In the trial version, only a handful of presets are available. The purchased version has 25+ presets in the window palette. In the trial version, only a handful of presets are available. The purchased version has 25+ presets in the window palette. The Painting–Venice filter from Topaz Adjust was applied with other custom adjustments. With just a few clicks, the image has been transformed and can now be used for an inspirational plaque. The goal was not to stylize this image but only to enhance the photograph, which was achieved through the Vibrance filter. The preview area is large and allows for a clear view of the working image.

This plug-in software works for an array of image editor programs and is well worth the cost to create new visual effects that will refresh your customer’s images.

I first heard about Topaz Adjust through someone else online referencing it as used for an interesting visual effect. Once I found the website online, I discovered some really amazing and useful techniques for re-working image files that I might normally delete or would spend lots of time editing.

Topaz Adjust is an image editor software plug-in that can be used in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Elements or Corel PaintPro (see the end of this article for computer requirements). This plug-in allows a user to turn an everyday photo into an HDR photograph or another stylized photograph. HDRI or HDR is an acronym for high dynamic range imaging in reference to images and graphics. The effect is a wider range of light intensity (from lightest to darkest range of an image) than a normal photograph.

That is not the only effect or function that is offered. Topaz Labs offers a number of different plug-ins: Topaz Adjust, Simplify, DeJPEG, Clean 2, ReMask, Vivacity, Enhance, Detail, and DeNoise. You can purchase all of the plug-ins as a bundle package, which will allow for a discounted purchase rate. For more savings, type into a search engine (Google, Yahoo!, Bing, etc.): Topaz Adjust coupon code; to find a coupon code to use in your online purchase. At a price of only $49.99 for Topaz Adjust, coupon or no coupon, it’s affordable. Topaz also offers a free trial version download.

Tell Me More, Tell Me More
Through Topaz Adjust, the contrast and details of your image are greatly enhanced. It can be easy to get carried away with all of the effects resulting in an over-processed image, but that just might be the style your customer is looking for. The trial version has a few presets available, and the functionality of the effects can be used or adjusted to your preference. In the purchased version, you will find 35 different presets.

Let’s get started. Open your image in Photoshop, click on Filter from the top menu bar options, and then scroll down to select Topaz Adjust. A new window palette will open, displaying your image in the center. There will be two tabs in the center, one to preview your settings (a nice large viewing area, I might add), and the tab behind this shows the original image. This is a nice feature that allows you to toggle back and forth, seeing how far you’ve taken the effects. On the left will be the preset options. Above these is a small thumbnail of your image that will preview the presets as you select them. This is a thoughtful add-on feature so you can scroll through the presets to see what you want to further investigate larger and what you don’t.

The presets include funky names: Exposure Correction, HDR Mode, Spicify, Vibrancy, and even Dark at Night are among the settings. Each preset has a short descriptor. The presets are optional and can also be further edited. Many times, presets are cheesy and don’t supply the user with much to use directly from the preset, but Adjust offers plenty to work within the presets. The preview of the filter comes up quickly and runs smoothly. I highly suggest becoming familiar with the presets and spending some time exploring all that is offered.

On the far right-hand side of the window, you’ll find adjustment category settings for Exposure, Detail, and Noise. Within these three categories are a handful of slider functions that allow lots of control for altering the hue, contrast, etc.

There are other little features which add to a more fluid workflow, such as the different zoom functions. Users can magnify the viewing area, zoom out, use 1:1 ratio viewing, or click ‘Fit’ to see the entire image into the panel. A button to try is labeled ‘I Feel Lucky’ and it’s accompanied by a small image pair of dice for a visual. It’s basically a random chance of which preset the system will pick and apply to the preview image. The user can then choose to further alter, accept or move on from the applied filter.

Example Notes
When I first opened the trial version, I was excited and disappointed at the same time. I thought, where are all the presets and effects (I only saw a handful) that I had seen online? How much time will I have to spend to discover how to accomplish the cool effects? I figured out that the trial version is not a fully working version as I thought it would be. It’s only to give you a sample of what is offered. The trial version, however, does give you a feel for how to handle the software. Once I spent a few minutes, I really wanted to download the software, and I felt this plug-in would be beneficial in many ways.

Once I put in my license key after purchasing, I was off and running. I opened the image shown here of an old barn with a field of purple flowers. I thought the image was nice, but I haven’t been able to find a way to use it as is. The image seemed to need something more. I added the Painting—Venice effect, which gave a watercolor feel. Then I made adjustments to the image using the details and saturation sliders till I was satisfied with the effect. Pairing the image with a quote transforms it into an inspirational wall plaque.

Adjust can also assist in slightly touching up an image. The motorcycle snapshot needed some help, but there was not a desire to fully alter the style of the image. Pump the colors a bit, blur the background out a bit, and make the chrome really shine. I would have spent not hours but much more time than what it took for me to select which preset tool. This would have involved altering my levels, a bit of burning and dodging, and using some other functions in Photoshop.

I wanted to apply, which was about two minutes. I selected the Vibrance preset. The image is a bit brighter, the chrome is more outlines, and the bikes look shinier. I was not trying to make the image look dramatically different. My only goal was to emphasize the photograph, not truly alter it. Topaz Adjust can limit your computer time spent image editing (or if you are not confident in those skills, this is an especially helpful tool) and allow you to focus on other projects.

Support And Requirements
Topaz Labs offers different type of support items online, including easy finding downloadable PDF files for a user guide and tutorials. Many video tutorials are available on www.youtube.com; in the search bar type Topaz Adjust. The videos are typically short and get to the point. There is also a forum area for users to post questions and comments, and share their creations at http://www.topazlabs.com/forum/forum.php.

The computer requirements for a Windows system are Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit), 1 GB RAM, Adobe Photoshop 7 through CS4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 1 through 8 versions or another image editor that supports Photoshop plug-ins including PaintShop Pro.

The computer requirements for a Mac system are Intel-based Mac OS 10.4 through 10.6. Power PC processors like the G4 or G5 are not supported. 1 GB Ram, Adobe Photoshop CS3 or CS4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 through 8.For more information, a free trial or to purchase, visit www.topazlabs.com.