AKVIS MultiBrush 5 adds drawing tools, layer editing
updated 11:30 am EDT, Fri April 30, 2010
Utility available standalone or as plug-in
AKVIS has released a major update to its photo enhancement and retouching software, MultiBrush, Version 5 now includes drawing tools, while allowing users to edit a photo in layers. The new Artistic Tools palette offers a variety of creative entries that mimic implements such as an oil brush, roller, felt-tip marker, chalk, artistic pencil, and artistic eraser.
The Standard Tools palette has also been expanded and improved, allowing users to take advantage of a spray tool and new parameters for customizing the color of pencils and brushes. The shape of a pencil and angle of brushes can now be adjusted, along with settings for the smudge tool.
Users can now edit an image using the Layers palette, which provides options for adding and reordering layers, or enabling and disabling visibility. Raster layers can be edited using the Standard Tools features, while artistic layers can be enhanced with the Artistic Tools palette. A Blending Options dialog provides further control over the interaction between each layer, with individual settings and 13 different blend modes.
Version 5 also brings several other general improvements including hotkey access for various tools and operations. Users can also hide or show hints and parameters in the settings panel to help clear out workspace.
MultiBrush 5 is now available directly from the company for $49, as a standalone program or plug-in for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Users of previous versions can use their existing license key for a free upgrade to v5.
