Serif PhotoPlus Starter Edition for Windows

User Reviews

• Misinforming and deceiving

  DaniefoApril 8, 2014

  Pros

  User friendly interface.

  Cons

  Horrible to work with. Hardly any of the features are working. Cannot really say any further good about this.

  Summary

  Although the software is user friendly it is extremely limited and frustrating to use. As per Serif training manuals, I tried to draw a flower. Almost all the icons are greyed out. If this is what Serif want to use as a marketing tool, then I have serious doubts about the real McCoy. Will definitely not recommend.

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• Broken and deceiving

  mikeatlargeDecember 13, 2012

  Pros

  Supports layers and has a useful help guidance panel.

  Cons

  The software looks more full featured than it is. You never know when clicking on something will pop up an ad explaining the feature you just tried to use is only available in the ninety dollar paid version. Worse, the software has blatant bugs the company apparently has no interest in fixing. For example, even 250pt text, the largest size available in the pull down menu, on a typical photograph is so small as to be unreadable. Users are reporting other bugs as well on Serif's forum and the general answer is to buy the paid version. The SE version apparently is several versions behind their paid version. So you can't consider it a valid trial of the paid version. And they don't offer a free trial of the paid version. It's relatively bloated software--especially for a "starter version". It requires nearly 200MB of disk space making it far larger and more bloated than competing software like Irfanview, Paint.NET, etc.

  Summary

  Don't bother with PhotoPlus SE unless you're OK with the issues I've noted.

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• Great Photo Editing Program

  Lloyd_HayesSeptember 4, 2012

  Pros

  Outshines Coral Paintshop Pro X4 in many ways. Accepts Photoshop plug-ins. Multi-layer editing. Large number of tools. Selection includes a Color Selection option. Has a well thought out and designed File Organizer. It can export all files as PDF files.

  Cons

  The learning curve is similar to other high-end photo editing software. It does not read or write open source SVG files.

  Summary

  I have used the full versions of Serif's PhotoPlus for around 15 years. Over the past few years, PhotoPlus has really blossomed into one of the best photo editing programs you can buy for the money. I think this is mainly due to it's blog allowing users compare notes and to submit requests for features in the next version of it's software.

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• A MUST HAVE for elegant photo editing & file management

  capsurseaNovember 25, 2011

  Pros

  The screens were so easy to use - user friendly is always a concern with us "intermediate users" - that it entices one to finger every icon, bar, pull-down and such just to enjoy the photo editing and management experience. There is more to appreciate as you find new "gadgets", "bells and whistles" and screens that the program provides even in this "starter edition". It is like no other and far and away the best first step for people who have never had a professional photo editing and management program.

  Cons

  None to write about.

  Summary

  I used to have ACDSee but no more! I fingered, manipulated and rambled about the program about as much as a teenager on his first date. After spending more than six hours on the Serif PhotoPlus Starter Edition; I could not resist buying the complete edition. So, in less than 24 hours, I purchased the Serif PhotoPlus X5. The cost for this photo editing and management program is well below other similar ones that are more complicated, less user friendly and with fewer features. This makes the Serif product superior in all aspects! I'll also give it an "elegant" for it's well thought out screen designs!

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