PhotoImpact 3.01 is a certified 32 bit windows 95 program. It is made to integrate with Microsoft Office for win 95. Version 3.01 comes in a two CD set. PhotoImpact was conceived so that it would be easy to use without losing the ability to produce professional image editing results. It was created as a tool to make image editing for brochures, newsletter, and other publications easy and professional. It is composed of different modules. PhotoImpact goes beyond an image editing program to one that can be used for DTP and other basic business needs.

The system requirements for all the PhotoImpact 3.01 modules are minimal by today's standards for graphic's packages. As stated on the box, the requirements are: Microsoft Windows 95 or NT 3.51 or 4.0, a 486 or a Pentium PC with 8 MB of RAM, 25MB of available disk space for default installation, a CD-ROM drive, and a Windows 95-compatible pointing device and display. It will also support TWAIN 16/32 bit input devices such as scanners, digital cameras, and frame grabbers. The suggested retail price of the product is $199.00; Current owners of PhotoImpact 3.0 can upgrade for $34.95 through Ulead Systems at: 1-800-858-5323, 1-310-532-9393, or by e-mail at info@ulead.com. Their web address is: http://www.ulead.com.

As previously described in the first installment of this review, included in PhotoImpact are other programs. A mode called Ulead Quick Access lets the user easily switch between Ulead programs.

PhotoImpact is multi level sensitive. In the layout command, one can choose which level of expertise one would like to use. Once the level is chosen - beginner, intermediate, or advanced - the tool bars automatically add or subtract choices. The more advanced the option, the more choices are available.

Another option is guided work flow where the user can use automatic controls to edit the work. These tools are: acquire - for scanning in an image; AutoProcess - for straightening, cropping, contrast correction, etc.; the EasyPalette - for choosing special effects; and a frame and drop shadow command to finish the process.

The EasyPalette, mentioned above, is according to Ulead, the "heart of PhotoImpact." EasyPalette consists of galleries of effects such as textures and styles. Once activated all the various options for a particular effect are shown in tiny thumbnails of the picture so that the variations in the effects are visible.

The Manual is the same one as for 3.0. It is extremely well laid out and organized. It features headings, subheadings, and examples. It contains a few tutorials that incorporate both simple and more complex maneuvers. These are based on image preparation for a DTP publication. Each step of the tutorial lists the skills it covers.

This program also allows for a lot of customization and calibration. One can customize one's printer, for example, if it appears that its output is too dark or light. This can be done in one channel (R, G, or B) or in all channels. Thus, if one's printer does not allow for too much manipulation, it can be accomplished through the program's software.

I believe that this program is one of the best buys in image editing with or without Microsoft Office 95.

I contacted Ulead via e-mail to find out briefly to find ou how version 3.01 differed from 3.0. These differences mainly involved the WebExtensions addition to PhotoImpact 3.01.

3D text The Background Designer creates seamless patterns for both backgrounds and fills.These seamless patterns can be used in the HTML Assistant or as window's wallpaper. They can be further saved to "my gallery."

The Button Designer creates rectangular buttons that are ready to use. Included are borders, sample presets, and more.

HTML Assistant and Image Map Tag help in the creation of web pages through their automatic code generation. Options also allow for HTML3. CERN> or NCSA formats.

The GIF/JPEG SmartSaver allow for the preview of images at different compression settings and for the manipulation of these images. In addition, The GIF/JPEG SmartSaver modules can be installed as 32-bit Adobe Photoshop export-plugins.

Text can be manipulated in both 2D and 3D modes with many options available in both modes.

While PhotoImpact has built in tutorials and an excellent manual, the WebExtensions section does not. I called Ulead and asked them about the level of knowledge necessary to use their web tools to to build a web page. They informed me that some knowledge was necessary and this part of the program was not created for novices. However, they also told me that many of the tools like background and button designers could be used fo other purposes.

Some of the components of the WebExtension are: Frame Designer - allowing frames to be created for images; Object Shadow Designer; Shift Image - allowing easy repositioning of objects; Align Objects and Space Evenly; and others.

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Tulsa Computer Society 02/18/97

Don Singleton, President
tcs@galstar.com