Fluid Mask 3 released by Vertus

Version 3 is to provide speed increases, new functionality and the ability to run as a standalone application.

The task of selecting hair even from a neutral background is challenging task for quite a number of selection tools producers. With KnockOut, MaskPro and EZMask taking the challenge Fluid Mask, from Vertus, takes it’s own approach to masking by using something it calls an Image Information Layer, a meta-data layer of image data consisting of edge, texture and color information pulled from image selections. This provides several advantages, such as smooth separation of edges and color transitions; synchronous blending and masking; preservation of maximum detail at the blended transitions; and increased speed, due to a smaller amount of image data being manipulated.

Fluid Mask 3 provides a new Color Workspace and Color Sampler for making more precise color-based mask selections. Cutting out hair accurately has always been problematic and Fluid Mask has addressed this with a new hair blending algorithm that is said to be able to extract adjacent dark and light hair from a neutral background. A new set of tools makes it possible to isolate a difficult area and apply alternative edge finding and blending techniques just to that area. In addition, the number of mask brushes has been increased, with mask size now controlled via pressure-sensitive pens.

Fluid Mask 3 works with Mac and PC Photoshop-compatible applications, and can be purchased on the Vertus site for $239. Trial versions are also available for download.