How to Use Topaz Mask AI for Perfect Image Cutouts

Topaz Mask AI is a discontinued, specialized photo editing software developed by Topaz Labs designed to automate and simplify complex image masking and background removal using machine learning. Released in late 2019, it was highly regarded for replacing tedious manual brushwork with an intuitive AI-driven process. However, Topaz Labs has officially retired the standalone app, rolling its core masking features directly into their comprehensive modern flagship software, Topaz Photo AI. Core Features and “Trimap” Workflow

The software operated as both a standalone application and a plugin for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. It gained popularity due to its unique “Trimap” system:

Green (Keep): Users painted or filled areas they wanted to remain in the photo.

Red (Cut): Users marked the background areas they wanted to discard.

Blue (Compute): Users drew roughly along the trickiest edges (like hair, fur, or tree branches). The AI focused its computing power on these borders to separate intricate details flawlessly.

Auto-Detection: Dedicated buttons allowed the AI to automatically scan and identify subjects or skies with a single click. Dedicated Masking Modes

Mask AI featured three specific algorithm models to handle different types of photo elements:

AI Model: The standard machine learning mode optimized for complex masking jobs like wildlife fur or complex portrait hair.

Contrast Mode: Better suited for straightforward subjects with clean, straight lines or high contrast against the background.

Translucent Mode: Specifically tuned for semi-transparent elements such as wedding veils, sheer fabric, glass, or water spray. Editing Post-Masking

Once a mask was computed, the software provided tools for instant background manipulation within the app:

Refinement Sliders: Options to adjust edge hardness, shift edges, defringe color bleeding, and recover lost foreground details.

Background Replacement: Users could cleanly swap out the background for a solid color, drop in an entirely new image, or apply realistic background blurring to simulate shallow depth of field.

Watch how the software utilizes its unique color-coded brush system to quickly isolate complex subjects: Topaz Labs MASK AI Tutorial Anthony Morganti YouTube · May 26, 2020 Current Status Topaz Labs MASK AI Tutorial