The software differentiates itself from standard filters by using a proprietary algorithm that corrects the "physical" errors of a camera lens rather than just applying aesthetic filters.
Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 For Photoshop -32 is more than a plugin; it is a time capsule of photographic intelligence. In an era of bloated software and monthly fees, this 18MB utility offers a refreshing reminder that image correction can be fast, predictable, and permanent.
If you are running a legacy Photoshop environment, do not let the industry tell you to upgrade. This version still turns flat, underexposed RAWs into vibrant, printable masterpieces with a single click. It preserves the human touch while automating the drudgery—exactly what a plugin should do.
Final Verdict: For 32-bit users, this is a 10/10 essential. For everyone else, it is a fascinating relic of how far (and sometimes sideways) photo editing has come.
Do you still run a 32-bit Photoshop workflow? Share your legacy setup stories in the comments below—we want to hear from the preservationists keeping digital history alive.
Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 for Photoshop is a legacy 32-bit and 64-bit plugin designed to provide automatic, one-click image corrections based on human eye physics. It aims to reduce manual editing time by up to 85% by instantly addressing common digital camera issues like underexposure, noise, and lack of color vibrancy. Key Features
Intelligent Auto-Correction: Analyzes each pixel individually to optimize exposure, color accuracy, depth, and sharpness.
One-Click Presets: Includes dedicated presets for Landscapes, Portraits, Noise Removal, Tint Removal, and Fixing Dark Images.
Image Ambulance: A specific feature in this version that allows users to salvage severely underexposed photos through targeted exposure enhancement.
Portrait Enhancements: Provides tools for automatic red-eye removal, skin tone correction, and light diffusion to soften highlights on skin.
Batch Processing: Supports integration with Photoshop Actions and the Automate/Batch tool to process entire folders of photos rapidly. Compatibility & Technical Specs
Architecture Support: This specific version (1.7.1) is notable for its 32-bit compatibility, making it suitable for older 32-bit Windows systems (XP through 8) and 32-bit installations of Photoshop.
Photoshop Integration: Compatible with Photoshop CS3 through CC and Photoshop Elements 8 and above.
File Formats: Works with 8-bit and 16-bit images, supporting TIFF, JPEG, PNG, and RAW files from over 120 cameras via Adobe Camera Raw. Workflow Benefits
Reviewers from PCMag and DigitalPhotos101 highlight that while Photoshop is powerful, Perfectly Clear can achieve comparable results in seconds that would otherwise take 10+ minutes of manual slider adjustments. It is often used as the "first step" in a workflow to clean up raw data before applying creative artistic filters. Photoshop: Perfectly Clear Plugin—Image Ambulance - s2e68
Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 Adobe Photoshop is a legacy professional plug-in designed to automate photo correction. While modern versions have transitioned to the Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 For Photoshop -32
brand, version 1.7.1 remains a notable tool for users of older 32-bit and 64-bit Windows environments seeking "one-click" image perfection. Core Functionality
Unlike traditional filters that apply a uniform layer over an image, Perfectly Clear mimics the human eye by adjusting each pixel individually. It applies up to 15 intelligent corrections
simultaneously to recreate what the photographer saw at the moment of capture. Key Features Automatic Correction
: Instantly analyzes photos to correct exposure, color balance, and contrast. Intelligent Sharpening
: Uses unique algorithms to enhance details without adding artifacts or "halos." Noise Removal
: Effectively reduces digital noise caused by high ISO settings or low-light conditions. Skin Tone & Beauty
: Includes specialized presets for smoothing skin, removing red-eye, and enhancing eyes/teeth. Non-Destructive Workflow
: Works as a plug-in within Photoshop, allowing users to apply corrections to specific layers or selections. Technical Specifications Compatibility : Designed for Adobe Photoshop (CS3 through Creative Cloud versions of that era). Architecture : Supports both Windows systems. Requirement : Primarily used on Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8. The "12-Step" Correction Process
The software is famous for its comprehensive batch-processing capabilities, which address: White Balance (removing tint) Color Tone (richness) (contrast) (haze removal) (natural warmth) Color Vibrancy Light Diffusion Red Eye Removal Eye Enhance Eye Enlarge Dark Circle Removal Teeth Whitening Why Use Version 1.7.1 Today? This specific version is often sought after for its low system overhead and compatibility with older hardware
or legacy versions of Photoshop that modern, AI-heavy plug-ins no longer support. It provides a bridge for photographers who prefer a classic interface without the subscription-based models of newer "AI" software. installation instructions for a specific version of Photoshop? Are you trying to troubleshoot an error (like the plug-in not appearing in the menu)? comparison between this legacy version and the modern Perfectly Clear Cloud
Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 for Photoshop is a legacy 32-bit plugin designed to provide automated, one-click image corrections that mimic the physics of human vision. Released during an era of transition for digital photography, version 1.7.1 focuses on delivering "Real Color" by separately optimizing every pixel for exposure, color accuracy, and sharpness without the artifacts often created by traditional analog-based filters. Key Features and Capabilities
The plugin is built around 10 patented corrections that can be applied instantly to resolve common photographic issues:
Intelligent Auto-Correction: Analyzes each pixel to fix exposure, depth of field, and tint automatically.
Specialized Presets: Includes dedicated settings for Portrait, Landscape, Noise Removal, and Fixing Dark Images.
Image Ambulance: A unique tool designed to salvage severely underexposed photos by applying extreme exposure adjustments while maintaining software stability. The software differentiates itself from standard filters by
Workflow Integration: Supports 8-bit and 16-bit images, works within layers and selections, and is compatible with Photoshop actions for batch processing. System Requirements and Compatibility
This specific version (1.7.1) is optimized for older hardware and software environments:
Operating System: Supports 32-bit Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7) and Mac OS X.
Host Software: Primarily designed for 32-bit versions of Adobe Photoshop (CS3, CS4, CS5) and Photoshop Elements (8, 9).
Image Support: Compatible with common formats including JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and over 260 RAW camera files. Limitations of the 32-bit Version
As a 32-bit application, this version is restricted to utilizing approximately 3GB to 4GB of RAM, regardless of how much memory is installed in the system. While it remains highly efficient for processing standard images, users working with extremely high-resolution files or modern 64-bit versions of Photoshop may experience compatibility issues or performance bottlenecks compared to later releases like Perfectly Clear 3.5.
Unlocking Image Potential: A Guide to Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 for Photoshop
For photographers working with legacy systems or specific 32-bit workflows, Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1
remains a powerful tool for rapid, high-quality image correction
. Designed to automate the technical heavy lifting of photo editing, this version of the Perfectly Clear plugin
allows you to achieve professional results with a single click. Why Version 1.7.1? While newer versions like Perfectly Clear Complete V3
offer advanced AI, version 1.7.1 is valued for its stability on older hardware and compatibility with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Photoshop CS3 through CS6. Core Features & Patented Corrections
Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 isn't just a set of filters; it uses 10 patented corrections to analyze and fix images pixel-by-pixel. Intelligent Auto-Correction
: Instantly fixes underexposure, lack of depth, and color vibrancy. Specialized Presets : Includes dedicated settings for Landscapes Noise Removal Portrait Enhancements
: Provides automatic skin smoothing and tint removal to ensure natural skin tones. Non-Destructive Workflow Do you still run a 32-bit Photoshop workflow
: Works on Photoshop layers, allowing you to manually tweak adjustments or create your own custom presets for future use. Technical Requirements
To run this specific version efficiently, ensure your system meets these minimum requirements Operating Systems : Windows XP, Vista, 7, or 8; Mac OSX Lion (10.7) or newer. Host Software
: Adobe Photoshop CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, or Creative Cloud. It also supports Photoshop Elements (versions 8–12). : 4 GB RAM or more is recommended for smooth processing. Image Formats : Supports 8-bit and 16-bit RGB images. How to Use It Duplicate Your Layer
: Always work on a duplicate layer (Ctrl/Cmd + J) to keep your original image safe. Launch the Plugin : Navigate to Filter > Athentech Imaging > Perfectly Clear Select a Preset
: Choose a starting point based on your image type (e.g., "Landscape" or "Beautify").
: Use the sliders on the right to manually adjust exposure, sharpening, and color fidelity. By integrating Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 into your Photoshop workflow
, you can save hours of manual editing while maintaining high standards of image clarity and color accuracy. Do you need help installing
this plugin on a specific version of Photoshop or Windows/Mac?
Athentech’s Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 for Photoshop (32-bit) brings automated image correction tools aimed at speeding up basic retouching while keeping results natural. Here’s a concise look at what to expect from this version and why it might matter to photographers and retouchers still using 32-bit Photoshop.
If you have tracked down the installer (usually a .exe file around 18MB), follow this precise path:
For Windows 32-bit Photoshop CS4/CS5:
Troubleshooting:
| Requirement | Detail | |-------------|--------| | Photoshop Version | CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5 (32-bit only) | | Windows OS | Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 (32-bit or 64-bit with 32-bit PS) | | Processor | 1 GHz or faster | | RAM | 1 GB minimum (2 GB recommended) | | Disk Space | 50 MB |
⚠️ Important: Version 1.7.1 does not work on 64-bit versions of Photoshop CS6 or any CC versions. For modern 64-bit Photoshop, use Perfectly Clear 3+.
Perfectly Clear is an automatic image correction software originally developed by Athentech Imaging. Unlike traditional photo editing which relies on subjective manual adjustments (curves, levels), Perfectly Clear was designed to mimic how the human eye processes light.
Version 1.7.1 was released during the transition period between Windows XP/early Windows 7 and the later dominance of 64-bit computing. The "32-bit" designation indicates that the plugin was compiled to run within the 32-bit memory address space (x86 architecture), limiting it to utilizing approximately 2GB to 4GB of RAM.
If you want the look of 1.7.1 but can’t run 32-bit PS: