What’s the difference between Adjust and Detail?

Posted on 10. Sep, 2010 by in Question of the Week

Topaz Adjust and Topaz Detail are often confused because at first glance, the two look as if they are very similar.  However, Adjust and Detail are very different.  Topaz Adjust is ideal for creating dynamic color and exposure effects that make an image pop.  Topaz Detail is ideal for intricate detail adjustments and is great for fine-tuning or adding the finishing touch on any image.  In reality, the two programs actually complement each other.  Let’s take a closer look at the abilities, functions and features of both programs.

Topaz Detail is dedicated to micro and macro detail enhancement.  What does this mean?  It means that you can individually or collectively adjust the small, medium and large details within your image for a fully customized look.  The boost sliders extend your detail control, allowing you to adjust the weaker small, medium and large details in your image.  So essentially you have control over 6 types (or sizes) of detail within your image for more precision in your adjustments.  Detail also includes a Deblur tool that helps reduce image blur and enhance the sharpness and crispness of the image.  The other unique aspect about Topaz Detail is it’s ability to create strikingly crisp black and white images. Detail includes a convenient black and white preset that you can use as a starting point.  What really sets Detail apart from Adjust is its ability to enhance without creating halos or edge artifacts, which you sometimes see in Adjust when creating pseudo-HDR effect.

Adjust focuses more on exposure, color and macro detail enhancements.  Adjust gives you the ability to adjust the vibrancy and position of lighting and color in an image. The color, exposure and detail tools allow you to achieve a variety of effects including: tone mapping simulation, pseudo HDR, exposure correction, shadow and highlight adjustment, extreme and desaturated color, hard and and soft light and minor detail enhancements.  So, if you’re looking to create photo realism or make your images pop then Topaz Adjust will fit your workstyle. If you’re more into details and enhancing intricate elements then Topaz Detail will be key in achieving this. And if you’re like me then you’ll enjoy mixing the capabilities of both programs to create detailed, eye-catching images.

Which program do you use the most? Let us know by leaving your comments and suggestions below!

2 Responses to “What’s the difference between Adjust and Detail?”

  1. Ashley Robinson

    20. Feb, 2012

    Hey Ronny,

    Thanks for your interest in Topaz. For your work you probably don’t want anything too over the top…something with a little detail and color pop (but still very natural) would be best.

    Topaz Adjust and Topaz Detail would probably be the two programs that you should check out. Also, if your images have noise then check out Topaz DeNoise as well. You can get more info on the programs at: http://www.topazlabs.com/products

    You can also sign up for a free 30-day trial so that you can test them out to see which work best for your work. Just visit: http://www.topazlabs.com/trials to sign up.

    Let me know if you have any other questions.

  2. Ronny Geenen

    19. Feb, 2012

    Realtors are asking me to take interior and exterior pictures of the homes they market for sale and they pay me for that.
    The program I mainly use is Elelment 9, which is still a learning curve for me. But having seen several video’s from topazlabs.com, I wonder which programs are best for the real estate work I do.
    Any advice and guided direction are very much appreciated.

Leave a Reply