PhotoPlus X3 is the latest version of Serif’s popular photo editing software. This review will take a look at the new features found in the application in addition to revisiting some of the old. How does PhotoPlus X3 stack up to other editors in its class?
PhotoPlus X3 – Overview
While I always look forward to seeing the latest features and improvements in new software releases, I don’t always think upgrading is worth the price. However, even though I quite enjoyed PhotoPlus X2, I’m particularly impressed with the new capabilities found in PhotoPlus X3, the most recent release of Serif’s photo editor. I’ll talk about these features in more detail later in the review.
In order to run PhotoPlus X3, your system should meet the following minimum requirements.
- Windows XP/Vista
- Pentium processor
- 128 MB RAM
- 328 MB hard disk space
- 800 x 600 (or higher) monitor resolution
- DVD/CD-ROM drive (for software installation)
- Mouse or some other type of pointing device
As with any photo editing application, additional RAM and a more powerful processor will yield better results. This is especially true if you’re working with large or complex image files.
| Installation and Setup | Rating  |
During the initial installation of the software, I did come across one strange quirk in which PhotoPlus X3 recommended that I reboot before proceeding with the installation. The warning message suggested that I had recently installed some other software product that required a reboot, and it would be best if I did perform a reboot to settle that matter before continuing. Although I wasn’t sure what the message was referencing I rebooted anyway, just to be on the safe side.
After rebooting, I restarted the PhotoPlus X3 installation and received the same message. This time, I knew there were no problems because I had just rebooted. So, I ignored the message (which I probably should have done the first time) and continued with the install. After that, everything else about the installation process went fine. At the end of the process, I was once again prompted to reboot before actually using PhotoPlus X3. However, that was unnecessary – at least, it was unnecessary on my system.
So, while there really wasn’t any trouble with the installation process, all of the reboot requests did start to get a little tiresome, especially when they weren’t needed. It’s not a major issue by any means, but it is enough for me to give the software a 4 instead of a 5 in this category.
| Ease of Use | Rating  |
Users of Adobe photo editing products will feel right at home with the user interface of PhotoPlus X3, and it shouldn’t take others too much longer to get comfortable with the software – at least, it shouldn’t take longer than it would with any other image editor. To help with this acclimation process, PhotoPlus X3 comes bundled with several PDF tutorials, which we will talk more about in the User Support and Documentation section of this review.
When you first open the application, you’ll be met with a welcome screen where you can choose the type of project on which you wish to work. This should be quite helpful to new users, but once it becomes more of a distraction than an actual aid, you can check a box that will prevent the screen from popping up every time you use the software.
Continue on to the next page for the remainder of Bright Hub's review of Serif PhotoPlus X3.