ACDSee launches version 6 of its image management software this week, an upgrade that boasts a number of new features designed to make it easier to use.
Designed to help users organize their digital images, the program uses keywords and categories to make sorting and viewing easier. It targets intermediate and advanced digital photographers, and offers the ability to manage and batch-process large volumes of files in a wide range of types and sizes. Available now, the full program sells for $50; an upgrade from version 5 costs $40.
New in version 6 are utilities that complete tasks that previously required a separate application. ACDSee 6, for example, can burn CDs and DVDs from within the program, eliminating the need to open a separate burning utility and compile a disc from files residing all over the hard drive. The company also added a wizard–similar to what other image management apps offer–that locates new image files from external sources such as digital cameras, card readers, and scanners.
ACDSee 6 works to further streamline image management. You can now select images from different folders and view them all in one window; and with the new Selective Browsing feature, ACDSee can search through multiple folders and display all of the results in the same window.
Easier Editing
Some of the new features in ACDSee 6 are similar to those found in full-on photo editing apps. These include a new Edit window that offers editing options, including a One-Click Fix, red-eye removal, levels adjustment, and several special effects filters. The program also adds a magnifier that allows you to inspect images more closely.
To ease image output, ACDSee 6 can crop images to standard print sizes and resolutions, and its EXIF Print feature claims to improve color accuracy in digital prints.
Also new is the Image Rating system, which lets you rate individual images and then sort and display files according to their rating. And instead of having to manually enter keywords for individual images, you can now assign keywords from a master list. In addition, a new backup function lets you back up your database of images on your hard drive. (This function also works to restore your database.)
The Fun Stuff
New creative features include a utility that lets you create slide-show-style screen savers with various transition effects. The Slideshow feature lets you make HTML slide shows you can show on the Web or burn to a CD or DVD. This utility can also make stand-alone slide shows (in EXE format) that you can view on a computer.
Another new tool rotates video clips and lets you edit frames from the beginning and end of a piece of video without requiring the use of a video editing program. And to make ACDSee 6 perform specialized tasks, you can now write your own plug-ins using ACD Systems’ software development kit.