User Manual. Topaz Simplify 4

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2 Topaz Simplify 4 I. Installation A. How to Install 3 B. Plugin Compatibility 3 C. Host-Specific Installation 3 1. Photoshop 3 2. Lightroom 4 3. PaintShop Pro 4 4. PhotoPlus 5 D. Uninstalling 5 E. License Key 6 II. Introduction A. About Simplify B. Main Features C. User Interface III. Work Area A. Effects & Collections. 10 B. Adjustments.13 C. The Preview Window D. The Navigator Panel Navigate Loupe Histogram E. Collections and Presets Applying Presets BuzSim Detail Removal and Enhancement Line and Ink My Collection Painting Simplify Sketch F. Global Adjustments G. Simplify Color Space Simplify Size Feature Boost Details Strength Details Boost Details Size Remove Small Remove Weak H. Adjust Brightness Contrast Saturation Saturation Boost Dynamics Structure Structure Boost I. Edges Inverse Color Edge Type Edge Strength Simplify Edge Reduce Weak Reduce Small Flatten Edge J. Curve Tool K. Local Adjustments L. Finishing Touches Vignette Quad Tone M. Program Tools Undo/Redo Effect Tools V. Additional Resources A. FAQ s 27 B. Connect 29 2

3 Topaz Simplify 4 works as both a standalone editor and plugin. This means a compatible host editor is not required to use Simplify 4, although you may access it as a plugin in a few compatible host editors. System Requirements Mac OS X 10.9 or higher Windows 7/8/10 x64 + Open GL 3.3 *Does not support Windows 32bit Download Instructions To download Simplify 4, please visit topazlabs.com/ downloads. Locate Topaz Simplify 4 and click on the appropriate Mac or Windows button to start your download. The download should start automatically, however if prompted, select Save. The downloaded installer will then be located in your Downloads folder or desktop as an.exe file (Windows) or a.dmg file (Mac). Compatibility Simplify 4 can be accessed as a plugin in: Photoshop CS4+ Photoshop Creative Cloud Photoshop Elements 12+ Corel Paintshop Pro X 6+ Serif PhotoPlus X5+ Lightroom Creative Cloud Lightroom 2+ as an external editor photofxlab Installation Accessing Simplify 4 in Ps, PsCC, and Pse To use Simplify 4 as a plugin in Ps, Pse, and PsCC you must first run it as a standalone editor (Mac only). Simplify 4 will then be available to use in Photoshop via the Filter menu. For Windows, the plugin should automatically appear in the Filter list. 3 Mac dmg Windows exe Should Simplify 4 not appear in the Filter menu, you may need to exit out of Ps and then re-open it. The program will then install as a standalone editor to: Mac: Applications folder Win: C:\Program Files\Topaz Labs\Topaz Simplify 4 How To: I can t find Simplify 4 in the Ps Filter Menu Important: Your image will need to be 8-bit or 16-bit and in RGB mode. Go to Image-> Mode to change this.

4 Accessing Simplify 4 in Lightroom Simplify 4 can be accessed as an external editor in Lightroom by going to Photo-> Edit In-> Topaz Simplify 4. Accessing Simplify 4 in Corel PaintShop Pro X To configure Simplify 4 as a plugin in PaintShop Pro: Installation 1. Go to File-> Preferences-> File Locations Scroll to select Plugins from the File types list and click Add Important: To configurate use of Simplify 4, go to Lightroom-> Preferences-> External Editing. 3. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Topaz Labs 4. Select the Topaz Simplify 4 folder and click OK. 4 Make sure that TIFF is selected under File Format. In addition, select 16 bits/component for bit depth and the color space ProPhoto RGB for optimal editing. How To: Accessing Simplify 4 in Lightroom

5 5. Click OK again to return back to your main screen. 6. Go to Effects-> Plugins-> Topaz Labs-> Topaz Simplify 4 and select it to start the program. Accessing Simplify 4 in Serif PhotoPlus To use Simplify 4 as a plugin in Serif Photo Plus: 1. Go to File-> Preferences 2. Select Plug-ins from the list and then click Browse. 4. Select the Topaz Labs folder and press OK. 5. Press OK again to return back to your main screen. 6. Exit out of Serif and then re-open it. 7. To access Simplify 4, open an image and go to Effects-> Plugin Filters-> Topaz Labs-> Topaz Simplify 4 To Uninstall Simplify 4: Installation Mac 1. Quit Photoshop (or other editing program). 2. Navigate to the Applications folder: Macintosh HD -> Library -> Applications-> Topaz Simplify Locate the Topaz Simplify 4 folder and move it to the trash. You will need to enter your system password to OK this change. 3. Navigate to: C:\Program Files\Topaz Labs Windows 1. Quit Photoshop (or other editing program). 2. Click on the Start Menu and select Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features (or Uninstall a Program). 3. Select Topaz Simplify 4 and click uninstall. 5 Edge and Detail Boost

6 Entering Your License Key Upon opening Simplify 4, you should be prompted to enter your 30 digit license key. You can also enter your license key from the top Help menu. Installation Simply copy and paste your 30 digit license key into the provided space to activate the program. Or, if running a trial, click Continue Trial. Should you receive an activation failure, please make sure that you have copied (ctrl/cmd + C) and pasted (ctrl/cmd + V) the key. Also be sure that you did not copy any extra blank spaces. Please know that there is no difference between the trial and purchased version of Simplify 4. Simplify 4 does not require a trial key, as it is timer based. Additional license key assistance: My license key is not being accepted Common License Key Questions Custom Effect Custom Effect 6

7 About Simplify 4 Turn Your Photos into Works of Arts Topaz Simplify 4 opens up the traditional art medium by bringing digital photographers the tools needed to instantly transform any digital image into a work of art. Simplify 4 can blur the distinction between photographic realism and art, allowing you to make your digital image into something that is truly unique to look at. Introduction Topaz Simplify 4 allows you to easily apply the look of brush strokes and other art tools with ease. Using Simplify 4, you can enhance the essence of your original image giving you a dynamic and creative result. Simplify 4 is also great for rescuing previously unusable images. By adding artistic enhancements to a damaged, underexposed, overexposed, dull, or boring image, you can instantly transform it into something that is creative, unique and-eye catching! The Primary Functions of Topaz Simplify Include: 1. Remove details from your image based on size. 2. Enhance or remove color in images. 3. Generate or reduce lines, edges, and shading for changes in distinctness. 4. Fine-tune images to match your artistic vision. 5. Create a new and artistic interpretation of your digital images with ease and artistic precision. 6. Rescue unusable images by adding a traditional art flare. Custom Effect 7 Soft Features

8 Main Features Here are some notable new features in Simplify 4: 1. High DPI Display Support for Windows. High DPI monitors now display Simplify properly. The application GUI has been updated to display correctly instead of scaling. 2. Preserve Image Meta Data. Simplify 4 now preserves all image meta data. 3. Separation of User Data and Program Files. Computer user accounts will store saved effects separately. Introduction 4. Keep Your Presets Private. User created presets are now saved in user specific data locations, in their own separate folder. Once you log off your computer user account, your custom effects stay private! 5. Import Your Topaz Simplify 4 Effects Easily. Simplify 4 automatically imports all of your saved effects from Simplify 4! New Presets. Simplify 4 comes with 12 new presets. These effects can be found in their respective categories. Simply Simple 8 Soft Features

9 User Interface There are four main areas in Simplify 4: Collections, Presets, the Preview Window, and the Adjustments Panel. Work Area Upon entering the program, you will see the main preview window with pre-made effects on the left and customization tools on the right. This is a good starting point for finding the look you want. Browse through several different collections and styles or create your own from scratch. 9

10 Effects & Collections There are 6 included collections in Topaz Simplify 4: BuzSim, Detail Removal and Enhancement, Line and Ink, My Collection, Painting, and Sketch. The pre-made effects are a great place to start for inspiration! BuzSim Detail Removal and Enhancement Work Area Edge and Detail Boost 10 BuzSim III Split Toned I Dust Removal IV

11 Line and Ink Painting Work Area Topaz Simplify 4 Cartoon Natural II Impressions Natural 11 Cartoon by D. Pacheco Watercolor II

12 Sketch My Collection Work Area Topaz Simplify 4 Pencil Hard on Black Custom Setting 12 Pastel Custom Setting

13 Detail Removal and Enhancement Adjustments Work Area Navigate to the adjustments and sliders section on the right side of the program to customize an effect or to create a new effect. These sliders are the backbone of the program and how effects are created. To access these custom sliders, click on the section you want to work in and then on the adjustment you would like to make. 13 Dust Removal I + Contrast 0.9 and Saturation 1.2

14 The Preview Window The Preview Window offers a variety of options to customize your workspace. Collapse the Effects Panel Click the left facing arrow to hide the Effects Panel. Click it again to reveal the Effects Panel. This will hide the Collections and Presets Sections of the program. Work Area Preview Options Full Image Preview allows you to see the entire image. Simplify 4 also features a 2-screen split view option for easy before and after comparison, as well as a gridview to view multiple presets. You may toggle back and forth between the two views by selecting the view you wish to use. The active viewing option will be highlighted. Preset Gridview Option Collapsed Effects Panel and 2-Screen Split View Option Preview Description The Preview Description lets you know which image you are viewing, Processed or Original. You may toggle back and forth between the two views by selecting the view you wish to use. The active viewing option will be displayed. You may also use the space bar for a quick glance to compare the Processed or Original image. This option is only available for Full Image Preview. Toggle Zoom Zoom between fit view and the last used zoom. Zoom A drop down menu with different viewing options. View to fit screen or zoom in up to 400%. Workspace Color Choose between 5 different workspace colors. 14

15 Collapse the Adjustments Panel Click the right facing arrow to hide the Adjustments Panel. Click it again to reveal the Adjustments Panel. The Navigator Panel Work Area Loupe Click on the image to see a zoomed in detail in the Loupe preview. The Navigator Panel features three tabs, Navigate, Loupe, and Histogram. These three previews allow you to navigate through your image with 2 different options and to see the image s Histogram. Loupe Panel 15 Navigate When zoomed in, move the preview box around to change the view of the preview. Histogram A directly editable Histogram allows you to preview your changes as you use the Effects and Custom Sliders. Navigate Panel Histogram Panel

16 Collections and Presets Presets are a great way to speed up and simplify the whole process of using Topaz Simplify 4. Presets are set previews with previously defined settings that you can recall and reapply at any time. We ve included some default presets for you and, although they won t work for every single photograph, they serve as excellent starting points for customized tweaking. Applying Presets Applying a default preset is easy and intuitive. Simply clicking on a preset will change all the settings in Topaz Simplify 4 to match those in the selected preset. To get the exact results you want, you may still want to go through the tabs and tweak the parameters. BuzSim III + Simplify Size 0.07 and Contrast 1.55 BuzSim Named after a popular plugin that served as inspiration, this collection features 16 presets from subtle to dramatic. Detail Removal and Enhancement These 12 subtle presets are great for minor corrections on skin or dust removal. Line and Ink This collection features 28 both black and white and color presets with heavy edge and detail lines. Great for creating cartoon and graphic looks. My Collection This collection contains your own unique collection to ensure easy access to all your own presets. Painting This category of 35 presets features many different styles of paintings from watercolor to impressionistic and everything in between. Simplify 3 Preset List A collection of 12 of all the favorite presets from Simplify 3. This category has a little of everything. Sketch These 22 presets are a softer approach to the Link and Ink Collection. This collection contains more pencil like sketch effects in both color and black and white. 16

17 BuzSim Line and Ink Topaz Simplify 4 BuzSim My Collection Flat I Painting 17 Custom Preset Oil Painting

18 Global Adjustments The adjustment tools in Topaz Simplify 4 allow you to manually create effects and/or tweak preset settings to customize a unique look for each of your images. There are 4 adjustments within Simplify 4: Simplify, Adjust, Edges, and Curve Tool. To add or change an adjustment, simply click on it. The adjustment window will expand to display adjustment sliders. Simplify Work Area The Simplify tab controls what details in the image are removed and which ones are retained. Different combinations of the settings create many different possibilities. 18 BuzSim IV Global Adjustments Collapsed BuzSim + Simplify Size 0.2 BuzSim + Simplify Size 0.8 Color Space Colorspace allows you to change the space where the simplifying action takes place. The RGB colorspace tends to produce more dramatic color effects, while the YCbCr colorspace tends to shift color less. Simplify Size Defines the size of the details being simplified. Any detail with a size below this value will be removed, leaving behind only the larger features. The value of this parameter is relative to the entire image s size.

19 Feature Boost Boosts the main features in the image and exaggerates details. Use this in the RGB color space to introduce colorful artifacts into the image. For more natural image colors, switch the colorspace to YCbCr. Details Strength Selectively brings back detail from the simplified image, and controls the strength of these details. This parameter works Work Area Details Boost Controls the weaker details in the image. A setting higher than 1 accentuates weaker details, while a setting below 1 weakens minor image details. Details Size Determines the size of image features to be considered detail which will be brought back with the Detail Strength slider. The value of this parameter is relative to the full image size. Remove Small Removes smaller image details whose size is below this value. Remove Weak Removes weaker image details with a strength below this value. 19 BuzSim + Contrast 1.25, Saturation 1.70, Structure 1.51, and Structure Boost 1.25 Global Adjustments Expanded

20 Adjust The Adjust tab offers convenient color, tone and detail controls which allows you to alter the brightness, contrast, detail and saturation of the simplified image. Brightness Controls the brightness of the image. A value greater than 0 increases the brightness and a value less than 0 decreases the brightness. Contrast Controls the contrast in the image giving you the ability to increase or decrease the appearance of the darks and lights in your image proportionally. Saturation Increases or decreases the color saturation (richness of color) in an image. Saturation Boost Adjusts the amount of saturation in the weaker image colors without affecting the stronger image colors. Setting this value higher than 1.0 will make the color more vibrant, while a value of less than 1.0 makes the weaker color appear more washed out. Dynamics Effects the contrast and tonal balance on a local level, versus global. Structure The amount of detail enhancement applied in the image. A value higher than 1.0 strengthens the details in the image while a value less than 1.0 reduces the strength of details. Work Area Structure Boost The amount of detail enhancement applied to the smaller details in the image. A value higher than 1.0 strengthens the weaker details in the image while a value less than 1.0 reduces the strength of smaller details. This parameter affects mostly weak details. Strong details should be adjusted using the Structure slider. Adjustments Tab Expanded 20

21 Topaz Simplify 4 Edges The Edges tab brings out, modifies or alternatively creates edges in the photo. Use those lines alone or to combine them with the rest of the image. While the Simplify and Adjust tabs make up the main portion of the image, the Edges tab plays an important role in determining the size, shape and color of the edges in an image, which can affect the final result in many ways. Reduce Small Reduces edges that are small in size. This is also ideally used when there are small lines around important edge detail that you wish to remove. Flatten Edge Fattens the image edges, making them thicker. This feature is useful when the original image edges are thin or too small. Inverse Color Enabling this box will inverse the edge color. By default, edges are black or colored on a white background. You can use this feature to create white or colored edges on a black background. Edge Type Simplify offers 8 different types of edges that you can use to accentuate the effect of your image. This includes different combinations of color, size and style of edge lines. 21 Edge Strength Increases the strength of the displayed edges. This feature only detects edges that have not been excluded by the Simplify Edge parameter. Simplify Edge This removes image features of a certain size. The higher this setting is, the less number of edges that will remain. This parameter is analogous to the Simplify Size parameter in the Simplify tab. Reduce Weak Reduces edges that are faint or weak in intensity. This feature is ideal when there are stray weak lines around the edges that you would like to remove. Edges Tab Expanded

22 Topaz Simplify 4 Curve Tool The curve tool allows you to click and drag to add/move points, controlling image contrast, brightness and tone. It also includes some default curve presets for quick application. Curves 8 preset curve options are included with Simplify 4. Reset Resets the curve back to the default values. Oil Painting 22 Oil Painting + Strong Contrast II Curve Preset

23 Local Adjustments This tab allows you to selectively apply image adjustments using an intuitive brush. Adjustments include burning, dodging smoothing and erasing/brushing out applied adjustments. Work Area Adjustment Type Choose Dodge, Burn, Brush Out, or Smooth. Note that the slider options below the type will apply to whatever adjustment type you have selected. Dodge Used to lighten (dodge) specific areas of your image by increasing the exposure in those areas. Burn Used to darken (burn) specific areas of your image by limiting the exposure in those areas. Brush Out Allows you to easily taper down the strength of effects or remove them completely. The Opacity slider controls how opaque your adjustments become. The higher the value the more effect that will be removed. 23 Smooth Smooths out detail using the Smooth option - this is great for cleaning up areas of skin and sky. Overall Strength Advanced blending control over applied adjustments. If dodging or burning is too weak or strong, the strength slider allows for further control. Note that the below adjustments will apply to whatever type you are in. Brush Size Controls the size of the brush. Local Adjustments Tab Expanded

24 Finishing Touches This tab includes useful finishing touches that you can apply to your image. It includes vignettes, toning, and transparency. Work Area Vignette Strength Controls how heavily the vignette is applied to your image. A higher value will produce a darker vignette, whereas a smaller value will produce a lighter, more opaque vignette Vignette Size Controls the size of the applied vignette. A higher value will expand the width of the vignette towards the edges of your image. A smaller value will contract the vignette inward to the center of your image. Vignette This effect allows you to add a basic vignette to your image. Center (button) Click to set the center point for your vignette. Vignette Transition Determines the hardness of the transition between the blurred (out-of-focus) background and the focused foreground. The higher the value the softer the transition will be. Vignette Curvature Controls the blend between the vignette and the original image. The larger values will produce a longer softer transition and the lower values will produce a shorter transition. 24 Image CrispEdge + Vignette Strength 0.60 and Size Vignette Tab Expanded

25 Quad Tone Color Region 1 Click on the corresponding color swatch and a color picker will pop-up for a color to be selected. Once the color is selected, use the Region 1 slider to select where on the tonal scale that color is to be applied. Color Region 2 Click on the corresponding color swatch and a color picker will pop-up for a color to be selected. Once the color is selected, use the Region 2 slider to select where on the tonal scale that color is to be applied. Work Area Color Region 3 Click on the corresponding color swatch and a color picker will pop-up for a color to be selected. Once the color is selected, use the Region 3 slider to select where on the tonal scale that color is to be applied. Color Region 4 Click on the corresponding color swatch and a color picker will pop-up for a color to be selected. Once the color is selected, use the Region 4 slider to select where on the tonal scale that color is to be applied. Tonal Strength Determines the strength of the tones applied to the image. Quad Tone Tab Expanded 25 Spot Removal II + Quad Toning

26 Transparency Choose the overall strength of the finishing touches by moving the slider to the left for a more dramatic change and to the right for a more subtle effect. Program Tools This section of tools is useful for correcting workflow steps. Vector Harsh Undo/Redo Undo Undo any workflow step you have done by clicking the undo button at the bottom of the adjustments panel. Redo Redo any workflow step you have done by clicking the redo button at the bottom of the adjustments panel. Effect Tools Apply Simplify features a new Apply button which allows you to stack multiple effects/presets during the same workflow. Reset Resets all active adjustment sliders. Close the Program There are 2 easy to use buttons at the lower right corner. You can cancel your work or save your image easily. Exit Selecting Exit will close the program without changes. If you are using Simplify 4 as a plugin, you will be returned to the host editor. Save As Clicking OK will save your image or return you to your host editor program. 26

27 Does my Topaz Collection come with Simplify 4? If you purchased a Topaz Complete Collection 14+, then yes, you own Simplify. Product upgrades with Topaz are complimentary. To update your copy of Simplify, go to topazlabs.com/downloads and download an upgrade for either Mac or Windows. I need a Simplify 4 trial key? Topaz Simplify 4 does not require a trial key. The 30 day activation will be automatic upon downloading the software. FAQ s If I use the 30-day trial version will I need to uninstall the trial version before I upgrade to a full version? No, there is no difference between the purchased software and the trial software. Can I use the purchased software on both Mac and PC? Yes, you may use the purchased software on two operating systems at a time. Your license key will work on both versions. The correct software can be downloaded from our downloads page at topazlabs.com/downloads. Does Simplify 4 work with Aperture or iphoto? No. After the update to Yosemite, the Topaz plugins ceased to work with Aperture and iphoto. Does Simplify 4 work with Fusion Express? No, Topaz Simplify 4 does not work with Fusion Express. Do you have any Simplify 4 tutorials? You can find Simplify 4 tutorials on our blog at blog.topazlabs. com and on YouTube at youtube.com/topazlabs. 27 BuzSim

28 Topaz Simplify 4 I can t find Simplify 4 in the Photoshop Filter menu To access Simplify 4 in the Filter menu, you will first need to run Simplify 4 as a standalone editor (Mac only). After that, restart Photoshop and Simplify 4 should appear in your Filter menu. Should that fail to work, please do the following to resolve the issue: Method 1: Automatic Run installer and restart Photoshop. My Collection Method 2: PS Utility download from PSCC, Photoshop, or PSE setup page. Method 3: Manual Setup Mac: 1. Go to Applications folder and right click on the Simplify 4 icon. 2. Click on Show Package Contents -> Contents-> Resources 3. Copy the Topaz_Simplify 4 plugin to your PSCC 2017, Photoshop, or PSE plugins folder. 4. Restart PSCC 2017, Photoshop, or PSE and Simplify 4 should show up in the Filter menu. 28 Windows: 1. Go to C:\Program Files\Topaz Labs\Topaz Simplify 4\PS_ Plugins_x Copy the tladjustps_x64.8bf file and paste it to the PS Plugins folder. I have a question not listed here. Please visit our knowledge base at support.topazlabs.com. Custom Preset

29 Connect Follow us on Twitter for notifications of recent news and easily get in touch with us whenever you feel like it! Find us on our Facebook Page and network with other Topaz users! Participate in the user based Discussion Forum. Get help and feedback from other users and join in the discussions, share images, and participate in contests! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to keep up with any newly released product video tutorials! Check out our Blog for tutorials, tips, and updates from Topaz Labs! And don t forget to check out our other social media outlets including: Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn Google+ Connect 29

30 Topaz Simplify 4 Contact Information Topaz Labs, LLC Midway Road Suite 125 Addison, TX Technical Support Visit: topazlabs.com/support help@topazlabs.com Topaz Labs LLC, a privately owned company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, focuses on developing advanced image enhancement technology. With today s widespread use of digital still cameras, the need for high-quality digital images has greatly increased. Topaz Labs mission is to bring practical state-of-the-art image enhancement technology to both professionals and consumers. 30 Copyright 2016 Topaz Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.

31 Topaz Simplify 4 Be sure to check out the complete line-up of Topaz products. Photo Enhancement Plug-ins Ultimate control over image exposure, detail, and color gives you the power to make your photos pop. Develop unique and compelling photography with the most technologically advanced software available. Create powerful photos & flawless image definition. Intelligently and dynamically enhance image contrast. Specializes in creating crisp and stylized images. Also features extensive smoothing capabilities. Advanced JPEG artifact reduction filters eliminate JPEG compression artifacts while preserving image detail like never before. Advanced high-iso noise reduction technology that eliminates noise while effortlessly maximizing and retaining image detail. Output & creative sharpening with three levels of intricate and specific detail enhancement. Illuminate your photos with electrifying light. 31 Transform your regular photo into a beautiful work of art, such as an oil painting, watercolor, line & ink drawing and more! The superior capturesharpening solution that actually recovers lost detail and refines with micro-contrast detail enhancement. Your virtual camera bag of effects simulated from real lenses and filters. Effects include creamy bokeh, old school filters and more! Remove unwanted backgrounds from your digital images quickly and easily with ReMask. Expand your creativity alter your image s look by applying one of over a thousand color filters. Create beautifully rendered and natural lighting effects in seconds! Our standalone editor that is a one stop workshop for accessing all of your Topaz plugins. Can also work as an external editor (replacing Fusion). From high-impact grunge and contrast to soft and subtle lighting e ects, inspiration is only a click away. Go to topazlabs.com/downloads to get your 30-day free trial!