ImageFramer
December 8, 2008
I bought this software some time ago, promptly got distracted with other things, and never used it. A couple weeks ago I re-opened it and have been fascinated with it ever since.
Simply put, ImageFramer makes frames around your digital images. So, big deal - a lot of software will do that. I tried many of those applications and was never impressed with their output. Often, what they called a frame bore little resemblance to what hangs on my walls. What sets ImageFramer apart is that it makes frames from actual photographs of picture framing molding. What you end up with looks like a real frame with mitred corners and shadows. The results can be stunning. Furthermore, you can add colored and beveled mats between the frame and the image for a truly custom framed effect.
ImageFramer is easy to use - just drag and drop your photo onto the startup image and it will instantly be framed. The control panel will allow you to adjust the width of the frame molding and add a mat. You like double mats? No problem, Triple mats? No problem. Quadruple mats? No Problem. Also from the control panel, you can use the sliders to adjust the color of the frame. The possiblities are vast. Once you have created a frame you like, just click the Export icon and save your work. If you would like to save the frame for future use, you can do that too. You can even batch process multiple images. The best thing to do is download ImageFramer and just play with it.
Just drop your photo on the start-up image and select a frame from the control panel.
ImageFramer creates photo-realistic frames and mats.
Frame width and color is adjusted with the sliders.
Multiple mats can be added to any frame. Use the sliders to adjust the width and bevel. Clicking the color well brings up the Apple Color Picker.
Click Export to save your work.
For most people, ImageFramer will likely be viewed as a convenient tool. Others will see it as vehicle for creativity. I have been quite surprised at the transformation of some of my photographs. Nice pictures become compelling images after the addition of a carefully chosen frame. When set into a majestic frame, a photo of a sunset taken out my back door can be as moving as a Bierstadt painting. A snapshot of my dog is turned into an arresting portrait when given a bold framing treatment. Examples.
Another creative opportunity with ImageFramer is making your own frames. ImageFramer comes with nearly a hundred frames that can be used in various combinations. But if that's not enough for you, it is possible to add your own designs. I have written a tutorial describing the process. I find that making new frames is quite a compelling activity (I admit to being different than most folks).
For a variety of reasons, I like this software and I recommend it to anyone who likes to work with photographs.
ImageFramer - $39.00 from Apparent Software (free trial).
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