Topaz ReMask 2 Sneak Peek
Posted on 05. Nov, 2009 by Eric Yang in Insider Info
Much has been said about Topaz ReMask, but now there’s one more thing to talk about: ReMask is about to become faster, easier, and prettier right in front of your eyes. We’ve been working Topaz ReMask v2, which includes a user interface for easier and more intuitive use – and even enhances the already high masking speed and mask quality of the original.
Just to give you an little sneak peek of what it will eventually look like, here’s a shot of the current alpha user interface:
Topaz ReMask 2 screenshot
(note that this may undergo significant changes by the actual release of ReMask 2)
The overall workflow will be like this:
- Paint the KEEP (green), CUT (red), and PROCESS (blue) areas with a combination of fill tools and brush tools.
- Hit the process button. The mask immediately updates right there in the user interface.
- Refine the mask if you wish by specifying more parts of the image to keep or remove. Refinement much easier because you can see exactly what you’re doing right there on the screen.
Extremely simple, highly intuitive, and still blazing fast – just the way masking should be. Here are a couple of other cool features in the new version:
- Vastly improved and specialized hair masking algorithms.
- Saves result to a layer mask in Photoshop if you have one enabled on the layer, or just cuts image out of its background if you don’t.
- Four views that show all aspects of your mask at all times for the utmost control over your final result.
- Undo/Redo functionality and full keyboard shortcut support.
- Highly improved memory management – uses own memory instead of sharing Photoshop’s memory. This makes it a little faster and a lot stabler than original ReMask.
Personally, when I tried using the new version of ReMask for the first time, I was actually extremely surprised by how easy it was to use. Astronomical props go to our developers for releasing a completely redesigned and reworked product in such little time. This is not a little minor update, this is practically an entirely new product – looks like it, feels like it, and works like it. I usually don’t like to gush catchphrases but I was sincerely blown away by the difference between the new and old ReMask – it’s simply amazing. PSP and Elements will also be supported by ReMask 2 in addition to Photoshop.
Despite all these improvements, we really appreciate our early adopters and would therefore like to offer ReMask v2 when it’s released as a completely free upgrade for existing customers of ReMask v1. Your support and feedback is what makes the constant improvement of our products possible.
Thanks again! ReMask 2 is scheduled for a mid-November release, so you don’t have too long to wait.
José Parcerisa Vilatarsana
19. Dec, 2009
I already use Topaz adjust, deatil and remask2 and I am very happy with the reults are amaizinag, I would try with the efects as paintings and I dont know which is the best option, Some one could help me?.Thanks in advance. Your friend José.
Kent
17. Nov, 2009
Hope that in new version interface will dark be gray,from light will much grow old eye
Drazick
11. Nov, 2009
Exporting a Mask is the Killer Feature!
You should, in the next version, try to make an improved “Color Range” tool. The one in Photoshop is very limited. I would like to have something like U-Points.
Thanks.
J.Scott
06. Nov, 2009
I am also looking forward to trying v2. I tried a trial of v1. It worked, but not as well as I needed it to in areas that didn’t have high contrast. I realize that there needs to be sufficient contrast, it’s just a matter of what degree you can get away with and I need more than what v1 offered.
However, if v2 works a bit better it will be a huge help to me in preparing photos of my work to go on my website.
Ray Weingart
06. Nov, 2009
I have downloaded ReMask but have not been able to get it to work. I have tried all kinds of adjustments to memory usage but continue to get nothing but procEngine: Error Code -1000.
Will this problem resolved in V2? Is V2 also compatible with PS Elements?
I’m very excited by the posibilities of this program and am very anxious to get it working.
zhak
05. Nov, 2009
I purchased Adjust last Friday & downloaded the version dated (I think) Sept 30. I had had a trial version that was an earlier version previously installed. The installation apparently works — the files are there where they should be & a shortcut created in the plug-ins folder, etc, but the new version will not work for me. I never even seen the Adjust window, I just get an error message saying the program will not work due to “program error.” That’s it. I have Windows XP & am trying to run Adjust within PS CS2. I contacted you folks about this twice last Friday & haven’t heard a peep since. Obviously I’m not pleased, and that’s a shame because Topaz makes some fascinating & helpful applications.
Eric
05. Nov, 2009
Gene – no problem, use what works best for you. But I think you’ll be very happy with ReMask v2: definitely give it a try and if you like it it’s a free upgrade from v1 anyways.
Zhak – I’m very sorry to hear that. We pride ourselves on our customer support and usually get back to you within one business day. What is the problem you’re having?
zhak
05. Nov, 2009
OT: I can’t seem to get an answer from tech support. I’ve tried filling out an online form query & sent an email. I can’t phone because I’m deaf. What should I try next? I purchased a product from you folks that will not work and haven’t gotten any help or feedback at all.
gene lowinger
05. Nov, 2009
I used Remask version 1 for a few days when it was first offered, and was very disappointed because of the number of error messages I received due to the space issue. The concept was very good, so I really wanted it to work for me. I’m looking forward to trying version 2. But in the meantime, I’ve had to explore other options for a masking plugin.