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The PROPER WAY to Use PHOTO AI as a PLUGIN

Education

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the correct method of using Topaz Lab's Photo AI as a plugin in Photoshop. Many photographers have faced difficulties when trying to use this tool, particularly wildlife photographers who frequently need to crop their images. We will delve into the issue they encounter and provide a step-by-step guide to using Photo AI to avoid this problem.

Before we proceed, it's worth mentioning that there is a new course available called "Mastering Topaz Labs Photo AI", specifically designed to help photographers learn and master this powerful tool. The course consists of 17 videos, each accompanied by a PDF outline that can be downloaded and printed. Additionally, all the files used in the videos are provided, allowing participants to follow along and practice at home. The course will be continuously updated as Topaz Labs releases new features or updates to Photo AI.

To access the course, visit [website link] and use the discount code provided in the video description below. Please note that the duration of the discount is uncertain, so it's advisable to take advantage of it while it lasts.

The Problem: Cropping and Upscaling in Photo AI Plugin

The issue that photographers often encounter when using Photo AI as a Photoshop plugin lies mainly with cropping, particularly when it comes to wildlife photography. To illustrate this problem, let's take an example of a photo of a chick on a fence. Suppose we want to crop the image tightly on the chick, removing most of the background.

In Photoshop, we would use the crop tool and select the desired ratio. After cropping, the image becomes smaller in size, reducing the number of pixels. At this point, if we go to "Image" and check the image size, we will notice a significant decrease from the original file. While the cropped image may still look appealing, it becomes challenging to print it in a larger size due to the reduced resolution.

Photographers typically turn to Photo AI for its upscaling capabilities. However, when using Photo AI as a Photoshop plugin, users face a problem. Upon launching Photo AI from the filter menu in Photoshop, the upscale and crop tools become disabled. This limitation hinders users from effectively upscaling or cropping their images within the plugin.

The Fix: Using the Automate Feature in Photoshop

The solution to this problem lies in utilizing the automate feature in Photoshop, which enables a seamless transfer of the image to Photo AI for upscaling or cropping. Here's how you can accomplish this:

  1. Duplicate the background layer by pressing Command/Control + J.
  2. Convert this new layer into a smart object by going to "Filter" and selecting "Convert for Smart Filters".
  3. With the new layer selected, go to "File" > "Automate" > "Topaz Photo AI". This action will open Photo AI as a separate window, specifically for the purpose of upscaling or cropping.
  4. In Photo AI, the autopilot feature will analyze the image and suggest enhancements needed. If upscaling is required, these options will now be available for selection.
  5. Choose the desired upscale settings and wait for the enhancement process to complete. This may take some time, depending on the complexity of the image and the chosen settings.
  6. Once the enhancement is done, exit Photo AI, and the upscaled or cropped image will appear in Photoshop as a separate layer.
  7. You can now continue editing the image in Photoshop or export it to your desired format.

By using the automate feature, photographers can bypass the limitations posed by using Photo AI as a Photoshop plugin and effectively upscale or crop their images within the plugin interface.

Keywords

Topaz Labs, Photo AI, Photoshop plugin, upscaling, cropping, automate feature, duplicate layer, smart object.

FAQ

Q: Can I re-edit the image after upscaling or cropping it in Photo AI using this method? A: Unfortunately, the automate feature method does not allow for re-editing once the image is transferred back to Photoshop. Therefore, it's essential to thoroughly analyze the image in Photo AI and adjust any necessary enhancements before finalizing the process.

Q: Is there a way to send an image to Photo AI for upscaling or cropping without using the automate feature? A: Currently, the automate feature is the recommended method for sending images to Photo AI when using it as a plugin in Photoshop. This method ensures that the necessary tools and options are available within Photo AI for upscaling or cropping.

Q: Does the automate feature work with other Photoshop plugins apart from Photo AI? A: Yes, the automate feature in Photoshop can be used with various plugins based on their compatibility. It allows seamless integration between Photoshop and the chosen plugin, facilitating efficient editing workflows.

Q: Can I use the automate feature to transfer multiple images simultaneously to Photo AI? A: Unfortunately, the automate feature in Photoshop can only transfer one image at a time to Photo AI. The process will need to be repeated for each image separately.

Q: Can the upscaled or cropped image be exported to different file formats other than JPEG? A: Yes, Photoshop allows exporting to various formats such as PNG, GIF, TIFF, and Photoshop files (PSD). This allows flexibility in choosing the file format that best suits your requirements.