jBrout

Since modern mobile devices are fitted with powerful cameras, chances are not a day goes by without you taking a few pictures. Regardless of purpose, they most likely end up on your computer, and it’s a good idea to use specialized applications like jBrout for management, search, and EXIF editing.

With little time spent in the installation process, you can check out the set of features before you realize. Running the application for the first time asks whether or not you want to enable several plugins to have pictures automatically renamed according to EXIF data, or rotated appropriately. Even if skipped, there’s the possibility to enable them from the settings panel.

Adding files can either be done by dragging an entire folder over the main window, or using the browse dialog. All folders you add get stored in a side navigation panel to quickly move through galleries, while content is shown in the rest of the space. The side panel is fitted with a few extra tools to filter by time, view tags, and search according to custom parameters.

Bookmarks can be set to quickly access favorite photos later on. There’s no editing involved, at least not for color management, or to add effects. Pictures are shown with large thumbnails by default, but this can be changed by dragging a corresponding slider. For better preview, double-clicking a picture brings it up on the entire screen.

With the context menu up, you can add to basket, select folder, or file, and even delete. Note that changes apply in real time, so every operation needs to be handled with care. Additional options allow you to rotate, flip, transpose, transverse, rebuild thumbnail, and more. Moreover, You can export to a custom location, or several online services, including custom FTP servers.

In conclusion, jBrout comes with a wide variety of features to fulfill most photo management needs. However, the overall visual design, and functionality are rather rough, making it feel like it’s still in early stages of development. Operations need to be carefully handled if you don’t want to risk messing up EXIF data, or even losing pictures through accidental deletion.