Akvis has released version 16 of its Sketch application, which turns photos into pencil drawings. The new version adds numerous new features and lets a user make a snapshot during processing, add a watermark, erase pencil lines, and more. The standalone edition now comes with a smart non-destructive Crop tool, whereas the plugin offers improved compatibility with Adobe Photoshop CC 2014 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 13. All owners of Sketch v.9-15 can upgrade to version 16 for free by downloading and installing the updated software.

Akvis Press Release

AKVIS Sketch 16 Major Update Available! New Tools & Features

November 20, 2014 — AKVIS announces the release of AKVIS Sketch V.16. The software turns photos into pencil drawings. The new version adds numerous new features and lets a user make a snapshot during processing, add a watermark, erase pencil lines, etc.

AKVIS is glad to announce the major update of AKVIS Sketch, the leading photo to sketch conversion software for Windows and Mac OS X. The product comes as a standalone application and as a Photoshop plugin filter.

AKVIS Sketch lets you create color drawings and B&W sketches from your photos, imitate the technique of graphite and color pencil. Adjusting the settings, it's also possible to add some painting effects like watercolor, pastel, and charcoal to the picture. The software competes with hand drawn art! It's a wonderful tool for those who have always wanted to draw but didn't know how.

The program can operate in various drawing styles and includes a number of ready-to-use presets which help you create a wide variety of digital artworks. The software makes your photo look like a real drawing.

The new version provides significant improvements, more flexibility, and new features and tools!

In Version 16:

• Added the Snapshot button to the progress bar for making a shot during the image processing. Such manual snapshots appear in the Timeline list together with the other stepwise shots created by the program. (Deluxe/Business)
• Added the possibility to pin your favorite snapshots to save them in the Timeline when changing the parameters. (Deluxe/Business)
• Added the post-processing tools - the Pencil and Eraser which let you edit the result and add a handmade touch to your sketch, and the History Brush for fading the drawing effect on certain parts of the image. (Deluxe/Business)
• Added the smart non-destructive Crop tool to the standalone version.
• Increased the quick preview area. Now the default value is 500 px, the maximum value is 1,000 px. The size can be adjusted in the Preferences dialog.
• Improved the Text tab. In the new version, you can not only type a text but also place a logo or a scanned signature to protect your drawing. Now it's possible to locate your text or an image in the center of the drawing and change its opacity that lets you create a watermark effect.
• Added the new Dark interface style that can be chosen in the Preferences dialog.
• Extended the list of the supported RAW files from various cameras.
• Added official support for the new Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
• Improved compatibility of the plugin with Adobe Photoshop CC 2014, Adobe Photoshop Elements 13.
• Fixed bugs and interface glitches.

For a free trial, AKVIS offers 10 days of fully functional use. Details are available at the Product Page.

All owners of Sketch v.9-15 can upgrade to version 16 for free by downloading and installing the updated software. Those who have an older version v.1-8 need to pay an upgrade fee for the latest version.

The software runs on Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win 8 and on Mac OS X 10.6-10.10.

AKVIS Sketch, Home license, sells for $72 or €55. The functionality of the program depends on the license type.

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