Today we are happy to announce an update for all of our Totally Rad Actions, bringing both TRA1 and TRA2 to version 1.2. Update emails are being sent out with new download links throughout the day, and if you don’t get an email by Wednesday, 11/26/08, contact us at www.gettotallyrad.com and we’ll help you out. We recommend that everyone update, regardless of your Photoshop version. There are 2 reasons for this – one, the bugfixes and new features that are unrelated to CS4 (mostly in TRA1), and two, because you’ll update Photoshop sooner or later, and we want you to have actions that work ;)
And yes, it’s 100% free if you already have the actions! You’re welcome!
TRA v1.2 includes a whole host of updates for both TRA1 and TRA2. The biggest news is that the actions should now be 100% compatible with CS4, while still working perfectly under CS2 and CS3. We’ve also incorporated several minor tweaks and feature requests. All in all, this is a big update for the Totally Rad Actions, and users of TRA1 in particular have a whole lot of new goodies… A full list of changes follows:
Now 100% Compatible With CS4
We fixed minor issues with CS4 compatibility in:
Vignette & Blur
Old Skool
Super Old Skool
EZ-Burn
Easier Layer Masking, Less Confusion
Any action that requires you to do layer masking now selects the brush tool and sets the foreground color to white automatically. F/zero and Big Blue are best used with the gradient tool, and you’ll need to select that on your own after running the action (just hit “g”). You’ll still need to select the reflected gradient mode in f/zero to create tilt-shift effects. Opacity, flow, and brush mode aren’t set by the actions, so you’ll have to do that yourself. Now all you’ll need to do after running one of those actions is start brushing – no other tool setup should typically be required!
Actions affected:
Yin / Yang
Good vs. Evil
Green With Envy
Big Blue
Pro Retouch
Can-O-Whoopass
f/zero
More Control for TRA1
Vignette and Blur now puts the Vignette and the Blur in separate layers, and then groups them together. The results is functionally identical, but now allows you to independently control the amount of blur and vignette by varying the opacity of the two layers in the resulting layer set.
Old Skool and Super Old Skool now offer some degree of control over the different components of the action. Whereas the result was previously flattened into a single layer, the new versions preserve many layers inside the resulting layer group. You can now independently control the amount of desaturation, edge burn, blur, grain, contrast, acutance, and toning. The resulting files are larger, and the results are very slightly different from the previous versions, but we think the tradeoff is worth it for the added flexibility. It’s a change that’s been a long time coming…
EZ-Burn now plays better
We’ve made some minor changes to EZ-Burn that will help it play better with some actions. Previously, some situations would cause error messages, forcing you to flatten the image before running EZ-Burn. Not anymore!
3 New Actions With A New Edge Blur Algorithm
Three new actions join the Original Totally Rad Action Mix in this version. In addition to the Fast and HQ versions, we now offer a “Standard” variant of Old Skool, Super Old Skool, and Vignette & Blur. This new variant incorporates the same technique that f/zero’s Super HQ conversion uses in TRA2. The result is a much higher quality result than the Fast version, very similar to the result from the HQ version, but at a fraction of the time to run. Unless you’re absolutely attached to the look of the fast version, I recommend using the Standard versions of those actions from now on. The Fast and HQ versions are still in the set, and both have been upgraded with new layers to play with.
Super Fun Happy Gets Tweaks
You’ll now notice that Super Fun Happy doesn’t produce a “lighten shadows” or a “burn” layer. You can use Yin / Yang to accomplish virtually the same thing, so it seems redundant in hindsight. Also, we’ve added a variant to Super Fun Happy without the glow, for those of you who aren’t particularly keen on the glowiness. It has a more punchy look. Hopefully you likey. It’s free!
No More Automatic Snapshots
This is another change to TRA1 that 99% of people won’t notice, but actions no longer automatically create snapshots before running (except Banding-Aid, where it still serves a legitimate purpose). A few actions did this in order to provide an easy way to undo the effects of the action, but it’s a redundant feature since you can just delete the layer set if you want to undo. Very minor change.
P.O.S. Lens now has less “S”
I basically decided that the original POS lens went way too far in the blurring toward the edges, so I reduced it to a more manageable level. I think most people who used that action were reducing the opacity of the blur layer anyway, so this should be a good fix. Let me know if you hate it, and I’ll write a little ditty on how to get back the old behavior (really simple to do)
A Quick Note About CS2
None of these changes should affect compatibility with Photoshop CS2, theoretically. However, I no longer have a copy of CS2 that I can test the changes on… if you are a CS2 user and notice new problems with this update, let me know and I’ll look into it. We still intend to support CS2 users, but it becomes tougher with every new computer I buy. (insert your favorite winky-face emoticon here)
kristen lanierstar
wow! i have never received an update for an action before. the changes you’ve implemented all sound like something i want. thank you for your dedication to an awesome product! happy holidays.
Nov 25, 2008 @ 11:53 am
Lydia
Sounds great! Can’t wait to try out all the changes!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
Cristi
Awesome! Thank yo SO MUCH!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
Dexter Lo
Doug, thank you for doing this. There is definitely a measure of professionalism that you’ve brought to your product that makes me so content about the original investment.
Nov 25, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Jessica
You guys are AWESOME! Thank you so so very much!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
MsBunn.com
I am still on CS2; will the updates be useless to me?
Nov 25, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
tomKphoto
POS has less S … very funny
Nov 25, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
Bruce Lorenz
very cool and full of class “action” on your part…..thank you
bl
Nov 25, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
erika
you’re sooo professional! it’s amazing! You’re super fast in answering customers emails and now this! wow!
Just got the update for TRA1…is the update for TRA2 coming later? or was it supposed to come in the same link?
Nov 25, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
mark
It’s like you have spies in my computer. I just updated to CS4 on Friday and was freaking out that some of the actions were acting funky! Are you guys really a front for the Homeland Security?
Nov 25, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
Solent Studios
Thanks Doug … much appreicated :)
Nov 25, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
cindy
Thank you! You guys are awesome!!!!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
Aaron
You rock Doug… thanks for all the hard work!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
Dawn
Ditto! Ditto! Ditto! Thanks Doug!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
Flo
Thanks so much! But I have the same question as erika. I only got an update for TRA 1 and not for 2?
Nov 25, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Gail Zeak
Thanks so much, you’re the best!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
admin
If you haven’t received an email yet, hang on… the TRA2 emails just started sending out, and should be done in a couple hours…
Nov 25, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
Noel Del Pilar
You guys are Super! Thank you for the Updates! I will play with tha actions tomorrow!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 6:22 pm
Kerry
OMG — just last night I ran Old Skool on an image and wish the edge burn had a little more control. And kapow, an update hits my inbox today. TRA and Doug rock!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 6:34 pm
Jaime
This is so nice! What an awesome treat for your customers! Way to suck us in and keep us loyal! You ROCK!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Courtney
Right on! Thanks so much! That is so great to keep these updated and keep US updated as well! Talk about customer service!! ThX
Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
Erica Velasco
I got the Revenge2 update but not one for v1…which I have. Does the Revenge automatically update the V1, just I can’t see it updated? I don’t see the new actions in there? Please let me know!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
patti
This is why I buy your products. I don’t recall receiving any updates from others I have bought actions from. Thank you
Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
ron storer
thanks a million for continued service on the best action sets out there.
Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
Cari Chee
I can’t believe you’re upgrading these actions for us. You guys are awesome! Very much appreciated. Btw, your action sets are my absolute fav.
Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
joshua k
Many many many thanks :)
Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
Brenda H
Thanks so much – I LOVE my Totally Rad Actions – they make my photos more beautiful with just a click of a button. Blessings to you and yours.
Nov 25, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
margie
thank you so much. i use your actions almost exclusively and will find these updates more than helpful!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
Anna
Awesome, thank you! I’ve really been looking forward to this as I’ve only been using CS4 for a while now, and I really missed some of these actions!
Nov 25, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
Jemmy
COOL.. u guys r awesome,thanks
Nov 25, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
Jerry
I’m English. I’m in my 40’s. I can’t get carried away with “you rock” and “awesome dude!” etc..
So, Doug… “Jolly well done..that’s really rather good!”
Excellent service, yet another reason to recommend to my friends.
Nov 26, 2008 @ 2:44 am
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[...] blougbloug! » Blog Archive » TRA Update – Version 1.2 None of these changes should affect compatibility with Photoshop CS2, theoretically. However, I no longer have a copy of CS2 that I can test the changes on… if you are a CS2 user and notice new problems with this update, let me know and … [...]
Nov 26, 2008 @ 4:05 am
jb
thanks guys, I will spread your good name far and wide…
Great actions…
Nov 26, 2008 @ 6:56 am
Lorena
Sweet, thanks for the Update!! U guys must be totally rad!
Nov 26, 2008 @ 9:33 am
Daphne
The customer service u guys provide is unmatched! THANK YOU for taking such good care of us!!!
Nov 26, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
Betsy Barron
YOU GUYS KICK ASS! Happy Thanksgiving! Lovin’ your generosity! Consider me a customer for life!
Nov 26, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
ksen :)
hi there! thanks so much for being so *rad* & creating these updates to an already slammin set of actions! quick question… i followed all the directions to download, etc — i deleted the old folders… however, am i supposed to actually be seeing an actual ‘old skool standard’ as well? currently i still see the ‘fast’ & HQ’ versions & can’t figure out what i am doing wrong! any help would be MUCH appreciated — thanks!
Dec 04, 2008 @ 6:18 am
Damion Hamilton
Hey Doug,
I missed the opportunity to download this update. Just Upgraded to CS4 and was wondering if there is a way to get a hold of this update still.
Thanks man,
Damion.
Dec 29, 2008 @ 12:19 am
Amy
Thanks so much for the update but I think I missed the boat. Can I still get the update?
Jan 07, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Dustin Izatt
Doug,
I too just upgraded to CS4 today, anyway I can still get the update? I tried the link that was sent via email and it is expired. Pretty please :)
Dustin Izatt
Jan 07, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
Neil Walker
Just like the above I missed the boat…is it still possible to get the download – Cheers – Neil
Jan 08, 2009 @ 3:43 am
Gina Zeidler
Just sat down to download the upgrade to my computer and it looks as if I have also missed them boat :(. Is there any way I can still get the upgrade? Thank you very much! I love your rad updates/actions!!
G
Jan 09, 2009 @ 10:30 am
Delane Rouse
Can I get the update?
Jan 17, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
gladys SAchetrompf
Got the email for the update, never got the chance to download it, tried today, looks like I missed it, can I still get it
thanks
Jan 18, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
Kelly Buck
For some reason, your original email (with the link) ended up in my spam folder. I would love to get an update as well, especially since I’m planning on updating my PS this weekend!
Jan 20, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
Doug
I’m closing comments on this post – if you are a rampant procrastinator, and have waited this long to get the update, contact us through the site.
-db
Jan 21, 2009 @ 12:06 pm