: In 2018, this was the gold standard for noise reduction. Unlike Photoshop’s native filters, it was remarkably effective at removing grain while preserving the underlying textures of skin, fabric, or feathers.
Today, Topaz Labs has largely retired these individual plugins in favor of , which automates the processes of Sharpen, DeNoise, and Gigapixel into one interface. However, many "old school" editors still seek out the 2018 versions for tools like Adjust and B&W Effects because of the specific aesthetic and manual control they offered over the modern, automated AI alternatives. Topaz Labs Photoshop Plugins Bundle (09.2018)
: Designed to improve impact through intelligent contrast, Clarity focused on the midtones to give images a three-dimensional feel without oversaturating the colors. : In 2018, this was the gold standard for noise reduction
: These were the "artistic" pillars of the bundle. Impression allowed users to turn photos into paintings with realistic brushstrokes, while Glow focused on light-tracing effects and neon-like luminescence. Why 2018 Was Significant However, many "old school" editors still seek out
By late 2018, Topaz Labs had established a reputation for creating highly specialized tools that focused on solving specific photographic problems: noise, clarity, detail, and artistic stylization. While many of these individual tools have since been consolidated into the "Photo AI" platform, the 2018 bundle was prized for its granular control. Key Components of the September 2018 Suite
: A lifesaver for complex selections, ReMask used a "tri-map" system (green for keep, red for cut, blue for compute) to handle difficult extractions like hair, fur, and translucent veils.
: Often cited as a competitor to Silver Efex Pro, this plugin offered a massive library of historical film presets (like Kodak Tri-X or Ilford) and advanced toning tools for fine-art monochrome conversions.