Simplify 4 News
Posted on 11. Sep, 2012 by Ashley Robinson in Insider Info
Simplify is getting even better. Soon we will be releasing the new and improved Topaz Simplify 4. Simplify 4 includes new tools and features, designed to help you become an artistic photo guru. Take a look at the new and improved features waiting for you!
What’s New in Simplify 4:
- New Presets and Preset categories
- New adjustments sliders for dynamics, structure and structure boost.
- Local Adjustments brush
- Apply button
- Curve Tool and Histogram
- Finishing touches
What’s Improved in Simplify 4:
- Split Screen. Use the 2-screen split view for easy before and after comparison.
- Interactive Sliders. Take advantage of interactive slider/control response during your workflow. This feature works best for faster systems. One-click to position slider abiity
411 on Simplify 4:
Q2. Is it really a free upgrade?
Yes, Simplify 4 will be a free upgrade to those that already own a previous version of Simplify (v1, v2 or v3). If you previously purchased a bundle or bundle upgrade that included Simplify then you ARE eligible for the free upgrade too!
Q2. When will Simplify 4™ be available?
Simplify 4 is scheduled to be released on Thursday, September 13. Sign up for the Topaz newsletter to receive notification once it is available. We will announce everything you need to know regarding upgrade and purchase information once Simplify 4 is released. So please hold all questions regarding: upgrade, purchasing, licensing, etc… until after the release as our staff will be busy preparing for the upcoming release.
Q3. Can I get a free copy?
Yes, for those that do not already own a previous version of Simplify, there will be chances to win! Be sure to sign up for intro webinars once the new Simplify program is released. During the webinars we will be giving away some free copies to a few lucky attendees. Just sign up for an intro webinar for your chance to win! You can sign up on our webinars page: www.topazlabs.com/webinars
Q4. Will there be a free 30-day trial?
Yes, as with all of our other Topaz programs there will also be a free, fully-functional 30-day trial. No watermarks or limitations (other than the 30 day limit).
Q5. Let’s talk price…what’s it going to be?
Simplify 4 will be a FREE upgrade for existing Simplify customers. There will be a special discount for those that do not own Simplify and would like to add it to their collection. Discount amount and coupon code TBA….but sure to be a SWEET deal!!
Ashley Robinson
25. Sep, 2012
Hi Robert. Currently the TSM only manages Simplify 4 and photoFXlab. Simplify 4 is considered a new install (minor updates such as a future 4.1 would be considered an update) You will want to select the first installation option listed. See here for instructions on upgrading: http://topazlabs.com/support/kb/index.php?View=entry&EntryID=313
For anyone that needs support please contact our support team at: help (at) topazlabs.com
Dean M. Crawford Jr.
25. Sep, 2012
Hi again,
I am still having problems downloading my Upgrade of Simplify 4.0 and I have tried everything! I follow the procedure and it says I already have the update! Can’t be found anywhere, not on the Control Panel for programs (just 3.0), not under ‘filters’ on my Elements (where all my Topaz filters are) and not on my start up page….no where. But it says I have it…there must be a problem! Can I call your number and have someone walk me through it together or send my email a whole new download for me to try….I’d love the upgrade and LOVE your products….HELP! Dean
Robert Goldberg
25. Sep, 2012
Just tried to install Simplfy 4 (VERY excited). The plug-in manager downloaded, but upon running, said it found no plug-ins to update. ??? I own Simplify, Detail, Clean and Adjust. What am I doing wrong? Also – never heard of this until just now. Am I still on the list?
Ashley Robinson
25. Sep, 2012
Gerald, can you shoot our support team an email at: help (at) topazlabs.com
They will be able to sort this out quicker for you, instead of me running back in forth. I feel like I’m slowing down the process and would like to get you up and running. I’ll be on the look out for your email and will put it over to the correct person on our development team for you. Thanks for hanging in there.
If you need anything else or have any other questions just let me know.
Gerald Levy
24. Sep, 2012
Ashley: on the basis of one of your responses to a question, I removed Simplify 3 from my Mac Library: “If you are a Mac user then please go to HD -> Library -> Application Support -> Topaz Labs and drag the old Topaz Simplify file to the trash”. Sure enough, no Simplify 3 in fxlabs. I run TSM and it tells me there are no products to update. I have run TSM with each radio button in turn. Simplify 4 shows up in my Applications folder under Topaz Labs, but no other Topaz plug ins show. Should the Simplify folder show up in my Library/App support? Simplify 4 does show up under the CS Filter>Topaz menu.
I am at a loss!
Gerald Levy
23. Sep, 2012
Ashley: After long struggles, I did get Simplify 4 to show up in TSM on my computer, but not in the way you suggested. Sadly, I don’t recall how I did the trial and error, but now I want to install it on my second computer and no luck.
I have had Topaz products for about five years, and never a problem – until TSM came along. It just shouldn’t be this difficult. I can see Simplify 4 in CS 5 Filter_Topaz menu but not in the fxlabs.
Ashley Robinson
21. Sep, 2012
Ron, I’m so glad to hear that you are up and running now. Let me know if there is anything else you need. I hope you enjoy the program. Have a great weekend!
Ashley Robinson
21. Sep, 2012
Hi Ted,
If you want to uninstall previously versions of Simplify before installing the new version you are welcome to do so. To uninstall on Windows, please go to your Control Panel. To uninstall on Mac please go to HD -> Library -> Application Support -> Topaz Labs and drag the old Topaz Simplify file to the trash.
We don’t officially support Painter so I honestly don’t know if you’ll be able to use Simplify 4 there. I think that Painter’s setup is somewhat similar to PaintShop Pro, so you can try following the PSP setup instructions to see if they will also work for you in Painter. Here are those details:
1. First launch PaintShop Pro
2. Go to File -> Preferences -> File Locations. Select “Plug-ins” from the “File Types” list and click “Add”.
3. Choose C:\Program Files(x86)\Topaz Labs\Applications\32-bit\Topaz plug-ins and click “OK”.
4. Topaz Simplify is now available to use. Simply go to Effects -> Plugins and select “Topaz Simplify 4”.
IMPORTANT: You must use the 32-bit Application in PaintShop Pro. 64-bit will not show up in PSP.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ron
21. Sep, 2012
I just wanted to update you on my issue with the new PhotoFXlab and Simplify 4 not working as a plugin within Paintshop Pro X4. I finally ran the Topaz manager again and set it to Fix the installation using a new download. It is now working fine.
I found the choice of fixing from Disk or Topaz server to be a bit confusing. I thought disk meant a CD or DVD which Topaz doesn’t use. I think the words Hard Drive or Previous Download make more sense.
Ted Azriel
21. Sep, 2012
Hi Ashley,
I was successful in upgradinging to Simplify 4 from Simplify 3. Having said that, In PS5 I still see The older version of Simplify 3 is there away to update so I only have Simplify 4 under the the Filter menu? (or Does it Matter?)
Also, I use Corel Painter 12.2, and that version recognizes Simplify 3 as a 3rd party plug-in, which I installed. Will it do the same for Simplify 4 in Painter 12.2. I really like Simplify 4 because of the improvements and enhancements.
Can you email a link to fix the problem that I mentioned in my first Paragraph. appreciate your help.
Ted Azriel
Ashley Robinson
20. Sep, 2012
Hi Ira,
See here for details: http://www.topazlabs.com/blog/topaz-news-simplify-4-released-special-savings-and-new-webinars/
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Enjoy!
Ira scheinerman
20. Sep, 2012
Please tell me how to get my free upgrade.
Thank you.
Gerald Levy
20. Sep, 2012
Ashley: Well, I did get it to work, but not quite in the way you suggested: I never seemed to have the option to check both fxlabs and Simplify, but no matter I am all set! One related question: in CS 5 under Filter, I see still see Simplify 3. How do I get rid of these legacy products? Not important, but I would like to know.
Eberhard
20. Sep, 2012
It is rather weird …
I finally managed to update Simplify to version 4. And how? By NOT pressing the Update button but the “Install missing plugins” button! Strange, because I own Simplify 3.
The installer immediately downloaded 9 files and started installing. Caption text: “Updating Topaz Labs software”. (Ah, now does it know it’s an update and not a new installation!) But even after 5 minutes the text “Please wait!” did not disappear – it never disappeared. So I just had to click on the exit button of the installer. Launching Photoshop CS6, Simplify 4 was visible, could be launched and I could enter my reg. key. So in the end everything was fine. But the whole procedure is really weird and should be reworked!
Eb.
Eberhard
20. Sep, 2012
I use Photoshop CS6 on a Mac running MacOS 10.8. After launching the installer it asks whether to install or to upgrade an existing plug-in. Since I own Simplify 3, I press the Upgrade button. But installer says there is nothing to do and exits.
If I open Simplify 3 within Photoshop and klick on Menu -> Check for Update, it says I already run the latest version.
What’s wrong with Simplify 4?
Why does the Mac installer not detect the previous version (as you know, CS6 on Macs now only runs in 64 bit mode)?
Thanks.
Eb.
Ashley Robinson
19. Sep, 2012
Hi Peter,
I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to that one. However I just talked to one of our developers to let him know about your issue. I have forwarded your info over to him so that he can help fix this. Not sure if he’ll hop on the blog and respond here or directly to your email so be on the lookout for both.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Peter Moffat
19. Sep, 2012
After loading and trying to get Sinplify 4 to load I cann’t get FX to work now. I have uninstalled but soon as I run it it crashes. Now I cann’t run Topaz in Lightroom. Are there DLL that may have data in that I can delete. I have tried to get this fixed for almolst a day now, and I am not getting any where. I have loaded from the file , server, deleted both FX and simplisty 4 and no luck.
VisionLight
19. Sep, 2012
Ashley,
When installing FXPhotoLab, both original and update, I noticed that it does not add an entry to the Start Menu, only an icon on the desktop. I’ve had to manually set it to the Start Menu each time. (I keep a very sparsely populated desktop). Is this a “feature” or an “omission” in the install, or am I missing something?
JimAbbott
19. Sep, 2012
I have Simplify 4 in my Program Files on my computer, but there is no plug-in to install in Photoshop. What do I do?
Ron
19. Sep, 2012
Hi Ashley, I did that and even checked that there were .8bf files in the folder for both Simplify 4 and PhotoFXlab. Either one appears to briefly start in Paintshop Pro but nothing appears after that (and nothing showing in the system tray). When I use previously installed plugins like Adjust 5 or Clean, they work. It seems there is something not compatible with the new files.
My installation was made on my D: drive instead of C: but that is the only difference.
Ashley Robinson
19. Sep, 2012
Hi Ron,
Try this….
When you Topaz Software Manager has finished installing Simplify 4, please follow the instructions below for getting set up in PaintShop Pro:
1. First launch PaintShop Pro
2. Go to File -> Preferences -> File Locations. Select “Plug-ins” from the “File Types” list and click “Add”.
3. Choose C:\Program Files(x86)\Topaz Labs\Applications\32-bit\Topaz plug-ins and click “OK”.
4. Topaz Simplify is now available to use. Simply go to Effects -> Plugins and select “Topaz Simplify 4”.
IMPORTANT: You must use the 32-bit Application in PaintShop Pro. 64-bit will not show up in PSP.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ashley Robinson
19. Sep, 2012
Hi Gerald,
I do apologize for the trouble and that the previous suggestion did not resolve this issue for you. I would like to have you try this….
Open your TSM and select the Uninstall Topaz Labs plug-ins option. After we are going to have you reinstall again by accessing your TSM again and select the first option to Install Topaz Labs plugs. Be sure to select both photoFXlab and Simplify to install.
Let me know if this resolves the issue for you or if there is anything else I can help with.
Ashley Robinson
19. Sep, 2012
Hi Bruce,
When you installed through TSM did you install both photoFXlab and Simplify or just Simplify? Please run the TSM again and check both programs to install and this should make the new Simplify also available in photoFXlab for you.
Let me know how it goes and if you need additional assistance.
bruce barrett
19. Sep, 2012
First, thanks for the update…however, V4 shows up in Fusion Express, and V3 remains in FX Lab??
Gerald Levy
19. Sep, 2012
Ashley: I had the same problem as Julie, Steve, Charlie and DWM, per your response dated 9/18. I definitely checked both TSM and Simplify, but Simplify 4 does not show up in TSM, only 3. I tried to rerun the Installer but it said all was up to date. Ideas? Thanks. Gerald.
Ron
18. Sep, 2012
Installed PhotoFXLab and Simplify 4 ok and it works as a stand alone but will no longer work as a plugin for Paintshop Pro X4. Previously it did work. I have tried changing the file location to 32 bit folder but still doesn’t work. I know I need the 32 bit version for PSP but I didn’t see that option so I assume it installs both. Simplify 4 and PhotFXLab show up in the plugin list but won’t open.
Ashley Robinson
18. Sep, 2012
Hi Greg,
Can you go to your Apple menu -> About this Mac and copy that text and paste it here so I can check out your system info? Thanks!
greg akromis
18. Sep, 2012
Just downloaded Simplify 4. I have an earlier version. It won’t install on my Mac 4.1.1. Says it needs 5.0. What’s another way to install.
Thanks, Greg
Ashley Robinson
18. Sep, 2012
Hi VisionLight, thanks for updating me on this. The automatic removal of Simplify 3 only applies to use in photoFXlab.
If you’re not a photoFXlab user and would like to remove Simplify 3 you can do this from your Control Panel. If you are a Mac user then please go to HD -> Library -> Application Support -> Topaz Labs and drag the old Topaz Simplify file to the trash.
Yes, it will be 64-bit photoFXlab in 64-bit Photoshop.
Let me know if you have any other question.
VisionLight
18. Sep, 2012
Update to my previous post:
Reran the install manager, this time in UPDATE mode, not INSTALL mode. Now both 64 bit and 32 bit PhotoFX programs are installed. Simplify3 remains, however, alongside the new Simplify4 in CS5 plug-in list.
Question, since I am running 64 bit CS5, is my assumption correct that the single PhotoFX on the plug-in list is also 64 bit, not 32 bit?
Ashley Robinson
18. Sep, 2012
hmmm…Topaz + NIK…that could definitely be interesting!
Gary Goodenough
18. Sep, 2012
I hope you hire some Nik software engineers to make your products even better.
Ashley Robinson
18. Sep, 2012
Julie, Steve, Charlie and DWM… would you please try the following:
Run the TSM again to install and select both photoFXlab and Simplify this time. After that please let me know if this resolves the issue so that you can access the program.
If so, I will pass this on to our developers to get resolved asap. Thank you in advance for your help with this. I realize that this is a bit of an inconvenience and I do appreciate your time.
VisionLight
18. Sep, 2012
Good News – Both new updates work
Not so good news – (1) Installation changed PhotoFX from 64 bit to 32 bit on both PCs. (2) Simplify3 was NOT deleted from either PC. Both remain as plug-ins in CS5.
Observation – Scripts saved in Simplify3 were not transferred to Simplify4. Had to Import manually from back-up .tpp file.
Julie
18. Sep, 2012
Hi
I’ve just downloaded the update manager and simplify 4. It seemed to download both fine but simplify 4 (free upgrade as I have 3) is not showing up on my photoshop filters menu. Simplify 3 is listed but not 4. Tried restarting computer but no luck.
Help! Really want to try this new update
Many thanks
Julie
Ashley Robinson
18. Sep, 2012
Hi Steve, thanks for reporting this issue. When you ran the installer through TSM did you select both photoFXlab or just Simplify?
Steve
18. Sep, 2012
Installed without a problem. Shows up in PS CS6 filter menu. Nothing happens. No menu, no error message. Both 32 and 64 bit. Rebooted, no fix.
dwm
18. Sep, 2012
Installed without a hitch. It appears in the Topaz plugins menu under Photoshop CS5 (x64) Filter menu. It doesn’t work. No error message, no normal plugin menus/display.
Charlie
18. Sep, 2012
Read about this in the latest issue of Topaz News. It looks great, especially considering that as a previous bundle purchaser the update would be free (at least that’s what it read in the newsletter).
So, I went to the site and discovered that I needed to download/install the Software Manager. Which I did (can’t believe I hadn’t done it before).
There’s one issue I have though: I’m fairly positive that the previous version of Simplify was listed in my photoFXlab plugins list, but after letting the Software Manager do its thing I find that neither Simplify 4 nor the latest version is in that column.
I then opened my Photoshop Elements (v9) and found Simplify 3 still there.
Perhaps I’ve done something wrong or out of order, but shouldn’t Simplify 4 have showed up in either of my installed Topaz programs?
Ashley Robinson
18. Sep, 2012
Nope. That’s correct. Learn more at: http://www.topazlabs.com/support/kb/index.php?View=entry&EntryID=313
Alice Woodrome
18. Sep, 2012
When I tried to download simplify 4, it downloads a file named topazsoftwaremanager_online_091812.exe
Is this a mistake? I think it must be. Shouldn’t it have the name Simplify in there somewhere?
Al
18. Sep, 2012
Hello…
What is the overall size of the Simplify-4?
The previous one was, I believe, around 21MB, but the new one (the .exe file) is about only 5MB, suggesting that it is only the installer program and the rest will be automatically downloaded from the site. Am I correct thinking so?
How much larger is the actual new program compared to the old one?
The reason I ask is that there was a little problem with the PhotoFXLab, that was exceptionally large, when we started downloading it…
Thank you,
Al
Ashley Robinson
18. Sep, 2012
Currently our developers are still making some final adjustments. Once it becomes available we will send out an announcement newsletter. If you don’t already receive Topaz newsletters then be sure to sign up for our mailing list at: http://www.topazlabs.com/list
Solvi
18. Sep, 2012
Hi
Is there any new news on Simplify 4 ?
Ashley Robinson
14. Sep, 2012
Hi Boris,
Thanks for your interest in Simplify 4. There were some last minute things that needed to be adjusted. We felt it better to make sure those were done before letting you all have at it. Sorry for keeping you hanging tho. Most likely it should be available Monday, but if it’s later than that (hopefully not) then we’ll be sure to let you know. Thanks for your interest and excitement for Simplify 4!
Boris Hardouin-Deleuze
14. Sep, 2012
Hi,
You mentioned an availability on September 13th.
I did not receive any announcement yet. Do you have a new target release date?
Thanks.
Boris.