Topaz Video AI on your Mac — 1.7.2

Topaz Video AI 1.7.1 can upscale standard definition footage to HD, and HD footage up to 8K, by generating new pixels with AI. The app works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Upscales old archival footage and improves low-light video

• Old archival videos and DVD content up to 4K recovery and upscaling
• DSLR footage, game recordings, HD stock clips, commercials, music videos, and YouTube content
• Improving low-light footage by removing noise while keeping detail
• Converting standard definition to high definition with consistent motion

Requires macOS 11 or later with a two-step install process

• Requires macOS 11 or later
• Interface is in English only
• Installation involves two steps: run the package installer first, then the Patch.command script (the script may not open correctly on macOS Golden Gate)

Adjust these default settings before starting your first real project

When you open Topaz Video AI 1.7.1 for the first time, the default settings are fine for a quick test but not ideal for regular work. I suggest adjusting a few things before you start your first real project.

Set the output format to something your other tools handle well. ProRes is a common choice on Mac because it works with most video editors without extra conversion. If you are working with archival footage, try the dedicated model for old or low-quality sources instead of the general upscaling preset. The app remembers your last settings, so once you choose your preferred model and output, you won't need to set them again each time.

Check the preview window size. By default it shows a small section, but you can make it larger to see more of the frame. This helps when you are comparing the original and the enhanced version side by side. The preview updates as you change settings, so spend a few seconds toggling different AI models to see which one handles your footage best.

If your footage is noisy, turn on the denoise option before you upscale. Doing noise removal first gives the upscaling model cleaner data to work with, which usually means sharper results.

Test with a 30-second clip to compare AI models before encoding a full film

Start with a short clip, no longer than thirty seconds. Running a full-length film through the app without testing the settings first can take hours. A short test lets you compare different AI models and see how the output looks on your screen before you commit to the longer processing time.

Keep the original files somewhere safe. The app creates new output files and does not modify your originals, but it is good practice to have a backup anyway. Name your output files clearly so you remember which settings you used, especially if you plan to try several variations.

Be patient with the first few runs. The AI models need time to analyze each frame, especially at higher output resolutions. While the app is working, you can let it run in the background and check the progress bar. Do not close the laptop lid or put the Mac to sleep during processing, as this interrupts the task.

If you process many clips in one session, restart the app between large jobs. This clears the temporary data and keeps the interface responsive.

Works as a standalone app—export then import into your usual editor

Topaz Video AI 1.7.1 works as a standalone application, not as a plugin. You export your enhanced video from it, then import that file into your usual editing software. Because the output format can be ProRes or another common codec, you can bring the result straight into DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere without re-encoding.

On macOS, drag and drop works for adding files to the app. You can also use the file picker inside the interface. If you have a folder of clips you want to process one after another, add them all at once and set each clip's settings individually before starting the batch.

The app respects macOS system settings for power management. If you have a laptop, plug it in while processing. You can check activity in the macOS Resource Monitor to see how much of the GPU is being used.

For archival work, you might pair Topaz Video AI with a separate audio restoration tool, since the app focuses on video quality. Process the audio separately in your editor and combine the cleaned audio with the enhanced video during export.

Version 1.7.1 refines model selection and preserves grain-like detail

Version 1.7.1 of Topaz Video AI refines the model selection and output stability compared to earlier releases.

The model library includes updates for denoising low-light footage. The newer models preserve more grain-like detail instead of smoothing everything into a waxy look. This is noticeable on DSLR and mirrorless camera footage shot at high ISO.

Upscaling old DVD content to HD or 4K works with fewer halos and edge artifacts than in previous versions. The recovery models for archival video have been tuned to work with the compression artifacts common in older digital sources. The interface itself has not changed much, so if you used an earlier version, you will find the same layout and workflow.

Fills a specific niche versus After Effects with third-party plugins

Topaz Video AI 1.7.1 is not the only option for video enhancement on Mac, but it fills a specific niche. Here is how it stands next to a few other tools.

Vs. Adobe After Effects with third-party plugins. After Effects is a full motion graphics and compositing tool. You can add plugins for upscaling and denoising, but setting them up takes more time. Topaz Video AI is simpler: you import a clip, choose a model, and export. For users who only need enhancement without animation or effects, Topaz saves the hassle of plugin management and complex timelines.

Vs. DaVinci Resolve. Resolve includes built-in tools for upscaling and noise reduction in its Studio version. It is powerful but has a steeper learning curve. Topaz Video AI focuses exclusively on AI-driven enhancement, so its models are specialized for this task. If you already own Resolve Studio, you might not need a separate app, but Topaz offers a more guided experience with fewer knobs to turn.

Vs. Gaia Transformer (third-party AI video tools). Some AI video enhancement tools exist as command-line utilities or as scripts that run through Python. These can be powerful but require technical knowledge to set up on macOS. Topaz Video AI gives you a graphical interface, drag-and-drop file handling, and real-time preview. For users who want results without configuring dependencies or installing Python packages, Topaz is the more practical choice.

Each tool has its strengths. Topaz Video AI fits best for editors who want a dedicated enhancement app that works out of the box on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

• macOS 11 or later
• Intel or Apple Silicon processor