Kestrel GX

Kestrel GX is the top pick for digital photos enthusiasts on Softpedia. It brings organizing and editing of images together to provide the best experience for the user looking to wisely manage their photo collection. Its wide array of supported image formats, intuitive editing wizard, tag processing tools, converting abilities and printing capabilities work together harmoniously to ease your creative works.

Starting the application draws a full-screen environment, very well-delimited and organized. Resizing it won't affect the proportions – everything looks just the way it should look. The left side holds the explorer section and the `Image Navigator`, while the right side embodies the `Search`, `Keywords` and `Metadata` areas. The middle section provides the required space for the `Image Viewer` or the `Advanced Search` features. Here you can also find a few useful tools such as `Rename`, `Rotate`, `Slideshow` or `Edit`. A filmstrip lays at the bottom of the interface, making it easy for you to quickly preview the contents of your selected location.

Kestrel GX packs a 10-step image editing wizard to help you achieve the photo you dream of. First of all, you may level and / or rotate your currently selected image. Cropping and resizing are the next two available operations, followed by the `Red Eye Removal` tool. The fifth step of the wizard refers to Sharpen / Noise processes, while the next is about `Color Cast`, `Temperature` and `Tint`. Saturation can be increased or decreased as well as Brightness and Contrast. The following step allows you to add a text watermark and the last to save your work.

The supported image formats includes the vital selection (JPG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF, ICO) as well as RAW digital formats. You are also given the chance to perform elaborate searches for your pictures with multiple-criteria and metadata-support. You may design photo books in PDF format. Batch operations are possible for resizing, rotating, renaming or watermarking of photos, while printing provides handy templates like `Album prints`, `Full page photo print` or `Wallet Prints`.

Bottom line is that Kestrel GX is an all-round photo manager. Everything is wrapped up nicely into a sturdy yet clean GUI. It incorporates the basics for novice users as well as more precise tools for pros. You just can't go wrong with this photo organizer and editor, as it provides great features, ease-of use and quality results.