Ulead Introduces New Version of PhotoImpact Image Editing Software

Ulead Systems Inc., Taipei, Taiwan, released Ulead PhotoImpact 11, PC image-editing software with tools for personal and professional image and photo-editing needs. The "My Workspace" interface system offers a set of five pre-defined modes, along with the ability to customize and save personal workspace layouts.

Basic Photo Mode is the simplest of the ready-to-use modes; providing large, easy-to- identify icons with direct access to the most commonly used tools for acquiring, browsing, enhancing and sharing images. Specially-configured menus, toolbars and fewer option panels simplify the user interface. Users can choose between Basic Photo Mode, Standard Photo Mode, Graphics Mode, Web Mode and Advanced Mode.

New RAW/DNG support allows users to capture full camera-image quality. Ulead Photo Explorer 8.6, included with PhotoImpact 11, provides intuitive browsing and batch conversion of RAW files. Enhanced 16-bit editing allows for a range of automatic and manual processing tools to adjust color and correct images in high-quality 48-bit color depth.

SmartCurves simplifies photo-tone enhancement with automatic correction of camera response curve anomalies. SmartRemove Scene Compositor lets users selectively paint out moving elements from multiple shots of the same scene to compose an image with the elements they want. SmartRemove also makes it possible to create dramatic original photos by combining shots with people or objects appearing in different poses or locations.

PhotoImpact 11's new tools include White Balance adjustment and Chromatic Aberration correction. The High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Color Cast tools have also been improved. Also new to PhotoImpact 11 are non-destructive Layer Masks, editable alpha-channel masks for objects. Layer Masks allow users to blend images and objects in creative compositions with greater flexibility, says the company.

Box and electronic download versions of PhotoImpact 11 will be available in October for .99 through Ulead Web sites. Upgrades for registered PhotoImpact users will be available for .99.