Photomizer 3 — Online Help

📋 Overview

Photomizer 3 – optimizes your digital photos to peak performance

Many new and old functions, but all super easy to access and operate: With the revised user interface (switchable from batch processing to single image editing), you can work with Photomizer 3 just as fluidly as usual, directly focused on the goal and undisturbed by any distractions. Of course, the 1-click optimization, popular with hobby and semi-professional photographers alike, has been retained.

Photomizer 3 automatically optimizes all photos. All important aspects are taken into account: color adjustment, object recognition, redistribution of tonal values, white balance, sharpening and adjusting hue, saturation, contrast optimization and light/dark correction.

In addition, Photomizer 3 adjusts settings for detail and color visibility, to compensate for dull colors, to eliminate gray haze, fog, and other negative weather influences. And it removes unwanted color casts.

New integrated features (compared to version 2) include:

– Unique red-eye correction – Print function – Tilt-shift module – Resize module – Crop function – Also available as a true 64-bit application – Up to 300% faster – Multicore support

The modular system of Photomizer 3 perfectly adapts to all requirements. If you only want to edit certain aspects, choose your personal package. In the basic version, Photomizer 3 comes with the optimization package. Radiant photos, sharp contours and natural colors: All this is done by optimization in a single workflow. No more gray haze and artifacts. Look forward to undiscovered details in your photos! The following packages are available:

📦 Packages at a Glance

The modular system of Photomizer 3 adapts perfectly to all requirements. If you only want to edit certain partial aspects, choose your personal package.

💻 System Requirements

The installation of the program requires a functioning Windows operating system. Regarding hardware, generally: the more powerful, the better. However, you need at least:

Contact Support

If unexpected problems occur with Photomizer 3, please contact our support. You can reach our support center via the contact form on our homepage. Important! To help you as effectively as possible, please have the following information ready:

Please have the following information ready:

• The program name (i.e., Photomizer 3) and the version number.
• The name of the operating system used and any installed service packs.
• A brief description of the error, as well as an indication of the frequency of occurrence (sporadic or regular). If you have created/can create a screenshot of the error message, please attach it to an email inquiry.

⚙️ Installation

To install Photomizer 3, please proceed as follows:

Using the Setup Wizard

The setup wizard guides you step-by-step through the installation. The following buttons are available:

The Next button calls up the next installation step.

Back: The Back button calls up the previous installation step.

Install: The Install button starts the installation process. No changes are made to your system until you click Install.

Cancel: The Cancel button aborts the installation and undoes any changes made.

Program Start

▶️ Program Start

After successful installation, you can start Photomizer 3 in one of the following ways:

• Via the Start Menu: Click 'Start
• > Programs
• > Engelmann Software
• > Photomizer 3'.
• Via the Desktop: Double-click the Photomizer 3 icon on your desktop. (If you chose to create one during installation.)
• Via the Quick Launch Bar: Click the Photomizer 3 icon in the Quick Launch Bar. (Note: The Quick Launch Bar is not available by default from Windows 7 onwards.)

🔑 Demo Version & Licensing

Demo Version

You can now fully test all functions of Photomizer 3. The unregistered demo version allows up to 5 saved photos, while the registered demo version even allows up to 25 photos to be saved. If Photomizer 3 has already convinced you, please refer to the Licensing section for more information. If you would like to test Photomizer 3 for longer, you can request a license key by clicking the 'Request Free Demo Extension' button. Copy the license key that you receive by email and paste it into the field under 'Enter License Key'. Alternatively, you can also use the

'Paste Key from Clipboard' command. Then please click 'Check and Activate License Key'. A message will appear indicating whether the license key was entered correctly or not. Note: An internet connection is absolutely necessary to verify the license key!

Licensing

Regarding program licensing, two different scenarios are conceivable:

Buy

If you would like to purchase Photomizer 3, please visit our homepage at http://www.engelmann.com or contact your trusted dealer.

At this point, we would like to introduce you to the simplest option: Start your installed version of Photomizer 3 and click the "Buy Full Version" button in the window.

Enter License Key

To license your version, you must enter the license key into the designated field 'Enter License Key'. You will have received the license key either in an email (for an online purchase) or it will be included in the Photomizer 3 package. After entering, simply click the 'Check and Activate License Key' button. A message will then appear informing you whether you have entered the license key correctly or not.

Note: A reinstallation of the application is not necessary even if you purchased Photomizer 3 after the demo version expired.

🔄 Updates

All registered users receive free updates according to the respective version number of their programs! To update the program, click on 'Extras –> Update' in the menu bar. The check only takes a very short time and should be repeated regularly.

🔧 General Settings

Welcome to the quick guide for Photomizer 3. Here you will find a brief explanation of how to optimize, repair, enlarge or reduce, add retro effects, use tilt-shift, rotate, crop, or apply red-eye correction to images with Photomizer 3.

The General Settings allow you to customize the behavior of Photomizer 3 according to your preferences. You can access these settings via the 'Extras' menu item.

General: Start program window automatically maximized: Activate this option so that Photomizer 3 automatically runs in full-screen mode when the program starts.

Enable automatic updates: Activate this option so that Photomizer 3 automatically checks for updates every time the program starts. Note: No personal data is sent during the update search!

Load thumbnail: Here you can specify whether a preview image should be displayed.

Show statistics: Activates the statistics display.

Conversion: Play acoustic signal at the end of conversion: Activate this option if Photomizer 3 should play a sound after conversion.

Preserve subdirectories in output: If you plan to drag entire directories into the program and want the directory structure on the hard drive to be adopted in the output and, if necessary, re-created, please activate this option.

Preserve original file date: Activate this option if the file date of the converted file should match that of the original.

Automatically extend filenames numerically: If it is detected during conversion that the filename of an image already exists, it will be automatically extended by a number.

Extend filenames with: If it is detected during conversion that the filename of an image already exists, it will be automatically extended with the entered character string.

Preserve filenames and overwrite files with the same name: If it is detected during conversion that the filename of an image already exists, the existing file will be overwritten. (Caution! The old file will be irreversibly lost.)

Reset settings: This option is located in the bottom left corner of the window. Click this button if you want to reset all settings to their default values.

🎯 Operation

Add files

Click on the icon to the left above the input list. A window will open, allowing you to navigate to your desired photo. Once you have found the photo, select it with a single click and open it by clicking the 'Open' button. Photomizer 3 has now loaded an image. To activate it for editing, drag it to the center window or double-click on the file's entry in the list. Only activated images can be optimized or manipulated individually!

Batch processing

<br>With so-called "batch processing," also known as batch mode, you can simplify the processing and saving of images: You define specific editing steps, and the program then applies them to several previously selected images. This function is convenient, for example, because you only need to spend a little time on the process: You can prepare a folder with 100 photos appropriately in a few minutes.

Single image editing

<br>In Photomizer 3, you have the option to choose between batch processing and single image editing. In addition to the usual modules, you will find "Red-eye removal" here. The "red-eye effect" occurs when the flash reflects from the retina of the person photographed back to the camera. First, activate the module and click on the "eye" next to "Replace red eyes." Your mouse pointer will turn into a "cross," with which you can now mark the red-eye area on your image.

You will also find the Tilt-Shift module in single image editing. Photomizer 3 quickly and easily transforms your subjects into fascinating miniature shots. In addition to our classic functions, Photomizer 3 now also offers the popular "Tilt-Shift" effect and transforms large cities into toy houses.

First, activate the module and click the checkbox next to "Set Tilt-Shift." Your mouse pointer will turn into a "cross," with which you can now mark the area on your image.

Preview & Full Screen Mode

To edit an image, you must first load it into the preview. Depending on the image size, it may take a moment for the photo to load. Above the file list, you can choose between a single view and a split view. Above the preview image, there is also an icon to switch to full screen mode.

Single View: If this display option is active, the currently marked photo file, including the edits already made for optimization, i.e., the result of all currently valid settings, is displayed. To compare the changed photo with the original, please click the centrally located 'Preview / Original' button. Preview/Original (only visible in single view): This button switches between displaying the original photo and the changed image (default) in single view.

Split View: If this display option is active, the currently marked photo file is split in the middle, with the original on the left and the edits made for optimization shown on the right.

Slider (only visible in split view): You can simply move the slider from right to left with the mouse to precisely see the difference between the original and the edited image.

Full Screen View: In full screen mode, you can also directly edit all settings. Please select 'Single View' or 'Split View' beforehand for this mode!

Scrolling: You can conveniently scroll into your image and enlarge it either with the magnifying glass at the bottom or with the wheel on your mouse.

🎨 Modules & Effects

<br>In the right part of the program interface, depending on the selection of batch processing and single editing, you will find the modules:

Optimize

<br>Photomizer has powerful filters for automatic image optimization. You can either let the program proceed automatically or intervene manually. If you activate the checkboxes for 'Auto-Correction' and 'Auto-Color' options, you can control the intensity with a slider.

HDR Effect: 'HDR' stands for 'High Dynamic Range' and describes a technique with which the dynamic range of an image can be increased. It is important to know that digital images are normally not able to store large differences in brightness true to nature and rather produce images with low contrast (LDR, Low Dynamic Range). For the production of HDR images, special cameras or at least software that artificially generates 3D computer graphics or generates them from a series of three LDR photos are required. The HDR simulator included in Photomizer, however, also works with one image and produces astonishingly HDR-like images from it. The other two are automatically calculated internally. This can, for example, compensate for over- and underexposure, while image details are preserved for further processing.

Remove Red Eyes

<br>The "red-eye effect" occurs when the flash reflects from the retina of the person photographed back to the camera. First, activate the module and click on the "eye" next to "Replace red eyes." Your mouse pointer will turn into a "cross," with which you can now mark the red-eye area on your image.

RepairPhotomizer 3 is capable of removing noise (denoise), for example, in snapshots taken in poor lighting conditions. The artifact filter removes image imperfections, such as those that occur during deblocking and JPEG technology during photo compression.

Enlarge / Reduce

<br>First of all, the general rule is: the higher the resolution, the better the image quality – but only if the original resolution is already high enough. For this reason, for long-term archiving, you should always use the original resolution or, at best, only minimally upscale.

For other applications, such as publication on the Internet or playback on digital picture frames, you generally have a choice between different possible resolutions. However, some manufacturers of digital picture frames also specify a fixed size. If a choice is possible, for digital picture frames, you should choose the resolution that corresponds to the physical resolution of the respective display. Higher or lower resolutions are often scaled by the devices to the display size, which can degrade image quality, or at least cost processing time. (If you don't know the display resolution of your device, consult its documentation.) Exception: Some digital picture frames allow photos to be played back on a TV. If this function is to be used, the resolution of the respective TV is generally recommended – provided the original resolution allows it. For conventional televisions, therefore, at least 640 x 480 pixels should be used, and for high-resolution televisions, at least 1,280 x 720.

Tips for calculation: With every resolution change (especially with enlargements), image details are lost. To compensate for this loss, you can choose from a number of filters that deal with these artifacts. ·Linear: A bilinear filter is the fastest to work with, though not the most careful. Details are slightly smoothed here. Cubic: In the cubic method, interpolation is subject to a quadratic calculation. This interpolation is recognizable by the fact that there is greater edge sharpness than under "Linear." Lanczos 3: One of the most effective scaling filters, often used for resolution increases above 320 x 240. The filter works more accurately than the previous ones but also requires more time. Lanczos: Like Lanczos 3, but with even higher accuracy.

RotateIf you have photos that are on their side, select the respective image and rotate it accordingly. For upside-down images, you must start the process twice.

Edit Negatives

<br>Who doesn't know this? Thousands of slides from old times scanned – and now what? No problem – with Photomizer 3, your negatives can be converted into positives.

Tilt-Shift

<br>You will also find the Tilt-Shift module in single image editing. Photomizer 3 quickly and easily transforms your subjects into fascinating miniature shots. In addition to our classic functions, Photomizer 3 now also offers the popular "Tilt-Shift" effect and transforms large cities into toy houses. First, activate the module and click the checkbox next to "Set Tilt-Shift." Your mouse pointer will turn into a "cross," with which you can now mark the area on your image.

Black and White Effect

<br>Black and white effects give images a very special expressive power. You can achieve this stylish effect with just one click.

Analog EffectsPhotomizer 3 can not only help old photos regain their former glory, but also new ones to achieve an old glory by simulating the technology of old cameras and black and white films. For this purpose, Photomizer 3 has been equipped with special retro filters, which can reproduce the characteristics of many historical cameras and film materials that have long been out of production. Together with the new frames, they thus provide many surprising effects in your digital slideshows and photo albums.

Noise

<br>Especially with images that are 'made to look old,' it is essential to add noise, either strong, regular, or fractal noise, depending on the need. You can also set your desired noise intensity using a slider.

Frames

<br>As another effect, various frames are available. Simply click on them and the frame will appear on your image!

Cropping

<br>In single image editing, you now have the option to crop your image. To do this, select the scissors tool and define the area you want to keep. The cropped image will be displayed automatically. If you are not satisfied with the crop, you can undo the cropping.

💾 Save & Output Format

<br>Before converting your photo with the optimized settings, you should check the output format.

Photomizer 3 supports the graphic formats JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and JXR. JPG, as a lossy compression format, is generally used when storage space needs to be saved, for example, for photos intended for publication on the internet or for playback on a digital picture frame. The quality level corresponds to the strength of the compression. The lower it is set, the more the image is compressed and the less storage space is required – however, you must expect compression artifacts such as block formation, which manifests itself in pixelation of the image.

PNG stands for "Portable Network Graphics" and combines the strengths of JPEG and GIF. Just like JPG files, the format can display up to 16.7 million colors, but can be compressed almost losslessly.

BMP, on the other hand, is used for uncompressed storage of an image in full size and is therefore suitable for long-term archiving – but it also requires considerably more storage space.

Under certain circumstances, the area of application already dictates the format to be chosen. For example, some digital picture frames only support the JPG format by default. However, if you have a choice, opt for the one that meets your usage requirements: JPG saves a lot of storage space, but the small file sizes come at the expense of image quality. BMP, on the other hand, offers very high image quality, but requires considerable storage capacity in comparison. For viewing on smaller displays, JPG is clearly sufficient; however, if the photo is to be transferred to another computer and viewed and/or edited there, BMP is at least worth considering.

Furthermore, the general rule is: the higher the resolution an image is to be saved in, the better the image quality – but only if the original resolution of an image is already high enough. Large enlargements always have only limited success, which is why it is better to use the original resolution for long-term archiving or at best only minimally upscale.

No original with a small resolution such as 160 x 120 pixels can magically gain image details just because it is increased to, for example, 640 x 480. In other applications such as publication on the Internet or playback on digital picture frames, one usually has a choice between various possible resolutions. However, some manufacturers of digital picture frames also specify a predefined size. If a choice is possible, for digital picture frames, one should choose the resolution that corresponds to the physical resolution of the respective display. Higher or lower resolutions are often scaled by the devices to the display size, which can be at the expense of image quality, but at least costs computing time. (If you do not know the display resolution of your device, consult its documentation.) Exception: Some digital picture frames allow the playback of photos on TV. If this function is to be used, the resolution of the respective TV is generally recommended – provided the original resolution allows this. For conventional televisions, therefore, at least 640 x 480 pixels should be used, for high-resolution ones at least 1,280 x 720.

Tip: If you don't know the original resolution of a photo, use the small preview above the file list!

Note: Photomizer has an automatic scaling optimizer that regulates the most efficient way to display your images on a specific medium. For example, if you have a digital picture frame, your images will be automatically adjusted to its display properties for complete display – without annoying black bars. The upscaling unit drastically minimizes the error sources that occur when changing resolutions and, in terms of its performance, can certainly be compared with very expensive special software, such as that used in university laboratories and by law enforcement agencies.

Save image

Clicking the "Save current image" button activates the converter. The selected photo is encoded with the specified settings. Clicking "Save selected images" – All selected photos are encoded with the same settings. Exceptions are those marked in the preview as to be converted separately. Exceptions are those marked in the preview as to be converted separately.

🗂️ Program Structure

This section of the manual explains the structure of Photomizer 3 in detail.

The Menu Bar

The Photomizer 3 menu bar is divided as follows:

File, Edit, …Many program functions are also found here in an organized form. In addition, some functions not directly displayed in the main window can be accessed through this menu.

File:1. Open file… -> Loads an image into the file list.2. Open folder… -> Loads an entire folder into the file list.3. Import from camera… -> Imports an image from a connected camera, e.g., a webcam or a microscope.4. Save file as… -> Here you can save the currently selected image, taking into account all selected options.5. Print – Prints your selected image6. Exit -> Closes Photomizer 3.Edit1. Open file path… -> Opens the folder containing the currently selected photo.2. Activate -> Adds the currently selected photos for conversion. An activated checkbox next to the photo indicates selection.3. Deactivate -> Removes the currently selected photos from conversion. A deactivated checkbox next to the photo indicates deselection.4. Activate all -> Marks all photos in the input list as 'to be converted'.5. Deactivate all -> Marks all photos in the input list as 'not to be converted'.6. Remove entry -> Removes the currently selected photos from the input list. (The photos are NOT deleted from your hard drive!)7. Clear list -> Empties the entire input list. (The photos are NOT deleted from your hard drive!)

Extras:1. Update -> Opens the update dialog. (See 'Updates'.)2. Language -> Allows you to switch between the supported languages. (See 'Language'.)3. Settings -> Opens the general settings. (See 'General Settings'.)

1. Help -> Opens this help.2. Registration -> Opens the registration dialog.3. Info -> Opens a window with general information, e.g., important for support. (See 'Support'.)

The Input List

The input list manages the images you want to optimize. It essentially consists of the detail list, the preview list, and the context menu.
Note: You cannot use the detail list and the preview list at the same time. You switch between the different list types using the two tabs above the currently used list.

Detail List

This list provides you with a simple and clear display of all relevant data for your selected photos.

• Checkbox: If this is activated, the corresponding photo will be included in an optimization process.
• Name: Displays the name of the photo.
• Format: Displays the format.
• Resolution: Displays the resolution (in pixels).
• Camera: Displays the camera used.
• Date: Displays the shooting date.
• Options: Displays all selected optimization and manipulation options.

If some fields are not visible, you can access them using the scrollbar at the bottom of the list.

Preview List

This list provides a quick overview of your selected photos. To enlarge or reduce the thumbnails, please move
the slider at the top of the list.

Context Menu

The context menu is the most important tool of the lists. You can access it by selecting an image and right-clicking on it. (Note: You can also select groups of images.) The following options are available via the context menu:

• Open file path: Opens the folder containing the currently selected photo.
• Activate: Adds the currently selected photos for conversion. An activated checkbox in front of the photo indicates that it is selected.
• Deactivate: Removes the currently selected photos from conversion. A deactivated checkbox in front of the photo indicates that it is deselected.
• Activate all: Marks all photos in the input list as 'to be converted'.
• Deactivate all: Marks all photos in the input list as 'not to be converted'.
• Remove entry: Removes the currently selected photos from the input list. (The photos are NOT deleted from your hard drive!)
• Clear list: Clears the entire input list. (The photos are NOT deleted from your hard drive!)

Show Statistics

The statistics show you, among other things, how long you have been working with Photomizer 3 and how many photos you have already optimized.

Language

To simplify your work with Photomizer 3, especially if you are working on a PC used by several people with different languages, you can switch between the available languages at any time. You can access this option via the 'Tools' menu item (see 'File, Edit, ...'). Simply select the desired language here, and Photomizer 3 will be displayed in that language.

⌨️ Keyboard Controls

The following keyboard shortcuts are available: