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Topaz Photo AI 3.4.0 introduced automatic text detection for Preserve Text, a redesigned crop workflow, and an updated Face Recovery model intended to improve results for side-profile faces. Version 3.4.1 followed with bug fixes, including High Fidelity v2 grid artifacts and some import crashes. This is a historical release: Topaz now describes Photo AI as discontinued and identifies v4.0.4 as its final version.
Topaz Photo AI 3.4 release timeline
| Version | Release timing | What the release notes say |
|---|---|---|
| 3.4.0 | December 18, 2024 | Automatic text detection for Preserve Text, redesigned crop workflow, an updated Face Recovery model for side-profile faces, Super Focus regeneration, Olympus and Panasonic RAW profiles, and other additions. |
| 3.4.1 | December 19, 2024 | Fixes for High Fidelity v2 grid artifacts, import crashes on some images, Light Mode spacing and color problems, and an updated app icon. |
Topaz’s 3.4.0–3.4.2 release thread groups those releases under December 18, 2024; the 3.4.1 patch announcement was posted the following day. The 3.4.3 release notes cover later changes in the series.
Intelligent Text Detection for Preserve Text
According to Topaz’s release notes, Photo AI automatically detects text and creates a custom mask. When it detects a large amount of text, it can suggest Preserve Text. The feature is intended to make selecting text for preservation easier; it does not transcribe text or guarantee that blurred lettering will be restored accurately.
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- Open an image in Photo AI and let the application analyze it.
- Hover over the Preserve Text suggestion to inspect the detected mask.
- Add the enhancement to select the text area.
- Open Edit Selection and refine the mask with brushes if needed.
Inspect the mask particularly carefully when text is tiny, low contrast, partly hidden, or mixed into a textured background. Automatic detection is a starting point, not a substitute for checking the result.
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Redesigned Crop Tool
Topaz describes two crop modes: Size mode sets exact pixel dimensions and offers common size presets; Aspect Ratio mode constrains the crop to a relative proportion. The company also said it improved crop stability and performance.
| Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Size | Set exact pixel dimensions or choose a common size preset. |
| Aspect Ratio | Constrain the crop to a relative proportion. |
Check the crop boundary and exported image before relying on the workflow, especially when processing multiple images.
Face Recovery for side faces
Topaz reported that its updated Face Recovery model was intended to improve results for faces photographed in side profile. The release also called out support for macOS 12. Treat this as a vendor-reported model improvement, not a guaranteed result or a promise of historically accurate reconstruction.
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Compare the processed image with the original. Face Recovery may produce plausible detail, but the release notes do not establish that generated details faithfully represent features absent from the source.
What 3.4.1 fixed
The 3.4.1 announcement lists fixes for grid artifacts with the High Fidelity v2 upscaling model, crashes during import on some images, incorrect spacing and colors in Light Mode, and an updated application icon. These were maintenance changes, distinct from the feature additions announced for 3.4.0.
Other additions in version 3.4.0
Topaz also listed Super Focus regeneration, Olympus and Panasonic RAW camera profiles, in-app support outreach, tutorial videos, and sample images. These are features or additions reported in the release announcement; their inclusion does not establish a particular result or performance level.
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Photo AI’s current product status
Topaz’s current legacy release summary says Photo AI is discontinued, describes it as a legacy perpetual-license app, and identifies v4.0.4 as its final version. Topaz distinguishes it from Topaz Photo, the subscription-only application where ongoing development continues. Check Topaz’s current documentation for availability, licensing, or support details rather than treating the 3.4.x series as a current update.
The practical takeaway is that 3.4.0 introduced the headline features and 3.4.1 addressed early bugs, but both belong to the history of a discontinued product. Topaz’s legacy system-requirements page should not be taken as confirmation of current requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Did Photo AI 3.4.1 add text detection?
No. Topaz announced automatic text detection for Preserve Text in 3.4.0. The 3.4.1 patch announcement focused on bug fixes.
What did the redesigned Crop Tool do?
It provided Size mode for exact pixel dimensions and presets, and Aspect Ratio mode for relative proportions.
Is Topaz Photo AI still being developed?
Topaz’s current release summary calls Photo AI discontinued and identifies v4.0.4 as its final version. It says ongoing development continues in Topaz Photo.
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