Collage Maker

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on May 08, 2009

Photo collages can be a great way to tell a story, keep memories and simply have fun. Collage Maker promises to be a program that gives users every possible collage-making tool imaginable. Unfortunately, one of the tools to make the process quicker and easier to use isn't available during the trial. And despite this program's overall ease of use, novice users might be overwhelmed by the number of available options.

This program presents itself much like simple graphic design programs, such as Paintbrush, but with different icons and commands. Large screen and buttons along the top and left hand side make Photo Collage an easy program to navigate. The Auto Collage button along the right hand side is the most valuable tool on the screen. This lets you select your photos, choose borders, size, and other necessities. Back on the main screen there are a number of filters, stamps and other special effects users can apply to their work. While experienced users won't have any problem, this may be a bit overwhelming for newer users.

Collage Maker has a great amount of control and quality, but this 30-day trial is limiting where it matters most: collage design. The collage template option cannot be accessed, so once the pictures are laid out, users must manually move them into position. While it doesn't explicitly say so, we suspect users must purchase the full program for this option. However, while this is inconvenient, the overall program functions intuitively and provides a simple way for users to cluster their pictures and make a collage.