PhotoDream

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on November 06, 2009

PhotoDream lives up to its billing by offering a dreamy set of filters you can easily apply to your pictures. With simple controls and an impressive array of filters, most users will surely find something to fits their personality.

The program's interface is so intuitively designed that few will need to consult the Help file. With command icons, filter choices, and preview shots clearly laid out across the screen, users will know exactly what they're doing. PhotoDream's functionality is quickly mastered, thanks to its layout. Choose a photo to alter, and PhotoDream displays it prominently. From there, you can choose one of the 15 filter options along the left side, ranging from Stars and Lighting to Weather, Art, and more. Clicking on any of these choices brings up six variations on that filter and applies it to the image thumbnail. Clicking the thumbnail calls up a larger example and a message asking if you want to apply the filter. The program's finest feature adjusts the color of the chosen filter effect when you click on a color wheel on the preview screen. While most of the filters tend to look more cartoonish or dreamy than professional, we can't deny the filters are easy and, most of all, fun to use.

Offering simplicity and fun, users will immediately realize PhotoDream's fantastic abilities. It's free to use for a 30-day trial period.