Frequently Asked Questions About AKVIS Software for Image Processing

If you haven't found the answer to your question below, feel free to contact us.

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I installed the program. However, I can not find it anywhere!

Some AKVIS programs (SmartMask, Decorator, Retoucher, Stamp, Chameleon) are available only as plug-ins to image editors. A plug-in is a program that integrates into other software, adding it new features and increasing functionality.
AKVIS Plugins are installed into the Plugins folder of your photo editor (Adobe Photoshop, Corel Photo Paint, Paint Shop Pro, Ulead Photoimpact, etc) and then can be called from the photo editor's interface (the menu item Filter or Effects).

For example, if you have Adobe Photoshop CS3, the plugin is installed into: Program files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS3\Plug-Ins for Windows or Application/Adobe Photoshop CS3/Plug-Ins for Macintosh.

To open the program in Photoshop you should select the menu item Filter -> AKVIS -> Plugin.
Exception: the Magnifier plugin. You will find it in Photoshop: File -> Automate -> AKVIS Magnifier.

If the plugin does not appear in the Filters or you do not know how to install it, consult the tips on how to install plug-ins into Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro Photo or PhotoImpact, or write to us.

!!! Most of our programs are available in two editions (plugin and standalone). The stand-alone applications are launched in the standard way, as an independent program.

How to register the trial version (10 days free trial)?

All AKVIS programs are shareware, it means that they are based on the principle "try before you buy". Make the best of the free trial period to learn the features of the software!

The Trial Version is full-functional, it is only limited by the trial period of 10 days.

Just download the software and install it. You do not need to register it, it will work for 10 days.

!!! When the trial period is over, the program will not work. To activate the software you will need to buy a license key.

How can I buy the AKVIS software?

The information about prices and types of licenses is available here: AKVIS Pricing.

You can buy a license for our products online using the secure payment system (Plimus or Cleverbridge on your choice).

For this purpose:

Select the AKVIS product you want to buy on the AKVIS buy page;
Choose a type of license you want and the payment system;
You will be re-directed to the purchase page on the secure payment system (Plimus or Cleverbridge). Fill in the form. Both secure systems offer a number of payment methods - by credit card, bank transfer, by post, etc;
Once the form is filled in and the transaction is completed, you will get a license key (serial number) to your e-mail within minutes.
Having a serial number you can activate the program. Follow the instruction to activate the program.

I run the program, but it says that my license "doesn't allow to use Standalone (Plugin only)". What's happened?

Some AKVIS software are available in two editions: as plugins to image editors and as standalone (independent) applications.

If you see the message "Your license doesn't allow to use Standalone (Plugin only)" it means that you registered the program with the license key for the plugin edition. Then run your image editor and launch the plugin from the menu Filters (Effects) -> AKVIS -> Plugin (for example, Chameleon, Retoucher, etc); or, if you use Magnifier: File -> Automate -> AKVIS Magnifier.

If you do not have any image editor that supports AKVIS plugins we can change your license (make it work for the standalone edition instead of the plugin) - but only for those programs where the standalone edition is available. Please contact our team.

If you want both editions you may find useful Home Deluxe license which allows registering both plugin and standalone and enjoy all features of software. If you want to upgrade your Home license to Home Deluxe just open the Product page and select the Price section (for example, for AKVIS Sketch it is this page). Select Upgrade to Home Deluxe in the order form and press "Order".

I have lost my serial number! How to restore it?

If you have lost your serial number for AKVIS software or have never received it, just enter your e-mail address in the form at this page and your key will be sent you.

When I launch the program I get an error message saying "Can't initialize hardware accelerator". What should I do?

Some AKVIS programs require a video card compatible with DirectX (8 or above), see the system requirements (for example, for Sketch).

If you get this error message it means that either your video card is old or you do not have any driver. Please check up Direct X and the driver for your card. If needed, reinstall them.

If your card is new and cool and you have Direct X, but still get this error, the problem may be related to the display settings. Please check them up:

1. Display Properties - Settings. Press Advanced.
Troubleshoot tab. Hardware acceleration must be selected: Full (open the screenshot).

2. Have a look at the settings of Direct X.
In the Display tab please ensure that all features are enabled.

If this solution doesn't help please contact us! It would be helpful if you send us the log files (AKVIS.log and crash.dmp) - you will find them in the folder AKVIS in Users Shared Documents. Also, please write to us which video card you use.

Will my serial number be valid if I re-install the operating system or format the hard drive?

If you install the same operating system, there will be no problem. You will just need to re-install the AKVIS program and enter your serial number. You can also do this after a hard drive format.

If you do have problems with the program activation, please, contact us at support@akvis.com.

I bought a license. On how many computers can I activate the software?

One license (Home, Home Deluxe or Business) allows activating the software on 2 computers (for example, on a desktop and on a laptop).

I don't know how to use the program. Where can I download the documentation?

If you have installed the program, you can find help files in the main menu, for example: Start/Programs/AKVIS/Enhancer/Help.

If you are working with the program you can call Help by pressing the button F1.

You can also see AKVIS software tutorials in the Tutorial section of the web-site.

You can download flash-tutorials and the program manuals (as pdf files) in the Downloads section of the web-site.

Where can I find the minimal system requirements for AKVIS programs?
Goto the product page, for example, for AKVIS Magnifier: Products -> Magnifier, then select the item System Requirements in the right menu.
You will see the minimal and recommended system requirements for all supported OS.
Also the information about supported languages is available there.
Can I get the software for free?

Our software is a shareware. You can download and use it 10 days free of charge. When the trial period expires you have to buy a license key.

However, it is possible to get a free license key if you take your time and create an interesting Tutorial using our software or submit your own article for our Tips and Tricks section.

Also we give a free license for translation of our text to other languages.