Publisher: MAGIX AG
Version: 6
Xara Photo & Graphic Designer, our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award winner, is photo editing software from MAGIX AG that goes right in line with the quality multimedia programs they have been releasing for several years. We were surprised that this program hadn't gotten our radar before now. It's one of the best photo editing programs you've never heard of. Unfortunately, it's unable to equal up to the expectations placed on it by the other products MAGIX offers. You're still going to get a great photo editing program if you decide to buy it, but it's far from being the strongest member of the MAGIX's product line.
The interface in this version has been completely redone to improve workflow and eliminate the unfortunate task of having to search around for something you need.Ease of Use:
For complex photo editing software, Xara Photo & Graphic Designer is very easy to use. It's not hard to find the tools you need to get the job done. Your will find that their vector based approach is better, more powerful and easy to use. MAGIX took the liberty of combining several different applications into one, which makes things on your end easier in terms of the time and money you would spend learning and purchase other programs. This approach also gives this program an extra little bit of staying power. If you choose Xara Photo & Graphic Designer, you're not going to have to pick up any other photo editing software.
Importing:
Xara Photo & Graphic Designer is rich in importing options. Based on our estimates, this program supported the ability to import more than 40 different video and image file formats. We had a hard time finding another program in this category that could beat the flexibility this program gives its users in this area. Having a lot of importing options is important because it gives users the ability to incorporate design elements from all ends of the spectrum. It's good to know that the photo editing software you choose isn't going to limit you creatively.
Editing:
You aren't going to see a lot of the editing features in Xara Photo & Graphic Designer in other photo editing software. Normally, this would lead to the downfall of a program, but here it's only helpful. The unique features make up for the lack of the common features. If the unique features weren't there, the editing features in this program would be pretty sparse and weak. Luckily, MAGIX decided to throw in a few things we have never seen before. If they hadn't, their program wouldn't be nearly as good as it is. Editing is now a lot easier in Xara Photo & Graphic Designer than ever before. We liked the fact that they didn't pack additional editing features that may or may not have been of any use to the user. Instead, they decided to improve how easy it is to use the stellar options that are already there.
Output Capabilities:
Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 6 is one of those rare photo editing programs that has just as many export options as it does import capabilities. We found that the import and export lists didn't match up perfectly, but the amount of export options here is perhaps larger than anything else you would find in the industry.
Organizing:
For file organization in Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 6, you are able to use a file browser, archive images to CD, assign ratings to your photos and view EXIF information. When you're done organizing your images, you will be able to look for them using the advanced image search feature. The only option Xara Photo & Graphic Designer did not offer in this category was the ability to create albums. While this feature may not be important for some, its absence could definitely be a negative for many others. . It needs to be added to the program in the future.
Help/Support:
Users can get in touch with Xara over the telephone or through emails. Before contacting them through these channels, however, Xara recommends looking at its user's manual, FAQs section, knowledge base, tutorials and user forum first. All of these options put together are going to make it impossible for you to not find the answer you were looking for.
Summary:
Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 6 is solid photo editing software that will quickly wiggle its way into your good graces. We thought there were a few things Xara could do to improve the program, but those changes are sure to come with the next upgrade. Many of our previous concerns have been addressed and fixed already with the '6' version. Until then, you're going to get a great photo editor if this program is the one you choose.
Source: http://photo-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com
