I’ve made some big changes to my Noise Reduction and Sharpening workflow recently, so I thought I’d share. While I’ve always had a good noise reduction workflow overall, I have seen opportunities to make it better. As for sharpening… well… it’s NEVER really been good with Adobe and I’m excited at what I’m now able to do. Enjoy!
NOTE: Got Topaz Questions? I’ve created a little learning center that may help. Click Here.
PS: If you’re considering buying or renewing your Topaz license, I’d appreciate if you click here and use my link. I do get a small commission that helps take my wife out to dinner 😉 And if you do use the link, I’ll throw in a PDF Shortcut Guide for Topaz Photo AI as a thank you (see below).
I love teaching and photography... In that order. I feel that enjoying photography, and photo editing can get WAY too complicated. So my personal mission (and favorite thing to do), is to create education that simplifies the process of taking great photos, and how to edit them to get the results you’ve always wanted.
Hey Matt, I purchased Topaz Photo AI after watching the video. When will I get the Free ShortCut Guide PDF?
Hi. Please go to Matt.com/topaz and fill out the form.
Hi Matt,
I have used Topaz software for several years, and I could use a detailed explanation of the new comprehensive program.
Will your upcoming course include updates, as Topaz introduces new features? That would be a definite plus for me.
Cheers,
Jim
Hi Jim. The course is out. Unfortunately I’m not committing to extended updates as Topaz does tend to change things drastically sometimes. But as long as I can update it for free, I will. Thanks.
Hey Matt, I noticed there is a black friday bundle deal. Do you know if there will be a deal for just photo AI and Gigapixel bundle?
I don’t. I don’t really communicate with Topaz in any way. I just like their software
I have been using Photo AI since it first came out and still am. I only use it when I cannot get the results, I want inside of Lightroom Classic. I rarely sharpen inside of Photoshop. The majority of my Landscape images do great in Lightroom but my Wildlife and Macro shots, usually done handheld I can only get the level of sharpening and upsizing I need in Topaz Photo AI.
Also, I would like your Free Photo AI shortcut guide. I am sure there will be some pointers in there that I do not know.
A question, is your new course on Topaz Photo AI + Adobe workflow that much different from the Topaz Deep Dive course you came out a few years ago? I purchased it and completed it years ago and it helped me start my journey using Topaz products.
Is Gigapixel now included in Photo AI? I am renewing using your link, thank you for the great video
Hi. Maybe checkout the video at the top of this page and there’s one about halfway down that should help: https://mattk.com/topaz-photo-ai
Thanks.
Hi Matt
I have always trusted your information and I did with topaz as well. The movement of a raw file from topaz as a plugin is not working and the support is very slow and only available via email. Have you checked out all the problems people are having on the Topaz forums? It is not good.
Hi Sue. I have looked at the forums and it looks like just about every support forum on the internet. It’s the same group of people discussing the issue. Out of all the posts I generally saw the same 10 names. That’s not to say it’s not an issue, but it doesn’t appear to be a major widespread issue. However, I do understand it is a problem for those that have it and that’s frustrating. Hopefully you’re able to get it resolved soon. Thanks.
Thank you for this information. I was wondering, are you doing the upsizing in Photo AI?
Also, do you do any color corrections, masking, etc. before you send to Topaz?
Hi. If I’m in Photo AI I will upsize there as well. If I’m doing noise reduction and sharpening, I usually do it first before anything else. And the workflow is covered in my new course if you’re interested. Thanks!
Interesting video. There’s no doubt that the Topaz result looks good, but I’m not sure that your video proves that it’s better than Adobe. You showed a LrC sharpening setting and a PS smart sharpen setting which you used as a comparison, but, in my view, they were completely the wrong settings to optimise sharpening for this subject. No doubt you tried different Adobe settings and came to the same conclusion but it’s definitely worth readers learning how to optimise Adobe sharpening for different subjects. Keep up the good work Matt.
Hi Martin. I disagree, but I’m glad the sharpening tools work for you. As a 30 year user of Photoshop and Lightroom since the day it came out, I don’t feel the sharpening tools measure up in the least bit no matter what settings you choose. Just my opinion though. Thanks.
I just ordered the bundle. Don’t think I will use the video one , but the other two for sure. Your video demo was a deciding factor in placing the order. Please send your pdf topazphoto AI
Thanks
Hi. Please fill out the form on the page linked above. Thanks.
I’ve loved Photo AI since it first came out, and I don’t use sharpening or denoise in Lightroom. I used the link to renew my subscription for the current update products! Thanks.
How do I get a copy of the PDF that goes along with Topaz. I believe I ordered it through the link after I watched your video.
Hi. Please click the PDF link image on this page and fill out the form. Thanks!
Can the RAW edits be done in camera Raw or only through LightRoom?
Used your link to purchase Photo AI.
I see where to notify you to get the PDF short cut you mentioned.
Let me know how that works.
Thanks
I guess I’m the only person who’s unable to find the discounted price on Topaz –? I see the bundle price, but I don’t need all the products. Also, the original prices look inflated to me, compared to what I paid in the past. Could someone clue me in on where I may be going wrong? (thanks! and thanks to Matt for the videos — very useful)
Hi Matt,
I renewed 2 weeks ago!!! Is there any way that I could get the Free Pdf. I find all yor work so helpful.
Mike
Hi. Shoot me an email through the site please.
Sandy, if you log into your Topaz account, and scroll down it will tell you what you need. I upgraded my Photo AI and Gigipixel, but that’s all. Cost me $54+$84. I hope this helps!
Sounds like a good deal. My question is does it work on jepgs. I have been working on gifts for family and would like to improve the original photos but not many of them are dng. files. Went through a period of time when I got rid of old raw files, not smart but didn’t ever imagine the improvements that would be available 20 years later.
Hi. It works on any image format. Thanks!
Matt
How does the upscaling feature in the current version of Topaz AI compare with Gigapixel ?
Matt, can we take advantage of the Black Friday deals with your link?
Absolutely! Just click and everything else is the same
Yep. Just click the link. Everything else on Topaz’s website is the same. Thanks.
I already have Topaz AI and have used it for 4 years. Is there any way to get the FREE PDF Guide? MY renewal is not until Sept 2025 for my next renewal , so Iit would not be in my benefit to purchase a second license.
OK. I’m going to have to upgrade my TOPAZ license and give it another try!
Great video. I’m looking forward to trying Topaz again. I had stopped using Topaz because I found that sometimes it seemed to add some weird artifacts when I tried to sharpen a jpg of a 50-year old (or older) photo. It seems to work much better when sharpening RAW images. I was going to let my subscription lapse, but have downloaded all the updates and will try it again.
It wasn’t clear to me where in your workflow do you use Topaz. In the past, I’ve used it at the end. Also, do you use lightroom sharpening & de-noise first, or do it entirely in Topaz?
Thanks
Hi. I use it first if I’m doing noise or sharpening. Thanks!
That looks great – but I only use LR Desktop not Classic and the edit RAW in Topaz link does not seem available there – somehow I have to get the RAW file from the Adobe cloud ???
Hi. Just find your raw file and open it in Topaz. Since there is no catalog or import, the resulting file will show up in LR Desktop just like all of your other photos. Video coming out today about it too btw… Thanks.
I’m looking forward to the new course!!!! Can’t wait!!!
An interesting feature of Photo AI is that one can choose between different AI models for sharpening and also the strength with which the model is applied. The feature I’m currently missing in PhotoAI is the possibility to compare my photo sharpened with tow different models, to see side by side and with the slider, which version I like more. Currently one can only compare improved vs. original image, which is excellent, but the other feature would help too.
For me Photo AI as an essential part of my workflow, since it became available. Before I used Denoise and Sharpening from Topaz. PhotoAI helped to remove one extra step and adds a lot of flexibility by allowing to apply different denoise and sharpening models to different selections of an image.
I have been using Topaz for years, pretty much for the case that you have here – wildlife photos at high ISO. When Adobe introduced the AI denoise in Lightroom I pretty much stopped using Topaz as most of the time I felt like I didn’t need it. One exception is that I did occasionally use Gigapixel for upsizing (which seemed to do a better job than upsizing in Photo AI). I let my Topaz license expire a while ago so I’ve been on an older version. After seeing your video, I believe I am going back to renew my license. Thanks for sharing this!
I’ve been using Topaz Photo AI since its launch. V3.3 seems to have been a backward step based on a serfies of shots I took last Saturday of a steam loco travelling at 45mph and around 500yds away. I shot very fast (1/500s), f/8 aperture, auto ISO and I panned using a monopod as a support. My full-frame mirrorless Nikon image needed to be cropped tpo bring the train forward and avoid some line-side clutter but I found in post that Topaz added artifacts around the number on the loco boiler. That is disappointing for a program that, like you, I advocated for a couple of years.
It means I am debating whether to stick with what used to be a very good program and will wait to see how Topaz develops before extending my license.
Dis you use preserve text?
Hi Matt, So impressed with this I have downloaded Topaz AI Hopefully through this talk!! not sure but I do enjoy your sensible approach. I hate having to carry heavy gear. So hopefully I can do the same start of sharpening my photos. I do hope I do see your work flow with this!
I don’t think I went through your link so can’t get your work flow!
Hi Matt! Topaz AI is downloading as I write this; am so very excited! Two things:
First, I had to chuckle in relief when you said how cumbersome it was for you to carry so much gear on a landscape shoot … for the same reason, I have almost stopped shooting land and city scapes. My back just will no longer allow me to carry a lot, so I have been hand holding my work for the last two years. However, I really did not like the results of my images – even after Adobe sharpening. But now … I am so psyched to get back out there!
Secondly, a few years ago, my brother and I discovered many photos of ancestors in Germany – photos we did not know existed. So of course, as the “family photographer”, the task of cleaning them up and preserving them digitally fell to me. (Yay, me) They were okay, but now I suspect I can re-do them to make them look even better!
Thank you so much for publishing this Topaz video!! I cannot wait to get started!
Terrific video, Matt. Wondering if you’ve done a comparison with ON1 photo raw? Thanks
I haven’t and don’t really plan to. I’m not trying to test all software. I’m trying to find something that works and then get back to the good stuff. For me, I stopped using ON1 software a number of years ago. Thanks.
Thank you, I was going to upgrade to Topaz AI
Great video
Great explanation and video showing those very significant differences. I’ve been seeing great results when I use Topaz Photo AI as a plugin. I’m also seeing the need to change my workflow again too. I will use your link to renew my TPAI program. Thanks Matt!
Matt, I’ve been using PhotoAI for a while now and I run into an issue where apply denoise and it looks great on a lot of the photo, but leaves random patches of noise. Have you experienced this and do you have any suggestions on how to avoid? I’ve tried reducing the amount of noise reduction but by the time the patches go away the noise is back to annoying levels.
I gotta agree. For the longest time, I was “too good,” to use auto-iso. To make a long story short I am now an auto-iso.Topaz nut. On marginal people pictures, their face recovery is mind-blowing.
Thanks,
Joe
Hi Matt,
I’m so glad you are addressing this. I was using Photo AI for everything until Denoise in LR came along, and now I haven’t used it so much. Many of my photos in Photo AI were looking a bit cartoonish or too sharp. So I appreciate your reminder of using the Opacity slider which I hadn’t thought of.
Question: Do you use Any sharpen or denoise before you take it into Photo AI? And am I correct in understanding that you prefer using the plug-in extras rather than the “edit-in” way of taking the photo into Photo AI? Do you completely bypass Photoshop? I’m a little confused there.
Thanks so much,
Jules
Matt–I’m looking forward to your course re. Topaz and seeing how it can help my workflow. Hope you can release it soon!
I’ve noticed that when I drop my Canon .CR2 and .CR3 raw files straight into Topaz Photo AI (for several versions now, including my update today), some very unwelcome effects result: (1) the image is globally darkened by 0.9 f/stop, (2) skin tones have their reds and oranges boosted to painfully artificial levels, (3) skin texture is smoothed to plastic-doll levels (not at all desirable on male or female athletes’ faces), and (4) the .DNG or .TIFF output from Topaz does not align with the original raw image–so I cannot quickly mask away the worst of the distortion. Topaz technical support said that Topaz simply doesn’t handle Canon raw files all that well, an astonishing and depressing omission if it’s true. With great regret, I have had to abandon that approach. Have you noticed any similar oddities when you process your Sony raw files in Topaz?
I do still use Topaz on virtually all my images, but via the Photoshop plugin option and with liberal use of masking to mitigate the worst skin softening and hair oversharpening–means my workflow is far slower than I’d like, but the results are far better than Topaz can do on its own with the raw file.
Just ordered Topaz Photo AI via your link! Thanks so much!
I greatly appreciate your recognition that workflows need to change. I’ve modestly or heavily changed mine every 9 months, often under guidance from one of your courses; and my photos are distinctly better than they were earlier.
Great video again thanks Matt.
I’m still on the old version, but have been editing a lot of bird photos lately and have found exactly what you said. No need to use LR Denoise first, just go straight to Topaz.
I use Topaz Denoise AI as a plug-in. I tried Topaz Photo AI, but was a little confused as to how to proceed with using it. I would appreciate some guidance on how to use Topaz Photo AI.
I know not the normal use for this software, but how does it do on phone photos? We all know they could use help at times.
Hi Jen. There is a free trial so give it a whirl and see. It works well on low quality photos though.
Topaz is great. Thanks for the tip. Already have a Topaz license.
Fingers crossed I got the upgrade using your link, had to sign in. My Photo AI ran out in early May, so it was time. Does the new version work better with text? I noticed the preserve text button was gone. I always got a garbled mess with text and had to mask it out.
When were you in Venice? Had two wonderful days there in May.
Hi Chris. Back in 2019 I think. Thanks!
Hi Matt,
I was just wondering if you had compared Topaz Photo AI 3 to DXO Photo RAW 4 and, if so, which one you thought was better? I have an older version of Photo AI but was wondering about the DXO software as well. If I decide to get the Topaz upgrade, I will certainly use your link. Thanks in advance for your opinion on this matter.
Matt~
I already have Topaz Denoise AI, Photo AI, Sharpen AI and Studio. Is this an update version that I can simply apply to my existing licenses?
Thank you!
Cindy
Hi Cindy. DeNoise and Sharpen were discontinued about two years ago. Thanks!
Thanks for this video, I plan to add watching it to my “pay better attention” and watch again list, btw, I always enjoy your presentations for both style and substance. Al
Matt: In using TPAI with the raw image processing, when are you applying the develop module adjustments in LR?
I used your link and bought the upgrade for Photo AI, but there was no mention of the shortcut PDF. How do I go about getting it?
Thanks for the very helpful video and the review of the Sony A 1 Mark 2.
Do you have to use Lightroom Classic in order to use this in your Raw workflow the way you demonstrated? I use Lightroom desktop (not Classic).
Hi. Sure just right click photo… show in finder/explorer … open in Topaz. I’ll share a video tomorrow.
Matt, I have Topaz photo AI, but I don’t like the way it puts a white line around the edge with sharpening. For instance, your little bird had a big white line arount the beak. How do you get rid of that? I’d love to get your guide, but I don’t want to upgrade unless I can figure out how not to get those obvious over-sharpening lines.
I don’t see it and if not zoomed in it’s not a problem. If it is, sharpen less. Remember this is an extreme example and far better than the original so if I gave a small outline I’ll take it compared to alternatives.
But again.. if you don’t just sharpen less.
Hi Matt:
will the Topaz program work with Lightroom as well as Lightroom Classic.
Thanks for the info.
Jeff Lane
Hi Matt, I already have automatic updates for photo AI
I purchased extra Cloud credits through your link, which cost€50.
Many thanks for your great information and guidance.
Michael
Love Topaz!
Question, with these new topaz options, are you now using Lightroom Classis instead of Lightroom?
No. I can’t think of anything that would get me back to classic 🙂
It’s even easier in LR since there’s no catalog. I just open my photo in Topaz. I’ll share w video tomorrow
I upgraded Topaz Photo AI April 14, 2023. I went to your link and I only get something that I can buy it for $199. I am sure this is operator error (me) but can you let me know what to do?
Here is an add-on to my note … I got something from Topaz to renew for Black Friday sale for $85/year. I would rather use your link and help you out plus get the PDF but I need some direction.
If you click my link you still get the same prices from topaz
Thanks!
Hi Leslie. If you click my link any deal for your account from topaz is the same. If you go from my link I’ll get a little extra something from it. Thank you!
I’ve been shooting landscapes for about 5 years but just started doing bird photography. As you demonstrate in your video, I have to crop pretty aggressively to make a decent photo. Thank you for this timely video; I’ve updated my license for $84 and now I can’t wait to re-do some of my bird photos. I hope you get enough people upgrading or purchasing to take your wife out for a nice dinner!
Thanks for all the videos you put out. I ordered the 2024 PS Virtual Summit because of you and enjoyed it thoroughly! All the best!
Thank you! 🙂
Thanks for this video, Matt. I’ve been holding off on upgrading my Topaz license, but your video convinced me to do so. I did so using your link.
Do you consider Topaz’s Photo Ai to be superior to the their stand-alone Sharpen and Denoise programs? I have those 2 and don’t know if the difference between the AI product and what I have is worth the cost of the upgrade.
Thanks.
It’s my understanding that the standalone noise and sharpening programs have been discontinued – replaced by AI which handles all of it.
Hi. The individual apps are discontinued. Thanks
Thanks for this! I just bought Photo AI. Clicked your link to do it, but I’m not sure if it worked or not as the final checkout page didn’t say anything about you. 🙂 If it did work, could you send me that PDF? Thanks!
Thanks for this video Matt. I’ve been holding off on upgrading my Topaz license (2022) for a while now. This was the little push I needed. Upgraded today using your link. Glad I could send a few pesos your way at the same time.
Hey Matt. Thanks for the heads up on the Topaz special. I have an older version of Topaz. When I click on the link it takes me to purchase it and shows an upgrade price and also the purchase price of $199.00. When I go to fill in the form, it doesn’t give me an option for the upgrade!
Any suggestions?
Hi, Matt – good video (as usual!). I have been using Topaz products for several years (perhaps due to you?). When PhotoAI came out I tested and and was pretty pleased with the results. With their new upgrade including addition of the Super Focus Beta, I have been really pleased with the Topaz Photo AI.
Of note, I still find the Topaz DeNoise to be a bit more effective than then Denoise feature embedded into PhotoAI. Thus, one of my first steps in my workflow is to do Topaz Denoise initially then go to PhotoAI.
Thanks for the hints and I hope to see your PDF on Topaz PhotoAI someday soon.
Hi Matt – have been using Topaz for a while and find your illustration very interesting. Nevertheless I look forward to a course on how to improve the result by using the tool in manual mode and overriding the automatic. It would also be nice to use it for local adjustments.
Hi Matt, timely video. I have been giving Topaz ‘attaboys’ for several weeks. I just upgraded on your dime. I have heard Kelby talk talk about not having Topaz Sharpen anymore. They need to catch up. Appreciate your video. I learned that I have not been using Photo AI to its full extent.
Been a long time follower. Clear back to PS2.
Take Care and Stay Safe!
Hi Matt, My workflow is based upon Lightroom instead of Lightroom classic, so I can’t take advantage of the better results when passing Topaz a raw file vs a tif when used as a plug-in, but I still use it and recommend it. I agree that it certainly can save some photos that were beyond the capabilities of Adobe’s tools, thus it’s very much worth the cost. I have used Topaz as a stand-alone and agree that the results are better when it has a raw file to use. If I have Lightroom running when I export from Topaz, I can see the dng in Lightroom but have to restart it to be able to process it.
Hi Matt. Thanks for another great video! Unfortunately I upgraded my Photo AI a few hours before I got your email 🙁 I’d love that ebook though 😉
Went out and looked. I am currently a user at 3.19. I did not how buying now would extend my license.
Hello.
I saw your demonstration of sharpening the bird image with Topaz AI. I would like to point out that after performing the operation you get a white stripe around the bird’s beak and this must be solved in some way. I have Topaz AI and I use it sometimes. To sharpen it better I have another way.
Thank you very much.
When you brought the photo in to Topaz you did it from LRc can you do the same from LR cloud?
Yes but remember the LR is just looking at the folder, so just open the file directly into Topaz. There is no catalog.
I have been a long time subscriber to the Topaz products – although I have Photo AI I still prefer the standalone Topaz denoise
Would love to get a copy of your Photo AI guide – perhaps that would encourage me to switch to using the Photo AI more than the standalone Denoise.
Topaz DeNoise is discontinued. It hasn’t been updated in years. My guide won’t work with that. It’s keyboard shortcuts for Photo AI which is totally different. Thanks!
How do you integrate Topaz into photoshop/LR?
I think the results are pretty good but as you mentioned, I don’t care for the painterly effect. That’s probably from the Ai.
Personally I prefer the results from DxO Photolab, especially the latest version. I shoot with OM system cameras and lenses, so with the smaller sensor, denoising and sharpening are paramount in my workflow. Also the speed of Photolab (around 10 seconds per image) is quite a bit faster than Topaz.
been a long time subscriber to Topaz products. Sorry I missed the opportunity to get your Shortguide
So sorry Matt, bought Photo AI 10 minutes before your emaiol landed