You might ask: Why not just upgrade? Here is an honest comparison.
| Feature | Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 (32-bit) | Modern 2024 Software (Luminar, Modern PC) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Speed | Instant (0.5 sec per image) | 2-4 seconds (due to AI loading) | | Offline Use | Yes (permanent license) | Usually requires subscription / cloud check | | Face Accuracy | 80% (works best on straight-on faces) | 99% (profile, masks, occlusions) | | File Support | 8/16-bit TIFF, JPEG, PNG, PSD | RAW, HEIC, DNG, etc. | | Hardware Cost | Free (old PC) | $1,500+ (new system) |
For a wedding photographer in 2025, modern tools are superior. For a historical archive scanning 5,000 family photos from the 1980s using an old Dell desktop, Version 1.7.1 is the most cost-effective tool on earth.
| Component | Requirement | |-----------|-------------| | Photoshop | 32-bit: CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS5.1, CS6 (32-bit mode) | | OS | Windows XP SP3, Vista, 7 (32-bit); may run on 64-bit OS if using 32-bit PS | | CPU | Single-core 1.5GHz+ (multi-core unused) | | RAM | 512 MB min, 1 GB+ recommended | | Disk Space | 45 MB | | Display | 1024x768, 16-bit color | Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 For Photoshop -32
Will NOT work on:
The short answer is yes, but with caveats.
Athentech has moved on to Perfectly Clear QuickDesk and Perfectly Clear WorkBench (which are excellent 64-bit applications with video support). However, if you are a photographer who refuses to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud (sticking with CS6 or earlier), or if you have a dedicated Windows 7/32-bit workstation for a specific task, version 1.7.1 remains a gold standard. You might ask: Why not just upgrade
You cannot beat the stability and speed of this version. Modern AI tools often introduce "AI artifacts" (extra fingers, weird eyes). The 1.7.1 algorithm is mathematically deterministic—100% predictable, 100% of the time.
The primary feature was the "Presets" system. Users could select a preset (e.g., "Landscape," "Portrait," "Noise Removal") and apply a complex series of adjustments instantly.
Version 1.7.1 has a hidden noise reduction slider that defaults to "Auto." To manually control it, open the plugin, go to Expert Settings > Noise, and set "Luminance NR" to 0 for grainy film looks, or up to 50 for clean digital ISO 1600. The short answer is yes , but with caveats
In the rapid evolution of digital imaging, software versions often come and go like seasons. However, there is a dedicated subculture of photographers, retouchers, and archivalists who refuse to let go of legacy hardware and software ecosystems. For these users—still operating on 32-bit systems, older Windows installations, or vintage Mac Pros—finding compatible plugins is like hunting for rare earth minerals.
Enter Athentech Perfectly Clear 1.7.1 for Photoshop (32-bit). While the world has moved on to AI-driven denoising and cloud-based presets, version 1.7.1 remains a legend among efficiency-driven editors. This article explores why this specific legacy plugin remains relevant, how to optimize it, and the technical magic that made Athentech a household name in automated correction.