PhotoScape X for Mac

PhotoScape X for Mac is a photo-viewing and editing tool that offers many of the same functions as iPhoto, but in a separate interface that often performed faster in our tests than the native app. While it lacks some of the integration and features of Apple’s native photo viewer, PhotoScape X offers a suite of tools that simplifies photo viewing and editing, making it a convenient alternative for Mac users.

Edit, create, repeat

The installation process for PhotoScape X was quick, with the app loading immediately after setup. Once configured, it scanned the hard drive and loaded over 800 images in under three seconds, presenting them in a single view. Clicking any image allowed us to apply edits instantly and save the updated file back to its original location or to a separate folder. While the interface resembles a basic file viewer and lacks aesthetic appeal, customizable themes add some character, and its functionality is undeniably efficient.

The app now offers advanced layer management, such as Merge Selected Layers, and the ability to edit multiple objects simultaneously. Creative flexibility has also expanded with new effects like Inner Glow and Emboss, alongside a massive influx of new assets, including hundreds of flower and pixel stickers.

PhotoScape X offers a Batch Editor feature that lets users apply edits to multiple photos at once, streamlining workflows and ensuring consistency across image collections. 

The Cut Out tool allows precise background removal using Magic Eraser, Lasso, and Brush tools, facilitating seamless integration of subjects into new backgrounds or compositions. Users can create animated images with the GIF Creator, combining multiple photos to produce dynamic visuals suitable for various applications. 

The Collage feature enables merging multiple photos into customizable frames, allowing for creative presentations and storytelling through images. With the Combine function, users can attach multiple photos vertically or horizontally to create panoramic or sequential narratives in a single image. 

The Screen Capture tool allows users to capture screenshots, facilitating the inclusion of on-screen content into projects or tutorials. The Color Picker feature enables precise color selection from images, aiding in accurate color matching and design consistency. 

PhotoScape X supports RAW image processing, allowing photographers to work with high-quality image files directly from their cameras. The software includes a Print function that offers templates for printing photos in various formats, such as passport photos or lined calendar pages. 

PhotoScape X is available on both Windows and macOS, ensuring accessibility for a broad user base.

Better than native

PhotoScape X for Mac is a photo-viewing and editing tool for Mac that offers many of the same features as iPhoto, but in a separate interface that was often faster in our tests than the native app. While not as feature-rich or as integrated with OS X as Apple's native photo viewer, PhotoScape X offers a suite of tools that make photo viewing much easier.

Installation of PhotoScape X took only a few moments, and the app loaded immediately. After setting the theme and switching to the photo viewer, the app loaded all the images on our test computer in just under three seconds, scanning the entire hard drive and pulling more than 800 photos into a single view. By clicking any of these images, we could immediately apply edits and then save the file back to the hard drive in the same location or in a separate location. The interface here is very much like a file viewer, so it's not pretty, but it's very functional, and the themes add a bit of flavor to what would otherwise be a bland app. The performance here is fantastic, though, and while additional features like social integration are missing, the app is a very solid replacement for your native photo viewing app.

PhotoScape X is a free app that works very well as a replacement for iPhoto or any other photo-viewing app you are currently using. It's fast, responsive, and has added tools like GIF creation that help it stand out against the competition; and with no upgrade fee needed down the line, it's a very good app that could make itself at home on any newer Macs.

Elite editing

PhotoScape X delivers exceptional performance, with its speed and responsiveness standing out. Though it lacks features like social integration, the app’s added tools, such as GIF creation, make it a competitive choice for photo management. It’s a free app with no hidden upgrade fees, offering a reliable, robust alternative to iPhoto or other photo-viewing tools on newer Macs.

For users seeking alternatives to PhotoScape X, Adobe Photoshop Express offers a streamlined editing experience with advanced features for free. GIMP is an open-source option providing powerful editing tools comparable to professional-grade software. Affinity Photo is another robust alternative, featuring precision editing tools and advanced effects for creative projects. Fotor caters to casual users with its easy-to-navigate interface and one-click enhancements. At the same time, Pixlr provides a versatile browser-based solution for both quick edits and more detailed projects.

• New Object Effects: Inner Glow, Inner Shadow, Emboss
• New Image Effects: Outline
• Added Background, Fill, Color, Masks options to Image and Sticker Objects
• Added Mask option to Color and Film Effects
• Added Close menu to Collage tab
• Added 'Merge Selected Layers’ to Editor tab
• Added 'Font Favorites'
• Added 'WEBP Quality option'
• Added 32 Camouflage Patterns
• Added 180 Flower Stickers
• Added 469 more Pixel Stickers
• Selecting and Editing Multiple Objects
• Improved Object Effects: Long Shadow, Overlays & Masks
• Improved Shadows/Highlights Filter
• Improved UI
• Fixed bugs