Topaz Remask problem using

[ksimmonds]

I have just downloaded the trial version of Remask, but I can't get it to work. I get the error message "could not complete the Topaz command because no layer mask channel is found. This plug in needs a layer mask channel"
As far as i can see, I've done it right. I've opened a photo, duplicated the layer, added a layer mask to the copy etc... What am I doing wrong ???

[Lazyfruit]

don't bother its crap like all the other masking filters.

[amica999]

Originally Posted by ksimmonds

I have just downloaded the trial version of Remask, but I can't get it to work. I get the error message "could not complete the Topaz command because no layer mask channel is found. This plug in needs a layer mask channel"
As far as i can see, I've done it right. I've opened a photo, duplicated the layer, added a layer mask to the copy etc... What am I doing wrong ???

Well, I had a similar problem, you should be in the channels palette.
1. open image 2. dup image and add mask 3 go to channels palette, paint with 50% grey on new mask around edges, fill with black what you don't want to keep, fill with white what you want to keep. 4. click on PROCESS actionstep and you are done. Hope it helps

[skydog]

check this out...

http://www.topazlabs.com/remask/howfast.php

[skydog]

sorry...this one....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJPGv6ev-2s

[ksimmonds]

Thanks for replying but it doesn't help. I've seen the videos (and others), but still it does the same. I haven't even got as far as getting asked for the license key yet. I just get the error message "could not complete the Topaz command because no layer mask channel is found." all the time.

[amica999]

Look here:

http://www.topazlabs.com/blog/using-...1/#comment-874

[ksimmonds]

Now I get "procEngine: error code:-1000"

[amica999]

Originally Posted by ksimmonds

Now I get "procEngine: error code:-1000"

check your RAM, it may cause this prob

Comment by Louise on September 27, 2009 @ 6:45 am
I keep getting procEngine:errorcode:-1000 . I’m running CS4 on a Windows XP machine.
a Windows and Mac version.

@Louise: It looks like a memory problem. support[at]topazlabs.com would be better at handling this type of thing than me, but to start, try first reducing your Photoshop RAM in the Photoshop Preferences to about 60%. If that doesn’t work, try increasing to 85%. (Restart Photoshop after each try.)

[plugsnpixels]

All, download the free companion action from Topaz. I used it today (see here for my own custom examples and a link to the action). It set up the layer mask without a problem.

Just check the plug-in's documentation and you'll be good in minutes. And using the action, you can disregard some of the instructions since it does the work for you. I would just like to see the action choose the 50% gray brush color off the bat; I suppose one could modify it to do so.

I think you can ignore Lazyfruit; ReMask does a great job (I have ALL the top masking plug-ins) and ReMask was the most satisfying and least annoying to use ;-). And the cheapest of the commercial ones!

[skydog]

Plugs..I like it when you make comparison and recommendations...especially since you have access to the gambit of plug-ins!

[Steve Conway]

I think it only fair that you emphasize that this plugin works ONLY with Photoshop.

Like many others, I do not have or use PHotoshop. It may be the best plugin you can buy, but if you can't use it because you don't use Photoshop, it is of no use to you.

Steve C.

Originally Posted by plugsnpixels

All, download the free companion action from Topaz. I used it today (see here for my own custom examples and a link to the action). It set up the layer mask without a problem.

Just check the plug-in's documentation and you'll be good in minutes. And using the action, you can disregard some of the instructions since it does the work for you. I would just like to see the action choose the 50% gray brush color off the bat; I suppose one could modify it to do so.

I think you can ignore Lazyfruit; ReMask does a great job (I have ALL the top masking plug-ins) and ReMask was the most satisfying and least annoying to use ;-). And the cheapest of the commercial ones!

[Xaran]

procEngine: error code:-1000 appears to be a common problem with a few of the Topaz filters - the answer appears to be to increase virtual memory to 4GB or more.

Hope this helps

Christine

[Lazyfruit]

Plug n Pixels its obviously good practice to say ignore a comment about a product when your flogging the said product from your website, granted. The truth about all these masking plug ins is that they simply don't work for anything with slight confusion. I also have used all the available plug ins/filters and all of them are in my opinion useless, this Topaz one being no exception.

Learn to use the pen tool well, don't waste your money.

[plugsnpixels]

Skydog, I should do a head-to-head with several of these masking tools.

Steve, I should have noted the requirement for PS in my comment here in addition to my info page.

Lazyfruit, your very first post here was pretty negative and didn't offer any evidence to support your position, thus it was appropriate to recommend ignoring it. Nor does your second offer any.

If you were correct when you said "they simply don't work" and "all of them are in my opinion useless", no one would sell, buy or use any of these products, and obviously that is not the case.

If you want to cut out stray hair and fur with the Pen tool, power to you (and please post your results so we can be awed)! I don't deny the Pen's accuracy and cleanness, but there are times when you just don't want to go there.

[friiskiwi]

"procEngine: error code:-1000" is a lack of RAM, What Percent ram do you let PS use, if it's set to high, there is not enough left for Topaz. I changed mine to 70% and it works fine. I have only started playing around with Remask, but I think it has a lot of potential.

[amica999]

This is a reply I received from Topaz regarding the error: I suspect the image size as 8 gigs Ram should be sufficient :-)

Thanks for your message. I am happy to assist you with this issue.

This error message is also often related to memory and the size of an image. As a test, you can try using a smaller image and see if you still get the error message.

Also, please try reducing the amount of memory that Photoshop is allowed to use down to about 70%.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

--
Best Regards,

Ashley Robinson
Product Specialist & Topaz U Program Manager

[Lazyfruit]

Plugs n Pixels ok it was a negative post and it was my first (not sure why this is relevant though). I'm not trying to be antagonistic just simply stating the facts. The truth about these masking plug ins is that they can work on the right image where there is an obvious distinction between fore/background like in the examples shown. With the cat I can image it works pretty well but this would be an easy image to mask in various (free) ways. In the real world though images are rarely this clear cut and unless they are then this Topaz masking tool and the others do not generate IMO an acceptable mask. Hair is always a problem and remains a problem this is not a solution for problematic images.

[plugsnpixels]

Steve, I understand the developer is working on a non-PS host version of Remask for future release.

Lazyfruit, you have a relevant point about problematic images, though I'm suggesting if you want to be successful in getting it across, join the discussion with some viable alternate options and examples that support your premise rather than hitting the ground making a blanket statement saying, "don't bother its crap like all the other masking filters". Even if you are right with your "facts", you still have to defend such a statement.

This would be a good opportunity for us all to discuss the various methods (free and commercial) for extracting a mask of difficult subjects.

[ezpkns]

Originally Posted by Lazyfruit

don't bother its crap like all the other masking filters.

Like Fluid Mask and Mask Pro, it's imperfect, but much more helpful thatn the above quoted post.

What I like about it is that it creates a layer mask, instead of extracting the subject (deleting background) like Mask Pro and Fluid Mask (and the Extract filter for that matter). It seems excessively confident on the part of those other plugs that no further refining will be necessary.

What I don't like, is the memory management troubles...

Oh yeah, I also like the price.