AKVIS SmartMask Review: Features, Pros & Workflow

Mastering Selections with AKVIS SmartMaskAKVIS SmartMask is a specialized tool designed to make complex selections and masking tasks faster, more accurate, and more intuitive. Whether you’re cutting out hair, isolating products for e-commerce, replacing backgrounds, or compositing multiple elements into a single scene, SmartMask streamlines the process with tools built for both beginners and advanced users. This article will walk through key features, practical workflows, tips for tricky situations, and ways to integrate SmartMask into a broader editing workflow.

What is AKVIS SmartMask?

AKVIS SmartMask is a dedicated masking application that uses intelligent edge detection and auto-selection algorithms to create precise masks from complex images. It’s available both as a standalone program and as a plugin for popular image editors, enabling flexible use in different workflows. The tool focuses on speed and accuracy, providing specialized brushes and refinement controls that help isolate subjects from backgrounds with minimal manual effort.

Key Features Overview

• Intelligent edge detection for clean outlines
• Foreground/background brushes (Quick Mask, Keep, Remove)
• Smart Brush for automatic edge refinement
• Refine Edge controls (feathering, smoothing, contrast)
• Manual tools for fine-tuning (Lasso, Eraser)
• Output options: mask, cutout, transparent PNG, layered PSD
• Plugin and standalone operation for compatibility with most workflows

Preparing Your Image

Good results start with good inputs. Before applying SmartMask:

1. Work on a high-resolution image when possible—edges are easier to detect.
2. If using a plugin, convert the image layer to a rasterized layer if it’s a smart object or vector layer.
3. Do a quick global correction (exposure, contrast) if the subject and background have poor separation—SmartMask works best when there’s some contrast between foreground and background.

Basic Workflow: From Quick Selection to Final Mask

1. Open your image in SmartMask (standalone or plugin).
2. Use the Keep brush to roughly paint the subject. Don’t worry about precision—cover the entire subject.
3. Use the Remove brush to mark areas you definitely want to exclude (background).
4. Switch to the Smart Brush (or Quick Mask tool) to let the algorithm refine the boundary automatically.
5. Zoom in and use the Refine Edge controls to adjust feathering, smoothing, and contrast until edges look natural.
6. Use the Eraser and Lasso for final manual corrections.
7. Choose an output option (mask, cutout, or layered file) and save.

Handling Challenging Subjects

• Hair and fur: Use the Smart Brush at a smaller size and increase contrast in Refine Edge to capture fine strands. Output as a layered PSD or transparent PNG to preserve translucency.
• Transparent objects (glass, liquids): Use a combination of precise Keep/Remove strokes and manual touch-ups; sometimes masking in multiple passes (first the overall shape, then the edges) gives better control.
• Complex backgrounds: Paint extra Remove strokes on areas with similar tones to the subject to guide the algorithm, then refine edges manually.

Advanced Tips and Techniques

• Work in passes: Create an initial broad mask, then refine smaller edge details in subsequent passes.
• Combine with other tools: After exporting the cutout, use blending modes and manual dodging/burning in your main editor to better match lighting and color.
• Save intermediate masks: Exporting masks at different stages helps if you need to backtrack or try alternative composite ideas.
• Use edge-aware feathering: Subtle feathering avoids hard cutouts that look pasted; increase smoothing slightly to remove jagged edges.

Integrating SmartMask into Your Workflow

• As a plugin: Use SmartMask from within Photoshop or Affinity Photo to keep non-destructive workflows and access layer masks directly.
• As a standalone: Batch-process multiple images by opening them in SmartMask, especially useful for e-commerce where many similar product shots need consistent isolation.
• For compositing: Export subjects with transparent backgrounds and import into your composition software. Maintain higher bit-depth exports when color grading later.

Output Formats and When to Use Them

• Mask (grayscale): Best for further manual editing in Photoshop or for saving as a reusable selection.
• Cutout (transparent PNG): Quick use for web graphics and simple composites.
• Layered PSD/TIFF: Preserves layers and masks for non-destructive edits and complex compositing.
• Alpha channel: Useful when sending assets to video or 3D applications that require channel-based transparency.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

• Haloing around edges: Reduce feathering or use a smaller Smart Brush; check for color fringe and correct in your main editor.
• Loss of fine details: Decrease smoothing and increase contrast in the Refine Edge settings; manually paint hair/fur details if needed.
• Inconsistent masks across similar images: Use batch processing settings or create a mask template to standardize results.

Final Thoughts

AKVIS SmartMask is a powerful, time-saving tool for anyone who regularly needs accurate selections and masks. Its mix of automated intelligence and manual controls makes it flexible for a wide range of tasks—from quick cutouts to fine hair extractions for professional composites. With a few passes and some targeted refinement, SmartMask can significantly speed up masking work while maintaining high-quality results.

If you want, I can:

• Provide a step-by-step screenshot guide for a specific image.
• Create a short macro-style workflow for batch processing product photos.