Ulead PhotoImpact has been around for a long time because it provides desirable features for hobbyists at an attractive price point. PhotoImpact 12 features four operating modes; the mode that you select determines which menus and tools will be available. The ExpressFix and Full Edit modes provide access to tools for importing, browsing and editing images, while the Video & DVD and Web modes concentrate on creating content for removable media and Web sites; we will cover only the program's photo-editing capabilities in this review.

The ExpressFix mode provides a range of tools for fixing the most common problems found in still images, including exposure, saturation, colorcast and focus; there's even a Beautify Skin tool that lets you touch up skin tones and blemishes. This mode also provides a two-pane view of an image that lets you compare the various possible edits with the original image before you make a commitment. Most ExpressFix options offer three or more preset changes from which to choose; each suggested change is shown as a thumbnail image, which displays in the second pane when clicked upon. ExpressFix also offers two automatic, one-click processes -- Noise Reduction and SmartCurves -- that require no user intervention.

Full Edit mode provides greater control over image edits. You can nudge input and output levels and curves for all color channels, highlight mid-tones, add detail to shadows, add a bit of fill flash, correct chromatic aberration and adjust white balance.

While PhotoImpact includes most of the tools that most individuals will need to polish their photos, we are put off by the inconsistent user interface. In some cases, PhotoImpact displays a multi-pane window with before-and-after images; in others, however, only a small dialog box with adjustments on top of the standard image view window is shown. Some commands apply an effect with no preview or options. Fortunately, the Undo function works well.

Ulead PhotoImpact 12 offers a collection of tools that can salvage mediocre images as well as enhance good ones. Its main flaw is an inconsistent user interface.


Pros: ExpressFix mode easy to use for correcting minor problems, Full Edit mode provides wide array of tools, dual-pane interface handy for viewing before-and-after versions
Cons: Inconsistent user interface, steep learning curve