PhotoFiltre is a free pixel-based image editor suitable for users who need an application to enhance digital photos. The free version of the application is an older version of PhotoFiltre that has has been in development since 2001. The latest full version of PhotoFiltre Studio is distributed as shareware and requires the purchase of a license after thirty days of use.
Highlights of PhotoFiltre
Some of the main features of PhotoFiltre include:
- Nice and clear user interface
- Reasonable selection of image adjustment tools
- Filter bar offers very easy image enhancement for new users with simple one click buttons
- Can be extended with a small range of plug-ins
- There is an active forum – first language is French but there are English areas also
- Good selection of image effects
- One click tools to convert images to black and white or add an aged effect
Why Use PhotoFiltre?
PhotoFiltre has some really user friendly tools for making image adjustments and would be an excellent tool for less experienced users who want to improve the pictures from their digital camera. The Filter bar has several adjustment tools that can make incremental changes to a picture by just clicking the increase or decrease buttons. The auto correction tools will also produce quick and effective results for most users. The range of Effects filters will also make it easy for beginners to apply exciting and striking effects to their images, such as converting a photo to an oil painting or pen and ink drawing.
The Limitations of PhotoFiltre
While the free version of PhotoFiltre does offer a range of painting tools and the ability to add text, the lack of any system of layers within images files means that the application lacks the flexibility to be used as an everyday creative tool. Every edit or change you make to an image is applied to the background layer, meaning that if, after several edits, you decide that you don't like an earlier edit, your only option is to undo all the later edits.
System Requirements
I couldn't find any minimum requirements for running the free version of PhotoFiltre, though the latest paid for version will run on all versions of Windows from 2000 to Windows 7. I've used it successfully on Windows Vista on an average spec laptop with 2GB RAM.
Support and Training
While PhotoFiltre isn't the best known of the batch of free pixel-based image editors, it does, like GIMP and Paint.NET, enjoy the support of a community of users with a forum dedicated to the application. The main language of the forum is French, but there are areas for English speaking users too. The application's website also offers a range of tutorials that will help new users to discover the full power of PhotoFiltre through practical examples.
The free version of PhotoFiltre can be downloaded from the official website.