1. Introduction & First Impressions
Retouch4me is a suite of standalone and plugin-based AI tools developed by Oleg Sharonov (creator of 3D LUT Creator) for fast, high-quality photo retouching. Targeted primarily at portrait and studio photographers, the tools integrate into Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, and even video workflows via DaVinci Resolve .
Upon starting, you realize this isn’t a bloated editor—Retouch4me focuses on specific, professional-grade tasks like healing, dodge & burn, skin tone balancing, eye enhancement, background cleanup, and more .
2. Installation & Interface Workflow
Installing Retouch4me plugins is straightforward. Each tool—such as Heal, Dodge & Burn, Skin Tone, or Clean Backdrop—is purchased separately and integrates smoothly into your workflow. You can use them as standalone tools or as Photoshop plugins, accessed via a free panel that allows one-click processing .
A recent update introduced a Photoshop panel that consolidates multiple plugins, enabling batch processing with user-defined presets—a game-changer in efficiency .
3. Processing Quality & Efficiency
One of Retouch4me’s strongest assets is its delicate and realistic retouching results. Unlike many other AI tools that leave skin looking plastic, Retouch4me preserves natural skin texture while effectively addressing blemishes, redness, creases, or background distractions .
- Heal Plugin: Smooths minor skin imperfections while maintaining texture .
- Dodge & Burn: Corrects tone, shadows, and subtle facial contours with expert-like precision, without over-processing .
- Portrait Volumes: Adds depth and dimension to portraits, giving that polished, three-dimensional appearance .
- Fabric & Clean Backdrop: Automatically smooths clothing wrinkles and removes background dust or creases—great for resumes, fashion, or commercial shoots .
Overall, the processing is lightning-fast—often just seconds per image—and batch workflows are highly efficient, especially when combined with Photoshop Actions .
4. Media & Photographer Feedback
Photographers have praised Retouch4me for significantly streamlining the retouching process. Fstoppers highlighted this year’s update as a major boost, improving usability and batch capabilities . Another user—comparing with alternatives like Evoto—chose Retouch4me for its practicality and lower long-term cost, despite Evoto offering more features .
A comprehensive review described Heal, Dodge & Burn, and Portrait Volumes as “workflow-changing” tools delivering “astonishing” results . Similarly, Frontproof Media applauded Heal for retaining skin texture and streamlining retouching .
5. Pricing & Value Proposition
Each plugin costs between $124 and $150, depending on functionality . While this may seem substantial, licenses are lifetime and include free updates and multi-device keys—which often justifies the cost for professionals.
Compared to subscription or credit-based models (like Evoto), Retouch4me offers long-term value, especially for high-volume users . There are also free plugins (Frequency Separation, Color Match) available to test before purchase , and demo versions are available.
6. Customer Support & User Satisfaction
Retouch4me enjoys strong user reviews, with a 4.8 rating on Trustpilot. Customers frequently praise responsive support—agents like Tim, Anastacia, and Vladis receive kudos for resolving activation and technical issues quickly .
However, a few users reported less-positive customer service interactions. A Trustpilot comment described support as sarcasm-laden, but the company responded constructively, emphasizing ongoing improvement .
7. Pros & Cons (Snapshot)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable, high-quality AI retouching | High upfront cost per plugin |
| Preserves natural skin texture | No single suite—tool-by-tool purchase required |
| Easy batch processing via Photoshop panel | Limited to defined tasks (not full editing platform) |
| Multi-platform compatibility | Previewing full results in-app could be enhanced |
| Strong customer support |
8. Ideal Users & Best Practices
Who benefits most?
- Portrait, wedding, fashion, and commercial photographers needing fast, natural edits.
- Professionals looking to outsource repetitive retouching steps quickly.
- Creatives seeking precise control over individual aspects of the image (e.g., wrinkles, backdrop, skin tone).
Usage tips:
- Download trials of free plugins to test texture quality.
- Start with essentials (Heal, Dodge & Burn, Skin Tone), then expand as needed.
- Use the Photoshop panel to create presets for consistent batch work.
- Tweak effect strength via opacity to maintain natural results.
- Purchase only needed tools for budget-friendly setup.
9. Final Verdict
Retouch4me stands out as a powerful, texture-preserving, and efficiency-boosting plugin suite that blends AI with professional retouching sensibilities. It’s ideal for photographers who want to automate tedious tasks without sacrificing image quality or spending endless hours retouching.
While the cost per module requires thoughtful investment, the lifetime licenses and ease of use—backed by strong support—make it a fantastic asset for serious photographers looking to retain creative control and operational speed.
