AKVIS SmartMask v. 2.5: A Masking Tool That Makes Complex Selections Easier
June 5, 2009 — AKVIS Software Inc announces the release of AKVIS SmartMask v.2.5, an image selection and masking plugin for Windows and Mac platforms. AKVIS SmartMask copes easily even with difficult selections, like hair, fluff, bubbles, etc. Version 2.5 makes the eyedropper tools more flexible; adds new interface languages (French and Portuguese) and improves compatibility with Photoshop CS3,CS4 on Macintosh. Upgrade for registered users is free.
Making a selected object blend smoothly with the background is never easy. Rough edges or an imperfect selection with a lasso make pasted objects look foreign on the background. Making color or tonal adjustments to a selected area requires an even more careful selection, while designing collages or photo montages requires thorough selection of each object.
Using AKVIS SmartMask is so simple that it feels like being a child in a drawing class. There are two pencils, red and blue. Simply draw a line with the blue pencil inside the object being selected (for example, yourself in a group photo) and then outline the same object with the red pencil to define the areas that should be cut out. The selection algorithm analyzes the image and your drawing, and creates the selection you want - understanding where the borders of the object end automatically.
AKVIS SmartMask features three selection modes are tailored to different types of selection: Sharp, Soft, and Complex.
The Sharp mode is the simplest to use, while providing perfect selection results when used on clearly defined objects such as people against quiet backgrounds. Just draw rough lines with the mentioned blue and red pencils. The Soft mode adds a third green pencil that helps to define really difficult parts such as fluff, hair, fur, or leaves. Complex mode provides a touch-up brush to perfect your selection by hand.
When pasted to a different picture, an image can look alien due to color cast. If objects are not evenly lighted on a picture, the cutout object can pick up shades and colors reflected from nearby objects such as grass or trees. With AKVIS SmartMask you can get rid of the color cast left on the cutout object.
The new release makes selection even easier by making the eyedropper tools more flexible (Complex mode). Also, version 2.5 adds new interface languages (French and Portuguese) and improves compatibility with Photoshop CS3,CS4 on Macintosh.
AKVIS SmartMask plugin makes selected areas blend seamlessly with the background. Whether editing pictures for fun or designing complex collages, AKVIS SmartMask will make the process fun and easy, while enhancing any picture with precise, smooth selections. Visit AKVIS.com to download a free trial version of the newest image selection tool!
For a free trial, AKVIS offers 10 days to play with the fully functional program.
AKVIS SmartMask sells for $120.00 USD. Home users can enjoy the full line of AKVIS plugins in the AKVIS Alchemy bundle (Sketch, Chameleon, MultiBrush, Retoucher, Coloriage, Noise Buster, Decorator, Enhancer, LightShop, SmartMask, ArtSuite, Magnifier, ArtWork) for USD $325 USD, huge savings over purchasing each separately. One license permits activation of the software on two computers, for example, on a desktop and on a laptop.
About the Program: akvis.com/en/smartmask/index.php
What's New: akvis.com/en/smartmask/whats-new.php
Screenshot: akvis.com/en/smartmask/screenshots-selection-tool.php
Download: akvis.com/en/smartmask/download-selection-tool.php
Tutorial: akvis.com/en/smartmask-tutorial/index.php
Graphics: akvis.com/en/company/graphics.php
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