EtchTone is the latest of the wonderful line of Andromeda filters. I have been using these filters since the first one appeared. While we all use some filters more than others, I believe this filter will be one I will use a lot. It is an Adobe Photoshop compatible filter and can be used with gray or color photographs or with illustrations. I tried it immediately on a black and white photograph and loved the results. Click on either of the pictures to see the enlargements which show the etched pattern much more clearly. The screen resolution (72) does not allow for a really clear rendition of how this filter alters the images. To the right is an exaggerating that shows the actual structure of a segment of an image.

The EtchTone filter is compatible with Photoshop version 4 and higher. Its cost is $89 and comes with a special 25% off order on another filter purchase. Included on the CD is a seven page getting started guide. The guide should be read for it contains necessary information for getting the bests results. The filter is very easy to use and the results are really nice.

Bay Window Original	Bay Window with EtchTone

The EtchTone filter produces a randomized etch of a black and white or color image. One can then blend this etch back into the image to keep the color or overlay it. A picture of the interface will show some of the options. One can, of course, choose the lines per inch (lpi) that will be used to produce this etch type rendition.

The blended image below represent what was created using the above interface settings. The same setting was used and backlighting was checked. The original image can be assigned properties such as posterization, backlighting, extreme sharpening, etc. The "Original Image" dialogue box is shown in the lower left box of the interface picture above.

Original	Blend
Blend with Backlighting	Magnified View of Backlit Picture

In playing with the filter, one effect that I found to be really nice that has innumerable possibilities was to select a color photograph, then, duplicate the layer. On the duplicated layer, apply the filter without the blending option checked, but using the overlay option. Then, vary the opacity of the now etched black and white layer. To see an enlargement of the picture, click on the left image.

For more information on the EtchTone filter and other great filters from Andromeda (yes, I really like their filters), go to their web site at: http://www.andromeda.com.This filter is one of the easiest to use and can produce extremely interesting effects. It is well worth the cost, and I highly recommend it.