KPT Convolver

Kai's Power Tools Convolution Kernel Explorer, or KPT Convolver, fromMetaTools (formerly HSC Software) is one of the first plug-in suites forPhotoshop to go native for 32 bits. It seamlessly integrates into Photoshop3.0.5. Convolver for Windows NT and Windows 95 provides a unified interactiveapproach for changing and correcting image details such as color, contrast, hue,saturation, sharpness, edges, and so forth. These visual effects taken togethermake up the convolution kernel (a mathematical 3D space), and with KPT'sunique user interface (see screen A), you have complete control over editing andcorrecting these details, as well as creating new and different effects.

Is this program intuitive? That depends on you. If you are easily confusedby a completely graphical representation of information, then you may have aproblem. Otherwise, you'll get used to Convolver's automatic-highlight buttons,click-and-drag effects, and off-kilter menu system. If you've used other KPTproducts, you'll like the fact that Convolver works just like the rest of them.

Convolver offers three distinct operating modes that you can work in:

When you activate Convolver, it samples the entire image and gives you asmaller version to work on so you can see quick results. The preview mode canwork either as a full-sized preview or as a grid of 15 variations. Each modegives you varying degrees of control.

The Explore mode has three main controls:

The Design mode works like Explore but grants direct access to each effect,its intensity, and its interaction with other effects. In Design, you only getthe grid/tile presentation, instead of the full preview, so you can see theresults in varying degrees of intensity.

The Tweak mode allows you to get "down and dirty" with eacheffect and give the image that extra little "tweak" to make itperfect. You can fiddle with the edge angle, relief amount (for embossing), hue,tint, and others.

One interesting feature in Convolver is that it uses "stars,"which are similar to the little gold stars you earned from your first-gradeteacher. Stars are satisfying and annoying, in equal parts. You acquire them byusing different parts of the filter in different ways. (I got two stars justplaying around with it!) With each star, you get more access to functions withinthe program. Although I was unable to accurately determine what my extendedaccess granted me, the dialog assured me that I had achieved something and nowhad new "expert" privileges. This may be a reasonably fun way tomotivate you to try things, but I couldn't help but be irked that something waswithheld from me at the start.

Convolver's documenta-tion is well-written and has plenty of diagrams in a "guidedtour" format. If you enjoy just sitting and playing around with images,this application is worth the investment. Even if you don't want to play, it'sstill worth the money because Convolver contributes real value to theimage-editing process.