Overview

GraphicConverter is a powerful tool for graphics interoperability. In addition, GraphicConverter allows the user to manipulate images via menu items and standard Adobe Photoshop plug-in filters. The program can import from 130 formats and export to 40. The user interface is very good, and functionality can be extended via plug-ins. The interface is simple and intuitive, and operations are fast. The program places little demand on the hardware, requiring less than 4 Mb of disk space. The latest version of GraphicConverter, released in February 2000, supports AppleScript. Regular updates are provided by the publisher and are included in the price of software registration. GraphicConverter is available in nine languages.

How Long Did It Take to Learn to Use It Productively?

After a few hours, I was familiar with the menus. Basic image-manipulation functions, such as resolution or color changes, are easy to understand. Converting files between different formats was also easy to master. The part that will take time to learn is understanding the more sophisticated image manipulation techniques (not unlike Photoshop). Sophisticated batch procedures require a bit of experimenting before proficiency is achieved. In summary, image conversion and rudimentary manipulation skills are achievable on the first day of use. More sophisticated use depends on the individual user's willingness to spend time learning.

Product Quality

Customizability

Very good. The GUI - display of information windows and tools - can be customized to a certain extent. GraphicConverter is able to use widely available Photoshop plug-ins.

Ability to Program in Scripts, Add Extension Modules, etc.

GraphicConverter supports most Photoshop 2.5-compatible plug-ins. A developer's kit is available to design plug-ins in C or Pascal.

Ability to Import and Export in Different File Formats

The main function of the program, which it does with great skill and ease.

Useful or Unusual Features

I have yet to come across a PC or Macintosh graphics format that GraphicConverter can't handle. Conversion is easy. Select "Save as?" and pick a format from the pop-up menu. If relevant, GraphicConverter will change the file suffix, such as ".jpg" or ".pict," to aid in identification of image-file types.

GraphicConverter supports these major formats: BMP/RLE, Windows Bitmap; EPSF, Encapsulated PostScript; FAX, CCITT3 format for faxes; GIF, standard Web format; JPEG, standard Web format; MAC, from old MacPaint; PICT, common Mac format; TIFF, common interplatform format. It also supports many other less well-known formats.

Many of the functions have simple but useful dialog boxes for setting parameters specific to different graphics formats. Other functions aid in the management of large numbers of image files. For example, a picture browser permits the user to view lists of folders and their contents along with image previews. Image lists can be output in a contact-sheet-style catalog, either in HTML, for immediate uploading to a site, or as a PICT graphic, for printing out. GraphicConverter allows batch modification or conversion of files through an intuitive dialog box. Many Web-oriented functions have been improved or added in recent releases. For example, GraphicConverter now makes it easy to create animated GIFs.

Like many biologists, I use digitized images from microscopes, scanned gels, and autoradiographs in publications, grants, and presentations. Since these digital images need to be processed for different formats and media, I regularly use GraphicConverter's image-conversion and manipulation features. Here are some examples:

(1) Multipage TIFF images have proliferated as Internet-based fax services have multiplied. GraphicConverter is the only widely available Macintosh-based viewer for these files. I drag my multipage TIFF from my browser or email client to my hard disk and open it up in GraphicConverter. I can then read all the pages, even if they are flipped. QuickTime and other graphics programs can open up TIFFs, but choke on multipage TIFFs.

(2) I convert PICTs to JPEGs or GIFs. PICTs allow easier manipulation in Macintosh-based drawing programs. JPEG and GIF are the standard graphics formats on the Web. Using JPEG or GIF guarantees that a collaborator can view the file.

(3) I optimize my images' color tables to make smaller files (color-table minimization is a menu item).

(4) I resize and change resolution (also menu items) of my larger images to make thumbnails or for lower resolution presentations (screen or PowerPoint). And, because of other image-manipulation techniques available within GraphicConverter, cropping and minor modifications are easy to complete at the same time.

Limitations

None. I have used GraphicConverter for some time and have not been able to find fault. It delivers on its promises and doesn't try to overextend itself.

Comparisons with Similar Software

This is the most comprehensive shareware graphics conversion program for the Macintosh platform that I know of. It is also a great value compared to other similar commercial software.

Technical Support and Documentation

The online documentation lists the functions of all menu items, plus it includes some notes on the different file formats supported. The author is available via email, telephone, and snail mail.

Target Users

The Macintosh user who needs to manipulate and convert files of different graphics formats. This tool is essential for the facile digital conversion and transmission (email or Web) of images, such as scanned autoradiographs, digitized photomicrographs, and scanned gels.