AKVIS News 2012

December 19, 2012
Baby Frame Pack for AKVIS ArtSuite: New Frames for Decorating Your Kid's Photos!

We are glad to announce a new frame pack for AKVIS ArtSuite - Baby Pack!

AKVIS ArtSuite is an impressive collection of versatile frames and effects for photographs. Thanks to the large number of effects and a rich pattern library, the software can generate an endless variety of effect versions.

You can extend the features of the program and enrich your collection of frames by adding extra themed frame packs of hand painted frames created by professional artists specifically for use in ArtSuite.
With ArtSuite you can easily frame your photographs! Just place a photo into a frame, and press the Run button; the edges will be smoothed and hidden to fit the frame, and you will get a stylish and impressive framed picture.

Now 6 themed frame packs are available: Christmas Pack, Wedding Pack, Travel Pack, St.Valentine Pack, Sports Pack, and the brand new Baby Pack!
Each set contains 50 artistic and funny frames, except the Sports Pack which includes 75 frames. These frames are offered for a pretty modest price and are intended for those who are interested in beautifully designed frames.
Also, a free set of frames (30 enchanting designs for any occasion) is available for download without charge and registration.

The new Baby Pack includes 50 hand painted frames of excellent quality.
All parents adore taking pictures of their little kids. Keep the happiest moments! Decorate your baby's photos with these colorful frames! The ready-to-use photo frames will make every photo of your child charming and unforgettable.
Take a look at the thumbnails of the new frames.
You can buy 50 lovely baby frames for only $ 15 USD!

Do not forget to pay attention to the Christmas Pack, a set of hand painted frames with Christmas and New Year decorations. Frame your festive photos! Whether you celebrate the festive occasion with your family or have a party with your friends, keep the memories alive! These fascinating frames may inspire you for original gift ideas in the holiday season. For example, you can create a personalized greeting card or a photo book.

We offer a fully-functional 10 day trial for AKVIS ArtSuite. Download the software here, in versions for Windows and Mac.
You can use the Free Pack even during the trial period of ArtSuite, just download the file, it does not require registration. As for the other packages, they will only be available after payment. You can look at frames thumbnail previews on each product page: Baby Pack, Christmas Pack, Wedding Pack, Travel Pack, St.Valentine Pack, Sports Pack.

Note: You can use the additional frame packs only in the Standalone version of ArtSuite, not in the Plugin. To add the frame packs (zip files) in ArtSuite just copy them into a folder selected in the program's preferences.
Read the instructions on how to install and register the frame packs.

December 6, 2012
AKVIS Coloriage v.9.0: Add Color to Your Photos! Turn Gray Skies to Blue!

We have released the new version of AKVIS Coloriage, image recoloring software!

AKVIS Coloriage works with colors: it adds color to black and white photos and to sketch drawings, replaces colors in color images, creates a sepia effect, and even removes "red eye". It also offers selective desaturation and selective colorization. The software lets you experiment with the color of your clothes or a car. You can play around with the interior design of your living room or try out new colors for your eyes and hair. AKVIS Coloriage changes the world in your images!

The software combines sophisticated algorithms and simple usage. It is clear and simple as a children's coloring book. It turns work into play. Just draw a few strokes to 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.

The software creates natural-looking colorization in a quick and entertaining manner. It works equally well for coloring portraits, landscapes, fashion, and still life. The skin, sky, verdure, and tree color patterns help you to select realistic colors for your picture.

AKVIS Coloriage is available as a standalone product and a plugin for Adobe Photoshop and other editors on Windows and Mac.

In Version 9.0:

• Improved the Eyedropper tool. It now displays a color ring which helps to select colors more precisely.
• Added the Hand and Zoom tools, they make it easier to work with an image.
• Added the possibility to hide the color strokes and the 3rd strokes preview mode ("the strokes are hidden") to the top panel.
• Changed the autosave folder for the strokes.
  It is now C:\Users\Public\Documents\AKVIS in Windows; HD/Users/Shared/AKVIS in Mac OS.
• Changed the icon for the Keep Color Pencil.
• Added compatibility with Windows 8.
• Added compatibility with Mac OS X 10.8.
• Fixed the bug with GPU in Mac-version.

Download AKVIS Coloriage v.9.0 and try all of its features for free during the evaluation period!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of Coloriage can update their version for free, by downloading and installing v.9.0.

November 27, 2012
AKVIS LightShop v.3.5: Get in the Christmas Mood with Sparkling Light Effects!

AKVIS LightShop has been updated to version 3.5.

The software lets you add brilliant light effects to images.

Light effects can brighten up any photo - make it look more natural, by adding reflections on shiny objects, or on the contrary, more magical and charming. Just a few clicks and the eyes of your loved one sparkle like diamonds! Some simple manipulations and a moonlit road appears in night scenery. A dull landscape shot can be enlivened by the sun rays or reflections on water.

Use LightShop to add a touch of fantasy to your photos! Create a lightning in a stormy sky, a reflection on a raindrop, the glow on smoldering wood in a fire-place, alien signs blazing in the night sky, flares on the sun, the lights of distant planets, fireworks - wherever your imagination may take you!

Make jewelry and precious stones sparkle on the images. Prepare your own Christmas cards with magic lights and glows of LightShop! At this festive time LightShop is your greatest assistant!

The software is available as a standalone application and as a plugin for image editors, in versions for Windows and Mac.

In Version 3.5:

• Added compatibility of the plugin with Adobe Photoshop CS6.
• Added compatibility with Windows 8.
• Improved compatibility with Mac OS X 10.7-10.8.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Download AKVIS LightShop v.3.5 and evaluate it during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of LightShop can upgrade to version 3.5 for free.

November 15, 2012
AKVIS NatureArt v.5.0: Make Your Photos Colorful with New Rainbow Effect!

We have released the new version of AKVIS NatureArt - v.5.0!

The software lets you imitate the magnificence of natural phenomena on your digital photos. Nature effects have an impact on our mood and can be used to strengthen the impression made by a picture. Give a dull and lifeless photo an entirely new look simply by changing the scene's weather. Its spirit will change dramatically, from a crackling thunderstorm to a peaceful morning, from a forest in flames to a dreary rainy thicket, from a parched desert to a cool lakeside scene.

Change the weather on a photo, make the night sky sparkle with glistening stars, enliven a dark, gloomy landscape by adding sources of light, create a flaming text effect, stir up a sandstorm, winterize a summer landscape by freezing a river, or even your own little tempest in a teapot. With NatureArt you can become a wizard!

The software is available as a standalone application as well as a plugin for Photoshop and other graphics editors, for Windows and Mac.

In Version 5.0:

• The brand new Rainbow effect has been added! Now you can add a rainbow to your photo and turn a dark picture into a colorful landscape. In nature, the rainbow appears only in certain weather conditions, but with AKVIS NatureArt it's easy to add a rainbow or a fogbow to a photo - just choose where you want it and how it will look, and press the Run button.
  The effect goes with a number of ready-to-use presets.

  Now the software offers 9 nature effects: Rain, Sun, Water, Lightning, Clouds, Frost, Fire, Ice, and Rainbow! From these effects you can create an even wider variety of natural phenomenon: snow from rain, moon from the sun, and more.

• The Lightning effect has been considerably improved. It has got more options to adjust the lightning.
  The presets for this effect have been updated with the new features.
• The new presets have been added to the Rain and Water effects.
• Also, the new version offers the History Brush that lets you fade the effect and restore the image to its original state. The new tool is available only under the Deluxe and Business licenses.
• The Hand and Zoom tools have also been added. These tools make it easier to work with an image.
• The possibility to create a new image with a transparent background has been unlocked in the standalone version.
• The new version is compatible with Windows 8 and Mac OS X 10.8.
• A lot of bugs have been fixed. We recommend to update to this version as soon as possible.

Registered users of NatureArt can upgrade to version 5.0 for free! Just download and install the new version.

Download NatureArt v.5.0 (in versions for Windows and Mac OS X).

You can try all features of the software during the 10-day trial period.

October 26, 2012
AKVIS Chameleon v.8.0: Photo Collage Creation Made Easy!

We are glad to announce the release of AKVIS Chameleon V.8.0.

AKVIS Chameleon is an efficient photo collage creation software. This ingenious program is fun to use and makes the process easy and entertaining. The software is very easy to handle as it does not require precise selection of objects!

The software supports these collage creation modes: Montage mode, Chameleon mode, Blend mode, and Emersion mode.
It lets you create seamless montages, transferring an object to a new background and smoothing edges, adjust pasted images to a target color range like a chameleon, "dissolve" the pasted object in the background, etc.

You can use the software in many ways. You can create customized postcards for your loved ones; make a wedding album using all kinds of photos and backgrounds; correct closed eyes by implanting open eyes from another photo of the series, change the appearance of a person, create the effect of drawing on a texture surface, etc. You can combine images with entirely different color ranges - with just a few mouse clicks!

AKVIS Chameleon is available as a standalone program and as a plugin to image editors, for Windows and Mac OS X.

In Version 8.0:

• New Guidelines feature helps you to precisely position the fragment on the background image. Read how it works.
• Compatibility with Mac OS X 10.8.
• Fixed bugs.

Download AKVIS Chameleon v.8.0 and try all its features during 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of Chameleon v.5-7 can upgrade to version 8.0 for free. Just download the program and install it.

If you use an older version v.1-4 you have to pay for an upgrade to version 8.0: Home license - $15.00, Business license - $60.00.

October 3, 2012
AKVIS ArtSuite v.9.0: Decorate your Photos! New Halftone Effect

AKVIS ArtSuite is an impressive collection of versatile frames and effects for decorating your photos. The software makes it easy to give a photo an original look, and to add elegance and style to a portrait. Available as a standalone product and a plugin for Photoshop, ArtSuite lets you apply an endless number of creative effects!

AKVIS ArtSuite lets you frame your photos, create original greeting cards and personalized posters, decorate your family album. The program contains many templates and texture samples for any goal (Halloween, Wedding, Christmas, Birthday, etc) that can be used to create a virtually limitless variety of options for generating frames. You can also apply the artistic effects: convert a photo into a B&W image and add a sepia effect, replace or correct colors on an image, or add a texture, and much more.

In Version 9.0:

• Added the new Halftone effect which turns a photo into a halftone picture giving it a retro comic book look. The image is represented with dots in a specific pattern. This technique is widely used for creating outstanding designs and stylish posters and for screenprinting.
  You can adjust the pattern, the grid type, and other settings. You can select any color or use colors of the original image.
  Read more about the Halftone effect.
• Added the list of the Presets to the Effects. First you can try AKVIS presets and then create your own exclusive variations.
  Additionally, in both groups, Frames and Effects, it's possible to save a preset to a file and load it from the file using the buttons in the top panel.
• Compatibility with Mac OS X 10.8.
• Fixed bugs.

Registered users of ArtSuite can upgrade to version 9.0 for free! Download the new version and install it. Your license will work.

You can download AKVIS ArtSuite v.9.0 here, in versions for Windows and Mac, and try all features during the evaluation period! You can test all ArtSuite effects and frames during the trial period free of charge.

September 12, 2012
AKVIS HDRFactory V.3.0: Add the HDR Effect to Any Photo!

We have released the new version of AKVIS HDRFactory - v.3.0!

AKVIS HDRFactory is a versatile and efficient program for creating High Dynamic Range images. It also makes photo correction by enlivening colors on an image.

The name of the program can be taken literally, as HDRFactory is a real workshop for the production of fascinating HDR images. With HDRFactory you can come very close to reality and even go beyond it by creating stylized images with fabulous colors and unique effects.

The software can also imitate the HDR effect using only one photo that is useful if you don't have a series of images with different exposures. Just load a single image into HDRFactory and admire the result!

The software is available as a standalone application as well as a plugin for Photoshop and other graphics editors, for Windows and Mac. The new version is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8.

Also, in Version 3.0:

• Added the new Remove Noise parameter to the Adjustment tab.
• Added new ready-to-use Presets and improved the old Presets.

  A preset contains the settings of all three tabs (HDRI, Adjustment, and Effects). Now the program offers 47 presets!

• Fixed bugs.

Download AKVIS HDRFactory v.3.0 for Mac and Windows.
You can try all features of the software during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of HDRFactory can upgrade to version 3.0 for free.

September 3, 2012
AKVIS Magnifier v.6.0: Change Image Size without Quality Loss!

AKVIS Magnifier allows resizing images without noticeable loss in quality. It's an efficient tool for increasing image resolution. With the software you can obtain a large, high quality picture from a smaller one, hence the program's name. It can increase an image by dozens of times with no artifacts or halos! You can also quickly reduce a photo to put on the internet or send to friends.

Featuring advanced enlargement algorithms, Magnifier enlarges digital pictures to super-high resolution for producing stunning poster-size prints. The algorithm keeps edges smooth, sharp and clearly defined, while improving image appearance by removing defects and compression artifacts.

AKVIS Magnifier is available as a standalone application and as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop, in versions for Windows and Mac.

Note: If you use the plugin version, you can find Magnifier in the Automate menu of Photoshop: File -> Automate -> AKVIS Magnifier (not in the Filter menu!).

In Version 6.0:

• Added the new Remove Noise parameter which lets removing noise and defects by increasing the level of smoothness. It's available in both groups of settings: Downsize and Upsize.
• Added new ready-to-use Presets.
• Compatibility with Mac OS X 10.8.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Download AKVIS Magnifier v.6.0 for Windows and Mac.
You can evaluate all features of the software during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of Magnifier can upgrade to the newest version for free by downloading and installing the new version.

August 24, 2012
AKVIS Sketch v.14.0: Photo to Sketch Conversion. Now With New Timeline Feature!

We have released the new version of AKVIS Sketch - v.14.0.

This photo to sketch software transforms digital photos into pencil sketches and charcoal drawings, it also adds the watercolor and pastel effect. It's a wonderful tool for those who have always wanted to draw but didn't know how. It competes with hand drawn art in flexibility and will spur your creative thought!

The software lets you choose between two styles: Classic and Artistic, and offers a number of ready-to-use presets which help you create various pencil drawings.

You can even create comics or cartoons from your home videos using the batch processing feature of Sketch.

The software is available as a standalone program as well as a plugin for Photoshop and other graphics editors, for Windows and Mac.

In Version 14.0:

• New Timeline feature which creates the stepwise shots during image processing (from start to finish).
  You can choose any or all of them and save as a result.

  It's possible to adjust the number of the shots in the Preferences dialog box.

  Note that this feature is available only for the advanced types of the licenses (Deluxe, Business).
  For all licenses, the program keeps the possibility to interrupt image processing by clicking on the Stop button on the progress bar.

• Compatibility with Mac OS X 10.8.
• Fixed minor bugs.

You can download AKVIS Sketch v.14.0 and evaluate it during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Users who own versions 9-13 of Sketch can upgrade to v.14 for free. Just download the new version.

Only customers who have an older version (v.1-8.6), need to pay for an upgrade to version 14.

August 17, 2012
AKVIS MakeUp 3.0 With New Retouching Tools!

We have released the new version of AKVIS MakeUp - v.3.0!

AKVIS MakeUp improves portraits and adds glamour to photos, giving them a professional look. The software automatically smooths small defects on the skin, making it radiant, beautiful, pure and even. It is amazing how much a good complexion adds to rejuvenating and freshening up a look!

In Version 3.0:

• Added new retouching tools: Teeth Whitening, Red Eye Removal, Blur.
• Added the possibility to choose a mode of the History Brush: Restore to original or Edit brushes.
• Added the Preset Preview window. Now, when moving a cursor over a preset in the drop-down list, the quick result appears in the quick preview window over the image window.
• Added Image View Modes - various options for displaying the original and processed images, Before and After.

AKVIS MakeUp is available in two versions – as a standalone program and as a plugin to a photo editor, for Windows and Mac. The new version is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8.

Download AKVIS MakeUp v.3.0 and try all features of the software during the 10-day trial period!

Registered users of MakeUp can upgrade to version 3.0 for free! Just download the new version and install it.

July 16, 2012
AKVIS MultiBrush 6.0: Retouching and Artistic Tools — CS6 Compatibility!

AKVIS MultiBrush is an all-in-one photo enhancement and portrait retouching solution. The software lets you edit a portrait, restore an old image, paint funny details on a photo.

The program offers two sets of tools: Standard and Artistic Brushes. It's possible to edit image channels, and work with layers (raster and artistic), that opens up practically unlimited possibilities for editing digital photos.

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.

The product is available in two editions: as a standalone program and as a plug-in to image editors, for Windows and Mac.

In Version 6.0:

• Added new options to the Clone Stamp: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Scaling.

  This efficient tool can clone a part of an image from one part and into another while maintaining the original color range, shadows, and other characteristics of the cloned part. It lets retouching photos and creating impressive effects.

  The new version adds more possibilities and gives you more control - you can now mirror a clone (for example, adding a mirror of the object to water, glass, etc) and change its size.

• Added compatibility of the plug-in with Adobe Photoshop CS6.
• Improved compatibility of the plugin with Corel PSP X4.
• Improved compatibility with Mac OS X Lion.
• Fixed bugs in both Win and Mac versions.
• …and many other changes.

Download AKVIS MultiBrush v.6.0 for Windows and Mac OS X!

Upgrade Information:

Owners of old versions can upgrade to v.6.0 for free!
You can use your license key to reactivate the program after reinstallation.

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

July 6, 2012
AKVIS SmartMask v.4.0: Less Time on Selections, More on Creating! Now Also Standalone!

AKVIS SmartMask is an efficient selection tool that saves time and is fun to use. The software makes even a difficult selection incredibly simple. Now, you can spend less of your time on selection of objects and more of it on creativity.

The new version provides significant improvements! It offers powerful tools for masking objects on images and removing backgrounds.

In Version 4.0:

• Added the Standalone version and new variants of licenses.

  Now the software is accessible in two editions: as a standalone program and as a plugin to photo editors (Adobe Photoshop and others).

  SmartMask is now available in four types of licenses: Home Plugin, Home Standalone, Home Deluxe (Plugin + Standalone), and Business (Plugin + Standalone). The functionality depends on the license type.

• Added compatibility of the plugin with Adobe Photoshop CS6.
• Improved compatibility of the plugin with Corel PSP X4.
• Changed the interface design, added the application icon.
• Reorganized the workspace and optimized image processing.

  Now the program offers two editing modes - Auto and Manual, with specific tools in each.

• Added the innovative Quick Selection tool. Draw with this brush over the image, and the selection expands, automatically finding edges and filling areas.
• Improved the Color Picker (eyedropper). Now it displays a color ring which helps to select colors more precisely.
• Improved the Background Eraser tool, with the new Tolerance option which lets you control the range of the colors to remove.
• Added the History palette with the possibility to keep states of an image (checkpoints), available for Deluxe and Business licenses.
• Added the support for AKVIS format. This brand new format contains the original image, the state of the image at the moment it was saved, manually created checkpoints, and the most recently used color sets and parameters.
• Added the possibility to save/load the color lists for the Magic Brush.
• Added Image View Modes - various options for displaying the original and processed images.
  You can also switch between the Mask View Modes.
• Added the How-To panel with links to video tutorials and instructions.

Download AKVIS SmartMask v.4.0 for Windows and Mac.

You can evaluate all features of the software during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of SmartMask can upgrade to the new version for free!

Attention! Please remove the old version before installing the new one.

Register AKVIS SmartMask v.4.0 using your old serial number. If you don't remember your old key, you can restore it here.

Those who have a Home license for the plugin, can download the new version and activate using their keys.
Owners of Business licenses get a standalone version for free, since Business license now includes both editions.
If Home users want to use both plug-in and standalone versions they can upgrade their licenses to Home Deluxe or to Business just paying the difference in prices.

June 5, 2012
AKVIS ArtWork v.7.0: Photo to Painting Software. New Gouache Effect!

AKVIS ArtWork is photo to painting software that lets you create a piece of art from any digital photo. The software combines advanced technologies with an artistic approach. You can create an oil portrait of your friend, a landscape watercolor painting, a funny poster with your dog or an impressive linocut print to decorate your bedroom. The transformation of a digital photo into a painting happens before your very eyes, so you can follow the birth of a work of art in real time!
The program lets changing a canvas and adding a text to the picture. Using the Batch Processing feature you can create comics and cartoons from videos.

The software is available as a standalone program and as a plug-in to image editors, for Windows and Mac.

In Version 7.0:

• New painting style — Gouache! This effect lets you create a gouache painting from a photo. It can also make an image look like a tempera picture.

  Gouache is a versatile painting technique which uses dense intensive colors. Its characteristics are brilliance and opacity. The opacity feature and covering power allow you to create outstanding effects that can not be achieved with the watercolor paints. This technique is widely used in decorative painting and when creating color sketches and drawings.

  Now the software offers 7 painting styles: Oil, Watercolor, Gouache, Comics, Pen & Ink, Linocut, Pastel.

• Added the preview images for the AKVIS presets.

  Each effect comes with a number of ready-to-use presets. When moving a cursor over a preset in the drop-down list, its thumbnail image appears. This feature saves you time and makes the choice easier.

• Fixed bugs.

Download AKVIS ArtWork 7.0 (for Windows and Mac) and try all features of the software during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users can upgrade to version 7.0 for free. Just download and install the new version of the program.

May 22, 2012
CS6 Compatibility for 5 AKVIS PlugIns! Retoucher 5.5, Coloriage 8.5, HDRFactory 2.5, NatureArt 4.5, MakeUp 2.5

We have released the new versions of five AKVIS products: Retoucher 5.5, Coloriage 8.5, HDRFactory 2.5, NatureArt 4.5, MakeUp 2.5; which can be used as plugins for image editors and as standalone applications, on Windows and Mac.

This release is significant for plugins' users in the first place, so far as it offers a free compatibility update for Adobe Photoshop CS6.
All plug-ins will also be compatible with the upcoming Photoshop Elements 11.

As for the standalone versions, bugs have been fixed. You can see the details in the change lists of the programs. They are available on the Download pages (Windows, Mac OS X), as well as the fresh versions of the programs.

AKVIS Retoucher is an efficient program for photo restoration and photo retouching. The software removes dust, scratches, stains, date stamps, odd details. It reconstructs the missing parts of the photo using the information of the surrounding areas. Download version 5.5 here.

AKVIS Coloriage lets manipulating the colors of an image: from colorizing old black and white photos to replacing colors in your color photos. The software creates natural-looking colorization in a quick and entertaining manner. It works equally well for coloring of portraits, landscapes, fashion, and still life. The skin, sky, verdure, and tree color patterns help users to select realistic colors for their picture. Download version 8.5 here.

AKVIS HDRFactory is a versatile program for creating High Dynamic Range images and making photo correction. The software creates HDR photos by combining several images of the same object taken with different exposure values. Also, the program can imitate the HDR effect on a single photo. It enlivens colors on an image. The new version adds support for GPU acceleration that significantly speeds up image processing. Download version 2.5 here.

AKVIS NatureArt is an excellent tool for imitating the magnificence of natural phenomena on your digital photos. You can add some dramatic nature effects by putting the Sun or even a lightning bolt to it, by adding rain or snow. The program also creates nature scenes from scratch converting a blank background into a sea view or a night sky with scattered, glistening stars. Download version 4.5 here.

AKVIS MakeUp improves portraits and adds glamour to photos, giving them a professional look. The software lets retouching small defects on a skin, making it radiant, beautiful, pure and smooth. It can also create high key photographs. Download version 2.5 here.

Upgrade Information:

Registered users can upgrade to the newest versions for free. Download the new versions using the links above.
If the software asks to re-activate just use your license key (serial number).

May 14, 2012
Update of AKVIS Artistic Bundle: Sketch 13.5, ArtWork 6.5, ArtSuite 8.0 — CS6 Compatibility!

We have updated three AKVIS programs for artistic effects creation and photo decoration: Sketch 13.5, ArtWork 6.5, ArtSuite 8.0.

Bugs have been fixed, and the plug-in versions are now compatible with the Adobe Photoshop CS6 and with the upcoming Photoshop Elements 11.

All of these products are available in two variants: as plugins and as standalone applications, on Windows and Mac. They can be purchased as separate products as well as in the software bundles (Artistic and Alchemy).

AKVIS Sketch converts digital photos to amazing pencil drawings. It creates realistic color and B&W drawings, imitates the technique of graphite and color pencil, adds the charcoal and watercolor effects. The software offers to choose between these photo-to-sketch conversion styles: Classic and Artistic.
Now you do not need to handle a pencil to feel like an artist. All you need to create your original work of art is good taste and AKVIS Sketch.

Download AKVIS Sketch v.13.5!

AKVIS ArtWork is photo to painting software, it is designed to imitate different painting techniques (Oil, Watercolor, Comics, Pen & Ink, Linocut, Pastel). ArtWork helps you to create a piece of art out of any digital photo.
Create an oil portrait of your friend, a landscape painting or a still life picture. Express yourself in new genres!

Download AKVIS ArtWork v.6.5!

AKVIS ArtSuite is an impressive collection of versatile effects for photos. The effects are grouped as Frames and Effects. ArtSuite contains many templates and texture samples that can be used to create a virtually limitless variety of options for generating frames.
Decorate a photo to give it an original and festive look!

Download AKVIS ArtSuite v.8.0!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of Sketch v.9-13, ArtWork v.1-6, ArtSuite v.1-7.5 can upgrade to the newest versions for free. Download the new versions using the links above.
If the software asks to re-activate just use your license key (serial number).

Exception: Only users who own Sketch in versions 1-8 need to pay for an upgrade to the current version (13.5).
Other customers can upgrade their programs free of charge.

You can download and try any AKVIS software for the 10-day trial period.

May 2, 2012
Update of Three Photo Correction Programs: Enhancer 13.5, Noise Buster 8.5, Refocus 2.0

Three AKVIS photo correction programs have been updated!

Bugs have been fixed, and the plug-in versions are now compatible with the upcoming Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop Elements 11.

All of these products are available in two variants: as plugins and as standalone applications, on Windows and Mac. They can be purchased as separate products as well as in the software bundle.

AKVIS Enhancer is image enhancing software, which improves details by revealing them in both the light and dark areas of an image. The software works in three modes: "Improve Detail", "Prepress", and "Tone Correction".
The program offers a fast method to fix a dark photo, to add contrast and brightness to a picture. It lets you improve color or adjust tones. Even if you have a high quality photograph you can apply the prepress processing that will give your image a professional look.

Download AKVIS Enhancer v.13.5!

AKVIS Noise Buster is noise suppression software. Digital noise can be seen as artifacts and random red and blue pixels that compromise the smoothness of a photo.
The program reduces both luminance and color noise in digital images without blurring the edges of objects. Your photos remain sharp and crisp, while the unwanted artifacts disappear.

Download AKVIS Noise Buster v.8.5!

AKVIS Refocus improves sharpness of out of focus images. The program can process the entire photo or bring into focus only the selected part to make the subject stand out against the background.
Even if a photo looks sharp enough, there is always room for improvement. For example, create a special effect and draw attention to certain details. With this software you can get the selective focus effect easily by sharpening one part of a photo and blurring the rest.

Download AKVIS Refocus v.2.0!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of Enhancer v.10-13, Noise Buster v.1-8, Refocus v.1-1.5 can upgrade to the newest versions for free. Download the new versions using the links above.
If the software asks to re-activate just use your license key (serial number).

Exception: Only users who own Enhancer in versions 1-9 need to pay $ 29 USD for an upgrade to the current version. Other customers can upgrade their programs free of charge.

Those who have not purchased the programs can download and try them for the 10-day trial period.

April 12, 2012
AKVIS Chameleon v.7.9: Create Collages From Your Photos!

AKVIS Chameleon has been updated to version 7.9.

It is an efficient photo collage creation software. This ingenious program makes the process easy and entertaining. Earlier one had to thoroughly select an object before pasting it into a new background; with this software this tedious part of the workflow is no longer a burden. You can concentrate on the creative part and forget about complicated selection techniques. With AKVIS Chameleon you can have fun in making photo collages!

Using one of four modes of collage creation in the program (Montage, Chameleon, Blend mode, or Emersion mode), you'll be able to create seamless montages that automatically smooth edges, adjust pasted images to a target color range like a chameleon, make the object semi-transparent dissolving the pasted image in the background, orient difficult objects.

AKVIS Chameleon is available as a standalone program and as a plugin to image editors.

In Version 7.9:

• Added compatibility of the plug-in with upcoming Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop Elements 11.
• Improved compatibility of the plugin with Corel PaintShop Photo X4.
• Fixed a bug that caused the program to crash when using GPU on Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3.
• Improved color processing when loading the RAW images.
• and other changes.

Test the software for 10 days free of charge!

Download AKVIS Chameleon v.7.9 here.

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of Chameleon v.5-7 can upgrade to version 7.9 for free. Just download the program and install it.

If you use an older version v.1-4 you have to pay for an upgrade to version 7.9: Home license - $15.00, Business license - $60.00.

March 30, 2012
AKVIS Magnifier v.5.5: Super-High Resolution Photos!

AKVIS Magnifier has been updated to version 5.5! It's an efficient tool for increasing image resolution.
Available as a standalone application and as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop, in versions for Windows and Mac, this software resizes any digital image without loss in quality.

The image processing parameters are grouped in two sections: Downsize and Upsize.

With Magnifier you can obtain a large, high quality picture from a smaller one, hence the program's name. It can increase an image by dozens of times with no artifacts or halos! You can also quickly reduce a photo to put on the internet or send to friends. When resizing an image, Magnifier restores edges and details, removes artifacts.

In Version 5.5:

• Added compatibility with upcoming Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop Elements 11 for the plugin version.
• Fixed a bug that caused the program to crash when using GPU on Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3.
• Improved color processing when loading the RAW images.
• and other changes.

Download AKVIS Magnifier v.5.5 and try all of its features!
During the test period you can try both editions (plugin and standalone) and choose the license you like.

Registered users of Magnifier can upgrade to the newest version for free by downloading and installing the new version.

Attention! Unlike other AKVIS plugins (which are available in Filter menu), you will find AKVIS Magnifier plugin in Automate menu of Photoshop.
To call AKVIS Magnifier plugin in Adobe Photoshop select the menu item File -> Automate -> AKVIS Magnifier; in Adobe Photoshop Elements use the command: File -> Automation Tools -> AKVIS Magnifier.

March 16, 2012
AKVIS Decorator v.3.0: Change Texture and Color on an Image

AKVIS Decorator has been updated to version 3.0. It lets you change the surface of an object in a realistic manner. The program applies a texture and color preserving the volume of the object, following its folds and creases. The new pattern looks absolutely natural and makes you see things differently.

Select a part of an image - a dress on a girl, a car, a piece of furniture, etc - and apply new textures to it. The girl can have her dress painted in cheerful patterns, dotted or chequered, appear as if made of velvet or satin, or even of wood or candies.

With this software you can quickly choose a suitable design for your apartment by playing with different colors and patterns for furniture, walls, curtains, decorations, etc. It’s useful for designers to show the customers the same room in different versions or for web-designers to represent the same items in an online shop in different colors and patterns.

There is a great variety of patterns in the built-in Texture Library to apply - from fabrics to stones and metal, from food to nature elements.
You can apply your own textures – just load an image as a texture file into the library.

In Version 3.0:

• Added the Standalone version.

  Now the software is accessible in two editions: as a standalone program and as a plugin to photo editors (Adobe Photoshop and others).

  Decorator is now available in four types of licenses: Home Plugin, Home Standalone, Home Deluxe (Plugin + Standalone), and Business (Plugin + Standalone). The functionality depends on the license type.

• Added the selection tools which let you create and edit the selection directly in Decorator (in both plug-in and standalone program).
• Added new patterns to the Texture Library. Now the Library has 1824 textures!
• Added the possibility to load almost any image as a user's texture. Now it's possible to use these formats: PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, and the image size from 50x50 px and more. The previous versions loaded only 100x100 px JPEG texture images.
• Changed the interface design and the application icon.
• Fixed bugs in both Win and Mac versions.
• Improved compatibility with Mac OS X 10.7.3.
• Added compatibility with coming Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop Elements 11 to the plugin version.
• and other changes.

Download AKVIS Decorator v.3.0 for Windows and Mac.

You can evaluate all features of the software during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Registered users of Decorator can upgrade to the new version for free!

Attention! Please remove the old version before installing the new one!

Register Decorator v.3.0 using your old serial number. If you don't remember your old key, you can restore it here.

Those who have a Home license for the plugin, can download the new version and activate using their keys.
Owners of Business licenses get a standalone version for free, since Business license now includes both editions.
If Home users want to use both plug-in and standalone versions they can upgrade their licenses to Home Deluxe just paying the difference in prices.

February 15, 2012
AKVIS Enhancer v.13.0: Photo Correction Software

We have released the new version of AKVIS Enhancer.

This image enhancement software lets you improve your digital photos. It detects detail in underexposed, overexposed and mid tone areas of a photo with uneven exposure. The software offers an individual approach to every part of the image!

The software works in three modes: Improve Detail, Prepress, and Tone Correction. The main goal for these modes is the same - image correction, but the methods and the results are quite different. Different photos require different approaches at correction, and in many cases the modes complement one another.

The program offers a fast method to fix a dark photo, to add contrast and brightness to a picture, it lets you improve color or adjust tones. Even if you have a high quality photograph you can apply the Prepress processing that will give your image a professional look.

AKVIS Enhancer is available in two editions: as a standalone program and as a plug-in to image editors, for Windows and Mac.

In Version 13.0:

• Added support for GPU acceleration that significantly speeds up image processing.
• Added new ready-to-use Presets to all image processing modes.
  The presets can be applied in their initial version or can be modified. First you can try AKVIS presets, then create your own exclusive variations. It is possible to save your own presets to use them in the future.
• Added the Preset Preview window. Now, when moving a cursor over a preset in the drop-down list, the quick result appears in the quick preview window over the image window. It saves you time and makes the choice easier.
• The software demonstrates more flexibility. You can now adjust Image View Modes (various options for displaying the original and processed images, "Before" and "After" states).
• Improved support for RAW files, added support for DNG files.
• The Hints Panel has a new color scheme.

Download AKVIS Enhancer v.13.0 and try all its features during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Users who own versions 10-12 of Enhancer can upgrade to v.13 for free by downloading and installing the new version.

If you have an older version (v.1-9) you will need to pay $ 29 USD for an upgrade to v.13.

Price: The product sells for $69 USD for Home version (either Plugin or Standalone), $99 USD for Home Deluxe (Plugin and Standalone), $170 USD for Business (Plugin and Standalone, for commercial use). Each variant offers all three modes of image correction.

January 30, 2012
AKVIS Sketch v.13: Pencil Drawings from Photos. With New Artistic Style!

AKVIS Sketch has been updated to version 13.0. The program converts digital photos into amazing pencil sketches and watercolor, charcoal, and pastel drawings. It's a wonderful tool for those who have always wanted to draw but didn't know how! You can even create comics or cartoons from your home videos using the batch processing feature of Sketch.

Now the software creates even more stunning results! The new version competes with hand drawn art in flexibility and will spur your creative thought!

In Version 13.0:

• New style of photo-to-sketch conversion.

  The software now lets you choose between two styles: Classic (standard processing from the previous versions) and Artistic.

  The new Artistic style is designed to create expressive drawings that look like the handmade work of a real artist. In this style, it is easy to create both a quick sketch and a carefully drawn and shaded pencil drawing. The main advantage of this style is the ability to play with hatching and to vary the number of shadings and shadows to get natural tonal transitions.

  The new style comes with 27 ready-to-use presets which will help you create various pencil drawings.

  Learn how to work with the Artistic style.

  You can also watch a video demonstrating the features of the new style.

• Also in the new version:

  fixed bugs; improved image processing when loading RAW files, improved support for RAW files from Sony cameras, added support for DNG files, and other important and minor changes.

The software is available as a standalone program as well as a plugin for Photoshop and other graphics editors.

You can download AKVIS Sketch v.13.0 for Windows and Mac and evaluate it during the 10-day trial period!

Upgrade Information:

Users who own versions 9-12.5 of Sketch can upgrade to v.13 for free.
Just download the new version.

Only customers who have an older version (v.1-8.6), need to pay for an upgrade to version 13.
The download links for the old versions are available. Write us if you need them.

Note: The new version does not support the "old algorithm" used in versions 1-8.6 that was available until now (in versions 9-12 - by activating that option in the program preferences), as well as the presets made with the old algorithm. Nevertheless, if your presets were created in versions 9-12 using the "new algorithm" (which is active by default), they will be transferred to version 13.

January 18, 2012
AKVIS Refocus v.1.5: Improve Your Blurred Photos!

We have released the new version of AKVIS Refocus.

The software improves sharpness of out of focus images. The program can process the entire photo or bring into focus only the selected part to make the subject stand out against the background.

Even if a photo looks sharp enough, there is always room for improvement. For example, create a special effect and draw attention to certain details. With this software you can get the selective focus effect easily by sharpening one part of a photo and blurring the rest.

AKVIS Refocus makes your photos more impressive!

In Version 1.5:

• Added support for RAW and DNG files.
• Added new ready-to-use Presets.
• Added the list of Recent Files which is visible by right mouse clicking on the Open Image button (to the Standalone version).
• Added the possibility to use OS File dialog to load/save files (to the Standalone version).
• Added the new color scheme of the Hints Panel.
• Improved compatibility with Mac OS X Lion.
• Fixed minor bugs, etc.

Download AKVIS Refocus V.1.5 for Mac and Windows and try all features of the software during the 10-day trial period!

Registered users of Refocus can upgrade to the new version for free.

The software is available in two versions – as an independent program (standalone) and as a plugin to a photo editor.

Price: The product sells for $39 USD for Home version (either Plugin or Standalone, Refocusing features), $49 USD for Home Deluxe (Plugin and Standalone, Refocusing & Defocusing features), $72 USD for Business (Plugin and Standalone, Refocusing & Defocusing features, for commercial use). Consult the comparison table for more details about license types and versions of the software.