Ulead PhotoImpact 13

Ulead PhotoImpact is a complete suite for image editing, that you can use to create and share photos, calendars, collages, photo projects, and others.

This type of tool is generally used by web developers and 2D artists.

The GUI is easy to follow, and PhotoImpact's elements are well organized.

At program startup, you can get photos, browse photos, open ExpressFix or Full Edit, or create a new image, photo project, calendar, collage, or DVD menu.

ExpressFix comes with a simplified workspace, large buttons and the most commonly used functions for basic photo editing, such as SmartCurves (automatically brings out details in dark areas, without overexposing highlights), auto white balance control (correct images by making them look natural in any type of light), noise reduction, MonoChrome, focus, and skin beautifying.

In the Gallery section you can use image enhancements (photo and special effects, photo frames, style, brushes, stamps, particles, animations, buttons etc), text or path effects (material attributes, text styles, wrapping etc), tasks (image editing tasks, web and others), or My Gallery.

In order to access some elements from Libraries, you have to download and install the content packs. So, you can play with images, masks, shapes, outlines, text, paths, templates, DVD menus, photo projects, and calendars.

Furthermore, PhotoImpact offers two easy ways to recompose pictures for more impact, through the Rule of Thirds Crop or the Golden Ratio Crop.

Other features include SmartRemove Scene Compositor (selectively remove unwanted elements from multiple shots of the same scene), a touch-up tool, as well as the possibility to dodge, burn or remove scratches.

If you need any help in navigating through PhotoImpact, the SmartGuide offers an extensive how-to help for users of any experience level.

PhotoImpact uses a moderate amount of CPU and memory resources, and its general response time is pretty good.

So, if you want to try something different when it comes to image editing, then take a look at Ulead PhotoImpact. Its full price is quite reasonable.