Even though PhotoTools 3 performs some of the same functions as does both Photoshop and ImageReady, it is to be used in conjunction with it's host program. In my case, Photoshop 5.5. However, I also can access it from ImageReady. In this case, only those tools such as PhotoAnimator, Texture, PhotoButton, are available and can be found under PhotoTools in the drop down filer menu. The Photoshop shortcuts are not avalable. This program also works in Corel Photo-Paint 8; however, I did not try it in that program.

According to Photoshop 5.5's readme file, PhotoTools 3 is not totally compatible with Photoshop 5.5. One cannot access its Tool Bar which contain shortcuts to some of the Photoshop commands. However, all versions as of 8/02/99 are compatible with the new version of Photoshop 5.5. Initially, I ran this older program version under window 98 in both Photoshop 5 and 5.5. However, I then downloaded the newer version using the same serial number and everything worked perfectly in Photoshop 5.5.

Extensis PhotoTools is a program specifically designed to be used in Photoshop. It comes on a dual CD for both Mac and Window's users. The CD also contains other Extensis programs which can be installed in demo mode and, if desired, purchased. The window's requirements are: a Pentium running either win 95, 98, or NT 4 and Photoshop 4 +. The Mac requirements are: a Mac OS System 7.5.5-8.1 running on a PowerPC and using either Photoshop 4 +. The street price is about $150.00 for new users and as an upgrade from versions 1 or 2, about $50.00.

PhotoTools is a two fold program. It has two tool bars. One is customizable and contains shortcuts for Photoshop commands. The other tool bar allows for specific tasks to be easily accomplished and is really a program within a program. See this article in the I/O Port on the TCS website at http://www.tcs.org for illustrations. Some of the programs within a program are: PhotoTexturizer, PhotoAnimator, PhotoGroove, PhotocastShadow (maker), PhotoButton (maker), PhotoGlow (creator). Graphic examples demonstrating some of these will also be found in the online issue of the I/O Port. On this tool bar are also shortcuts to other Extensis programs such as MaskPro, Intellihence 4, and PhotoFrame. These must, of course, already be in the computer. The tool bars can be customized and merged into one which can then be placed under the main Photoshop tool bar on the top of the screen. Since these PhotoTool tool bars can be docked and undocked, they can be moved around.

All of the tools can also have multiple properties. The PhotoTexture tool can create seamless textures, apply these to selections, save the textures, combine using special effects, etc. The PhotoGroove tool allows the user to create their own shapes, use presets, change the surfaces of the object, etc. The PhotoButton tool has a tremendous number of options. One can use a grid to aid in a button's creation, add bump maps, change the surface and transparency of a button. This tool used in conjunction with the PhotoGroove tool can create an infinite number of different buttons.

The PhotoCastShadow tool can create a number of different shadow types such as drop shadows, cutout effects, perspective blur, etc. PhotoEmboss and PhotoGlow fall into a similar category as the PhotoCastShadow tool since all three can add an effect outside of the object. They also work well in conjunction with each other.

I originally requested to review this program because I was very interested in trying out its animation component. I was not disappointed. While I do not pretend to be very knowledgeable about animation programs and I am really a novice in that area, I found PhotoAnimator to be easy to use and to give me the exact results that I desired. It is very flexible and has many built in options such as: the ability to create dynamic time-line based animation; automatic generation of frame-by frame effects; transitions such as fade and barn door; unlimited transitions using gradient masks; and many others. This program can be used in conjunction with Photoshop or as a stand alone.

The animations that are created can even be modified using other animation programs since often one has a favorite action contained in another program.

Since Extensis allows for downloading a 30 day free trial of its programs, I suggest that users access their site at http://www.extensis.com and try this program out. I believe that this program is an excellent addition to anyone's tool box be they a novice Photoshop user or a very experienced one.

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