Anthropics has announced that an update to its image editing software, Portrait Professional 9, is available as both a standalone application and a Photoshop plug-in. The software allows users to airbrush photographs to correct undesirable skin appearance. Portrait Professional 9 utilizes the new ClearSkin technology and is claimed to be programed with a knowledge base of "human beauty," referenced to automatically fix pictures.

The update also features various tools to improve the look of skin, notably the Intelligent Touch-up Brush that replaces the selected skin with a clearer, natural skin tone. The software is able to work with profile shots and features a face-shape enhancement tool. The program also includes enhancement tools for teeth and eyes. The update improves speed, with optimizations geared for multi-processor systems.

Portrait Professional 9 requires Mac OS X 10.4 and is immediately available from the Portrait Professional website. Anthropics is currently selling the application for $70, but will increase this price to $100 in July.