PhotoPlus -Free Photo Editors for Windows

Serif PhotoPlus

For a long time, Serif has given away previous versions of their software to entice users to purchase the current version. Recently, the company has changed that tactic, and now offer a free limited version of the photo-editing software PhotoPlus SE. PhotoPlus SE features an export optimizer, editable text, layer effects, layer masks, a red-eye removal tool, special effects, versatile brushes, and photo enhancement tools. PhotoPlus SE can be upgraded to the full version of PhotoPlus, with many more features, for a modest price.

PhotoPlus SE is the free version of Serif's established image editor available for Windows users. For many years, Serif has offered free versions of their software to attract users, but users should note that with PhotoPlus SE, some features and tools are disabled. I've used a few free Serif applications over the years and have always been impressed by them. PhotoPlus SE is not an exception, and in many ways is an excellent free image editor. Unfortunately, a few surprising omissions from the feature set do compromise the software.
The User Interface


Pros

Clear and intuitive interface
Slide out palette with 'How To' information
Cons

No visual cue to disabled features other than intrusive pop-up window
No keyboard shortcuts
The first impressions of PhotoPlus SE are very positive with a well presented user interface. Adobe Photoshop is the recognized king of the image editor applications and anyone familiar with using that application will recognize more than a passing similarity with PhotoPlus SE. Having been using Photoshop since version 3, I found PhotoPlus SE easy and intuitive to work with. This gives the software an edge over GIMP, which is regularly criticized for its unwieldy system of floating palettes, though GIMP does have the benefit of keyboard shortcuts, which are noticeably absent from PhotoPlus SE.

The main tool box is docked to the left of the screen by default, but it can be dragged out to float freely within the working area depending on personal preference. Individual tool options become visible in the top bar when a tool is selected. Other palettes dock to the left, bottom and right edges of the screen and slide out when moused over. These can be locked in position if used regularly or allowed to slide back out of view when mousing out.

Another thing in common with Photoshop is the potentially steep learning curve for new users with little experience of image editing software. However, one feature that will help new users is the 'How To' slide out palette which offers simplified information for undertaking basic steps in PhotoPlus, helping users to improve photos and get creative. There are further PhotoPlus tutorials available through the Help menu to lead new users through the steps needed to achieve popular effects such as giving a photo an aged sepia appearance.

The most frustrating part of using PhotoPlus SE is the lack of any visual cues as to which features have been disabled. If you click a disabled tool or feature, you will only know when a window opens explaining that you need to buy the full version if you want to use it. You quite quickly become familiar with the disabled features, but this can be a bit irritating.

Enhancing Images

Pros

Red eye reduction tool
Comprehensive selection of layer blending modes
Cons

Some key image adjustment tools disabled
Dodge and Burn tools disabled
Image editors like PhotoPlus SE can serve a few different purposes and perhaps the most common is image enhancement. This is basically improving the visual appearance of photos from a digital camera before printing them or adding them to a web page.

Any users familiar with Photoshop will instinctively find their way to the adjustments tools under the Image menu. Unfortunately, once there, this image editor's Achilles' heel becomes apparent, as the first five tools have all been disabled in this free version of PhotoPlus. This means that there are no tools for editing curves, levels and color balance, which are tools that all levels of users will regularly use to enhance almost every image.

With image editor software, there is often more than one way to achieve similar results, and so adding layers with some blending modes can help get around this shortcoming. However that isn't an approach that I could recommend for someone looking to regularly enhance images. Photographers will also lament the disabling of the Dodge and Burn tools.

While it's understandable that Serif want to restrict the tool set to encourage upgrades, disabling such fundamental tools within an image editor does seem a little cynical and seriously undermines the application's usefulness.

If your image enhancement requirements are more basic, then the inclusion of a red eye removal tool will surely be appreciated to allow you to correct a common problem with flash photos from indoor events.