User Manual
Topaz ReMask
v2.0
User Manual
User Manual
Contents
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I. Installation
2. Red
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A. How to Instal
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3. Blue
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B Host-Specific Instal ation.
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4. Topaz Magic Brush
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1. Paint Shop Pro
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D. Fil s
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1. Green
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II. Introduction
2. Red
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A. Topaz ReMask 2
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3. Blue
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1. Primary Functions
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E. Reset
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B. New ReMask 2 Features
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1. Green
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C. Masking Unveiled
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2. Red
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1. What is Masking?
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3. Blue
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2. Benefits of Masking
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F. Compute
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3. Why do I need to Mask?
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1. Draft Quality
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4. Why do I need Topaz ReMask?
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2. High Quality
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5. How does it work?
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3. Mask Hardness
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G. Menu
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III. Work Area
1. Enter Key
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A. Interface
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2. Background Color
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B. Preview Section
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1. Views
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V. Workflow
C. Tri-Map Tab View
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A. Sample Project #1
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B. Sample Project #2
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IV. Tools
C. Merging & Blending
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A. Zoom
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D. Creative Project
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B. General
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1. Undo
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VI. Additional Resources
2. Redo
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A. Glossary
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3. Marquee Selection
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B. FAQ’s
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4. Hand Tool
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C. Shortcut Keys
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C. Brushes
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D. Connect with Topaz
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1. Green
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E. Company Info
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User Manual
Installation
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Topaz ReMask 2 is a Photoshop plug-in, which
Entering Your Key
means it won’t run by itself and requires a com-
Entering your trial key al ows you to save your
patible host program.
projects and print them during your evaluation
period. Entering your license key al ows you to do
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To Install
the same, except without any time limitations.
1. Close Photoshop or other image editing pro-
gram if you are using it.
To enter your key please do the fol owing:
1. Open up an image in Photoshop.
2. Open the Topaz ReMask 2 zip file, double-click
2. Go to Filter -> Topaz Labs -> ReMask 2 ->
on the Topaz ReMask 2 instal er, and then fol ow
Menu -> Enter Key.
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the on-screen instructions.
3. Copy & paste or type in your license key
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and select “OK” and then you are ready to use
ReMask 2.
Host-Specific Installation
On Windows, ReMask 2 is also supported by
Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop Elements 1-8.
Mac Dmg
Windows Zip
On Mac ReMask 2 is also supported by Ele-
ments 6-8. Topaz ReMask 2 is NOT supported by
3. Your Topaz plug-ins wil automatical y be in-
Google Picasa, Photo Impact, iPhoto, Aperture,
stal ed in your Photoshop plug-ins folder.
Lightroom or GIMP.
4. After the instal ation is complete you will
To instal ReMask 2 in Paint Shop Pro you wil first
need to enter your license or trial key.
need to download and instal ReMask 2. Then
fol ow the setup instructions found in the host-
Important: To instal the product on a second
specific instructions found on the next page.
computer, you wil need to download Topaz
ReMask 2 and enter your same license key.
User Manual
Installation
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How to install Topaz ReMask 2 in Paintshop Pro
1. First launch PaintShop Pro
2. Go to Menu file -> Preferences -> File Loca-
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tions. Select “Plug-ins” from the “File Types” list
and click “Add”.
4. Topaz ReMask 2 is now available to use. Sim-
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ply go to Effects -> Plug-ins and select “Topaz
ReMask 2”.
3. Choose C:\Program Files\Topaz Labs\Topaz
ReMask 2 plug-ins and click “OK”.
User Manual
Introduction
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Topaz ReMask 2
Topaz ReMask 2 uses powerful algorithms
that allow the user to quickly and effectively
remove any unwanted background or other
About Topaz ReMask 2
objects in an image with precision. Topaz Re-
Topaz ReMask 2 is a Photoshop plug-in that
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Mask’s powerful detection features eliminate
uses a recent breakthrough in image processing
the need for excessive time spent on tweaking
technology to simplifiy the process of removing
settings or making adjustment layers.
unwanted backgrounds from your digital images.
Topaz ReMask 2 makes merging multiple image
elements seamless, giving you ultimate control
over refining your image scenes.
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Primary Functions of Topaz ReMask 2:
1. Simplified and lightning-fast masking and
extraction.
2. Easily extract highly intricate image details.
3. Precise cutting for delicate and complex im-
ages like hair, fur and transparent objects.
Before Topaz ReMask
After Topaz ReMask
4. Preserve edges and other intricate image
details.
For video tutorials and other helpful resources
5. Make a believable composites that smoothly
please visit the Topaz ReMask 2 tutorials page at:
blends multiple images together
www.topazlabs.com/tutorials/remask/
User Manual
Introduction
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New ReMask 2 Features
Topaz ReMask 2.0 features:
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1. New user interface. Easy to use program inter-
face with simplified tools.
2. Undo / Redo - Undo or redo up to 8 steps.
(For the first time in any Topaz program!)
3. Shortcut hot keys - For example, use the +
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and - keys to zoom in / out of the preview, and
the ] and [ keys to change parameter values.
5. Navigation View - A smal navigation view
9. Background Color Changer - Change the back-
makes it much easier to navigate large images.
ground to the color of your choice for better
viewing.
6. Multiple Image Views - See your image in the
different stages of the masking process.
10. Supports use of Layer Masks in Photoshop
By creating a layer mask on your image layer
7. Topaz Magic Brush - Make super fine detail
before using ReMask 2, your final mask can be
recovery or detail elimination selections in with
saved back to Photoshop in the layer mask.
this real-time tool. Perfect for final touch ups.
11. Mask Hardness Slider - Adjust how hard your
8. New Tri-map Colors - Quickly define image
mask is applied to your image.
elements to keep using green; elements to
remove using red; and elements to compute
12. Support of Transparency Layer - Transpar-
using blue.
ency layers are now supported with ReMask 2.
User Manual
Introduction
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Masking Unveiled
Why do I need Topaz ReMask 2?
Topaz ReMask 2 features easy to use, intuitive
tools that wil save you time and money by
What is Masking?
simplifying the masking process. With Topaz Re-
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Masking is the process of isolating a subject or
Mask 2 you can eliminate the busy work of using
specific image elements that you wish to pre-
masks, paths, layer adjustments, selections and
serve then erasing everything else that you do
eraser tools to isolate a subject in your image.
not want. It is also referred to as extraction or
cutouts.
How Does Topaz ReMask 2 Work?
Topaz ReMask streamlines the masking process
What are the benefits of masking?
using a new innovative tri-map technique. The
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Masking al ows you to take the desired subject
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tri-map, or user-generated mask-map is made
and elements and cut them out and then merge
up of three tones: green, red and blue. Users
them into another image scene or background.
are able to quickly define the elements in their
Masking makes it easy to change the theme,
image that they want to keep using green; ele-
scene or setting of your digital photography
ments that they want to cut using red; and ele-
subjects.
ments that they want Topaz ReMask 2 to figure
out using blue. Selections are made using the
Masking is not just for creating composite imag-
brush tools and then Topaz ReMask 2 is able to
es, it also makes it possible to adjust only parts
analyze the user-made selections and isolate the
of the image. For example, selectively increasing
image subject with precision.
saturation, contrast, brightness, etc.
When do I need to mask?
Photoshop and other host software support many
Masking your digital images is ideal when you
Image Modes, such as Grayscale, RGB, LAB, CMYK,
want to remove backgrounds and unwanted de-
etc. Images can also be 8, 16, or 32 bits per channel.
Topaz ReMask 2 supports both 8 bits per channel
tail elements or to protect an area of your image
and 16 bits per channel. Topaz ReMask 2 supports
from adjustments.
RGB mode only. To work on black-and-white im-
ages, first convert them to RGB mode.
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Work Area
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Interface
The Topaz ReMask 2 interface is straight forward, simple and very easy to use.
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You’l be a pro after experimenting for a bit. In order to make sense of the program
features and the function of the tools, we have divided the interface into four sections:
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1. Preview
2. Preview
& Views
Displays the
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Navigator
Displays the
processed
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region of the
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preview of the
preview image
image. Your
currently being
View tabs
focused on.
offer multiple
ways to view
your image in
the Preview
area while
making your
3. Tools
tri-map and
Displays al of the
refining
tools that you will
selections.
need to success-
ful y create your
mask.
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4. Menu
Enables user settings and contains other options.
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Preview Section
The Preview section is the big image on the top-right that shows you the processed preview of the
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image. To pan the preview image, select the hand tool and hold the left mouse button on the
preview image and drag it around. You can also pan your preview image by holding the spacebar key
and moving your mouse or by using the red selection box in your preview navigator.
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Views
ReMask 2 gives you views for viewing your image in the preview section while creating your mask.
Original
Keep
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Shows the original mask without
Shows the results of your keep
any selections, fil s or masks.
selection after processing.
Mask
Shows the results of your mask after
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you have processed your selections.
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Tri-Map
Cut
Shows the Green (keep), Red (cut)
Shows the results of your cut
and blue (compute) color selections.
selection after processing.
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1. Red Area
The red area represents the part of the image that you want to cut.
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2. Blue Area
Tri-map Tab view
The blue painted
area represents
the part of the
image that you
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want to process.
When you process
your image,
Topaz ReMask 2
will analyze this
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area to help ex-
tract the unwanted
background from
the desired image
subject.
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3. Green Area
The green area represents the part of the image that you want to keep.
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Tools
In this section, we wil take a look at the main tools and features in ReMask 2.
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1. Zoom
2. General
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3. Brushes
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4. Fil s
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5. Reset
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6. Compute
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The Topaz Magic Brush tool (which becomes
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1. Zoom tools al ow you to zoom in and out of
available after you select “Compute Mask”)
specific areas of your image to al ow for more
al ows you to make intricate detail eliminations
precise selections.
and recoveries to selected parts of your image.
It wil only affect the blue area. It wil not change
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your original red and green selections.
4. The fil tools al ow you to fil al of your image
2. The general tools include: undo, redo,
or just a portion of your image with the selected
selection and the hand tool. These tools help
color.
make your workflow more efficient.
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3. The brush tools al ow you to select the
elements in the image that you want to keep,
5. The reset tools al ow you to reset your entire
remove and computer. Brush sizes range from
image to the selected tri-map color. Using this
1 - 100.
feature wil erase any previous selections made.
You can undo / redo functions up to 8 times
using the undo and redo features!
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6. The Compute Mask tool is what wil analyze
selections and then enlarging back to size. Ad-
the tri-map selections you made and create your
ditional y, the high-quality setting wil refine the
image mask.
edges after resizing.
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Using the Draft quality (fast) option wil process
your larger images faster, however you could
see blurring or distortion of fine edges.
Using the High Quality (slow) option wil process
your larger images slower, however your final
The Compute Mode gives you the option of
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processed image wil have better quality.
selecting speed or quality when it comes to
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processing larger images only. Adjusting the
quality settings wil have no affect whatsoever
on smal images.
After you select your desired processing qual-
ity and process your tri-map selections you can
use the Mask Hardness slider to determine
how hard your mask is applied to your image
edges.
Please note: After you make your tri-map selections
you wil need to click on “Compute Mask” for your se-
lections to be analyzed and your mask created. After
you do that you can make any additional changes or
refinements to your mask and then click on “OK”
The technology behind the quality settings
to ful y process your image and save your mask back
al ows ReMask2 to process larger images by
to your host program. Failure to click on “Compute
Mask” before you select OK wil result in your selec-
shrinking the image, computing the tri-map
tions being lost.
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Work Area
Click on Menu to access additional ReMask 2
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Use Set Background Color option in the menu to
help resources including the ReMask 2 user
change the background color on your mask for
guide, product info, version information and
better visibility.
connect with the Topaz Technical Support Team.
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The menu is also where you wil go to enter your
trial or license key for ReMask 2.
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To keep up-to-date with the latest product informa-
tion, special offers, new releases and update notifi-
cations, sign up for the Topaz Monthly Newsletter
online at: www.topazlabs.com/list/
User Manual
Work Flow
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Sample Project #1
You can see in the Before and After shots that
the original image background has been cut out,
precisely preserving the image subject who now
In this section, we wil walk you through two
has a new image background.
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sample projects, step-by-step, to help you be-
come more familiar with the ReMask 2 program.
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In the fol owing steps, we wil show you how to
achieve these same optimal results with your
own photos, fol owing this model.
You can submit your images for show in the new Topaz Gal ery.
For more information please visit:
www.topazlabs.com/blog/cal -for-photos-topaz-photo-gal ery/
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Work Flow
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Let’s get started. For this example we wil be
3. To create a duplicate layer of your image,
using this image of a model in winter.
right-click on your image layer in your layers
and select “Duplicate Layer”. You can also
1. Open an image file.
achieve this by selecting your image layer and
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dragging it down to the new layer icon. You can
2. Before you can use ReMask 2 you wil first
also name the new layer if you desire.
need to unlock your background layer.
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If you try to access ReMask 2 on a locked back-
ground layer then you wil see the fol owing
message. You wil first need to unlock the back-
ground layer and then create a duplicate layer.
Please visit the Topaz ReMask website at
www.topazlabs.com/remask for video
tutorials, tips, and tricks!
User Manual
Work Flow
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4. To begin the masking process go to your Filter
5. If desired, zoom in on your image to better
Menu and select the Topaz Labs folder, then
see the edges to mask.
click on ReMask 2.
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When ReMask 2 loads it wil automatical y open
to the Tri-map view and you image wil be fil ed
with green. (Once your tri-map is complete the
green wil be the portion of your image that will
be kept.)
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6. Then select your hand tool and move your im-
age around until you find an area that you like.
Tip: Zoom in / out and use the hand tool to navigate
your image, and re-size your brush size as necessary
while creating your blue selection.
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7. Select the Blue Brush tool and use the brush
9. Fil the outside of your blue selection with red.
size slider to select your desired brush size.
(The red wil be the portion of your image that
wil be cut.)
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8. Outline the edges of the object that you
would like to mask. (The blue wil be the portion
of your image that ReMask wil analyze.)
Your tri-map is now complete and ready to be
processed.
9. Select the green flood fil tool.
You don’t have to be precise with your blue brush, however
an abundance of blue may result in more refining at the end.
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View the Mask, Keep and Cut before processing.
Mask View
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Cut View
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Keep View
10. If you are using a large image select your
desired processing quality and then click on the
Compute Mask button to process your selec-
tions and create your layer Mask.
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If you click on OK before you Compute your
Mask then you wil see the fol owing message:
Keep View
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11. After you compute your mask you can view
the updated results in the Mask, Keep and Cut
views.
Mask View
Cut View
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12. After your mask has been made you wil no-
tice that the Topaz Magic Brush is now available.
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If you notice that there are parts of your image
that need to be refined use the Magic Brush.
Select the red brush and then select a small
brush size and then make short strokes down
the refinement area. Each time you make a
stroke your image wil automatical y update
reflecting that refined selection.
You can also select the green brush and recover
detail lost by making smal strokes down the
over processed area to restore those details.
Adjust the mask hardness slider to specify how
hard your mask is applied to the image edges.
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13. After your are happy with your selections
you can click on OK to process your changes and
save your masked image back to Photoshop.
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Your image has been successful y masked with
precision and quality. Your image is now ready
to make the transition to another backdrop.
You can add in a new background or make any
additional changes desired.
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Sample Project #2
You can see in the Before and After shots that
the original image background has been cut out,
precisely preserving the footbal players who
In this project we wil go through another work-
now have a more vibrant field background.
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flow step-by-step, but we wil incorporate the
use of a layer mask to save your work back to.
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In the fol owing steps, we wil show you how to
The workflow in this project wil be a little
achieve these same creative results with your
faster than Sample Project #1 since we have
own photos, fol owing this model.
already covered al of the basics there.
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Using a Layer Mask is often a great choice
This wil al ow you to use your Photoshop tools
because when you finish working in ReMask 2
to make adjustments directly to that Channel.
your mask wil be saved back to the Layer Mask.
In addition you can always go back and remove
the Layer Mask from your project file at anytime.
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Using the Layer Mask option is stil simple and
al ows it you to make your masking adjustments
on the layer mask without affecting your origi-
nal image. Using a Layer Mask wil create a new
Channel in your Channels Palette .
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Channels After Creating Mask
If your Channels Palette is not loaded, you
can access it by going to WIndow -> Channels
Channels Before Creating Mask
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1. Open up an image and then go to the Layers
3. Add the Layer Mask to the new duplicate
Palette. If your Layers Palette is not loaded, go
layer. Make sure that the new layer duplicate
to Window -> Layers to access it. Then create a
layer is selected, then click on the Layer Mask
duplicate layer.
icon at the bottom of the Layers Palette.
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We are now ready to begin our work in ReMask 2.
2. To create a duplicate layer of your image,
(Be sure that the Layer Mask thumbnail is se-
right-click on your image layer in your layers
lected before you open ReMask 2).
and select “Duplicate Layer”. You can also
achieve this by selecting your image layer and
dragging it down to the new layer icon.
Don’t forget that you can use the shortcut
keys in ReMask 2 to speed up your workflow.
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4. To begin the masking process go to Filter ->
5. If desired, zoom in on your image to better
Topaz Labs -> ReMask 2.
see the edges to mask.
6. Then select your hand tool and move your im-
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age around until you find an area that you like.
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When ReMask 2 loads it wil automatical y open
to the Tri-map view and you image wil be fil ed
with green. (Once your tri-map is complete the
green wil be the portion of your image that will
7. Select the Blue Brush tool and use the brush
be kept.)
size slider to select your desired brush size.
8. Outline the edges of the object that you
Check out the new Topaz Forum to connect with
would like to mask. (The blue wil be the portion
other Topaz users and to enter Topaz contests and
of your image that ReMask wil analyze.)
win great prizes. Sign up online at:
www.topazlabs.com/forum
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9. Fil the outside of your blue selection with red.
(The red wil be the portion of your image that
wil be cut.)
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10. Review your tri-map selections in the Mask,
Keep and Cut views before processing.
11. Select your desired processing quality and
then click on the Compute Mask button to pro-
cess your selections and create your layer Mask.
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Your tri-map selections wil be analyzed and
your mask created.
12. You can review your processed tri-map selec-
tions in the Mask, Keep and Cut views to deter-
mine if any additional refinements are needed.
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14. Select a color opposite of your image so that
you can better see areas in need of refining.
Select your new background color click OK.
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13. Go to Menu -> Set Background Color
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15. Zoom in and pan your image to identify areas
that need refinement. Use the Marquee Selec-
tion tool to isolate your refinement area.
16. Go to your Brushes and select either the red
brush (to remove detail) or the blue brush (to
restore detail) and then set your brush size.
17. Before you begin painting the refinement
area, check to make sure that the Magic Brush
option is selected.
18. Then make short strokes down the refine-
ment area. Each time you make a stroke your
image wil automatical y update reflecting that
eliminated or restored selection.
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Any area that is predominantly white (keep) but
is clouded by gray wil need to be refined.
The Mask view is a great way to identify areas of
your image that need refining.
Using the blue brush (with the Magic Brush op-
tion checked) you can make your short strokes
inside of the white area close to the clouded
gray area to restore that detail.
Using the red brush (with the Magic Brush op-
tion checked) you can make your short strokes
outside on the black area to clean up any cloud-
ed gray areas and remove that detail or color
contamination.
Remember that it is best to use smal short strokes
when refining with the Topaz Magic Brush tool.
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19. Adjust the mask hardness slider to specify
Now that your image has been successful y
how hard your mask is applied to the image
masked with precision and quality and saved
edges.
back to your Layer Mask. Your image is now
ready to transform. You can add in a new back-
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ground or blend multiple images.
20. Once you are satisfied with your selections
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and refinements select OK to save your results
back to Photoshop. Your mask wil be saved
back to the Layer Mask that we created.
Want to take your masking to the next level of
creativity? Then checkout the Merging & Blending
section and the bonus Creative Project workflow.
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Merging & Blending
To connect with other Topaz users, participate in Topaz
Masking is the hard part, but merging and blend-
Contests and to see the latest tips, tricks and tutorials
sign up for the new Topaz Forum online at:
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ing are also key parts in making your two (or
more) images look like they were made for each
www.topazlabs.com/forum
other. In this section, we wil show you how to
take your newly masked image and create a
whole new scene with a new background.
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Go from Masked Image 1
to new background image 2
and create image 3
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Merging
To do this go to File -> Open and select the im-
We wil cover two different ways of merging
age you want and then click OK to open it in
your images.
Photoshop. (You should stil have your newly
masked image open in Photoshop.)
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The first way to merge your two images is by
manual y dragging the new background image
You wil also want to make sure to unlock the
into the project file that has your mask in it.
layer if it is locked before you try moving it.
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Work Flow
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Then, go to your Photoshop toolbox and select
image into the the project that contains your
the Move tool and drag your new background
new layer mask. Adding the new background
wil create a new layer in your project.
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User Manual
Work Flow
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Now that you have successful y added your new
Click on the layer that has the thumbnail of the
background into your project file you wil notice
new image that you just added to the project
that it is on top of your masked image. However
and drag it below the layer that has the thumb-
it needs to go behind your masked image.
nail of your masked image.
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To put the background behind your masked im-
age so that it looks like the background you will
need to go to your Layers Palette. If your Layers
To resize either your masked image or your new back-
Palette is not loaded you can access it by going
round image, select the appropriate layer in the Layers
Palette. Then go Edit -> Transform -> Scale. Grab the
to Window -> Layers and it wil come up.
corner of the image and scale it up or down.
You can also use the fol owing shortcut keys:
CMD + T (Mac) or CTRL + T (Win)
User Manual
Work Flow
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The second merging method that you can use
To do this, you wil need to already have your
is to place the new background file into your
newly ReMasked image open and then go to
project using Photoshop’s place feature.
FIle -> Place. Select the new background im-
age that you would like to add and then click
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“Place”. This wil automatical y add the new
image into your open project file.
38
You can then go to your Layers Palette to see
that your image has been added as a new layer.
You can rearrange your layers to put the newly
added background layer behind your masked
layer.
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Work Flow
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Blending
Blending makes the transition of your masked
image into your new background image seam-
less. There are many ways and various tools that
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you can use to do this. We wil review just a few.
If desired, you can incorporate the use of any of
the basic Photoshop tools including:
Blur Tool - Blurring softens edges and blend tran-
sitional areas.
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39
Sharpen -Sharpening increases contrast in the
painted areas.
Smudge - Smudging blends the pixels where you
paint simulating the action of dragging a finger
through wet paint.
Dodge Tool - Dodging lightens areas lighter and
harden edges
Burn Tool - burning darkens areas darker and
harden edges,
Sponge Tool - changes the level of saturation of
colors for an area of an image.
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Work Flow
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Lets look at the fol owing example to get a bet-
ter idea of how to use your Photoshop tools to
1
perfect your image blending.
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The tool that you wil find most useful is the
Sponge Tool. It wil always be a good option to
use when doing final touch ups on your blending
work. It wil fix mismatched image colors.
The Sponge Tool adjusts the saturation of the
area that you paint. When you change the level
40
of saturation of colors for an area of an image
2
you are essential y draining color intensity (De-
saturate) or infusing color intensity (Saturate).
You can change the mode to Desaturate or Satu-
rate the top of your Photoshop interface.
1. Desaturated
3
2. Original
3. Saturated
User Manual
Work Flow
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You can also use the tools under Photoshop’s
Modify option to finesse the border of your
masked image. You wil first need to make a se-
lection around the part of the image you want to
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work on before you can access the Modify menu
options.
Border - Takes the border of your selection
and turns it into a two lined selection with soft
edges.
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Smooth - Smoothes out corners and jagged
lines.
Expand - Enlarges the selection.
Contract - Reduces the selection.
Feather - Feathering gives a smoother fil around
the edges of your masked image.
This wil also help create a smoother transition
into your new background.
Another option for blending and matching colors within
your masked image and your background image for a
smoother transition would be to use Topaz Adjust to
enhance the image exposure, color and saturation.
User Manual
Work Flow
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Creative Project
In just a few steps you can blend multiple im-
ages together in a creative way just like the
images below.
After you have used ReMask 2 to create your
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mask there are an infinite amount of creative
Fol ow along with this creative project to get
things that you can do with it.
an idea of the many ways you can create a fun
photo col age using your favorite images.
In this project we wil show you a few creative
things that you can do with your image using Re-
Mask 2 and a few of the tools in Photoshop.
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Work Flow
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1. After you come up with a creative idea that
Our key visual element wil be the footbal play-
you want to try out, gather al of the images that
ers that we masked in Sample Project #2. As you
you want to use.
can see, the new background is already in place
behind the Layer Mask, so now we just need to
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2. Use Topaz ReMask 2 to get rid of the old back-
add in our additional creative elements, re-size
grounds from your images.
our images, blend the transitions and final y
adjust the color. For this tutorial we wil also use
3. Identify your key visual element from your
Topaz Adjust 3 to perfect the color and exposure
selected images.
in our images.
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Work Flow
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4. Add the footbal image to into the football
Notice in the Layers Palette that the new foot-
scene and use the Photoshop move tool to
bal layer has been moved in between the
move it around to the position that looks the
footbal layer mask layer and the footbal field
best.
background.
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Don’t forget that you can also re-size the foot-
bal if necessary.
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Work Flow
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5. To fade the footbal into the sky, go to your
Layers Palette and lower the Opactity and Fil of
your image until satisfied.
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Have more questions about ReMask 2 or any of
the Topaz software? Check out the new Topaz
Knowledge Base online at:
www.topazlabs.com/support/kb
User Manual
Work Flow
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To make the edges of the footbal disappear into
7. Select the Gradient Tool or press “G”.It shares
the sky, we wil use a second Layer Mask and the
the same space as the Paint Bucket tool. Then
Photoshop gradient tool.
set your foreground color to black.
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6. Make sure that the footbal layer is selected
and then click on the Layer Mask icon at the bot-
tom of the Layers Palette.
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Work Flow
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8. Make sure that the Layer Mask thumbnail is
image fade. Repeat this step several times, using
selected.
different angles if desired until you are happy
with your results.
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9. Using the Gradient Tool, begin making draw
a short line from the bottom of the football
towards the middle of the footbal . When you re-
lease your mouse you wil see that portion of the
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Work Flow
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10. Add in any additional images that you want
You can use Topaz Adjust to correct the color on
in the project. In this case we wil be adding a
any of your image elements so that they have a
cheerleader into the background.
cohesive look.
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12. Select the layer that you want to correct in
Adjust and then go to FIlter -> Topaz Labs -> Ad-
just 3. Use a preset or adjust the sliders manual y
until you get your desired results. Repeat this
step on each layer that you wish to adjust.
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Don’t forget to use Topaz ReMask to mask out
the background first before adding it to your
creative image project.
11. Resize your image and use the move tool to
move it to the desired location in your project.
If you do not have Adjust, you can download
And that’s it! Practice on more images and try
a free 30-day trial online at:
www.topazlabs.com/downloads
new things. The creative possibilities are endless.
User Manual
Glossary
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50% Gray – The undefined area that the computer (To-
model commonly used for 4-color printing by printers
paz Mask) wil need to figure out.
to define and mix al of the colors they are capable of
outputting.
Achromatic - Without color.
Color channel – The visual component of a color digital
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Action – A recorded task that works as an automated
image that represents al the pixels in that picture made
memory of the enhancement and adjustment steps ex-
up of a specific primary color. For example, in a typical
ecuted on an image. Once an Action has been recorded
digital photo, the primary colors of red, green and blue
it can be invoked and reapplied to other images without
(from the RGB color model) create al the colors in that
manual y making the changes.
photo, which may be represented by three color chan-
nels, each of red, green or blue.
Adjustment Layer – A layer that al ows you to adjust the
look of an original image with out making it permanent.
Desaturate - Decreasing the intensity of a color (hue).
With adjustment layers you can make various changes
50
to a layer without damaging it and go back and readjust
it at anytime.
Diameter (brush) - Controls the size of the brush.
Algorithm – Any bit of code or programming that de-
Download – The process of transmitting or transferring
fines a process.
data from one device to another.
Alpha Channel – Photoshop alpha channels are masks
Export – Outbound data transfer in a format that can be
through which you can apply effects. The alpha channel
used by other programs.
is an 8-bit channel, which means it has 256 levels of gray
from 0 (black) to 255 (white). An alpha channel lets you
Filter Adjustment – Al ows you to shift the overal color
save and load selections.
in an image.
Black Area - The masked area, which indicates the por-
Green Area (Tri-map View) - The active area, which indi-
tion of the image that you wish to get rid of.
cates the portion of the image that you wish to keep.
Blue Area - The undefined area that the computer (To-
Gradient - The gradient tool creates a gradual blend
paz Mask) wil need to figure out.
between multiple colors.
Chroma - Purity or intensity of color.
Hardness (brush) - Controls the size of the brush’s hard
CMYK – Cyan, magenta, yel ow, and black. A color
center.
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Glossary
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Import – Inbound data transfer into a file or document.
number of other manipulations or edits.
Layer Mask – An editable selection, attached to a layer
Plug-in - Computing (of a module or software) able to be
that tel s Photoshop how to deal with the layer that it is
added to a system to give extra features or functions.
attached to. It enables us to get rid of a part of the layer
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but with the possibility to go back and edit the result at
Quick Mask - Al ows you to paint on your selection (or
any time (also cal ed non-destructive editing). It in fact
the masked area). Then once you have your selection,
blocks part of the layer from appearing, as if erased,
you can delete it, recolor it, mask it, etc.
while stil being there. Layer Masks provide extra flex-
Red Area - The masked area, which indicates the portion
ibility to your Photoshop layers.
of the image that you wish to get rid of.
Non-Destructive Editing: A form of editing where the
Refine – Improve (something) by making smal changes
original content is not modified in the course of edit-
to make it more subtle and accurate.
50
ing - instead the edits themselves are edited. This al ows
51
for easy adjustments and images effects at a later time
RGB – Red, Green, Blue. The color model that is used in
making photo editing quick and flexible.
digital cameras and by computer monitors.
Opacity – The amount of transparency a layer has.
Saturate - Increasing the intensity of a color (hue).
Pan and Zoom - A useful function that al ows users to
Tri-Map – User-generated mask map with three tones:
magnify the captured image in the preview and then,
white (keep) , black (remove) and gray (compute) -
by using the cursor, to move or pan around the image.
Mask View or Green (keep), Red (remove)
Typical y Pan and Zoom al ows users to magnify the im-
and blue (compute) - tri-map view.
age 2x or 4x time. By magnifying the images and zeroing
in on a specific section, you can see details not visible
White Area (Mask View) - The active area, which indi-
when the entire image is sized to fit the preview.
cates the portion of the image that you wish to keep.
Photo-editing or Imaging software – Programs in which
you can alter your photos and / or create digital images.
Depending on the software, you can improve exposure,
color and other attributes of your picture, paint on it,
add type, apply special effects, remove noise, resize
it, combine it with other pictures, prepare it for email
or posting on the web, output it to a printer or do any
User Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
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“I need a Topaz ReMask 2 trial key.”
If you’re using Mac:
Visit www.topazlabs.com/downloads for a trial
1. Go to /Library/Application Support/Topaz Labs/
key. Please check your Spam folder because
ReMask2/Plugins and right-click
your Spam filter sometimes filters out the auto-
Topaz_Remask2.plugin. Click “Copy”.
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mated email.
2. Go to Applications/Adobe Photoshop CSx/
Plug-Ins (or wherever your Photoshop Plug-Ins
If you need more time to evaluate, please e-mail
folder is located). Delete any current reference
us at support@topazlabs.com for an extended
to Topaz ReMask 2. Afterwards, right-click any
trial key.
empty spot and paste the Topaz_remask.plugin
file into the Photoshop Plug-Ins folder.
“I can’t find Topaz Mask 2 in the Photoshop
3. Quit and restart Photoshop and Topaz Re-
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Mask wil appear in your Filters menu. You will
Filters menu.”
have to open up an image and unlock the back-
If you’re using Windows:
ground layer in order to use Topaz ReMask 2.
1. Go to C:\Program Files\Topaz Labs\Topaz Re-
Mask2\Plugins. Right click the file
“tlremask.8bf” and click “Copy”.
“I go to Filter -> ReMask 2 and I get a mes-
2. Go to your Photoshop Plug-Ins folder, usual y
sage that says: Could not complete the Topaz
located at C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe
ReMask 2command because - cannot mask on
Photoshop CSx\Plug-Ins. First, delete anything
background (please create a duplicate layer).”
that is currently there that has to do with
This is because Topaz ReMask 2 can not be used
Topaz ReMask 2. This includes any folder that
on a locked background layer. You wil need to
might be labeled “TopazReMask 2” or any
go to your layers palette and unlock the back-
tlremask.8bf file. After doing that, right-click on
ground layer. It would also be best to create a
any empty space and click “Paste”.
duplicate layer so that you can revert back to
3. Quit and restart Photoshop and Topaz Re-
the original at any time if necessary.
Mask 2 wil appear in your Filters menu. You will
have to open up an image and unlock the back-
ground layer in order to use Topaz ReMask 2.
User Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
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“I Try to run the Process Action but I get error
“If I use the 30-day trial version will I need to
message: Proc Engine: Error -1000 or -878”
uninstall the trial version before I upgrade to a
This error message is also often related to mem-
full version?”
ory and the size of an image. As a test, you can
No, the Topaz trial software is designed to be
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try using a smal er image and see if you stil get
unlocked to become the ful version simply by
the error message. Also, please try reducing the
entering a license key. The ful license key wil be
amount of memory that Photoshop is al owed
e-mailed to you immediately after you purchase
to use down to about 70%.
the software.
“Do you have any other ReMask tutorials?”
“Where do I enter my key?”
To enter your key open up an image in Photo-
52
Yes, please see pages 17 -49 of the Topaz Re-
53
Mask 2 user guide, and also visit: www.topa-
shop and go to Filter -> Topaz Labs -> ReMask 2
zlabs.com/tutorials/remask/ or visit our Forum
-> Menu -> Enter Key.
at: www.topazlabs.com/forum
“When I fill my red (cut) areas on my tri-map
“What are the limitations of the trial version of
the whole image filled with red.”
your software?”
There is most likely a gap somewhere in blue
The only limit on the trial versions of the Topaz
(compute) outline. The blue outline acts like
plug-ins is time. The free trial versions are de-
a barrier in order to ensure accurate masking
signed to enable you to experience the ful func-
results. Use your undo button to go back a step
tionality of our plug-ins for a 30-day trial period.
then zoom in and pan your image to find the
After the trial period is up, you wil only be able
opening in your blue outline. Once you locate it,
to use the Topaz software by purchasing it. You
select your blue brush tool and close it off. Then
wil then receive a license key to activate the
you can select your red flood fil tool and fil in
plug-in, and the trial version wil automatical y
the parts of your image that you would like to
become the ful version with no time limitations.
cut.
User Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
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You have not selected Compute Mask to com-
pute your selections. Please click OK to go back
and select Refine Mask. To exit without making
changes to your image please select cancel.
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This is because your tri-map selections have not
been analyzed. You wil need to click on the Re-
fine Mask button in order to create your mask.
After that you can select OK and process your
entire image.
54
How many steps can I go back to using the
undo and redo buttons?
The undo and redo buttons wil al ow you to go
back up to 8 steps.
I have a question not listed here.
Please visit our knowledge base online at:
http://www.topazlabs.com/support/kb/
If you are not able to find the answer there then
please visit our new Topaz Forum online at:
www.topazlabs.com/forum or email customer
support at: support@topazlabs.com
User Manual
Shortcut Keys
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Topaz ReMask 2 uses some shortcut keys to speed up your workflow. Many of
these keys are similar to those in Photoshop. The fol owing keys work at al times.
Action
MAC Shortcut PC Shortcut
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Undo
CMD -Z
Ctrl - Z
Redo
CMD - Shift - Z
Ctrl - Shift - Z
(Green) Brush an area to keep
Q
Q
(Red) Brush an area to cut
W
W
(Blue) Brush an area to compute
E
E
Green Flood Fill
A
A
Red Flood Fill
S
S
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Blue Flood Fill
D
D
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Increase Brush Size
]
]
Decrease Brush Size
[
[
Hand Tool
H
H
Marquee Tool
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Menu
O
O
Zoom In
+ or CMD - +
+ or CTRL - +
Zoom Out
- or CMD - -
- or CTRL - -
Zoom 100
CMD - Alt - 0
Ctrl - Alt -0
Zoom Fit
CMD - 0
Ctrl - 0
View Original Image
CMD - 1 or 1
Ctrl - 1 or 1
View Tri-map
CMD - 2 or 2
Ctrl -2 or 2
View Mask
CMD - 3 or 3
Ctrl -3 or 3
View Keep
CMD - 4 or 4
Ctrl - 4 or 4
View Cut
CMD - 5 or 5
Ctrl - 5 or 5
Compute Mask for tri-map
Enter
Enter
Process whole image
CMD - Enter
Ctrl - Enter
Draw Straight Lines
Shift + left mouse click (Mac & Win)
User Manual
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Connect with Topaz
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Check out our new Forum and our blog for
tutorials, tips and updates from Topaz Labs!
56
Fol ow us on Twitter for notifications
Find us on our Facebook page and
of recent news and easily get in touch
network with other Topaz users!
with us whenever you feel like it!
Participate in the entirely user-led
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Topaz Flickr group for a helpful and
to keep up with any newly released
highly active community for Topaz
product video tutorials!
Photoshop plug-ins!
User Manual
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Contact Information
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Topaz Labs LLC
5001 Spring Val ey Road
Suite 400 East
Dal as, TX 75244
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Technical Support
57
http://topazlabs.com/support/
support@topazlabs.com
For more information
info@topazlabs.com
Topaz Labs LLC, a privately owned company in Dal as, Texas, focuses on developing advanced
video and image enhancement technology. With today’s widespread use of digital stil cameras,
digital video cameras, and HDTV, the need for high-quality digital images and videos has greatly
increased. Topaz Labs’ mission is to bring practical state-of-the-art image and video enhance-
ment technology to both professionals and consumers.
Copyright © 2009 Topaz Labs, LLC. All rights reserved. http://www.topazlabs.com
User Manual
Be sure to check out the complete line up of Topaz products.
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Image Plug-ins
Ultimate control over
Advanced JPEG artifact
3 levels of intricate and
image exposure, detail,
reduction filters elimi-
specific detail enhance-
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and color gives you the
nate JPEG compression
ment for natural y
power to make your
artifacts while preserv-
enhanced images with
photos pop.
ing image detail like
no halos.
never before.
Specializes in overall
Remove unwanted
Advanced noise reduc-
image improvement.
backgrounds from your
tion filters noise while
Features sharpening, re-
digital images quickly
maximizing and retain-
constructing, enlarging,
and easily with the new
58
high-quality noise
ing image detail simply
removal and JPEG arti-
Topaz ReMask 2.
and effortlessly.
fact damage tools.
Specializes in creat-
Bring the power of
Takes any of your
ing crisp and stylized
Topaz to your Aperture,
regular photos and ef-
images. Also features
iPhoto and Lightoom
fortlessly turn them into
extensive smoothing
workflow with the new
beautiful works of art.
capabilities.
Fusion Express plug-in.
Coming Soon:
Topaz Fusion for
Windows
Video Plug-ins
Increase video quality with this suite
Easily and efficiently capture video
of video enhancement filters utilizing
frames and significantly increase their
super-resolution technology.
quality and resolution with this stand-
alone Windows application.
Go to http://www.topazlabs.com/downloads to get your 30-day free trial!
