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Ulead certainly believes in packing plenty into its software boxes.  Take the latest version of PhotoImpact as an example of the company’s attitude towards generous helpings.  Now up to version 10, PhotoImpact concerns itself with photographic images and how best they can be presented and managed.  However for the guys at Ulead this is just the opening gambit in the process of overwhelming the user with goodies.

For a start, included in the box with PhotoImpact are copies of PhotoExplorer 8.5 and PhotoImpact Album 10.  Both these titles cover some similar ground although the approach and method of presentation is different.  Image management, viewing options and sharing are featured in both.  PhotoExplorer includes basic editing features and acquiring images from scanners and digital cameras while PhotoImpact Album is better at handling Web interaction and dealing with EXIF data from digital cameras.

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You also get copies of GIF Animator for creating simple animations and Cool360 which can combine a series of photographs in 360 degree environments or wide angle panoramic views.  If that is not enough then there is a bonus CD.  This contains 2,000 stock images, 4 Alien Skin plug-in filters and 1,000 photographs from the Hemera catalogue.  There is so much in the box that you hardly know where to start.  Unfortunately I did encounter a couple of problems but more of a little later.

Installation of the software is a slightly drawn-out process.  After entering an 18-character serial number and making a number of selections regarding PhotoImpact 10, the installation proceeds but then you have to work your way through further installations for PhotoExplorer and Cool360.  PhotoImpact Album is installed as part of the main program.  Various icons and entries in the Start menu are created ready for you to begin work.

But not so, as I quickly discovered when I tried to open PhotoExplorer.  Clicking on its icon resulted in nothing happening.  I tried again but still nothing happened.  The same state of affairs occurred with PhotoImpact Album.  I was able to fire up the main PhotoImpact program and Cool360.  Reinstalling the various programs did not help.  

Switching to another system did resolve the problems.  Both the systems were running Windows XP but while one machine had been upgraded to SP2, the other had not and was able to run all the programs.  I have no evidence that SP2 was causing the problems with the two applications other than the software ran on SP1 and can only leave you to make your own decision.

PhotoImpact gives you a choice in the way you perceive the program’s interface.  You can select from a basic or standard approach.  The basic method, suitable for beginners and casual users, displays larger icons and gives quick access to the more common tasks.

For more advanced users, the standard interface consists of a main work area sitting alongside an easy palette featuring a hierarchical tree structure for basic navigational purposes.  The tree structure is made up of all the available image categories formed from their folders.  Thumbnails from the currently selected category will be displayed next to the tree.  Various tool bars and menu items are positioned along three sides of the interface.  More tools are available in this mode as you tackle various image-editing tasks, create your own designs that could include 3D objects, and apply a range of special effects.  Included among the special effects are those for adding lighting, gradients and artistic touches.  There is also a full set of tools for developing Web graphics such as buttons, backgrounds and banners.

PhotoImpact 10 allows you to easily switch to the other elements making up this package.  A switch option sits in the top right corner of the interface.  This reveals a dropdown list of the other Ulead titles.  From here you can launch GIF Animator, PhotoImpact Album, PhotoExplorer and Cool360.  Each of these titles adds extra functionality to the package and is well worth trying out.

Overall PhotoImpact is capable of producing some eye-catching effects and handing many photo editing tasks.  However the problems I encountered with loading two of the elements does need to be taken into consideration when making your decision.  But at a price of around £52, you are certainly getting value for your money.

http://www.ulead.co.uk