Alternatives to QImage?

"Caitlin" wrote in message

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like. The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that does this, but isn’t so pricey?

If using Windows XP:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/ learnmore/waystoprint.mspx

Vern

"VictorDog" wrote in message

"Caitlin" wrote in message

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like. The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that does this, but isn’t so pricey?

If using Windows XP:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/ learnmore/waystoprint.mspx
Vern

Thanks Vern, I was aware of this, but this, as many programs do, limit you to a range of layouts with standard sizes and dimensions. I am looking for something that allows me to resize, rotate, and place a group of images anywhere on the page. QImage does it, and I may end up paying for it, but at $79 it seems a bit pricey for something that only has one function.

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 09:19:43 +1000, "Caitlin"
wrote:

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like. The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that does this, but isn’t so pricey?

Personally, I use Photoshop.

—

Hecate – The Real One

Fashion: Buying things you don’t need, with money
you don’t have, to impress people you don’t like…

"Caitlin" wrote in message

"VictorDog" wrote in message

"Caitlin" wrote in message

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like. The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that does this, but isn’t so pricey?

If using Windows XP:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/ learnmore/waystoprint.mspx
Vern

Thanks Vern, I was aware of this, but this, as many programs do, limit you to a range of layouts with standard sizes and dimensions. I am looking for something that allows me to resize, rotate, and place a group of images anywhere on the page. QImage does it, and I may end up paying for it, but at $79 it seems a bit pricey for something that only has one function.

This is doable with Photoshop Elements (2 or 3). You set up a blank page, move desired images to the page and size to your liking, move them around as you wish (each occupies a separate layer), and when you get what you want you can save it in PSD format or flatten the layers and save to jpg or several other formats. Easy to do once you get the hang of layer management. Cost is less than $100 depending on the vendor’s pricing when you purchase it. This program has a somewhat long learning curve, but image management is great in my estimation. I worked in my own darkroom for over 25 years, and this program has several of the darkroom "tricks" plus all of the digital magic we now take for granted!

"Caitlin" wrote in message

"VictorDog" wrote in message

"Caitlin" wrote in message

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like. The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that does this, but isn’t so pricey?

If using Windows XP:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/ learnmore/waystoprint.mspx
Vern

Thanks Vern, I was aware of this, but this, as many programs do, limit you to a range of layouts with standard sizes and dimensions. I am looking for something that allows me to resize, rotate, and place a group of images anywhere on the page. QImage does it, and I may end up paying for it, but at $79 it seems a bit pricey for something that only has one function.

This is doable with Photoshop Elements (2 or 3). You set up a blank page, move desired images to the page and size to your liking, move them around as you wish (each occupies a separate layer), and when you get what you want you can save it in PSD format or flatten the layers and save to jpg or several other formats. Easy to do once you get the hang of layer management. Cost is less than $100 depending on the vendor’s pricing when you purchase it. This program has a somewhat long learning curve, but image management is great in my estimation. I worked in my own darkroom for over 25 years, and this program has several of the darkroom "tricks" plus all of the digital magic we now take for granted!

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 09:19:43 +1000, in comp.periphs.printers "Caitlin" wrote:

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like. The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that does this, but isn’t so pricey?

Do you realize you get lifetime upgrades? That Mike actually listens to users and incorporates their desires to future versions? That he provides good support.
———-
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 ()
http://EdwardGRuf.com

"Ed Ruf" wrote in message

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 09:19:43 +1000, in comp.periphs.printers "Caitlin" wrote:

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like. The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that does this, but isn’t so pricey?

Do you realize you get lifetime upgrades? That Mike actually listens to users and incorporates their desires to future versions? That he provides good support.

BFD. $79 is still *way* too much money for what the
program does. Go to:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoprintsw/
and take your pick.

"John Adams" wrote in message

"Ed Ruf" wrote in message

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 09:19:43 +1000, in comp.periphs.printers "Caitlin" wrote:

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after
is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like.
The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was
rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that
does this, but isn’t so pricey?

Do you realize you get lifetime upgrades? That Mike actually listens to users and incorporates their desires to future versions? That he provides good support.

BFD. $79 is still *way* too much money for what the
program does. Go to:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoprintsw/
and take your pick.

Exactly – $79 just seems crazy for a one function application, no matter how good. I’m used to this kind of software being more in the range of $30. Thanks for the link, I’ll have a browse through them.

"Caitlin" wrote in message
SNIP

I am looking for something that allows me to resize, rotate, and place a group of images anywhere on the page. QImage does it, and I may end up paying for it, but at $79 it seems a bit pricey for something that only has one function.

http://www.ddisoftware.com/qimage/ordering.htm says "Downloadable demo ($44.95)".

Anyways, the prints are better than from Photoshop due to superior interpolation (up-sampling) and loads of printer specific controls (and then some) which, once mastered, make the USD 44.95 a (IMHO) no-brainer. Ranks high amongst the ""best $ 45 spent" category, for me anyway.

Bart

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 10:59:11 +1000, in comp.periphs.printers "Caitlin" wrote:

BFD. $79 is still *way* too much money for what the
program does. Go to:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoprintsw/
and take your pick.

Exactly – $79 just seems crazy for a one function application, no matter how good. I’m used to this kind of software being more in the range of $30. Thanks for the link, I’ll have a browse through them.

Don’t know where you guys are getting this price, as Bart, another long term user pointed out it’s $44.95
http://www.ddisoftware.com/qimage/ordering.htm
———-
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 ()
http://EdwardGRuf.com

"Caitlin" wrote in message

I downloaded QImages last month, and was quite happy with it. What I’m after is something that allows me to print multiple photos in any layout I like. The trial period on QImage has now expired, and I went to register and was rather shocked by how expensive it is. Is there anything else out there that does this, but isn’t so pricey?

I use Photo Paper Saver, trial version with no time limit (but will only print two pages at a time) from http://www.fpdoctor.com/pps/main/main-j-0-0.html and $20 to register.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging

"Ed Ruf" wrote in message

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 10:59:11 +1000, in comp.periphs.printers "Caitlin" wrote:

BFD. $79 is still *way* too much money for what the
program does. Go to:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoprintsw/
and take your pick.

Exactly – $79 just seems crazy for a one function application, no matter how
good. I’m used to this kind of software being more in the range of $30. Thanks for the link, I’ll have a browse through them.

Don’t know where you guys are getting this price, as Bart, another long term user pointed out it’s $44.95
http://www.ddisoftware.com/qimage/ordering.htm
———-
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 ()
http://EdwardGRuf.com

I must have been thinking of something else – I could have sworn it had two price levels, and that the $45 excluded printing some formats. Anyway, I’ve checked out some of those other apps and they don’t seem to have the flexibility I’m after – they all seem to be limited to printing standard dimensions etc, where as QImage you can drag and resize like Photoshop (but multiple images at a time). I guess I will have to cough up the dough, though it does still seem a bit pricey.

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 18:00:48 +1000, "Caitlin"
wrote:

[snip]

I must have been thinking of something else – I could have sworn it had two price levels, and that the $45 excluded printing some formats. Anyway, I’ve checked out some of those other apps and they don’t seem to have the flexibility I’m after – they all seem to be limited to printing standard dimensions etc, where as QImage you can drag and resize like Photoshop (but multiple images at a time). I guess I will have to cough up the dough, though it does still seem a bit pricey.

If you think QImage is expensive, try looking at ImagePrint…

http://www.colorbytesoftware.com/PriceList.htm
http://www.colorbytesoftware.com/feature_list.htm

Of course, as well as print layout, ImagePrint talks direct to printer so in theory you should be able to produce better prints.

—
Kulvinder Singh Matharu
Website : www.metalvortex.com
Contact : www.metalvortex.com/form/form.htm

"It ain’t Coca Cola, it’s rice", Straight to Hell – The Clash

In message
<42ec225f$0$632$>,
Caitlin writes

BFD. $79 is still *way* too much money for what the
program does. Go to:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoprintsw/
and take your pick.

Exactly – $79 just seems crazy for a one function application, no matter how good. I’m used to this kind of software being more in the range of $30. Thanks for the link, I’ll have a browse through them.

It’s a question of if it’s worth it to you. If it is, pay up. If it isn’t, shut up ?

If an author chooses no to give away their software, that’s up to them. If you choose not to buy it, that’s up to you, but there is more to software quality than ‘number of functions’ as other have suggested.

Cheers, J/.
—
John Beardmore

John Beardmore wrote:

In message
<42ec225f$0$632$>,
Caitlin writes

BFD. $79 is still *way* too much money for what the
program does. Go to:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoprintsw/
and take your pick.

Exactly – $79 just seems crazy for a one function application, no matter how
good. I’m used to this kind of software being more in the range of $30. Thanks for the link, I’ll have a browse through them.

It’s a question of if it’s worth it to you. If it is, pay up. If it isn’t, shut up ?

If an author chooses no to give away their software, that’s up to them. If you choose not to buy it, that’s up to you, but there is more to software quality than ‘number of functions’ as other have suggested.

I spent $600 CDN on a camera (Lumix 12x). Spending just $45 US on the best software – that is directly responsible for the final product – is a downright bargain. The difference in printouts floored me. It was like someone removed the "unclear filter" from my photos.

-Taliesyn

Hi Caitlin

Qimage is $45, not $79.

Worth every penny. It has no competition
as regards output quality. Layout flexibility
and printer control are excellent. Just takes
a while to penetrate the UI.

— stan

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 03:45:08 +0200, "Bart van der Wolf" wrote:

"Caitlin" wrote in message
SNIP

I am looking for something that allows me to resize, rotate, and place a group of images anywhere on the page. QImage does it, and I may end up paying for it, but at $79 it seems a bit pricey for something that only has one function.

http://www.ddisoftware.com/qimage/ordering.htm says "Downloadable demo ($44.95)".

Anyways, the prints are better than from Photoshop due to superior interpolation (up-sampling) and loads of printer specific controls (and then some) which, once mastered, make the USD 44.95 a (IMHO) no-brainer. Ranks high amongst the ""best $ 45 spent" category, for me anyway.

Lazy question <g>: I’ve always used PS. Does QI softproof and use proper colour management?

—

Hecate – The Real One

Fashion: Buying things you don’t need, with money
you don’t have, to impress people you don’t like…

"Hecate" wrote in message

Does QI softproof and use proper colour management?

Yes, softproofing is available on the Page preview, and the program is fully color-managed (the author is pretty well CM versed). Besides that, IPTC info can be edited/searched/printed.
The GUI may take a bit getting used to, but it is built for optimal througput and is very efficient in actual use.

Bart

On Tue, 2 Aug 2005 00:15:17 +0200, "Bart van der Wolf" wrote:

"Hecate" wrote in message

Does QI softproof and use proper colour management?

Yes, softproofing is available on the Page preview, and the program is fully color-managed (the author is pretty well CM versed). Besides that, IPTC info can be edited/searched/printed.
The GUI may take a bit getting used to, but it is built for optimal througput and is very efficient in actual use.

Thanks Bart 🙂

—

Hecate – The Real One

Fashion: Buying things you don’t need, with money
you don’t have, to impress people you don’t like…

"Hecate" wrote in message

On Tue, 2 Aug 2005 00:15:17 +0200, "Bart van der Wolf" wrote:

SNIP

The GUI may take a bit getting used to, but it is built
for optimal throughput and is very efficient in actual use.

Thanks Bart 🙂

You’re welcome. The program has its own Yahoo (:-() support group at: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qimage/> which will show the author’s responsiveness to issues raised (if deemed justified and beneficial to a broader audience, usually within 24 hours, IOW very well supported, within (the author’s) lifetime free upgrades).

Bart

On Wed, 3 Aug 2005 03:42:12 +0200, in comp.periphs.printers "Bart van der Wolf" wrote:

You’re welcome. The program has its own Yahoo (:-() support group at: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qimage/> which will show the author’s responsiveness to issues raised (if deemed justified and beneficial to a broader audience, usually within 24 hours, IOW very well supported, within (the author’s) lifetime free upgrades).

I can also add Mike is quite responsive to support requests via e-mail as well. I can up against some color management issues that was causing crashes during soft proofing images modified in a specific work flow. ———-
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 ()
http://EdwardGRuf.com

On Wed, 3 Aug 2005 03:42:12 +0200, "Bart van der Wolf" wrote:

"Hecate" wrote in message

On Tue, 2 Aug 2005 00:15:17 +0200, "Bart van der Wolf" wrote:

SNIP

The GUI may take a bit getting used to, but it is built
for optimal throughput and is very efficient in actual use.

Thanks Bart 🙂

You’re welcome. The program has its own Yahoo (:-() support group at: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qimage/> which will show the author’s responsiveness to issues raised (if deemed justified and beneficial to a broader audience, usually within 24 hours, IOW very well supported, within (the author’s) lifetime free upgrades).

Thanks for the link. I’ll take a look. And I’ll download the trial and give it a whirl in the next few weeks (As soon as I get time <g>).

Thanks again for your help 🙂

—

Hecate – The Real One

Fashion: Buying things you don’t need, with money
you don’t have, to impress people you don’t like…

On Wed, 03 Aug 2005 22:51:38 +0100, in comp.periphs.printers Hecate wrote:

Thanks for the link. I’ll take a look. And I’ll download the trial and give it a whirl in the next few weeks (As soon as I get time <g>).

Thanks again for your help 🙂

One tip to start with. If you put files in the queue by selecting or dragging them to a page with one layout and then want to change the layout, be sure to select the files in the queue first.
———-
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 ()
http://EdwardGRuf.com

On Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:45:53 -0400, Ed Ruf
wrote:

On Wed, 03 Aug 2005 22:51:38 +0100, in comp.periphs.printers Hecate wrote:

Thanks for the link. I’ll take a look. And I’ll download the trial and give it a whirl in the next few weeks (As soon as I get time <g>).

Thanks again for your help 🙂

One tip to start with. If you put files in the queue by selecting or dragging them to a page with one layout and then want to change the layout, be sure to select the files in the queue first.

Thanks 🙂

—

Hecate – The Real One

Fashion: Buying things you don’t need, with money
you don’t have, to impress people you don’t like…

On Thu, 04 Aug 2005 22:20:08 +0100, in comp.periphs.printers Hecate wrote:

On Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:45:53 -0400, Ed Ruf
wrote:

One tip to start with. If you put files in the queue by selecting or dragging them to a page with one layout and then want to change the layout, be sure to select the files in the queue first.

Thanks 🙂

You’re welcome, also there is the Learning By Example section of the help file.
———-
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 ()
http://EdwardGRuf.com

I also use Qimage, but only for the page formatting abilities. In my opinion, this often heard remark that printing is superior is a bunch of crap. Those users, don’t know how to use Photoshop, which is hands down better at printing, as well as almost all other tasks, but not at page formatting.

I format my images in Qimage and print them to a file and print the file from Photoshop.

toy….

=====

In article <Ft8He.52$
says…

Hi Caitlin

Qimage is $45, not $79.

Worth every penny. It has no competition
as regards output quality. Layout flexibility
and printer control are excellent. Just takes
a while to penetrate the UI.

— stan