Akvis Sketch 9 - Thoughts, vs. 8, examples, etc.

[Estrella]

What do you think about Version 9?

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by Estrella

What do you think about Version 9?

Hi Estrella,

Funny you should ask...

I tried to install it yesterday, but ran into a snag. I am working with Akvis tech support to sort it out. (My self-inflicted problem, not theirs.) I'll report back when I've got it working -- hopefully in just a few days.

A nice 9.0 feature is its ability to use custom sketch presets defined in earlier versions, plus the ability (now) to export/import presets created under 9.0. This will encourage sharing of custom presets among 9.0 (and later) users -- a very cool thing IMO.

[Andrew B.]

Originally Posted by Estrella

What do you think about Version 9?

Interesting. I guess I'm subscribed to this thread.

Anyway, I just gave version 9 a quick test. It is the best so far. The algorithm is better, and you can use the old one if you want. The supplied presets are helpful for quickly finding a ballpark.

[skydog]

So Danny...what do you think?

[akvis]

Originally Posted by DannyRaphael

A nice 9.0 feature is its ability to use custom sketch presets defined in earlier versions, plus the ability (now) to export/import presets created under 9.0. This will encourage sharing of custom presets among 9.0 (and later) users -- a very cool thing IMO.

Hello Danny!
Thank you for your good opinion!

I just want to add that you can now export even the presets made in the old version of AKVIS Sketch!

Just select the option "Use old Sketch algorithm" (in the program preferences), and use the button Export presets at the top menu to save these old presets into a file.

If you have questions please feel free to ask us.

Regards,
Kat

[akvis]

P.S. then you will be able to load these presets,
but into version 9 and later, the earlier versions can not import the presets files.

But the feature is helpful anyway, you can share your old presets.

[DannyRaphael]

Got around the bug... Had to temporarily turn off internet/anti-virus pgm during one-time Internet licence validation. Now it works just fine.

Originally Posted by skydog

So Danny...what do you think?

I agree with Andrew's assessment.

In 2 words: VERY impressive.

Download/install 9.0 and see for yourself. No need to uninstall prior version.

[skydog]

Danny...pls show some comparisons.

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by skydog

Danny...pls show some comparisons.

I will do a 8 vs 9 soon; it will probably next week before I get to it.

In the mean time here are a couple samples of Akvis Sketch 9.0 applied to a low and high resolution image:
* 100 ppi (bridge)
* 300 ppi (Ali)

[Andrew B.]

Originally Posted by DannyRaphael

In 2 words: VERY impressive.

Given a good candidate photo, I think the new algorithm is capable of making a much cleaner sketch.

Also, I'm not sure which was the last version I tested, so I don't know if that quick sampling preview was there before. But it is extremely helpful. One way it might be improved is if moving the small preview area didn't make the first preview area revert to original. That way the user could hit a few key spots and really get a good view of what's going to happen.

With regard to presets, I found B&W sketch and High Charcoal to be helpful. I found that doing both, and then blending them on layers in Photoshop worked out well.

Anyway, I've been so ill for so many years now I'm lucky to even be able to do this brief work yesterday. I wish I could test more.

[Andrew B.]

Here are a couple of examples done with Version 9. Source photos are from stock.xchng

Keep in mind that these are raw results. I did not additional work in Photoshop.

[akvis]

Hi Andrew,
Very nice results!

[VanDorn]

I like the improvement in the color pencil feature.

The original photo turned out kind of blurry but there was enough detail to get a nice sketch out of it.

[skydog]

If I down load the new version will it mess up the old version if I decide not to purchase?

I agree with you Steve. I realize these guys need to make some profit for their efforts, but the discount should be greater.

I'm still have issues with there 10 day evaluation policy and this is not the norm...most companies provide 30 day evaluation.

A good customer model at the moment is Topaz...great products, great prices, great support...my 2 cents.

[akvis]

Originally Posted by Andrew B.

FWIW, you can win a free copy of Akvis Sketch. The contest ends Sept. 13, 2009.

Yes, it is a Lottery, and you have a change to win Business license of AKVIS Sketch (plugin + standalone)

[Estrella]

I just want to say that they offer many ways to get free keys at their site, i don't know a company who has such nice politic. My friend got several programs for translation their Helps to italian. or you can make tutorial and send them.

[skydog]

Upgraded...

[DannyRaphael]

IMPORTANT:

I moved comments about Akvis upgrade policy here:

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/pho...y-options.html

[DannyRaphael]

I have found 9.0 to have the following benefits:
* New edges tab for controlling edge characteristics
* Improved sketch fine detail over 8.x (see attachment for 8 vs. 9 closeup). Subtle, but noticeable in areas of detail, like eyelashes.
* Faster-to-Much faster rendering times (9%-88%, depending on image characteristics [detail, dimensions, resolution])
* A preview window size preferences setting
* Ability to export/import settings from/into 9
* Ability to run 9 in "prior version" mode, which enables one to
.....Easily compare output from 9 to output from prior versions without having to uninstall 9 (use the 9 preferences setting to revert to the prior rendering engine)
.....Get results from prior versions after 9 is installed (if you prefer 8 over 9 for some 8 setting combination), in other words there s no loss of settings created under previous versions

Final thoughts:
* If you are like me, a frequent Akvis Sketch user who likes the output of earlier versions, but wishes fine detail was cleaner, you will REALLY like 9.
* If you are new to photo-art and are looking for a really good pencil sketch, but are not at all satisfied with Photoshop/PS Elements filters like Colored Pencil, Find Edges or Smart Blur [option: edge only], or any of the many free "edge finding" plugins or "sketch actions" on the net, I encourage you to download Sketch 9 and test it for yourself. It is without peer.
* If you need only line or edge rendering, and no continuous tone rendering, then take a look at Topaz Simplify

Attachment note: "Default" setting used for test sketches.

[DannyRaphael]

Source image - see: http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/photo-based-art/27454-curtis-jenny.html

Method (see first attachment for screenshot of layer palette):
1. Applied Curves adjustment layer and dragged curve down from center a bit to darken midtones. Levels would have worked as well.
2. Created Layer A by merging the levels below.
3. Duplicated A and applied some Surface Blur to get Layer B. Doing so reduces unsightly noise.
4. Layer C: Duplicated layer B and applied a Sketch 9 preset I created ("sasha" - uploaded below. Download, unzip, import file "djr-sasha.sketch" into Sketch 9)

[akvis]

Thanks for the review, Danny!

Keen eye You've noticed all points which we tried to improve.

Originally Posted by DannyRaphael

* If you need only line or edge rendering, and no continuous tone rendering, then take a look at Topaz Simplify

Here I can also advice you looking at the new (3rd) effect of ArtWork. It works with outlines. And 2nd effect (Comics) for colors simplification.

Kat

[Marilyn]

I love Akvis Sketch and find tons of ways to use it layered with a composite mode in Painter with my paintings.

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE....check out my discount page for codes:

http://www.marilynsholin.com/books/s...ews-discounts/

[Estrella]

I also saw the 15 per cent twt coupon at their twitter. What a pity that I already have Sketch!
(maybe the offer was over, don't know)

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

I love Akvis Sketch and find tons of ways to use it layered with a composite mode in Painter with my paintings.

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE....check out my discount page for codes:

http://www.marilynsholin.com/books/s...ews-discounts/

Thanks for the heads up, Marilyn!

[akvis]

Thank you, Marilyn!

Kat