AKVIS News

August 3, 2010
AKVIS Retoucher v.4.0. Restore Damaged Photographs and Remove Irrelevant Objects

We announce the release of AKVIS Retoucher 4.0. In previous versions, Retoucher was a convenient tool for removing defects from photos, like scratches, dust, stains, and reconstructing missing parts of a photo automatically.

Version 4.0 offers major improvements, including a new algorithm and the ability to remove large objects from photos. You can use it to remove objects that disrupt the composition of your photos, such as cars in the background, or a passerby that inadvertently stepped into the frame.

Retoucher reconstructs missing parts of a photo by using information from surrounding areas. Removing of defects and small objects can be performed through automatic processing, while removing large objects requires a help of the new added tools: Linear Retouch and Patch. The Linear Retouch tool restores the background in a specified direction, the Patch tool restores by copying similar square fragments from other parts of the image.

Also new to Retoucher 4.0 are two interface modes: Express and Advanced. In Express mode, only the necessary tools are shown, so that you will not get lost in the parameters but still will receive a good result. Switching to Advanced modes opens all tools and parameters available in Retoucher.

The program is now available in the standalone version. The plugin version now has 64-bit support, it is compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS5 64 bit. Read more about compatibility.

Also, the Windows-version has now a new installation program. The old version should be removed before the new version is installed!

Please download AKVIS Retoucher 4.0 for Windows and Macintosh and evaluate the program during the 10-day trial period!

Registered users with a Home license can upgrade to Retoucher 4.0 for free.
Only owners of a Business license will need to pay 19 USD to upgrade, but those who purchased Retoucher during July-August 2010 can upgrade for free.

AKVIS Retoucher is available in the Alchemy and Restoration bundles. The Restoration bundle has been expanded and now includes Retoucher, MultiBrush, and Coloriage. With bundles, you can pay less than purchasing software separately.

July 15, 2010
AKVIS Decorator and SmartMask Have Been Updated!

We are glad to announce the update of two plug-ins: Decorator 2.0 and SmartMask 3.0. These plug-ins were designed with both the amateur and professional in mind.

AKVIS Decorator has been updated to version 2.0. The Decorator plug-in allows you to apply a different texture to an object in a photo with a realistic appearance. It does this by following the underlying features of the object as a guide for applying a new color or texture. Decorator can be used to change the pattern of a girl's dress, a car's paint job, or a chair's upholstery. It is very useful for design purposes. You could use it to try out different wallpaper patterns for your apartment simply by changing them in a photo.

Download AKVIS Decorator 2.0!

AKVIS SmartMask has been updated to version 3.0. The SmartMask plug-in is an efficient selection tool. It makes it easy to select an object in a photo, even if it does not have clearly defined edges. Just select use SmartMask's pencils (red and blue) to select an object and the area around that should be removed. SmartMask has three modes: Sharp, Soft, and Complex, for dealing with objects with various kinds of edges. In Soft mode you can use the green pencil to select difficult parts, such as hair, fluff, and fur. Complex mode provides a touch-up brush for areas with colors similar to the background or with uneven edges.

Download AKVIS SmartMask 3.0!

New to both programs:

• Improved compatibility with the latest versions of Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6
• 64-bit support has been added (now works with Adobe Photoshop CS4/CS5 64-bit)
• A new installation program for Windows has been added. The old version should be removed before the new version is installed!

Registered users can upgrade for free!
Uninstall the old version before installing the new one. You will need to reregister. Use your old serial number from Decorator or SmartMask.

Both the AKVIS Decorator and SmartMask plug-ins are included in the Alchemy Bundle.

July 7,2010
AKVIS LightShop v.3.0: Add Light Effects To Your Photos!

AKVIS LightShop has been updated. LightShop adds light effects to images. It can be used to create any type and form of light, such as light beams, halos, flashes, lightning, object refections, a sunset, or fireworks, and then apply that effect to an image. Use LightShop to add a creative touch to your photos, like enlivening a landscape or changing the time of day and weather.

In Version 3.0:

• Compatibility has been improved with the latest versions of Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6.
• 64-bit support has been added (now works with Adobe Photoshop CS4/CS5 64-bit)
• A new installation program has been added for Windows. Before the new version is installed the old version should be removed!
• Bugs have been fixed.

Download AKVIS LightShop v.3.0!

Registered users can upgrade for free!
Uninstall the old version before installing the new one. You will need to reregister. Use your old serial number for LightShop.

July 1, 2010
A Major Update!
Enhancer 11.5, Noise Buster 7.5, Coloriage 7.5, ArtSuite 6.5, and Magnifier 3.5

Five of our programs for processing photos are now even better! Bugs have been fixed, and the plug-ins now have 64 bit support (are compatible with Photoshop CS4-CS5 64-bit) on Windows and Macintosh.

AKVIS Enhancer is image enhancing software, which improves image detail, corrects the tone of areas, and sharpens borders. It can also make HDR images (in the standalone version). Enhancer improves texture and enhances details, by revealing them in both the light and dark areas of an image.

Download AKVIS Enhancer v.11.5!

AKVIS Noise Buster is a program which suppresses noise on digital photos and scanned images.
The program removes both luminance and color noise, reducing graininess, and removing non-uniform color spots on an image, while maintaining detail and the clarity of boundaries.

Download AKVIS Noise Buster v.7.5!

AKVIS Coloriage is a program which adds color to black and photos and replaces colors in color images.
Coloriage is clear and simple as a children's coloring book. It turns work into play. A few strokes indicate which objects should be colorized. The program recognizes borders, applying color based on the given lighting, the play of shadows, or folds of clothing.

Download AKVIS Coloriage v.7.5!

AKVIS ArtSuite is a program that adds artistic effects to photos.
ArtSuite can help create a greeting card, a holiday album, poster or calendar, place an image in a frame, turn a photo into a modern stylized black and white portrait and even perform color correction. Additional themed frame packs are available, made by professional artists specifically for ArtSuite.

The new version of the program offers localization in Portuguese.

Download AKVIS ArtSuite v.6.5 and the free frame pack!

AKVIS Magnifier allows you to resize an image without losing quality. You can not only reduce an image to use it on the internet or send to friends but also obtain a high quality image for a small picture. Magnifier can increase the size of an image without artifacts or halos.

Download AKVIS Magnifier v.3.5!

Please note, that all of these programs are available as standalone programs and plug-ins for graphics editors. All of the plug-ins, with the exception of Magnifier, can be found in the Filters menu of graphics editors. Magnifier will be found under automation tools (Photoshop: File - Automate - AKVIS Magnifier).

This update is free for registered users! Use your old serial number to register the new version.

Those who have not purchased the programs can download and try them for a period of ten days (after the first time they are run).

June 24, 2010
AKVIS ArtWork 4.0: Now With Linocut Effect!

AKVIS ArtWork can imitate various painting techniques. Photos can be converted to images in oil painting, comics, and pen & ink styles. ArtWork helps you to create a piece of art out of any digital photo!

Version 4.0 of ArtWork offers a fourth painting style, linocut. It simulates the effect of a linocut print, which is made from a raised pattern carved into a piece of linoleum. Linocuts are known for their characteristic expressiveness, strong contrast between black and white, and rich, exuberant strokes. It is an ideal effect to use with photos of architecture or nature scenes. Some famous artists like Picasso and Matisse worked with this technique.

Download AKVIS ArtWork 4.0 and try it for 10 days free without obligation.

Registered users can upgrade to version 4.0 for free. Just download the program and reinstall it.

Please use your license key to reactivate the program after reinstallation. If you don't remember your serial number, you can restore it here.

The users who tried the previous version of software and have their version expired, now have an opportunity to test ArtWork again.

June 4, 2010
AKVIS MultiBrush 5.5: Collection of Retouching and Artistic Brush Tools

AKVIS Multibrush is an all-in-one photo enhancement and portrait retouching solution. MultiBrush lets you edit a portrait, restore an old image, or paint funny details on a photo. The program offers two sets of tools: Standard and Artistic Brushes.
It's possible to edit an image's channels, and work with layers (raster and artistic), which opens up practically unlimited possibilities for editing digital photos.
AKVIS MultiBrush offers full control over the history of all actions through checkpoints which can be used to quickly return to any state of an image.

In version 5.5 it's now possible to save multi-layered images as TIFF files. Multi-layer mode lets to retain all image layers in their original form, without merging or rasterizing them. You can save your project anytime, including the artistic layers.

Also, new to this version is added support for the PSD format. Now MultiBrush can load the Photoshop's files, read all layers (though rasterizing text layers) and their blend options.

You can save and load image layers only in the standalone program. The plugin always opens one single layer selected in an image editor, and applies the result as one layer merging all working layers.

The plugin version is now compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS5 64 bit on Windows and Macintosh.

Support for Japanese and Portuguese have been added to the program interface.

Download AKVIS MultiBrush v.5.5!

Owners of old versions can upgrade to v.5.5 for free! Please use your license key to reactivate the program after reinstallation!

To avoid problems, Windows-users are asked to remove previous versions before installing this one.

To install the standalone version in Macintosh just copy AKVIS MultiBrush into Applications, to add the plugin to your image editor copy the AKVIS MultiBrush Plugin folder into Plug-ins of your editor.

The users who do not have the registered version yet can download the software and test it for 10 days free of charge.

May 27, 2010
AKVIS Sketch 11: Transform Photos Into Drawings!

AKVIS Sketch can convert a photo into an image in the style of pencil, watercolor, charcoal, and pastel drawings. There are a wide variety of features and parameters for refining the image to your preference.

Sketch also has a stroke direction tool (available under the Deluxe and Business licenses), which helps you to further refine the hatching created by the program's calculations, yielding an even more realistic result.

In Version 11, you can now save these guiding lines to a file (.direction format), and then load the guiding lines later. Files in .direction format are also compatible with AKVIS Artwork. You can open an image in ArtWork and use the same guiding lines for that image, which you saved in Sketch. A pencil drawing and an oil painting can be created from the same photo with ease.

Another new feature is the ability to switch between two interface modes: Express and Advanced. Express mode provides just the features and parameters you need to quickly obtain a satisfactory result, while Advanced mode reveals the features and parameters hidden in Express mode, giving the user access to the full functionality of Sketch. Those features work in Express mode, but are given default values or those of a chosen preset. Note: The features and parameters available in either mode also depend on the type of license chosen.

Support has been added for 64 bit to the plugin version in Version 11. It is now compatible with Photoshop CS4-CS5 64-bit on both Windows and Macintosh. Some small bugs have also been fixed.

You can download AKVIS Sketch v.11 here. It is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Win 7 and Mac OS X 10.4-10.6. It is available as a standalone program as well as a plugin for Photoshop and other graphics editors.

Users who own versions 9 and 10 of Sketch can upgrade for free. Please use your license key to reactivate the program after reinstallation!
If you have an older version (v.1-8) you will need to pay for an upgrade to v.11 here.

May 17, 2010
AKVIS ArtWork 3.5: Turn Your Photos Into Paintings!

AKVIS ArtWork can imitate various painting techniques. A photo can be converted into an image in oil, comic, and pen and ink styles.

You can control where AKVIS ArtWork will paint strokes by drawing guiding lines with the stroke direction tool.

Version 3.5 now offers the ability to save guiding lines to a file (.direction extension), in case of work interruption. It makes experimenting with the program even easier. If after processing an image you want to try different settings with the same guiding lines, it can easily be done later. When guiding lines are loaded, their size is adjusted automatically to the image.

64 bit compatibility has been added to the plug-in version of ArtWork. It is now compatible with Photoshop CS4 64 bit and CS5 64 bit on Windows and Mac. Learn more about compatibility.

Small bugs have been fixed as well.

Download AKVIS ArtWork 3.5 and try it for 10 days free without obligation.

Registered users can upgrade to version 3.5 for free. Just download the program and reinstall it. Please use your license key to reactivate the program after reinstallation.
If you don't remember your serial number, you can restore it here.

April 30, 2010
AKVIS MultiBrush 5.0: A Drawing and Photo Editing Program

Version 5.0 AKVIS Multibrush takes a great leap forward by not only offering tools for retouching photos, but also drawing tools and the ability to edit a photo in layers.

Version 5.0 offers a new Artistic Brushes Palette with new tools (Oil Brush, Roller, Felt-tip Marker, Chalk, Artistic Pencil, Artistic Spray, and Artistic Eraser) which can be used to add amazing artistic effects to images.

It's also now possible to create new images with a choice of default presets (postcards, posters, etc.).

The Standard Tools palette has been expanded and improved. There is a new tool - Spray, and new parameters for selecting the color of pencils and brushes. You can change the shape of a pencil and a brush's angle. Also the parameters of the Smudge tool have been changed.

Multibrush now lets you edit an image in layers. Layers can be added, reordered, and arranged in groups. They can also be blended using 13 different Blend Modes to achieve a variety of effects. There are two kinds of layers, raster and artistic, which can be edited by the standard and artistic tools, respectively.

The Deluxe and Business versions permit editing the color channels (RGB, CMYK, Lab, Grayscale), along with raster layer transparency (the Alpha channel) via the Channels palette.

Hot keys have been added to quickly access the various tools and operations. For example, pressing Q will quickly switch between the Standard and Artistic tool palettes.

The plug-in version supports 64-bit and is compatible with Photoshop CS4 64 bit.

Since there are now more palettes, it's possible to hide/show their Description and Parameters in the Settings Panel via the Preferences dialog, to free-up the workspace.

The installation program for Windows has been changed. To avoid problems, Win-users are asked to remove previous versions before installing this one.

You can download AKVIS MultiBrush v.5.0 and use it for 10 days free.

Users who own old versions of AKVIS MultiBrush or AKVIS Stamp (it's the old name) can upgrade to MultiBrush v.5.0 for free. To do this please use your old license key.

Go here to learn more about the types of licenses and features.

March 29, 2010
AKVIS ArtSuite v.6.0: Frame Packs for Your Photos!

AKVIS ArtSuite Version 6.0 has been released. This program is a collection of effects and frames for photographs. ArtSuite helps give photos an original and festive look. You can place an image in a frame, create a unique greeting card, a holiday album, and convert a photo into a stylized black and white portrait.

With ArtSuite (Standalone) you can not only make a frame from samples, but also use "hand painted frames" — high quality images with holes of any shape, in which to place photos. These frames are available in ArtSuite's Library.

Version 6.0 of ArtSuite standalone offers the ability to use additional frame packs. Each frame pack contains a collection of hand painted frames, which can be downloaded and installed.

We offer a download of a free frame pack (30 frames), which can be used to make frames, even during the trial period. To take advantage of this just download the latest version of ArtSuite and the free frame pack.

We also offer themed frame packs of hand painted frames. These frame packs are available for a price and are intended for professionals, and others who are interested in high quality frames. They were all created by professional artists specifically for use in ArtSuite. Each frame pack is a zip file. Do not open the file yourself. Copy it to a folder. It will only work in ArtSuite.

Currently two themed frame packs are available — the Wedding Pack and Travel Pack.

Also in the new version compatibility for 64 bit has been added to the plugin (compatibility with Photoshop CS4 64 bit). Bugs have been fixed and a new installation program has been added. Be sure to remove (through the Windows Control Panel) the older version of ArtSuite before installing the new one.

Download AKVIS ArtSuite v.6.0 (Windows and Macintosh versions).

Registered uses can upgrade to the new version for free!

March 4, 2010
AKVIS Sketch v.10.1: Drawings From Photos

AKVIS Sketch has been updated to version 10.1. It can turn a photo into drawings in a pencil or charcoal style. With Sketch you can convert a photo into a black and white drawing or even achieve a watercolor or pastel effect.

You can also add the sketch effect to only a portion of the photo, add a blur effect, text, or a canvas texture.

AKVIS Sketch was awarded "Best Soft of 2009" by PC Magazine/RE in the "Graphics and Photo" category.

In this version an error has been corrected that caused the program to crash occasionally when working with stroke direction lines.

Stroke direction lines (guide lines) are a special feature of AKVIS Sketch, available only under the Deluxe and Business licenses. Guide lines allow you to change the hatching direction from that which is created by the Sketch's automatic calculations. See an example here...

We recommend that those with Deluxe and Business licenses download the upgrade. Just reinstall the program. Re-registration is not required. Your license will be transferred to the new version.

Those who don't have a registered version can download AKVIS Sketch and evaluate it. During the evaluation period all features are available, including the stroke direction tool and the parameters under the Direction tab.

You can download AKVIS Sketch v.10.1 here. It is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Win 7 and Mac OS X 10.4-10.6. It is available in a standalone program as well as a plugin for Photoshop and other graphics editors.

Upgrade is free for owners of v.9-10.
If you have an older version (v.1-8) you will need to pay for upgrade to v.9-10 here.

February 9, 2010
AKVIS Coloriage 7.0: Add Color to Black and White Photos

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. In this mode it is possible to draw several colors at once. 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. Read the Tutorial.
  These new features are 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.