Xara Photo & Graphic Designer

Xara Photo & Graphic Design has a deceptively simplistic design: tools are located on the left, layers on the right. Experienced users of photo-editing tools will find themselves at home with Designer's toolset, but its friendly Ul conceals a plethora of tools - so many that less experienced some may find it a steep learning curve.

Designer's non-destructive integrated photo tool very useful, especially for quick, simple edits. This is your one-stop-shop for all photo-editing essentials, all of which can be adjusted manually or via presets.

The Erase Background tool can automate the tedious process of cutting out subjects from a background, but it's still a tricky process that requires practise to perfect. The same can be said of the Perspective Adjustment tool and Panorama mode.

One of Designer's most impressive features is that it supports 53 different file formats. However, Designer unfortunately lacks in batch processing, a built-in photo organiser, a distortion corrector, and it can't create HDR. True to its name, Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 11 isn't just photo-editing software, but a tool for adding design elements to your work as well. It includes some basic drawing tools, as well as 175 included font styles.