Perhaps a touch less powerful than the most elaborate photo-editing packages, Corel has expanded Ulead's PhotoImpact and blown it up. The download file is nearly double the size of the last version, but PhotoImpact X3 makes a concerted effort to compete with Adobe. Positioned between Elements and Photoshop, this app delivers everything most users need: editing tools, effects, and ready-made elements for creations. The wide variety of textures, frames, effects, animations, and brushes wouldn't necessarily justify the download, but the app is more or less a snap to use.

Wizard dialogs let you instantly create attractive and functional Web-page objects, including buttons, image maps, bullets, and backgrounds. The program works with layers, too. The traditional photo-editing interface has only one peculiarity: the main docked panel, which can hold all the other panels and quickly hide and show them.

It also lets you quickly switch among work-space layouts. Amicon Manual. Beginners, for instance, can display just the controls for basic editing. All in all, this powerful graphics program will appeal to photographers and Web designers who need a significantly cheaper alternative to monster packages such as Photoshop. From Corel PhotoImpact X3 combines full-featured photo editing with inspiring photo projects and amazing digital art to make digital photography and image creativity fun, fast and easy. Easy & Fast ExpressFix Mode: Automated enhancements and easy-to-understand options put the tools you need at your fingertips.