August, 2009 - AKVIS Software Inc. proves once again that there is no end to perfection and releases version 9.0  of AKVIS Sketch for Windows and Macintosh. The software converts photos to color and B&W pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. Version 9.0 has a new improved algorithm for photo-to-sketch conversion, adds a new parameter field for edge definition, adds the possibility to manipulate the saturation of  color pencil  drawings and much more.  This version  competes with hand drawn art in flexibility and will spur the creativity of the user.

AKVIS Sketch is an award-winning program for conversion of photos into pencil sketches and watercolor paintings. The program has already won  the recognition of   professionals and delighted home users with its neat results.  However, there is no end to perfection and  the company released a new version of  AKVIS Sketch with many improvements.

With AKVIS Sketch you do not need to handle a pencil to feel like an artist. All you need to create your original work of art is good taste and AKVIS Sketch. Make any photo look like a B&W or color drawing, imitate the technique of graphite or color pencil, charcoal or watercolor painting.

The program works in an entertaining way. You can observe the conversion of a photo into a drawing or watercolor painting in real time and even interrupt the process (Esc button) when the required result is achieved.

Once you have converted your photo into a drawing, you can add some special effects (the Background tab).  Create a blend of a drawing and a photo; imitate motion or add a "time machine effect" by swirling the background. Put an accent to certain parts of the image by blurring the rest of it in an artistic way. It is especially useful when the final drawing contains too many details in the background that divert attention.

Also, the parameters on the Canvas tab let you add a rough surface to your image, as if it has been drawn on canvas, corrugated paper, brick wall, etc.

It is also possible to add a signature or a greeting to your pencil drawings to personalize the work of art.

Version 9.0 of AKVIS Sketch has a new improved algorithm for photo-to-sketch conversion (the option to use the old algorithm remains). The program has a new parameter field for edge definition. Now it is possible to manipulate the thickness and sharpness of the outlines.

The version adds the possibility to change the saturation of color strokes  when using color pencil drawing mode (check-box Color Pencil).

Added 7 ready-to-use AKVIS presets (B&W Sketch, WaterColor, Charcoal Low, Charcoal High, Color Pencil Low, Color Pencil High, Pastel).

Also it is now possible to import/export  a list of presets.

Many photo editing enthusiasts have already appreciated the Sketch’ s features. Take a look at the examples gallery (many created by users) at http://akvis.com/en/sketch/examples-pencil-drawing.php

Sketch can be useful on many occasions. Surprise your friends and relatives by presenting them with their pencil portraits. Make a watercolor drawing out of a photo from your last nature shooting to decorate your room. Convert your own photo into a color sketch to print on a T-shirt. Create a comic out of your party videos.

The program can be helpful to designers who need to quickly bring images to one style for a web-site or an advertisement booklet.

Using batch processing in Photoshop or Paint Shop pro (only for the plug-in version) you can even convert a film into a cartoon. Like here: http://akvis.com/en/sketch-tutorial/cartoon-film.php

For a free trial, AKVIS offers 10 days of fully functional use. Details are available at http://akvis.com/en/sketch/index.php

AKVIS Sketch is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor.

The plugin version of AKVIS Sketch  is compatible with Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, Corel Painter, Corel Photo-Paint, and Paint Shop Pro, and PhotoImpact. AKVIS Sketch runs on Microsoft Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista and on Macintosh Mac OS X 10.4-10.5.

AKVIS Sketch Home License (plug-in or standalone) sells for $72 USD or 55 Euro,  downloadable from www.akvis.com . Registered users of the previous versions can ugrade to version 9.0 for $39. Home users can enjoy the full line of AKVIS plugins in the AKVIS Alchemy bundle (Sketch, Chameleon, MultiBrush, Retoucher, Coloriage, Noise Buster,  Decorator, Enhancer, LightShop, SmartMask, ArtSuite, Magnifier and ArtWork) for USD $325 USD, huge savings over purchasing each separately. For business licenses consult the official web-site. One license key allows activating the software on two computers, for example, on a desktop and a laptop.

# # #

AKVIS Sketch 9.0 in use. Screenshot provided by AKVIS Software Inc.