- Robust batch processing capabilities and extensive image editing features
- High-end database support
- Lower pricing for Standard version
- Interface stuck in 1990s (small, fixed-size dialogs, ugly, low-color icons, and multi-level menus).
- Properties editor for entering keywords and database information is small and poorly arranged.
- Its many options and features could be overwhelming to beginners.
- Browse thumbnails of images on your computer, CDs, network, removable drives, and in zip files.
- View and play 100+ image and multimedia formats--audio, video, fonts, and many types of documents.
- Add keywords, annotations, and user-defined database fields. Supports EXIF and IPTC metadata.
- Search for images based on a number of criteria or find similar images and duplicate images.
- Create custom galleries which can contain thumbnails for a group of images across multiple folders.
- Perform extensive image corrections, enhancements, and other actions individually or in batch mode.
- Offers many advanced processing functions and effects with unlimited undo/redo capability.
- Print single images, multiple files per page, or contact sheets. Upload to order prints online.
- Generate HTML photo galleries for the Web or save a series of images as stand-alone slide shows.
- US$49.95 for the Standard Edition and US$89.95 for the Pro Edition. Trial download available.
ThumbsPlus has many customization options, including excellent multiple-monitor support, user-defined database fields, and the ability to configure individual file types for editing, printing, etc. All the standard file management functions are there, and you can search for duplicates and similar images. The batch processing and editing capabilities are unmatched; it has a number of filters, special effects, and enhancements such as red eye removal, watermarking, JPEG cleanup, digital camera cleanup, and many more. Batch processing is done by creating a set of commands that can be saved and applied to a series of images immediately or in the future. ThumbsPlus Pro adds support for RAW and professional camera files, scientific file formats, *.8bi import plugins, additional database options, network sharing of databases, and a command line utility.
Back in the 1990s, I thought ThumbsPlus was the best image manager going. It had it all--and still does--but it's sadly stuck with a 90s-style interface that is awkward to use. With some updating, it could blow the competition away, but for now it's best for folks who don't mind spending a lot of time to manage their image collection.
