Compared to the earlier version, Topaz Studio 2 brings in some welcoming changes. After the time I spent with the latest version Topaz Studio 2, I’d have to say that they’re spot on.
Topaz adds some nice new features to this update (now v1.1) with automatic light source detection and split view preview mode in their updated user interface.Īt less than $30, Topaz Labs Star Effects is really a lot of fun to use on images with a defined, brilliant point of light, but it's very easy to overuse these effects. Topaz Labs (the creators of Topaz Studio ) says that this software serves one purpose great: creative photo editing. After a bit of use, setting up user presets is easy and highly recommended. Topaz Star Effects is a creative effects filter that allows you to create unique star effects by manipulating and enhancing the various light sources within your digital images. Using these presets to see the type of effect you have is how they're most useful then, by adjusting the threshold up or down, it's easier to see what settings produce the best results. The presets included seem to use median settings, as they're a bit too much as a starting point. Further, if you wish to replicate the last effect, simply pressing Command-F (PC: Ctrl-F) doesn't duplicate the last use. With its simple interface and wealth of imaging effects, Topaz Studio is a worthy entry in your photo editing toolkit, but it lacks workflow tools and some common photo optimizations.
Use of higher contrast images with a darker background definitely produces the best results, but use of anything other than the full image will not work, as there's no support for an alpha transparency layer. In this case, Topaz Labs provides the ability to either allow the software to find your highlights, or use a virtual brush to select and add the areas to include or exclude from your image. These do everything from the more traditional cross-screen filter effects to creating dramatic depth through a variety of glistening, glamorous approaches. Furthermore, it has some touch-up functions such as heal and lens correction that allow you to improve the basic quality of your images.
Cross-Screen Lighting Effects Plug-in for PhotoshopĪt this point, you're undoubtedly aware of some of the latest lighting effect plug-ins on the market. Aside from the adjustments, Topaz Studio also has a range of basic functions such as crop and rotate and HSL adjustments.