AKVIS News 2008

December 16, 2008
AKVIS ArtWork v.1.5: Convert a Photo into an Oil Painting!
The new program AKVIS ArtWork converts your photos into realistic oil paintings. Whether an oil portrait or a landscape painting - the program will make your ideas a reality.
New interface languages have been added. Now the program is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian and Japanese.
Some minor errors found and fixed.
Test the software for 10 days free of charge.
Download the program for Mac and Windows here.
Registered users can upgrade to version 1.5 for free.

December 9, 2008
AKVIS Sketch v.8.5: Personalize your work of art!
AKVIS Sketch converts photos to realistic pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. The program enjoys increasing popularity with professionals and amateurs alike as it allows getting the required result with minimum effort.
- Version 8.5 offers a new tab Text, which allows adding a signature or a greeting to your drawing. Personalize your work of art!
- Documentation updated.
AKVIS Sketch is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor.
Download version 8.5 (both editions included) and use it 10 days free of charge.
Upgrade for registered users is free. To upgrade your version, it is enough to download the program and install it.
Attention Mac-Users: there are three download files: standalone application, a plugin version for Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Elements 6, and a plugin for earlier versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
As for the Windows version there is one setup file (exe) which contains both editions.
The registered users can update their standalone version for free.

November 18, 2008
AKVIS ArtWork v.1.0: Convert a Photo into an Oil Painting!
The new program AKVIS ArtWork converts your photos into realistic oil paintings. Whether an oil portrait or a landscape painting - the program will make your ideas a reality.
Even with the default settings you can achieve a realistic result coming very close to hand painted works. For those who need more flexibility there is a tool called Stroke Direction that allows defining the guiding lines along which the strokes are laid. You can also add a canvas to your painting and an inscription (a signature or a greeting).
Test the software for 10 days free of charge.
Download the program for Mac and Windows here.
There are three license types for Home users: Plugin, Standalone and Deluxe (Plugin+Standalone);
and one for business use: Business license (Plugin+Standalone).
Attention! The functionality of the program depends on the license type. During the test period you can try all options and choose the license you like.
ArtWork is available in the software packages: Alchemy Bundle and Artistic Bundle.
Attention! Those our registered users who have bought at least one AKVIS program get a 20% discount on AKVIS ArtWork. The customers who have purchased all AKVIS programs get a 50% discount on the new program! Please write to us to get the discount.
As promised, every time we launch a new program we give a free license to one of our customers selected at random from the database. This time the winner is Alison McLin (USA).

November 5, 2008
AKVIS Magnifier v.2.0: Increase Image Resolution without Quality Loss
AKVIS Magnifier has been updated to v.2.0. 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.
New to v.2.0.
- The program is available as a stand-alone application as well as a Photoshop plug-in;
- Support of Batch processing, which makes it possible to resize a whole folder of photos automatically. Create an Action in Photoshop and apply it to the photos you need;
- Added support of image editing in Lab mode;
- Print dialog added into the standalone edition. Now the program allows printing large images at a high resolution;
- New interface languages added (Spanish, French, Italian). Documentation updated;
- Bugs fixed (an error when saving images with non-standard color profiles, reading error for certain images in jpeg format, a bug when opening some Tiff images on Mac PowerPC ).
Test the software for 10 days free of charge.
Download the program here.
Now there are three license types for Home users: Plugin, Standalone and Deluxe (Plugin+Standalone);
and one for business use: Business license (Plugin+Standalone).
The registered users of Magnifier can update their standalone version for free. The owners of the Business license for Magnifier can activate both standalone and plugin version for free. (Read here how to upgrade to a higher version (Business or Deluxe))
Attention! The customers who have purchased all AKVIS plug-ins (AKVIS Alchemy bundle) get a 50% discount on the program. Please write us at support@akvis.com to get the discount coupon!

October 7, 2008
AKVIS Sketch v.8.0: Quick Preview Added!
AKVIS Sketch converts photos to realistic pencil and watercolor drawings. The program enjoys increasing popularity with professionals and amateurs alike as it allows getting the required result with minimum effort.
- The new version includes a Quick Preview window for resource-saving fine-tuning of the settings. Now you do not need to process the whole image every time you adjust the settings. The movable Quick Preview window shows the result of the current settings on a small sample in real-time.
- Version 8.0 supports the Exif and IPTC data to the full extent and ensures that the additional information registered by the camera (shooting date, exposure settings, etc) as well as information and comments to the photo filled out by the user won’t get lost or altered.
- New language added to the program documentation - Italian.
AKVIS Sketch is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor.
Download version 8.0 (both editions are included) and use it 10 days free of charge.
Upgrade for registered users is free.
Attention Mac-Users: Now there are three download files: standalone application, a plugin version for Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Elements 6, and a plugin for earlier versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
As for the Windows version there is one setup file (exe) which contains both editions.

September 24, 2008
Coloriage v.6.0: Add Color to B&W Photos!
AKVIS Coloriage, the leading solution in photo colorizing, has been updated to version 6.0. The program manipulates colors of an image: from coloring black and white photos to replacing colors in color photos.
New to version 6.0:
- Added Recolor Brush for manual processing. Please note that this brush is enabled only in the After tab. It can be applied to manually correct the result of colorisation/recoloring.
- Added support of Exif and IPTC data (the data registered by the camera when shooting as well as the comments, keywords and other information about the photo filled out by the user).
- Improved compatibility with Vista SP1.
- Added Compatibility with Mac OS X Leopard.
- Fixed some bugs in both Windows and Mac versions (for example, the bug that caused program crash on multi-monitor systems).
The program is available as a stand-alone application and as a Photoshop plug-in.
Registered users can upgrade to version 6.0 for free.
Download Coloriage for Mac or Windows and test it for 10 days free of charge.
Attention Mac-Users: Now there are three download files: standalone application, a plugin version for Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Elements 6, and a plugin for earlier versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
As for the Windows version there is one setup file (exe) which contains both editions.

September 15, 2008
AKVIS LightShop V.2.5: Amazing Light Effects!
We are glad to announce the release of version 2.5 of AKVIS LightShop. AKVIS LightShop allows you to create an infinite number of light effects! Light effects can brighten up any photo: make it look more natural (by adding reflections on shiny objects) or add a bit of magic and fantasy.
See examples and tutorials.
Version 2.5 of AKVIS LightShop
- introduces new ready-to-use light effects,
- improves compatibility with Vista SP1 and
- adds a new interface language - Portuguese.
Download AKVIS LightShop v.2.5 (10-days free test).
Ugrade for registered users is free. Just download LightShop and install the program. The license information on your computer won't get lost after the installation of the new version. You won't need to reactivate the program.
Attention Mac-users! Now there are three download files: standalone application, a plugin version for Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Elements 6, and a plugin for earlier versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
As for the Windows version there is one setup file (exe) which contains both editions.

September 4, 2008
AKVIS Enhancer V.9.5 with Exif support!
We are glad to announce the release of version 9.5 of AKVIS Enhancer. The software allows improving detail in underexposed, overexposed, and mid tone areas of a photo. The standalone version supports HDRI. See examples and tutorials.
Now the program supports the Exif data to the full extent and ensures that the additional camera information (shooting date, exposure settings, comments, etc) does not get lost or altered.
Download AKVIS Enhancer v.9.5 (10-days free test).
Ugrade for registered users is free. Just download Enhancer using the link above and install the program. The license information on your computer does not get lost when you install the new version. You won't need to reactivate the program.
Attention Mac-users! Now there are three download files: standalone application, a plugin version for Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Elements 6, and a plugin for earlier versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
As for the Windows version there is one setup file (exe) which contains both editions.

August 22, 2008
Photo Collage Creation with Chameleon v.6.0
We are glad to release version 6.0 of AKVIS Chameleon. This program is a true breakthrough in photo collage creation. In most cases it does not require precise selection of objects and now even the pasted fragment can be adapted to the color range of the target picture to provide a natural photo montage.
Version 6.0 provides one more mode to expand your possibilities and make photo collage creation fun to do! Now the program offers four modes of collage creation: Montage, Chameleon, Blend mode, and Emersion.
In the new Emersion mode images can be combined to create a seamless photo montage. In contrast to the other modes, the pasted fragment does not overlay the background, but embeds into the background so that only certain parts of the fragment are visible. It is possible to make collages with difficult objects (trees, or apply a graffiti to the wall, etc).
To learn how to use Emersion mode, please have a look at our updated Tutorial.
Also in the new version:
- Improved image processing speed when transforming and moving an object.
- Fixed bug that caused program crash on large images.
- Added ICC-profile support.
- Added the possibility to work on two monitors (support of multi-monitor processing).
- Also there is improved compatibility with Vista SP1 and Photoshop Elements v.6.0.
Upgrade Information:
Registered users of version 5.0 can upgrade Chameleon to version 6.0 for free!
Owners of versions 1 through 4 have to pay $15 USD to upgrade. Read more details here...
Download the program in versions for Windows and Mac!
You can use it 10 days free of charge! The users who tried the previous version of the plug-in and have their version expired, now can try Chameleon again with its new features.

August 11, 2008
AKVIS Noise Buster v.6.1: Bugs fixed
We present version 6.1 of AKVIS Noise Buster, software for noise reduction on digital and scanned images.
The program reduces both luminance and color noise on digital photos without spoiling other aspects of the photo.
Version 6.1 fixes some bugs and improves compatibility with Vista SP1.
A new interface language has been added - Italian.
You can download and use AKVIS Noise Buster for 10 days free of charge.
Registered users can upgrade the software for free.

July 11, 2008
Update of AKVIS Magnifier to version 1.2
We are glad to announce the release of version 1.2 of AKVIS Magnifier. The program allows resizing images without loss in quality.
Version 1.2 offers new interface and help languages: German and Japanese.
Also some bugs have been fixed:
1. Fixed bug that caused the program to crash when saving 16 bit images with alpha-channel as jpeg;
2. Fixed bug that caused the program to crash when loading tiff files unsupported by libtiff.
Download the new version, upgrade is free.

June 27, 2008
AKVIS Magnifier v.1.0: Photo Enlagement Software
We are glad to announce the release of a new program - AKVIS Magnifier, standalone software. 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 will cope with this problem and deliver good results.
For the moment, the software is available only as a standalone application. The plugin version is coming soon!
Test the software for 10 days free of charge. Download the program here.
Attention! Those our registered users who have bought at least one AKVIS plug-in get a 20% discount on AKVIS Magnifier. The customers who have purchased all AKVIS plug-ins get a 50% discount on the new program! Please write to us to get the discount. The offer is valid till August 31, 2008.
As promised, every time we launch a new program we give a free license to one of our customers selected at random from the database. This time the winner is Shannon Moore.

June 16, 2008
Retoucher v.3.0: Retouch Damaged Photos
AKVIS Retoucher has been updated to version 3.0. The plug-in allows restoring damages photos by removing dust, scratches, stains and by reconstructing the lacking parts of a photo.
New to version 3.0 - Bugs fixed;
- Improved compatibility with Photoshop Elements 6 for Windows and Mac versions;
- Improved compatibility with Windows Vista;
- Added support of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard).
Registered users can upgrade to version 3.0 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.

June 6, 2008
AKVIS SmartMask V.2.0. New Version!
New version of AKVIS SmartMask for Mac and Windows has been released! The SmartMask plug-in is an efficient masking tool that saves you time on complex selections and is fun to use.
New to version 2.0
- Hot-Keys added.
- New interface languages: Spanish and Italian.
- Fixed bug that caused the program to crash on the second monitor on multi-monitor systems.
- Fixed color profile bug that led to incorrect display of an image in the preview window on some monitor profiles.
- Also this version offers improved compatibility with Vista SP1.
Download fully functional trial versions for Windows and Mac and try the plug-in 10 days for free!
Registered users can upgrade SmartMask for free!
Those who tried the previous version of the software during a trial period, now have an opportunity to test the software again during 10 days (starting from the first use).

May 27, 2008
Update of AKVIS Enhancer to version 9.2
We are glad to announce the release of version 9.2 of AKVIS Enhancer. Some serious bugs have been fixed:
- Fixed bug that caused the program to crash on the second monitor on multi-monitor systems.
- Fixed color profile bug that led to incorrect display of an image in the preview window on some monitor profiles.
- Also this version offers improved compatibility with Vista SP1.
The customers, who had problems with the previous versions of Enhancer, are strongly recommended to download version 9.2. The users who tried the previous version and have it expired, now can evaluate the updated program again!
Registered users can upgrade Enhancer for free!
Download AKVIS Enhancer v.9.2 now in Windows or in Mac version.
We remind you about the last opportunity to take part in our Birthday Raffle. Registration will be over on the 29th of May!

May 20, 2008
AKVIS ArtSuite v.4.0: New Artistic Effects: Glamour and Two Keys
The photo decoration software ArtSuite has been updated to version 4.0.
In addition to the previously available 15 effects, this version offers two new ones: Glamour and Two Keys.
The Glamour effect turns an ordinary portrait into a beauty from fashion magazine covers. The new effect improves human skin, enhancing skin tones and smoothing imperfections without affecting the natural skin texture or applying the artificial "plastic" look to the skin.
Just select some colors on the skin and click on the "Start" button; you will get a convincing result.
The Two Keys effect allows adjusting many aspects of a photo (color shades, contrast, brightness) using two key colors.
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 Mac!

April 29, 2008
AKVIS Sketch v.7.0: Special Effects Added!
We are glad to inform you about the release of AKVIS Sketch v.7.0. The software converts photos to realistic pencil and watercolor drawings.
The new version offers special effects that make the final photo yet more impressive.
Create a blend of the final drawing and the original image; imitate motion or add "time machine effect" by swirling the background; put an accent on certain parts of the image by blurring the rest of it in an artistic way. It proves especially useful when the final drawing contains too many details on the background that divert attention.
The new effects can be found in the Background tab, which offers three modes of working. Also, new tools have been added to define the effect area. Read our Tutorial to learn how to achieve different effects.
AKVIS Sketch is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor. Download version 7.0 (both editions are included) and use it 10 days free of charge.
Upgrade for registered users is free.

April 18, 2008
Update of Enhancer v.9.1: Bugs fixed!
The photo enhancement software AKVIS Enhancer has been updated to version 9.1. In new version we fixed bugs:
- Color profile bug that caused incorrect display and processing of an image on some monitor profiles.
- Batch scripting bug (in the plug-in edition). Note that the old actions made for old versions of Enhancer won't work properly with this fixed version.
- And some minor bugs.
Update for registered users is free!
Download version 9.1 for Windows and Mac in two editions: plug-in and stand-alone application from the Download page.
Attention! You are welcome to take part in AKVIS Birthday Raffle and in Creative Contest.

April 8, 2008
Noise Buster v.6.0: New Noise Suppression Algorithm!
We are glad to announce the release of version 6.0 of AKVIS Noise Buster. The software reduces noise on digital images without spoiling other aspects of the photo.
New to version 6.0:
- New algorithm for noise suppression. The advanced algorithm allows suppressing visible noise preserving the detail on the photo. The automatic filtering mode has become more precise.
- Added a new Microdetail parameter. The parameter reveals more detail and does not bring back the suppressed noise.
- Added Unsharp Mask Option. It will replace the Sharpen Edge parameter. The way it works is different from its forerunner but the function is the same - to regulate the sharpness of the objects' edges.
Attention! Due to the change in the algorithm, the user presets for the earlier versions will not work.
Registered users can upgrade to version 6.0 for free! Download AKVIS Noise Buster and install it.
The users who tried the previous version of the software and have their version expired, now have an opportunity to test the software again.

March 27, 2008
AKVIS Enhancer V.9.0: Focus Mode Added
The new version of the image enhancement software is released! Version 9.0 of AKVIS Enhancer presents a new mode that makes the program yet more useful for improving detail on a photo.
The new Focus mode improves blurred images by bringing into focus the whole image or only certain parts of it. It happens that the camera fails to focus on the object of shooting and it comes out unsharp. This mode can save such out-of-focus images.
Besides, the program detects detail in underexposed, overexposed and mid tone areas of a photo with uneven exposure and supports HDRI technology.
Download Enhancer now in Windows or in Mac version.
Upgrade for registered users is Free (more).
The users who tried the previous version of the software and have their version expired, now have an opportunity to test the software again.

March 13, 2008
Sketch v.6.5: Photo-to-Sketch Conversion in Real Time
We are glad to announce the update of AKVIS Sketch to version 6.5! Now you can observe the conversion of a photo to a drawing or a watercolor painting in real time! It's fun to see how the strokes are laid on the paper to create a drawing.
New to version 6.5:
- Real-time drawing. It allows not only to make the process more entertaining, but also to preview the result and control the processing. If you see that the parameters should be adjusted, you can interrupt the processing by pressing Escape.
- improved Color Strokes feature.
Download AKVIS Sketch for Windows or Mac. The program is available as a stand-alone application and as a Photoshop plug-in.
Upgrade for registered users is Free (more).
The users who tried the previous version of the software and have their version expired, now have an opportunity to test the software again.

March 3, 2008
AKVIS ArtSuite v.3.0: New Effects!
We are glad to announce the update of AKVIS ArtSuite (earlier known as Frame Suite) to version v.3.0. The name change reflects the new approach to the program. Now the program does not only offer edge effects for adding photo frames to digital photos, but some other artistic effects as well.
This version offers three new effects: Black&White, Shift Colors, and Channel Mixer. It is planned to enrich the effects collection.
Also new to this version:
- By user request, the Autorun mode has been added.
- New interface language (Spanish) made available.
The update of the earlier versions of Frame Suite to ArtSuite is free. Just install the program and use your Frame Suite key to activate the new version. You can remove the older version, if needed.
Download ArtSuite 3.0 now in Windows or in Mac version.
The users who tried the previous version of the program and have their version expired, now can try ArtSuite again with its new effects.
Try the program during the trial period for free!

February 6, 2008
AKVIS SmartMask V.1.2. Now for Windows and Mac!
New version of AKVIS SmartMask is available for Mac and Windows! The SmartMask plug-in is an efficient masking tool that saves you time on complex selections and is fun to use.
Mac-version is Universal Binary. It works with both Intel and Power PC mac-computers.
There were found and fixed some minor bugs in Windows version. Windows-users are recommended to download and install the new version. Those who tried the previous version of the software during a trial period, now have an opportunity to test the software again during 10 days (starting from the first use).
Also in this version we have added a new interface language - German.
Download fully functional trial versions for Windows and Mac and try the plug-in 10 days for free!

January 28, 2008
AKVIS SmartMask v.1.1: Masking Tool for Windows
We are glad to announce the release of a new program - AKVIS SmartMask plug-in. AKVIS SmartMask makes even a difficult selection as easy as pie. Now, you can spend less of your time on the selection of objects and more of it on creativity. Have a look at the screenshots.
For the moment, the software is available only for Windows. The Mac version is coming soon!
Test the software for 10 days free of charge. Download the program here.
Attention! Those our registered users who have bought at least one AKVIS plug-in get a 20% discount on AKVIS SmartMask. The customers who have purchased all AKVIS plug-ins get a 50% discount on the new program! Please write to us to get the discount. The offer is valid till March 31, 2008.
Note, that the Alchemy Bundle has become yet more payable. Now it costs $325 and includes all 11 AKVIS plug-ins (a saving of $513 against buying each plug-in separately).
As promised, every time we launch a new program we give a free license to one of our customers selected at random from the database. This time the winner is Richard MARTINEZ (the USA).

January 10, 2008
AKVIS Decorator v.1.5: Resurface and Recolor.
We are glad to release version 1.5 of AKVIS Decorator plug-in. The program allows applying 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 1.5:
- Bugs fixed;
Mac:
- Decorator is now a Universal Binary application. It runs on both Intel- and PowerPC-based Mac computers;
- support of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard);
- compatibility with Photoshop CS3 (Intel);
Windows:
- compatibility with Photoshop Elements v.6.0.
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.