If you were impressed with PhotoTools 1.0, or even if you’re new to the software, then you’re going to love the latest edition of this plug-in. PhotoTools 2 from onOne Software provides extended creative capabilities, making photo-effect application even more accessible.

The PhotoTools 2 interface is extremely accommodating. First in the Library options is Search mode, which allows you to enter an author’s name, photographic functions and even mood to find resulting effects. A set of Search drop options makes your selection even quicker. These include Version, separating Standard or Pro Edition effects, Favorites and Creator, including effects produced by onOne Software, Photoshop Hall of Fame artist Jack Davis and Kevin Kubota, creator of Kubota plug-ins. Be aware that you will benefit from more than 120 great photo effects from both Davis and Kubota only with the Pro Edition.

The Search option is best suited to users who know exactly what they want from their photo effects. But the Details panel, next to the Results panel, really helps if you’re an enthusiast experimenting with effects for the first time. Here, each is described, revealing what they do specifically and exactly why and where you should apply them.

Enthusiasts looking for a more comprehensive presentation of photo effects should consider the Categories and Presets options. The first organises effects relating to a common photographic workflow, in familiar categories such as Image Optimize, Portrait Enhance, Color Treatments and Photo Filters. The new Presets mode offers instantly applicable grouped photo effects, creating styles such as Graphic Novel Look, Old Time Photo and Magic Landscape Enhancer.

PhotoTools 2 also allows you to add your own favourite creative outcomes as Presets to be applied in future projects. Just create an effect and hit File>Save Preset. Keyword mode is another great new addition, which lets you create unique criteria searches to narrow your creative preferences.
This sophisticating plug-in allows you itemise even further with the Stack options. This acts like the Photoshop Layers palette, with each effect split into single adjustable layers. Multiple effects can be added by clicking the Add to Stack button in the Details panel, built up and manipulated to produce unique results. Adjustment layer options apply by activating the similar Photoshop layer icon, letting you alter settings such as Highlights, Shadows, Sharpening and many more.

The strength of your results is determined using the simple Fade slidebar. This means that you can manipulate and personalise the effect quickly and easily. If you’re not keen on the process, select the Reset button to instantly revert to your original image. This may sound complex but it takes little time to master. Professionals and enthusiasts alike will benefit here, producing specific results or creating attractive coincidences, confirming the strong creative capabilities of PhotoTools 2.

Summary: onOne Software flexes its creative muscles once again with PhotoTools 2, which provides photographers and Photoshop artists the means to complement their digital workflow with quickly applicable professional effects.

Score: 9/10

Details:
Manufacturer: onOne Software
Web: www.ononesoftware.com
Price: Pro: $259.95 (around £177)
Standard: $159.95 (around £109)
Spec: Mac OS X 10.4.8 or higher, supports PowerPC and Intel processors
Windows XP SP2, Vista or higher
Microsoft .NET 2.0 Framework or higher, 32-bit support
Integration with Lightroom requires Photoshop Lightroom 2 or higher
Integration with Aperture requires Apple Aperture 2.1 or higher
Photoshop CS2 (9.0.2), CS3 or CS4
512MB RAM (1GB recommended)
OpenGL 2.0-capable video card with 128MB VRAM or higher at 1,024 x 768 or higher
50MB disk space
Adobe Flash Player 9