GraphicConverter won’t replace Photoshop for image editing, but its conversion and batch-processing tools are hard to beat.

Graphics professionals need to go get GraphicConverter. Now. What are you waiting for? “A few good reasons,” you say? OK, that’s sensible.

As its name implies, GraphicConverter’s main purpose is to help you open files and convert them to different formats. As is the way of technology, new file formats appear, and fortunately, the software has kept up with the times. GraphicConverter opens about 200 file formats and converts to 80 of them, so it’s a pretty safe bet that the software can open any graphic file you throw at it.

With each iteration, GraphicConverter has developed into more than a file converter. It has a set of image editing and effects tools, through it’s no Photoshop in this regard. The software can also create thumbnail sheets for print and Web galleries, and it can import photos from digital cameras (with support for RAW—yay!) and host TWAIN scanners.

Version 6.0 makes working with Web graphics a little easier. You can edit images to add hotlinks for Web use, and the new Save For Web dialog gives you a neat, centralized place to optimize Web graphics. There’s room for development here—we’d rather see the ability to constrain to width or height instead of just longest side, for example—but it’s undeniably handy.

The software also adds basic layer support, integration with Google Earth for geotagging, and some support for Microsoft’s new HD Photo file format. The batch converter, which is second to none, has been beefed up with more Automator actions that boost the app’s workflow automation abilities.

The bottom line. For what you get in GraphicConverter, the software is a bargain. It’s a must-buy for serious graphics work.

COMPANY: Lemke Software

CONTACT: www.lemkesoft.com
PRICE: $44.95 (box), $34.95 (download)

REQUIREMENTS: Mac OS 10.4.4 or later

Excellent format support and batch processing. Rich feature set. Supports slideshows and Web galleries. Universal binary.

Needs a facelift.