Steps to fix corrupted "Flexible" model
Use this guide only if Support has instructed you to do so, or if you're experiencing issues specifically putlined below.
If you encounter any of the issues below in Topaz Photo v1.6.1 specifically, please follow the steps below carefully. This process installs updated configuration files which should resolve the issue.
The Flexible models are responsible for AI Selections such as Portrait, Subject, Sky and Landscape. If these selections fail, load incorrectly, or show an error, it may cause redownloads of the model, crashes or errors.
The issues encountered can be any of the following:
- Sudden Crashing behavior on the new version
- Constant redownloading of models on every process
- Error: Could not connect to download s_mask_l_flexible-v2 model
- Error: Could not connect to download smp_flexible-v2 model
Step 1: Ensure you are on the Latest Version
- If not on v1.6.1 already - Install v1.6.1 from your Apps Page
Before continuing. close Topaz Photo and close all other programs and editing applications. This helps ensure the updated file can properly replace the previous configuration.
Step 2: Delete the problematic files
- Copy and paste the following path directly into File Explorer:
C:\ProgramData\Topaz Labs LLC\Topaz Photo\models - Locate and delete any .tz2 format files that have in their naming: s_mask_l_flexible or smp_flexible
The copy and paste step in File Explorer is important as the ProgramData folder is hidden by default on your machine (ProgramData is not Program Files). To un-hide ProgramData: File Explorer Folder Options → View → Enable “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” → Click Apply and OK. If you installed the app in any other place then the default C: location, you have to ensure to change the path according to the place you installed the app. Installing the app at any other place then default C: is not recommended and can lead to conflicts with permissions, missing models, processing errors, and plugin issues.
Step 3: Update the Configuration Files
Download each of the 4 files below.
⬇️ For the s_mask flexible model
Download new JSON file - (s_mask flexible)
Download new TZ2 file - (s_mask flexible)
⬇️ For the smp flexible model
Download new JSON file - (smp flexible)
Download new TZ2 file - (smp flexible)
Step 4: Place the new Configuration Files in Models Folder
- Copy and paste the following path directly into File Explorer:
C:\ProgramData\Topaz Labs LLC\Topaz Photo\models - Press Enter to open the folder.
- Once in the \models folder, place the new files you downloaded into the Models folder. If prompted to replace an existing file, choose Replace. If you are asked for administrator permission, select Continue.
- Then Launch Topaz Photo and test the Selection that was previously failing (Portrait, Landscape, Sky, etc.).
Contact Support
If issues still remain afterward, please contact Support with:
- Reopen the app and send fresh logs from Help → Open Logs Folder
- System Profile: How To Obtain Your System Profile (Windows)
- Details on the issues that remain
- Screenshots or error messages, if any