PhotoPlus X3 by Serif strikes a good balance between photo and image editing, offering a solid mix of simple and automatic tools and features to touch-up and optimize photos, as well as a few more advanced features that arguably lean into the “professional” side of the image editing software spectrum. The new and improved user interface, expanded HD support and HDR imaging, as well as sub-features like the B/W studio and print studio are welcome additions to a program that has been fairly solid since its inception
However, while PhotoPlus X3 makes a strong case for itself in photo and image editing, it leaves something to be desired in graphic design, offering only a few crop and layering tools to be used. Still, one shouldn’t expect PhotoPlus X3, let alone any image editing software program under $100, to be an economical equivalent to Adobe Photoshop, which when a few add-on programs are thrown into the mix, can cost above and beyond a grand.
Before we get to the long-form critique, the following strengths and weaknesses stood out while using PhotoPlus X3:
Strengths
- Expansive and Improved Filter Gallery
- Versatile, Customizable Print Studio
- Quick Fix Studio
Weaknesses
- Few Graphic Design/Image Creation Tools and Features
PhotoPlus X3 delivers impressive—if not stunning—results and does so without breaking the bank. Sure, most programs can, ostensibly, deliver near-professional and professional results, but the majority of them require more time and tutorials than they’re often worth. PhotoPlus X3 is not one of them. It might be in a dead-heat with other programs for its tools and features, but gets a nose ahead with its ease of use, which greatly increases its overall value.
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