Compilation of Topaz ReMask Resources

Posted on 08. Oct, 2009 by Eric Yang in Tips and Tricks

(Go to the Topaz ReMask homepage here.)

There’s pros and cons to having a software that is completely integrated with Photoshop with no user interface of its own. Even though the complete Photoshop integration makes it much faster and easier to use when you understand how it works, the same thing makes it a bit harder to learn. That’s why we’ve been hard at work since its release to provide tutorials and educational material (in addition to the User’s Guide) to help smooth the learning curve for you. Whether you’re a Photoshop novice or guru, you will still pick a few things up from the following Topaz ReMask educational resources.

These resources are ordered from least advanced to most advanced:

ReMask: The Basics (pdf) – The complete beginner’s guide to using ReMask. If you don’t know how to use layer masks in Photoshop, start here.

Getting Started with Topaz ReMask (pdf) – The fastest way to get started with Topaz ReMask without having to know any theory. Involves the included ReMask Actions set for ease of use.

Topaz ReMask Quick Start (video) – The video companion to the Getting Started guide. Ashley shows you a basic step-by-step way to get a quick mask with Topaz ReMask.

How Topaz ReMask Works (video) – Eric gives a quick primer on how Topaz ReMask works and explains a bit about tri-maps.

Topaz ReMask Best Practices (video) – Eric goes into more depth into how Topaz ReMask processes its masks and three best practices to keep in mind while using it. This video is highly recommended if your masks aren’t turning out the way you expect.

You can also check out a short ReMask FAQ here.

If you find something unusual while working with ReMask, please take a look at the most appropriate resource. There’s usually a very simple explanation for anything that might go wrong. Hope that helps!

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8 Responses to “Compilation of Topaz ReMask Resources”

  1. Ray

    08. Oct, 2009

    Thanks Eric,

    Keep bringing them on…. Any update on version for PS Elements etc….

  2. Victor Bassani

    08. Oct, 2009

    I do not know this program would like experience him
    If you belong to my interest will buy

  3. Moshe Ronen

    09. Oct, 2009

    Hello,

    Purchased and began to play with ReMask. No problem with the basic steps, all is well as long as the subject is simple.

    However, it gets tricky when you must ‘Refine’ the mask. I think the resources, videos and User Guide, should dwell on it much more. As it is now, the subject is merely mentioned as a possibility, without really teaching how to do it.

    Just one note about the resources: The term ‘Quick Mask’ is loosely used in the documentation. When you select the Layer Mask and press Backslash (so as to see the mask in red on the Image window) you do not really go into Quick Mask. Quick Mask is a dual state to ‘Select Mode’ and you switch between the two by pressing ‘Q’ or the bottom icon on the tools-bar. Pressing Backslash has nothing to do with selection, it does not create a temporary mask channel as Quick Mask does, and is only a visual aid for drawing a Layer Mask. It confused me until I realized what the intention was. Also, I don’t see any reason to switch to ‘Channels View’ as advised to do in the Manual. There are also some inaccuracies in the illustrations of the Channels Palette, regarding the ‘View Eye’.

    All said, I enjoy the software and hope you’ll improve it still further.

    Moshe

  4. Mike

    09. Oct, 2009

    What a fantastic addition to the portfolio, I cannot wait to lean how to use it. I have only just recently found the Topaz software, I have tried the 30 day download and I am now looking to purchase the complete bundle.

  5. Eric

    09. Oct, 2009

    Thanks all.

    Ray, Elements version will be available before the end of the year.

    Moshe, great points. As we revise the documentation we’ll def take these into account.

    Mike and Victor, just let me know if you have any questions about how the software works or what you can do with it… in fact we just posted up a new user-submitted Gallery page with some nice photos.

  6. Benita

    09. Oct, 2009

    Thanks for the helpful compilation. I’ve been trying to extract my subject, but have been unsuccessful so far. The quick start guide looks like the type of basic information that will help me.

  7. Stanley Ashbrook

    13. Oct, 2009

    Another way to construct the gray transition zone I used to use with Photoshop’s Extract is to create a path around the subject you want to select (I belive a bit quicker than trying to paint around the subject)and after copying the background to a layer, add a layer mask and with the layer mask active, the foreground color 50% gray, the bursh tool selected with hard edge and a width you would like for the gray transition, go to the Path palette and with the Path active select Stroke the path. Turn off the Path and you have a nice gray transition area for your tri-mask. For large areas of hair for example you can paint a wider area.

  8. Eric

    13. Oct, 2009

    Nice, Stanley. That’s a great way to do it as well.

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