS3-CS4

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 12:00:55 +0600

AKVIS Enhancer v.11 for Windows and Macintosh has been released!

AKVIS Enhancer is an image enhancement program that improves image detail, fixes dark, hazy, or out of focus photos, and creates HDR images (standalone version).

New to AKVIS Enhancer v.11:
- A new interface design.
- The plugin version supports the Smart Filter technology in Photoshop CS3-CS4. A Smart Filter is more flexible than a standard one, it can be modified and even removed any time during the processing of the photo, while a standard filter, once applied, can not be edited anymore.
- Support for 64 bit has been added to the plug-in version (now compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS4 64 bit).
- Compatibility with Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 has been added.
- Compatibility with OS Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6) and Windows 7.
- A new installation program on Windows. To avoid the problems Win-users must remove previous versions (from Windows Control Panel) before installing this one.
- Portuguese language interface.

Attention! Registered users of Version 10 can upgrade to Version 11 for free!

For owners of older versions: upgrades to v.10-11 are available for $29 USD for any type of license.

Please download the program and to try all the new features for free during the evaluation period.

Xmas Gift Certificate to Inspire Your Creative Friends!

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 12:00:55 +0600

Take advantage of our special Christmas offer:

If you have photo freaks among your friends, you can now present them an AKVIS program using our Xmas Gift Certificate.
Printed on paper, this original present will delight your friends and inspire them in their creative work!

The Xmas Gift Certificate gives the recipient the right to get an AKVIS photo editing program of his/her choice.

There are two kinds of Certificates: Gold and Silver. More...

AKVIS Sketch V. 10: Make Drawings From Photos! Control Hatching, Support for 64-Bit

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:55 +0600

A new version of AKVIS Sketch has been released for Windows and Macintosh!

AKVIS Sketch converts photos into pencil sketches (black and white or in color) and watercolor paintings. It can also convert a photo into a drawing in charcoal or pastel styles. Other features include the ability to add text to an image, apply a canvas texture to the background, as well as background effects which can apply the sketch effect to only a selected area of an image or blur selected areas.

Version 10 includes these new features and improvements:
- The new Stroke Direction tool, which can be used to control hatch direction, and a set of parameters that affect the change in hatching when this tool is used (available under Home Deluxe and Business licenses).
- A new parameter in the Edges tab called Edge Strength, which controls how edges are drawn by affecting the intensity of lines and details.
- The Preview Window has been improved. Due to popular demand, the Preview Window now not only displays how the photo will appear as a drawing, it now also shows the effect of applying a canvas, making the selection of just the right texture faster and more efficient.
- Three new presets from AKVIS. Now there are a total of 11 built-in presets available.
- In Preferences it is now possible to choose whether to start the program with the last settings used or to start with the default settings.
- Now compatible with Windows 7 and Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6).
- The Sketch plug-in is now compatible with Photoshop CS 4 64 bit and PhotoShop Elements v. 8.
- A new installation program on Windows. To avoid the problems Win-users must remove previous versions before installing this one.

Attention! Registered users of Version 9 can upgrade to Version 10 for free! If you have an older version you will need to pay for an upgrade to Version 9 first.

Download AKVIS Sketch V. 10 and try all the features within the trial period.

Lottery: FREE AKVIS Sketch! Only Now - Till Nov 29

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:55 +0600

The Prize is AKVIS Sketch Business license (Plugin+Standalone). Prize Value: $154 USD.

The Contest begins on November 16, 2009 and ends on November 29, 2009.

Winner will be notified by electronic mail. He or she will get a license key for AKVIS Sketch (Business):
all features, both editions, and possibility to use the program for commercial purposes, high-level license of the amazing photo-to-sketch conversion software.

AKVIS Noise Buster 7.0 Better Noise Suppression for Digital and Scanned Images

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:55 +0600

AKVIS Noise Buster reduces both luminance and color noise in digital images without blurring the edges of objects.
Photos remain sharp and crisp, while the unwanted artifacts disappear.

New to AKVIS Noise Buster 7.0:

- The noise reduction algorithm has been improved.
- Automatic filtration has also been improved. It makes adjustments for particular kinds of noise based on four noise suppression parameters.
- Support for 64 bit has been added to the plug-in version (now compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS4 64 bit).
- Compatibility with Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 has been added.
- Now compatible with OS Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6) and Windows 7.
- Bugs have been fixed in both the Windows and Macintosh versions.
- The Print Dialog Box (in standalone version) has been improved. Now a printer can be selected as well as its resolution.
- The interface has been redesigned (New Skin).
- The installer has been updated.
- Program documentation has been updated.
- Working with the Preview Window and the Before/After tabs is now more intuitive.

Test the software for 10 days free of charge.
Download the program for Macintosh and Windows here:
http://akvis.com/en/noise-buster/download-reduce-noise.php

Noise Buster is also available as part of the Photo Correction Bundle Bundle and the Alchemy Bundle.

Registered users can upgrade to version 7.0 for free. Just download the program using the link above and install the program.

Attn. Windows users: We recommend uninstalling the previous version before installing the new one!

Halloween Offer: 30% Off !

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00:55 +0600

Halloween is just around the corner, so we are making a special offer!

If you send a photo of yourself in a Halloween costume, we will give you a coupon worth 30% off one license for the AKVIS product of your choice.

To enter, upload a photo of yourself or your child in a Halloween costume and include a description of when and where it was taken. Have a photo of your dog or cat in a costume? Send it too!

You can use your coupon right away! But don't delay - it will be valid until November 15th.

We’ll give you until November 7th to send your photos, to give you a chance to send something from this year.

AKVIS ArtWork v.3.0: Painting techniques at your fingertips!

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 12:00:55 +0600

AKVIS ArtWork is designed to imitate different painting techniques. Version 3.0 offers three painting styles - Oil Painting, Comics and Pen & Ink.

New to Version 3.0 of AKVIS ArtWork:
- The new Pen & Ink style creates drawings that appear to be made with ink on paper. The ink color can be selected, as well as the color of the background.
- The Comics style has been remade to achieve better results. Use the program to make a comic strip from your party photos or to create a poster.
- New ready-to-use presets have been added to the Oil style.
- New interface design will make your work more comfortable.
- New options in the Preferences field: Restore last style and preset and Initial Scale.
- Added the possibility to import/export a list of presets.

Registered users can upgrade to version 3.0 for free.

Follow AKVIS on Twitter!

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 12:00:55 +0600

We have an account on Twitter now.

You can follow us here!

Stay tuned! Sometimes we publish interesting offers or coupons on Twitter!

AKVIS Sketch v.9.0: Improved Algorithm and New Features

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:55 +0600

AKVIS Sketch converts photos to realistic pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. Now you do not need to handle a pencil to feel like an artist. The new version competes with hand drawn art in flexibility and will spur your creative thought!

New to Version 9.0. of AKVIS Sketch:
- a new interface design;
- an improved algorithm of photo-to-sketch conversion (the option to use the old algorithm remains in the Options dialog box);
- a new parameter field for edge definition - Edges. Now it is possible to manipulate the thickness and sharpness of the created outlines;
- added possibility to change the saturation of color strokes when using the color pencil drawing mode (check-box Color Pencil);
- added 7 new ready-to-use AKVIS presets (charcoal, b&w sketch, pastel, etc).

AKVIS Sketch is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor.

Download version 9.0 (both editions included) and use it 10 days free of charge:
http://akvis.com/en/sketch/download-pencil-drawing.php

Attention! Upgrades for registered users are available for $39 USD for any type of license.
The users who bought the program this month (in July-August 2009) can upgrade the program for free, just re-activate the program with the same key.

AKVIS Enhancer v.10.0: New Photo Correction Mode

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:00:55 +0600

AKVIS Enhancer v.10.0 has beed released. AKVIS Enhancer is an image enhancement program that improves image detail, fixes dark, hazy, or out of focus photos, and can create HDR images. Version 10.0 introduces Smart Correction mode, which makes tone corrections in dark and light areas for a selected color. The new mode is available in both versions of AKVIS Enhancer; in the plug-in and standalone versions. Also this version has improved compatibility in Windows and in Macintosh has been made more stable. Attention! Upgrades for registered users are available for $29 USD for any type of license. It is possible to download the program and to try all the new features for free during the evaluation period.

AKVIS ArtSuite v.5.0: New Photo Frames designed by Artists

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:00:55 +0600

AKVIS ArtSuite is a collection of effects for decorating photos. It offers photo frames and special effects.
New to version 5.0:
- The Standalone version offers new Hand Painted Frames. These frames has been designed specially for ArtSuite. Please note that these frames are not available in the plugin version for technical reasons.
- New interface design. Now the language choice and the Autorun option can be found in the Preferences dialog box.
- New interface language added - Italian.
- Improved compatibility of the plugin with Photoshop CS3, CS4 on Macintosh computers.
- Improved the texture generation options in the Texture effect.
The Upgrade for registered users is free! ArtSuite can be used as an independent application (standalone) and as a plug-in to a photo editor.
Download for Windows and Macintosh!
It is possible to upgrade from the Plugin Version to Home Deluxe (Plugin+Standalone) or to Business license (Plugin+Standalone).

AKVIS SmartMask V.2.5. Easy Selection Tool

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 12:15:11 +0600

AKVIS SmartMask plugin is an efficient masking tool that saves you time on complex selections and is fun to use. The idea is so simple that you will feel like a child in drawing classes: there are two pencils (red and blue); you draw a line with the blue pencil inside the object you want to select (for example, yourself in a group photo), and with the red pencil - some lines outside the object, to define the areas that should be cut out (other guys in the photo).

New to version 2.5
- The eyedropper tools (in Complex mode) have become more flexible. Earlier the eyedroppers sampled an average color from an area of 3x3 px around the eyedropper's tip. Now it is possible to change the number of pixels in the sample area with the following hot keys: the Alt-key with a mouse click reduces the area to one pixel, the Shift-key with a mouse click enlarges the area to 5x5 px.
- New interface languages added - French and Portuguese.
- Improved compatibility with Photoshop CS3, CS4 on Macintosh computers.

Download fully functional trial versions for Windows and Macintosh and try the plug-in for 10 days for free!

Registered users can upgrade SmartMask for free!

The users who tried the previous version of the plug-in and have their version expired, now have an opportunity to test the software for 10 days free of charge again.

Winners of the Raffle and the Contest!

Fri, 29 May 2009 15:27:02 +0600

The names of 5 winners were drawn out by chance on May 29, 2009.

The winners are:

    * Adnamar Ferreira da Rocha
    * Nou Yang
    * Fernando Moratinos
    * Sergei (leo66pard)
    * Jean Hoshall

Congratulations, Winners!!!

You can choose 5 AKVIS programs!

And many thanks to all participants!
Remember that your 15 % coupon code will be valid till July 1, 2009!

AKVIS Creative Contest 2009: Draw a Mascot!

In addition to the raffle, we started AKVIS Creative Contest 2009.
You can look at the best pictures here.
Surprise: 50 % off for any AKVIS program to all participants of the contest!

The winner is Ekaterina S.

AKVIS Multibrush Updated to Version 4.1

info@akvis.com (AKVIS Team) — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 0600

AKVIS Multibrush (earlier known as Stamp) is a collection of brushes for photo retouching and portrait enhancement.

New to Version 4.1:
- new interface languages added - Spanish and Italian. Documentation updated.
- minor bugs fixed (the bug with the cursor in the Clone Stamp and others).

AKVIS Multibrush is available as a stand-alone application and as a plugin to a photo editor.

Download the software and test 10 days for free.

Registered users of AKVIS MultiBrush v.4.0 (AKVIS Stamp v.1-3) can upgrade to version 4.1 for free.

AKVIS Multibrush 4.0. Photo Retouching Software

info@akvis.com (AKVIS Team) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 0600

AKVIS Multibrush (earlier known as Stamp) is a collection of brushes for photo retouching and portrait enhancement. The new name reflects the tremendous changes in the program. Now it has much more functionality.

The compatibility has been improved. Now the program is compatible with Windows Vista, Intel Mac and the latest Photoshop versions.

AKVIS Multibrush is available as a stand-alone application and as a plugin to a photo editor.

Download the software and test 10 days for free!

Registered users of AKVIS Stamp can upgrade to version 4.0 for free.
Please note that the customers having a Home License to AKVIS Stamp plugin can update only their plug-in for free (or upgrade to Deluxe license). The customers having Business License - can use both (plug-in and standalone). Read more about license types and upgrade opportunities.

Please download the software, install it and activate with your key to AKVIS Stamp.

Retoucher v.3.5: Retouch Damaged Photos

info@akvis.com (AKVIS Team) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 0600

AKVIS Retoucher plug-in restores damages photos by removing dust, scratches, stains and by reconstructing the missing parts of a photo.

Version 3.5
- fixes the compatibility bug that caused the plugin to crash on Macintosh computers with Photoshop CS3,CS4.
- improves plugin compatibility on Windows.

Registered users can upgrade to version 3.5 for free. Just download the software and install it.

The users who tried the previous version of the plug-in and have their version expired, now have an opportunity to download the software and test it for 10 days free of charge.

AKVIS Birthday Celebration 2009: Raffle, Discounts, Contests

info@akvis.com (AKVIS Team) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 0600

Every year on May 29 AKVIS organizes a raffle in celebration of its birthday.
This year AKVIS is 5 years old!
5 winners will be chosen in a drawing on May 29. The prize is free license keys to a package of any 5 AKVIS programs.

AKVIS Software Inc. specializes in image processing software development and scientific research. The company was founded in 2004 by IT professionals having considerable experience in programming and software development. Since then the company has released a number of successful programs for image retouching, photo collage creation and photo colorization: AKVIS Retoucher, AKVIS Chameleon, AKVIS Stamp, AKVIS Enhancer, AKVIS Coloriage, AKVIS Noise Buster, AKVIS Sketch, AKVIS Decorator, AKVIS LightShop, AKVIS ArtSuite, AKVIS SmartMask, AKVIS Magnifier, and AKVIS Artwork. Their latest, Artwork, can transform a photograph to appear like an oil painting or comics style painting.

This year AKVIS is 5 years old. In celebration of this milestone, AKVIS has organized its traditional Birthday raffle. Everyone who enters the raffle at the Raffle page before May 29, 2009 will receive a coupon for 15 per cent off of an AKVIS software title of their choice. The 15 % coupon code will be valid till July 1, 2009. The coupon will work for purchasing any AKVIS program (any license type), but not for software bundles.

In addition to the raffle, AKVIS has also organized a Creative Contest.
The prizes are:

An autographed copy of the outstanding book The Art of Digital Photo Painting by Marilyn Sholin, and

A license key for any AKVIS program.

Contestants are asked to draw their own version of AKVIS mascot. It must be a drawing of a horse. Any software, tools, or devices can be used to draw the mascot. It can even be drawn by hand and scanned. The artwork must be an original work of the artist that does not infringe on someone's copyright. All entries must be submitted to info@akvis.com by May 28, 2009. The winner will be announced on May 29, 2009. By submitting your pictures for this Contest you authorize us to publish them on our web-site and use them for our purposes.

Update of AKVIS Sketch to version 8.6: Watercolor Technique Improved. Bugs Fixed.

info@akvis.com (AKVIS Team) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 0600

AKVIS Sketch converts photos to realistic pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. Besides, you can add a canvas and an inscription to your drawing and some special effects.

Version 8.6:
- improves the way a photo is converted into a watercolor painting.
- fixes the compatibility bug that caused the Sketch plugin to crash on Macintosh computers with Photoshop CS3, CS4.
- improves plugin compatibility on Windows.
- adds support of 32 bit images to the plugin (earlier available only for the standalone).

AKVIS Sketch is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor.

Download version 8.6:
http://akvis.com/en/sketch/download-pencil-drawing.php

The program is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian and Japanese.

Software Bundles:

AKVIS Sketch comes bundled with AKVIS ArtWork (photo-to-oil painting software) and AKVIS ArtSuite (frames and effects) with a discount of 44 USD in the Artistic Bundle .

Actually, if buy this bundle you get 3rd program (ArtSuite which sells for 49 USD) almost for free.

There are three variants of the Artistic Bundle: 3 plugins, 3 standalones, 3 Deluxe versions. Each variant saves you 44 USD.

Also, Sketch (in the plugin version only) is included in the Alchemy Bundle : 13 plugins only for 325 USD (huge savings over purchasing each separately).

AKVIS Decorator v.1.6: Resurface and Recolor

info@akvis.com (AKVIS Team) — Fri, 6 Mar 2009 00:00:00 0600

We are glad to present version 1.6 of AKVIS Decorator plug-in. The program applies new textures/colors to a surface preserving the original details of the object. See our on-line Tutorial to learn how Decorator works.

New to version 1.6:
- New interface languages added - Italian and Portuguese. Documentation updated.
- Bugs fixed.

The users who tried the previous version of the plug-in and have their version expired, have an opportunity to download and test the software for 10 days free of charge. Download the program here.

Upgrade for registered users is free.

To upgrade the program just download and install the new version over the previous one. If needed, re-register it with the same serial key.

AKVIS ArtWork v.2.0: Painting techniques at your fingertips!

info@akvis.com (AKVIS Team) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 0600

AKVIS ArtWork is designed to imitate different painting techniques. Version 2.0 offers two painting styles - Oil Painting and Comics.

The Oil Painting style converts your photos into realistic oil paintings. Whether an oil portrait or a landscape painting - the program will make your ideas a reality.

The new Comics style allows you to replicate works of famous comics artists with just a few clicks. You can make a comic strip from your party photos, just get ArtWork and unleash your creativity.
Express yourself in new genres!

Test the software for 10 days free of charge.
Download the program for Macintosh and Windows!

Registered users can upgrade to version 2.0 for free.

Attention! We are offering a temporary discount on the Business License, which allows using of our software for commercial purposes. Now design studios and professionals engaged in image processing can get a license for 189 USD instead of 299 USD. The price of the Upgrade from Home to Business license has been reduced accordingly.