PSRI member A. Cemal Ekin posted the availability of free image editing software called Zoner Photo Studio 15. I’ve downloaded it, and it is still available for free as of 18 May at 7 pm. The link for the free download is here. It seems to be a very capable software, having a similarity with Lightroom and Photoshop. It’s organized differently with tabs in the upper right for Manager (all the thumbnails), Viewer and Editor, which has a Photoshop-like array of tools on the left side of the window.
One mistake I made when initially installing the software was to select the Express Installation, where the recommended defaults are selected, including every image file type being associated with Zoner Photo Studio. This means that any time that an image file is double clicked it will open in Zoner Photo Studio. If, for instance, you were happy with jpegs opening in FastStone Viewer, it would now open in Zoner instead. There is a method to install Zoner without changing existing file associations. During the setup sequence a window offering Installation Type will appear.
Select the Custom Installation. The Select Additional Task window opens; then clear the check in the box next to “Set as default viewer for all supported file types.” by clicking on the box.
Complete the installation steps. You can now open Zoner Photo Studio 15, then open an image, or folder of images, to experiment with your new software.
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What is the benefit of having this software? I have Elements 7 and Photoshop CS3. Does this offer a feature that I do not currently have?
Louise,
I certrainly am not an expert in Zoner PHoto Studio having used it all of 20 minutes, and I have no idea what your two programs provide. I suspect it would have some benefits, only because it is several years newer than the programs you use. It costs nothing to install and use, and may provide the image file management that Lightroom would provide, as well as some capabilities like HDR and panorama stitching.
Dennis
Thank You Dennis.
It is no longer available as a free download. You have to download a 30 day trial and at the end of that period will be given the option to purchase it or take the free version.
I have to be selective about what I add to my Desktop due to limited resources. Will give it some thought.
Thanks again.
The free download sponsored by CNET only lasted a few days. Now, you must download the 30 free trial of the full Zoner PHoto Studio. After the 30 trial is over, you have the option to purchase the license or to use the free version, which I suspect has many of the basic editing features.