| Features and Performance | Rating  |
One of the initial things I noticed when starting PhotoPlus X3 up for the first time was how much faster the software loaded compared to previous versions. To see if this speed extended to other functions of the application, I opened several large images and began applying complex filters to these photos. The improved memory management was very apparent, and I was quite impressed. When comparing PhotoPlus X2 to other photo editors, I felt that version of the software was about average in terms of speed and performance. Now I’d have to rate the latest release, PhotoPlus X3, tops in this category.
On top of the very noticeable increase in performance, PhotoPlus X3 has a number of other new features that should prove very attractive to those looking to invest in a photo editor. Among these is a raw image studio where you can edit photos while they are still in the unprocessed state, an improved user interface with easier-to-find commands, and over 50 new customizable filter effects. Overall, this release should definitely be considered a major upgrade.
| User Support and Documentation | Rating  |
PhotoPlus X3 comes equipped with a number of tutorials and learning aids that are accessible both online and from your desktop. In addition to the software’s built-in help system, there is an integrated How-To panel that walks users through editing tasks as they are being performed. On top of this, there are a number of PDF tutorials that come bundled with the application and cover a broad range of topics, from the most basic editing tasks to more complex project-oriented features.
Also, a portion of the PhotoPlus X3 web site has been dedicated to hosting video tutorials. At this time, the only video available is a basic overview of the software. It would be nice if Serif offered some way to “subscribe” to this page so that users could get email updates whenever new videos were added. As it is now, you simply have to just keep checking back for new content.
| Price to Value | Rating |
PhotoPlus X3 retails for $79.99, very much in line with other photo editors in its class. If you currently own a previous version of PhotoPlus, you may be eligible for upgrade pricing – check at Serif’s web site for more details.
| Overall Rating | Rating |
Although there is quite a bit of competition among photo editors, PhotoPlus X3 can hold its own and then some. This latest release of the software should catch a few eyes in the image editing world, not just because of its power and capabilities, but also because of its speed and efficiency.
It may take a little bit of time to become fully comfortable with all of the features found in the application, but the same can be true of any high-powered photo editor. However, this learning curve is mitigated by the number of useful tutorials and built-in editing guides provided with the software.
PhotoPlus X3 is definitely worth the investment. Even if you currently own PhotoPlus X2, the number of improvements that have been added to X3 make upgrading a very attractive proposition.