Xtremely poor functions, even a child would hate just setting a stupid frame and bubbles and lights. Tried now and immediately uninstalled

boy! what a load of nothing for such a large size.

instructions ('help' > 'online help') say click "save" but not only is there no save button...

there aren't the options it says there are of photo size and quality when you click "export" (the only thing closest to save).

the screenshots of printing and 'saving' show the interface of a mac - wonder if that's the difference (am using a pc). http://www.softease.biz/help/photomagic-windows/save-and-print-photo.html

as mentioned previously no fullscreen or undo (!!!???).

also when you print the image it will show it rotated if you rotated it, but not if you export ('save'?) it.

pretty hopeless as a digital design tool but guess okaaaaaaay (*sigh* *roll eyes*) as a toy with half a dozen tricks :-/

Hi, Like many Others I too soon became irritated by the lack of certain basic functions within this Program (or ease they ought to be instantly found: undo, apply, save as, to mention just the obvious ones), but then..realized majority of these effects can be used elsewhere, they are not native to this Software.., so think of it as a "set of plugins" and be smart..

Thanks GAOTD, it's a keeper for a while at least.

I like the program with all the effects but no undo button? Still a keeper for me. Thanks

why now work on win xp sp2 ???

PhotoMagic installed and registered without problems on Win 7 64-bit.

That's a poor attempt at emulating an Apple-styled-sorta GUI... And no full-screen mode, which for an image editing program is a must-have. Atleast it does have drag-and-drop.

Specially designed for photo enhancement Oh really? Can't open RAW format, I tried it with my Canon and my neighbours' Olympus. Nada.

And just like other users I can't find an Undo function. Even 'Ctrl+z' does nothing, other than beep that is. The GUI is already hell to go through (counterintuitive in more ways than I can describe) without it beeping at me.

The Softease site however is plastered with superlatives and I seriously wonder if they are talking about the same program as the one they are selling (or is offered here). With insanely amazing lighting effects, photos will be magically turned into images only find on fairyland (sic) oh boy...

The lack of RAW support isn't a big deal in itself, I can live with that. Even the GUI would have been acceptable if its features would have been mindblowing (which they arn't). But no Undo? It's one of the standard functions and if it isn't implemented, PhotoMagic simply should not have been released, not even for free... That might sound harsh but let's be real, who would pay $20 for a 'photo enhancement program' lacking an Undo function? I'd feel scammed and I feel kinda bad for GOTD for having paid for this...

Uninstalled with Revouninstaller, does a clean uninstall. Thumbed down.

Thanks anyway GOTD and have a nice weekend.

I’m usually a lurker, but this package does some comment. I’m running XP with all current updates.

First; the light bile-green colored lettering used in the info pop-ups is hard to read and unattractive.
Second; it seems a bad idea, that the “Load” button displays “ All files *.* ” rather than only image files. As a test, I told it to open a non-image file; the program gave me a “PhotoMagic.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.” I then tried a .gif file, and got the same error message. I would think a rejection message (Cannot open; not an Image File), not a crash message, would be better.

I then tried opening a .jpeg files and got the “PhotoMagic.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
I rebooted the computer and tried opening the .jpeg file: the program again gave me the “PhotoMagic.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
I reinstalled PhotoMagic; the problems continue.
I don’t read anyone else having the same problems; is it because I’m running XP?

This is a keeper for me! I like the effects and borders offered with this GAOTD. Thanks!

A nice tool to have in the toolbox.Does have some interesting effects,not a do-all but a good complimentary tool to use with others.IMO a keeper but needs an option to change 'tooltip' colors,the default colors are kind of difficult to see.Registration box also says free support(unusual in giveaways).Thanks GOTD & SOFTEASE for a useful tool to add to the box.

No "UNDO" feature is unacceptable... I would never pay for this package as is.

Better FREE software from GIMP,
Gimpshop
http://www.gimpshop.com/downloads

Gave it a quick run through. My first impressions: 1) Liked the various 'Light' effects. Very interesting. Best Feature IMO. 2)'Filters' interesting 3)'Frames' useful but some sameness. 4) Loads and works quickly.

BUT 2 BIG PROBLEMs:
1) PRINTING. I could not get it to print the image with the modifications applied. My printer only prints the applied 'frame' without the image in it.??? Could be a problem with how my printer interacts. Tried changing some printer settings but got same results. No more time to mess with it. Only way I could print picture with the modifications was to save ('export' icon) the PhotoMagic modications to a new file; close PhotoMagic (since no UNDO) and reopen it; then load my PhotoMagic saved image, and print. However that is a major pain. Printer is a Lexmark Pro 705 series. Haven't had issues with any other photo imaging programs.

2) Problem #2 not having an 'UNDO' feature is another major pain.
Based on these two issues I will likely uninstall PhotoMagic. I maybe over looking something obvious but this is advertised as simple enough for non-techies to use.

I really love this wonderful free software from GAOTD today. I have a massive 1 TB HDD in my new Intel Core i7 entertainment notebook and I need massive softwares like thia to fill up all the empty spaces in that HDD. I do not know if I will ever use the software after installing it without any problems, but I sure like it's ability to help me fill up my HDD quickly! Yahoo! May God bless GAOTD and the software publisher.

To those who are questioning the WOT rating. As a computer security analyst I in the past used and relied heavily on WOT with my personal computer. Such is not the case anymore. WOT has been being manipulated for some time now effectively making the ratings worthless. I now rely on my Avast web rep which rates the vendor's site as good. Regardless, the vendor here is asking your opinion on their software as opposed to their website which is all WOT is about; the website. :-)

Downloaded and installed no problem and reg was very easy. The program does a pretty good job, maybe not quite up to pro photographer standards but good for snap happy Joes. Can't see why everyone is making a big thing about 137 Mb size, unless you are using a netbook or ancient relic of a PC 137 is fairly small(ish). Anyway, wake up people its free and works well. Thanks.

#34 Larry: Try my suggestin above...

To #32 Hemanon2020... Maybe this will help: After installing program, When you click on 'ACTIVATE.EXE' the first time you should have option to 'run' or 'extract all'. You MUST click on 'EXTRACT ALL'. This will open a window that looks like the original PhotoMagicWin.zip file extraction (with same 4 files listed), but this time when you click on 'ACTIVATE.EXE' it will register program for you. You will briefly see GOTD server verification window popup and then nothing seems to happen or change in the registration blanks. Close PhotoMagic and reopen it. This time when you click on 'register' in the program, it should have the registration information already filed in for you. Click on 'register' and you should get a message saying 'Register Successfully!' (ignore use of wrong verb tense). See if this gets you out of 'INESCAPEABLE LOOPDOM'.

I'm wondering if the creator could address the low WOT rating on their website? As a new kid on the block this sort of concerns me.

I've downloaded, registered, and played a bit. Wish I could find the UNDO button...but it might be fun for casual photo manipulation.

....and thanks to the creator and to GOTD for the free-as-always chance to try out new software.

GIOVANNI:
As always, your review and suggestions is DEAD ON.

Have you ever visited GIZMO's site at : http://www.techsupportalert.com/?

I THINK YOU SHOULD BE A REVIEWER THERE! I often go there to see what Gizmo's reviewers say about software BEFORE I even download anything anywhere else.

HE IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GREAT REVIEWERS, SUCH AS YOURSELF!
http://www.techsupportalert.com/become-a-reviewer.htm

But, if you do this, PLEASE DO NOT FORGET US HERE ;-)

.....SB

I tried to register but the message try later keeps coming up.

It is not due to my WIFI connection as it is at max.

This process for registering is a main in the butt - prefer the only method were the key was included in the text file.

What's up.

In the past, as this one will most probably follow the same path, I gave up and missed out on apps I would of enjoyed installing.

Will try to see if I can obtain the code from the developer.

OK GAOTD get back to the old and reliable way of registering - forget the process with the Activate.gcd.

Loaded and Registered fine in Win 8 x64. Tried the random button and the program keeps on crashing. I did it 4 times so it is repeatable. I opened and closed the program and got the same results. It does not seem like too great of a program. Not a keeper, thanks anyway GOTD.

Installed and ran it...OOPPSS. It says I have to register. Shut it down, ran activate, ran program, must register. Shut down, uninstalled, reinstalled, ran activate, ran program, must register. I'm lost in an inescapeable loop. Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Can't activate on Win 8

Thanks Gio #16 for summary of leading & some new choices. FreeVimager looks promising just doesn't mention RAW support. But suppose RAW THERAPEE covers that.

(Note: ebax, comment 27, says some of what I'm going to say here, about the large size and how it's justified by looking at some of the actual items in the install folder.)

The large file size did intrigue me. 137 MBs? What could've possibly required that much space? So, I looked into it a bit.
After installing, I opened up the program files and I quickly found out just why it took so much space.

The image borders take up about 55.9 MBs of space.
The image overlays take up about 79.5 MBs of space.
This justified the amount of space the installation required. So, I moved on to actually using the software.
I crack it open and find out that it doesn't exactly let me do as I wish like a real photo editor. I can't move around the overlays or the background picture. It also has a tendency to badly re-size the overlay to fit into the picture (which can make said overlay look a bit... squished). At this point, I really want to just copy the overlays folder, uninstall the program, and apply the overlays in my other image editors.

>tl;dr The magic of this program lies in the overlays and the border folders. Take those out, you have a 22.6 MBs large program that can change the hue of your image and a few other hokey image effects.

#4 jeff

I voted it down after 30 seconds, WHY?
because i have tried this out before,
so there

For those of you that 'complained' and haven't bothered to d/l because of the size, take note the program has 80mbs of image .jpgs (190) and 56mb of background frames .pngs. None of the freebies mentioned here include those 'add-ons' which can, of course be deleted, and then you have a comparable sized app. As if size matters!!

I do sympathize with those of you that have 'slow' connections.

Remember, no two apps are ever 'exactly' the same (although they may be similar), thats why GAOTD exists. To get people to try a 'different' solution!. Someone is always making a 'better mouse-trap'!
For those of you that complain about 'losing' apps, when you have to rebuild, I would suggest you move to WIN 7 as I haven't yet rebuilt it since I first installed the Beta! Plus, I install just about all of the GAOTD apps and many others! (over 500 apps without counting the portable ones).

The interface is hideous. When you have yo hunt around to load a graphic, something is wrong.

Luckily, you can load the graphics from the UI folder and change the look completely

It seems to be just a rudimentary color changing program

I have been playing with the program and in my view it is a fine image retouching and processing program. I download all of these photo retouching programs and all of them have something different to offer. The GOTD people and the vendors would know that, otherwise why offer something that is identical or inferior to others. Plus, what others have said infinitely: It is free, so what do you lose? You have some new tool in your inventory and that's it. I am not an expert in this matter but as I see it, there are programs for every need and capability of the user. This one is simple and not pretentious. The results are superb if your pics are just going to adorn your collection and not go to a contest a gallery or a museum.

I prefer lossless croppping, rotating etc. of JPGs as IrfanView, JPEGCROPS and others can do without needing so much space. I'm looking urgently for further lossless methods like darkening a too light pic etc.

For comparison ("installed"):
IrfanViewPortable 41MB
GIMP_Portable 205MB
ArcSoftPhotoStudio6 54MB
AshampooPhotoOptimizer2 10MB
Photomizer1.3 4MB
SerifPhotoPlusX3 280MB
ZonerPhotoStudioPro14 230MB
FocusPhotoeditor6 50MB
Inpaint4.3 11MB
StereoPhoto Maker4.37 2.75MB
Picasa3.6 63MB

By the way filters are mathematical algorithms and therefore don't need much space. If no hidden surprises are incorporated perhaps photomagic comes with half a Gigabyte of examples???

Normally I'm trying to get hold of as many good pic software as posssible and try out with a valuable picture which software can improve it best (in my opinion). But this time I will pass.

Large size file.
No problem with download, running on win7 64 or to activate.

Simple to figure out all that can be done.
Layout is well made.
Would prefer a uniform grey background instead of somewhat annoying oblique lines that constantly drives my attention away from the image but will not contribute to the final image, so would be better neutral or at least user select-able.

Functions are limited. I am a photoshop expert but surely like what I see in simple way of presentation to create effects / Decoration more than enhancements. Program should work perfectly for a person with no knowledge of photo editing who can produce a quick but intense effect, effortlessly. I am sure my wife or teenager kids will love it and see a potential customers right there.

Its nice that you can drag and drop an image instead of Load.
Crop is straight forward. Big time missing Tilt or Horizon control here that is a must for one out of every few landscape images.

Three instant options here that are icons on top right:
1- Filter: Nice to have a thumbnail of what filter would do instantly, right the moment image is loaded. But then these are very limited copy / similar in appearance to some of photoshop filters. Nothing too exciting or new for me. Extend of shapening or edge enhancement is not user controllable, like other filter's effect.
2- Ligh: Interesting. You don't get this as a direct option on PS. I am sure novice will like a least one of the effects for the given image. Has the good potential to add a professional look effect and mood her.
3- Frame: Love this part. Very simple and effective. Relatively adequate to get what you have in mind and beyond in a simple way. Only this feature of program makes it a keeper for me.

Rotate / flip icons: Simple. Wish rotate had a variable user control feature to compensate for the missing horizon tilt correction.

Compare icon is useless IMO.
Random icon on the other hand is quit useful for one who does not know what to do or what he/she wants. Problem is once you like an effect (And not Saved or Export) and you move on to see the next effect only to discover you wanted that particular effect you saw in a few minutes back, there is no way you can get back.

Outcome of image is limited to Print or Export.
And Voila you are done.

Biggies I miss here even on a very limited image enhancing program:
1- Ability to Resize and compress image. May be an option at the end say: For Web, along with Print and Export icons.
2- Ability to utilize RAW. Yes that might be too much to ask but then many good free softwares out there such as FastStone or Irfan give you that option and more people may use this format, as becoming more and more available even on entry level cameras for shooting. RAW gives Negative comparable quality to Digital photos, making photoEnhancement a lot easier and more efficient.
3- Horizon control / Variable Tilt option.
4- User selectable and variable filter/light effect.
5- User selectable background and window for program or few different skins.
6- Option to delete/remove of keep EXIF. This could be very useful safety feature specially for younger user who share images on web and hidden GPS information on image could be very dangerous for their safety in long run.

Overall opinion: This is a keeper. I am going to ask few more people at home to install it before time runs out on their PCs. Also I can recommend this for purchased at offered price though there are similar free programs out there specially for cellphone photographers such as PhotoEditor by Aviary for mac users:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photo-editor-by-aviary/id527445936?mt=8

PicArt - PhotoStudio For Android users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.picsart.studio&hl=en

I cannot imagine any need I would have for a photo enhancement/editing software that doesn't support exporting/maintaining transparent png format... Thanks anyway, but I have to pass.

Just to clarify my comment of No. 14 about the Rotate as Per No.18 says as I did not word it very well, sorry. You can rotate the picture, but only by 90 degree's each time. What I meant by the rotate, is that I would like to be able to set the rotation degree. For example I would like to be able to add a border, then rotate the picture say 15 degree's, then be able to export it out. It's a keeper for me as it does what it says.

Just another software to bloat my system...137 mb, come on!
Thanks anyways GAOTD!

I like the program though I agree with comment No.14 full screen would be much nicer. I would like to mention that you CAN ROTATE the pictures... It does a lot of nice things but you have to get used to it - it is a bit untypical in the symbols.There is plenty of light effects and frames and you can have a lot of fun using them !

Although I do have other freeware photo editors and manipulators, each one is equally and uniquely different from the other. I do like Photoscape which I've used for years, but there's a limitation to their frames which PhotoMagic has and with a select and click, presto! A frame in place whereas I've researched other frames to load which such a process. I've also GIMP, InfranView, TwistedBrush, Zoner Studio 14, MyPant, .Net Paint and yes, even Photoshop with Lightroom ... each one has a speciality the other doesn't offer and yes, as a stock and artistic photographer, I used them all for a different purpose.

Just use the program for its capacity and the others for theirs, we all know that no one program was created equal.

Best
kt.foto

WOT
http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/softease.biz?utm_source=addon&utm_content=rw-viewsc

This GAOTD looks like a pretty decent Photo Editor tool but.... 137 MB without being able to update it for FREE?

Come on....

BEST FREE (& PORTABLE) ALTERNATIVES:

* (Portable) Hornil StylePix (==> COOL lightweight app)
This is a freaking awesome professional image editing program with an impressive number of advanced features enabling you to draw pictures, edit photos and more. In short it can resize & rotate your photos, perform color correction & synthesis photos, type text on the photo, cut, copy & paste photos, sharpen/blur photos, remove red-eye & dust etc...) and more. It works great on Net-books and laptops or virtual machines (vmware, virtual box, virtual pc and etc.) since it comes with a very low RAM & CPU usage.

http://hornil.com/en/products/stylepix/Features.html

Screenshots:
http://www.softpedia.com/progScreenshots/StylePix-Screenshot-133549.html

(Video) Tutorials:
http://hornil.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=sp_tip
http://hornil.com/en/community/HornilStylePixVideoTutorials.html

* Portable RealWorld Paint 2011.1
Very handy and reliable FREE app which makes image editing a breeze. The editor supports Photoshop, GIMP, Paint.net files and animated GIFs. It's not only able to remove objects, red eyes and blemishes from your photos with its clone tool, but it can also make animations (flashing buttons, animated forum avatars, filmstrips etc…), create professional logos, buttons and/or web icons, as well as change shapes of your pics with the Shapeshifter tool (Liquify in Photoshop’s terms).

http://www.rw-designer.com/image-editor

* Funny PhotoMaker
Amazing FREE Image editor app, which helps you edit your photos with over 150 stunning photo frames, face fun & artistic 3D effects and then export them in image file and GIF animation.

http://www.funny-photo-maker.com

Tutorials:
http://www.funny-photo-maker.com/howto.html
http://www.funny-photo-maker.com/how-to-edit-face-fun-photo.html

Samples Showcase:
http://www.funny-photo-maker.com/templates.html

Full review:
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/funny-photo-maker-apply-effects-insert-images-into-amusing-scenes

* Windows Live Photo Gallery 2012
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Graphic/Digital-Photo-Tools/Windows-Live-Photo-Gallery.shtml

* (Portable) Toolwiz Pretty Photos (==> Giovanni's COOL new entry)
http://www.toolwiz.com/products/toolwiz-pretty-photo

* Portable FreeVimager
Great free image viewer, editor, converter and slideshow maker which can even play AVI video files and some type of audio files in a couple of mouse clicks.

http://www.contaware.com/content/view/45/45/

* Phoxo
http://www.phoxo.com/en/

* GIMP
http://www.gimp.org

* Paint.NET
http://www.getpaint.net

* RAW THERAPEE
http://rawtherapee.com/blog/features


Giovanni's final verdict: if you don't care about the extremely advanced feautures offered by PHOTOSHOP ($$$$$$$$$), it looks like we fall into another SUPER SUPER SUPER SUPER SUPER SATURATED FIELD today, don't we?

Do you agree with me, dudes?? LOL!

ENJOY!!

- Crop photo and make effect on a specific area.

The above feature is what the website says it can do. But since there're no tutorials, or videos to show how this feature works, I'm doubtful about installing it. Anyone knows more of how this is done?

I like this program and have tried it out with a quick install and no activation problems. It is a bit on the large size with the download, but I think that is because of the built in templates like the borders and the filters, but has a nice clean interface and you can view the pic side by side to see the original and the changes you have made. What I don't like is that I can't have the program full screen as it only opens up as Windowed and a undo/redo button would be nice. It would be nice also to be able to rotate the picture and effect which you can't do either. I tend to run a dual monitor set up so I like to work with one program editing the photo on one screen, and adding the result of the edit to what ever it is that I'm altering it for, i.e. doc, website, etc.
Obviously there are a lot of paid for and free photo editors out there and I have alot of them myself but if you just want a simple program to do just a few quick things like add a few effects and borders then this fits the bill and does it well. I'm sure it won't be long before we get the usual people with the google search items posted without giving any actual useful information about the program, how the intall went, or that it's the usual "Super-Saturated field".
So for me thanks for the giveaway as always!

Forget this... use www.ipiccy.com

Umm... Picasa does it all, isn't it?

Just to make you all laugh a bit... you can't blame the Giveawayoftheday packager on the size of this one... xD

It's huge but hey I won't complain I'm always looking for a new tool to have fun with and recommend to others if it's that rare gem they we're looking for.

The holidays are just around the corner and it's that one special effect that could make that greeting card photo memorable.

The first thing that stands out about this offer is the sheer size of it. OUCH... I'm sure it can do things that I have to use 2 or perhaps 3 programs to accomplish. Even so, the combined size of these programs are miniscule in comparison to this offer. For the size, this had better be the ultimate in photo enhancement. Unfortunately I am not willing to give this a try. Thanks you for the offer but I must pass.

Jeff, I am with you in all aspect of your comment. I don' know why people are so shallow. Guess because we are in a keyboard-world where we sit in front of the PC and type away without been seen physically. Even if someone has used the software for a day or so, continuously, some people here are rude in there comments. These are F-R-E-E software and you need to have had a good handle on it before selfishly commenting. No, am not affiliated to any of the software, just a software-junky. Yes, some of them are not worth it, but that's life. I feel that 'good' comments should be on when manufacturer's tweak old software and trick you it's new or when there is a bug in it. Please let's be more civil here and enjoy the FREE stuff.

After downloading this massive (137 mB) photo editor and reviewing the features, (lighting adjuster, effects adder and framer) I've come to the sad conclusion that this is a toy. I can't even begin to imagine why it needs so much space for what amounts to a handful of gimmicks. If you're expecting a Photoshop or a serious photo editor, you are going to be gravely disappointed.
I can't imagine who a program like this is targeted to: possibly pre- teens or toddlers, even. If you use Irfanview, the freewares Photoscape, paint.NET or Zoner Studio 14, you already have 100 times the editing resources this gizmo offers, at one tenth the disk space requirements.
I truly can't find a single reason to recommend this- even as a giveaway.

Sorry.

137 MB Download. Amazing. I tried out the NCH Photopad program a couple of days ago which has very similar features and the download size was 0.5 MB. I'm not recommending the NCH program by any means, but I just wonder where the extra 136.5 MB are coming from in this program.

Oh hell no, 137 for the installer only!?

From the site:
"Hard Disk: 500MB Free Space or above"

What does this do "more" than the gimp that has an portable install of around 80MB?
Ok the gimp is fully fledged photo editor but it can do the same as photomagic. But there is also Irfanview and XNview and Faststone image viewer...


From the frontpage has a
"...PhotoMagic is just the one that can meat my need...."
Yeah that leaves something to think about.

I make this comment based on the description of the program. It does not have anything extra that I already do not have. I use freeware PhotoScape portable version it is a 20 MB program but very powerful and easy to use. In general if a freeware portable program is better than a offered program I stay with the portable to keep windows registry less cluttered. At least it is reasonably priced.

It's 1 minute after the software appeared and already there are 5 votes. Obviously people are voting on whether they like the choice of FREE software, not on a user rating, which is what the vote is actually labelled. It's of no use whatsoever to know that someone wishes a different FREE programme had been offered. A user rating is supposed to be from someone who has actually used the software and is sharing their rating of how good the programme really is.

Please stop voting based on whether you like the choice of today's FREE software. If you don't like it, remember that's it's FREE and stop being so damned ungrateful. If you do like the choice, then download it, test it, and only then will you be qualified to rate it as a user.