DonationCoder.com Forum

Main Area and Open Discussion => General Software Discussion => Topic started by: Curt on September 05, 2008, 07:02 AM

Title: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 05, 2008, 07:02 AM

I have a minor collection of pictures / photos that I want to frame, hoping it would make them look even better  as wallpapers on my XP's desktop,  but I am having serious troubles finding the right application to do so.  The best freeware version I so far have found is the fine PhotoScape, but the number of different frames it can offer  is not enough for me; the frames are there, all right, but there are too few, and they are too simple, I think. So I was wondering if maybe 'you' know something about this subject   and will tell what "framer" you can recommend, please?

It MUST offer to save as .JPG > 100% quality, original dimensions

I know Photoshop can do all I want, but I really don't have that kind of money
- so Freeware or cheap-priced-ware applications are preferred, please!

One example:

The family playing volleyball. Nice, if you know the people, but in general a little boring:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


This frame may be an improvement to the picture, but the frame itself is not quite good enough, I think; there should be no white space inside the frame:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I am of course not just looking for a frame for this picture
- so, please  tell  what is The Best 'framer'?  :tellme: (that I can afford)?

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Dormouse on September 05, 2008, 07:19 AM

Today the Giveaway of the Day is Wondershare Photo Collage Studio (http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/wondershare-photo-collage-studio-428/), which apparently includes photo frames.

The framer that I would go for is IDFramer (http://www.idimager.com/?page=idframer) - but it is $39  :(, which is why I haven't bought it (so far anyway).

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 05, 2008, 08:32 AM

When u say 'minor' curt - how many photo's are we talking about?

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 05, 2008, 08:45 AM

I've got a load of frames - just png's, will work with any programme! You can get free frames all over the net.

Just did this in Open Office Draw - Portable - It's FREE - 80mb download from www.portableapps.com

Open Office is great.....

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 05, 2008, 08:47 AM

You just resize to fit pic and Export as JPEG!

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 05, 2008, 09:17 AM

- yes, I grabbed the PhotoCollage thingy, but there isn't much wonder in such a share studio..., so to speak. The Wondershare will not save the image any larger than 800x600 pixels!!!  :down:

IDFramer however is something to talk about:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


 :up:

I've got a load of frames - just png's, will work with any programme! You can get free frames all over the net.

-CleverCat (September 05, 2008, 08:45 AM)

I have never before taken interest in this subject, so I have a lot to learn about this, as well...
Would you name some addresses, please, where to find these frames, to get me started?

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 05, 2008, 09:21 AM

If u do a google search..... there are many places, but I'm trying to find for you curt!  :D

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 05, 2008, 09:23 AM

I can make few in Photoshop as samples and send to you...  :Thmbsup:

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 05, 2008, 03:54 PM

-  CleverCat has photoshop'ed the picture in question:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]



I think these are quite beautiful, and call for the full sized versions, CleverCat! :up:

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 06, 2008, 02:18 AM

Watch this space!  ;)

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 06, 2008, 05:01 AM

When u say 'minor' curt - how many photo's are we talking about?

-CleverCat (September 05, 2008, 08:32 AM)

For now the collection to be improved is counting maybe a hundred images.
In time it will be thousands.

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 06, 2008, 07:42 AM

Ah - a bit too many to send to me then!  ;D

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Darwin on September 06, 2008, 08:33 AM

Photofiltre Studio (http://www.photofiltre.com/) has a simple but effective and configureable frame tool (Filter -> Frame) that you can play around with. There are both Studio (Pro) and Free versions (Studio is about 30 Euros) and has a lifetime licence). PaintShop Pro (http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/gb/en/Product/1184951547051#tabview=tab0) (59 Euros) also has a lot of frame choices that are highly configurable and will load and use frames created for Photoshop... Photofiltre will do the same, I believe.

Here's a quick frame in PSP:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

and one in Photofiltre:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Darwin on September 06, 2008, 09:37 AM

PS Not that I expect you are overly tempted, but PSP X2 will not doubt be giving way to PSP X3 this fall (autumn)... Thus, you should see some really cheap deals on PSP X2 soon!

Also, Photofiltre is capable of much more than my amateur attempt above - I've never used frames before...

Finally, what about ScreeshotCaptor? It does frames...

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

and I'm sure that you can add your own...

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Darwin on September 06, 2008, 09:41 AM

NB to open non-screenshot captured images in ScreeshotCaptor, you need to move or copy the image into the directory that you define for Screenshot Captor. In my case, it's the default directory which is C:\Program Files/ScreenshotCaptor/Screenshots/MyJunk

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 06, 2008, 09:56 AM

Good one Darwin - didn't think of that..  :Thmbsup:

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: hamradio on September 06, 2008, 10:41 PM

Check out: FrameFun (http://www.hochstrasser.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?pagename=Delphi.FrameFun)  :)

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: brett on September 07, 2008, 01:54 AM

Check out helicon filter

Create a frame, (and lots of other adjustments)
apply to folder, (create new images in subfolder, never alter the original)

Performed on 192 images raw format 10mb per picture = 15mins
Performed on 81 images jpg format 1600x1200 = 3mins

read my review at
https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=14768.msg128321#msg128321

Warning.   Large photo 750k, added color, reduce noise, added sharpen, ADDED FRAME
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 07, 2008, 12:15 PM

Thanks, hamradio, I tried FrameFun once again, but didn't get to understand how to use it this time either. I managed all right to create SOME frames, but never the frame I wanted to.

--
Really fine review (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=14768.msg128321#msg128321), Brett!  :up:
This is quite some frame, you have added. I don't have much experience in this field, a week or so, but I have studied thousands of images, and I cannot recall I ever before have noticed an added frame including / repeating the neighbourhood like this:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


- this is most interesting, and I surely will try out Helicon Filter. However, as I understand the differences (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=14768.msg128338#msg128338) between Free, Home, and Pro, there are quite some restrictions in the frame creating part of the freeware version. And I am not too sure I can afford the Home or Pro versions, at this side of New Year.

Thanks!

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 07, 2008, 12:52 PM

Thanks, Darwin, for reminding me about PhotoFiltre. I have the free version, but was never tempted by it to purchase the Pro version, because I don't know if 'outside-frames' is an option in the Pro, which it is not in the free.

Regarding PaintShop Pro: I got angry with the company because of - and this is something I know YOU can relate to, Darwin - because of their currency conversion rates! I know some other companies are a lot worse, but I just got pi***d. But come a sale, I might forget about it.

And what goes for ScreenShot Captor. Well... I have it, and I know it is tremendous capable, because I have tried the various versions so many times - I felt I had to, you know, in order to be part of the gang - but the truth is that I don't like it. Too many difficult questions to answer or hotkeys to remember, or I don't know. Just looking at the GUI makes me tired.

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: brett on September 07, 2008, 04:52 PM

Hi Curt

There are some differences between Free,Home and Pro in Helicon Filter. But having used Pro for a while now I could not remember what they where.
The frames do change with the option of adding shapes etc, and this is a lot more then I thought.  :(

Good news is the 'apply to folder' is in the free.

As I said in the review, sometimes you have to dig and poke around this application to find some extras.
There is a menu option that allows you to switch between 'simple' and 'expert' mode.  (free and paid)
So whilst in trial you can play with either modes.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]   [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The ball overlapping in the frame is a little distracting, so here is another, all done in simple mode
Framed with 'unfocussed strong'
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Brett

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Lutz_ on September 07, 2008, 05:49 PM

A simple tool with a framing option in the "batch conversion" tab  and with very nice collage options on it's "page" tab is Photoscape.
Donationware.

http://www.photoscape.org

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 08, 2008, 01:54 PM

A simple tool with a framing option in the "batch conversion" tab  and with very nice collage options on it's "page" tab is Photoscape.

-Lutz_ (September 07, 2008, 05:49 PM)

The best freeware version I so far have found is the fine PhotoScape, but the number of different frames it can offer  is not enough for me; the frames are there, all right, but there are too few, and they are too simple, I think.

-Curt (September 05, 2008, 07:02 AM)

Being free/donation-ware, I think PhotoScape is mighty fine. Only, it is not enough for me. Seen from my end of the line  the closing of the race is between shareware, shareware, and shareware!  :(

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Darwin on September 08, 2008, 02:12 PM

I don't know Curt. Have you considered shareware as an alternative  ;D

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 08, 2008, 02:29 PM

Yes, Darwin.   8) And I have also considered to purchase a new computer, and the entire Adobe line, and a new Rolls Royce...

When I typed the above post I was thinking that I have yet a program can do frames, but I couldn't right away remember which one. Now I remember that Ashampoo Photo Commander 6 also do frames. Not many, some 2 x 30, but they are there. A few of them are all right to use, but maybe only a few. It is shareware (why is it shareware?), and I did paid for it long ago. However, regarding the number of frames being "few": a few out of a few is very few, isn't it. So I guess its back to the race "And here comes shareware2, it is almost catching up with shareware1! The race is getting really close. And what is now this: From the outer track shareware3 is trying to take over! What will be the end of this exciting race? Stay tuned!"

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Darwin on September 08, 2008, 03:29 PM

From the outer track shareware3 is trying to take over! What will be the end of this exciting race? Stay tuned!

-Curt (September 08, 2008, 02:29 PM)

(https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/esmileys/gen3/5Large/TFR1E0.gif)

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Grorgy on September 08, 2008, 03:36 PM

Ive not looked but...something like paintdotnet (which I bet you have curt lol) would enable you with just a little work to make your own frames in next to no time.  Not as easy perhaps but more rewarding  :)

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Dormouse on September 08, 2008, 04:46 PM

The problem with design-your-own solutions is that they either have to be designed for each photo in turn or that you have a relatively small number of frames to choose from.

The frame making programs have a choice of options (many or few depending on the program), where there can be settings for width, colour, gradient, opacity etc and where there can be an outside and inner frame and another frame to simulate the card on which the photo can be mounted inside the frame. There are a lot of easily made choices so that each photo can have a frame designed to suit it without spending a lot of time doing the framing. When you have a lot of photos you want to frame, and you are fussy about the quality, the time that this approach saves can be huge.

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 08, 2008, 05:55 PM

Grorgy was (of course) close! I have had Paint.NET, but it is too slow on my alreday slow PC, making the combination extremely slow. I won't be trying it again until I have a new mean lean power plant.

Dormouse is right on the spot. The frame I would create for A is not the one I would want to use for B or C, etcetera, making the total amount of used/consumed time huge.

The principles used in idFramer are ingenious, regarding the available frames and the way you can choose what to add:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


I don't yet have any idea about how to add new frames to idFramer, using the same procedures as shown in the picture, but I am really hoping it will be possible in a easy way. Then this would be my next step. The next exciting part of the race... My problem right here and now is that I have not yet collected any frames, so I am in the dark when it comes to understanding what frames really are! What ARE we talking about?

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 09, 2008, 01:55 AM

Usually .png files that you import to lay over or behind your pic. You then save as .jpeg or bmp if u prefer.

If you have MS Publisher it's easy too....

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 09, 2008, 03:18 AM

Thanks, *Cat. For the moment I have Publisher because it is part of my Office 2007 Ultimate TRIAL, but I am not going to keep the package if my financial situation doesn't change for better within the next couple of days! Besides, I am not aware that Microsoft cared to update Publisher, so I would say that the program itself is no reason for updating my Office 2003 Standard (which doesn't include Publisher).

---

Still waiting for you, CleverCat, to show some full sized framed pics...  ;)

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Dormouse on September 09, 2008, 01:59 PM

I don't yet have any idea about how to add new frames to idFramer, using the same procedures as shown in the picture, but I am really hoping it will be possible in a easy way. Then this would be my next step. The next exciting part of the race... My problem right here and now is that I have not yet collected any frames, so I am in the dark when it comes to understanding what frames really are! What ARE we talking about?

-Curt (September 08, 2008, 05:55 PM)

I assume you are asking questions etc on the IdImager/IdFramer forums. (IdImager apparently has the same framer engine as IdFramer, so posts about framing there are relevant and there seem to be far more users for IdImager). Alternatively, Hert (the developer) is generally extremely helpful and responsive.

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 09, 2008, 06:39 PM

I have done very little, concerning frames, due to my change of age yesterday, but I guess I will have to get back to earth from now. The first step might be to investigate some of the frames CleverCat have been so kind to mail me, so I may understand more about the object. Of course I would also like to test idImager in order to see if there are any noticeable differences, concerning frames. As you said, they use the same engine, but  regarding frames  I would like to know if idImager is offering some valuable extras, having an in-built editor, other than idFramer does.

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: cranioscopical on September 09, 2008, 10:03 PM

I have done very little, concerning frames, due to my change of age yesterday

-Curt

Allow me to wish you a belated Happy Change Of Age Day!

I change my own age daily...

[Edit: cant proff red]

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Darwin on September 09, 2008, 10:19 PM

I changed my age today... I am 14506 days old  :(

Seriously, happy change age day, Curt  :Thmbsup: Sorry I missed it, but I hope you enjoyed the day!

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: PhilB66 on September 09, 2008, 10:47 PM

I change my own age daily...

-cranioscopical (September 09, 2008, 10:03 PM)

Do you change with age?

@Darwin
94 days left...

Spoiler

mid-life crisis clock's ticking  :P

and... a Happy Change of Age Day goes to Curt.

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Darwin on September 09, 2008, 11:30 PM

You forgot leap years... but then I forgot one and still managed to overestimate my age :-[

The correct number is: 14,443 days old...

167 days left...

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 10, 2008, 03:48 AM

You asked... ;D

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 10, 2008, 04:42 AM

 :-* Thanks a lot, guys, and Thanks a lot, CleverCat  :-*

Do you change with age?

-PhilB66 (September 09, 2008, 10:47 PM)

- I most certainly hope I do!!!   :-[

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 10, 2008, 07:29 AM

You're welcome! ;)

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: cranioscopical on September 10, 2008, 11:37 AM

I change my own age daily...

-cranioscopical (September 09, 2008, 10:03 PM)

Do you change with age?

-PhilB66 (September 09, 2008, 10:47 PM)

Hoping for some relief? Only for the worse, I fear  ;)

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Dormouse on September 10, 2008, 03:36 PM

Of course I would also like to test idImager in order to see if there are any noticeable differences, concerning frames. As you said, they use the same engine, but  regarding frames  I would like to know if idImager is offering some valuable extras, having an in-built editor, other than idFramer does.

-Curt (September 09, 2008, 06:39 PM)

Belated congratulations  :Thmbsup:

Now I have IdImager, but haven't tried IdFramer separately. IdI does have many more functions than IdF, but I doubt whether they extend to framing. IdI is fundamentally an Image Database Manager, but also has raw conversion and some photoediting and comparison tools.

However, a lot of frame editing is possible. You can have as many frame layers as you want (you simply add layers as you choose). The layers can be of any pattern/texture you choose (you can select the image you want to use as the base from any image on your computer) and you can choose whether to tile or stretch it. You can set the shape of the frame by using masks (you can see examples by looking in the masks folder, and it would be very easy then to design your own). And, of course, each layer can be of any width etc etc. And having designed a custom frame, you can save it and use it as often as you want, tweaking it as much as you want as you go. And all the frames can easily be duplicated and/or edited.

Pretty simple and pretty effective and flexible.

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 10, 2008, 05:25 PM

Pretty simple and pretty effective and flexible.

-Dormouse (September 10, 2008, 03:36 PM)

- and pretty expensive! No matter the price you have made idImager very interesting to me. I think I will want it for Christma$...   8)

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Lutz_ on September 11, 2008, 11:33 PM

Something different: automatting

http://www.imagetrendsinc.com/products/prodpage_automatting.asp

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: CleverCat on September 12, 2008, 01:48 AM

Something different: automatting

http://www.imagetrendsinc.com/products/prodpage_automatting.asp

-Lutz_ (September 11, 2008, 11:33 PM)

Wow great for slide shows for DVD player....

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Curt on September 12, 2008, 03:41 AM

Regarding AutoMatting:
1) You need to register before downloading a trial.
2) SetupAutoMattingXP.exe wouldn't install on my XP.
-   Filesize was 66kb, should have been 8½mb.
3) $50 for this one feature is maybe a little too much for me.

But I really like the capability to frame all these vertical-scape images.

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Dormouse on September 12, 2008, 08:15 AM

- and pretty expensive! No matter the price you have made idImager very interesting to me. I think I will want it for Christma$...   8)

-Curt (September 10, 2008, 05:25 PM)

Can't argue about its being expensive, though I think IdImager, with its wide range of functions, must be better value than IdFramer alone. And all the other quality DAM (digital asset management) tools are expensive, so IdI is not out of line - probably still rather cheap compared to many. There was a free version (IdI Lite), but unfortunately Hert discontinued it after the paid versions had moved on to v4; can't remember whether that did framing (I assume not since he continued marketing IdF).

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: fracasjoe on September 13, 2008, 11:03 AM

try photoscape....its free and fun

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: Lutz_ on September 16, 2008, 04:25 PM

Two free plugins for framing - among other goodies:

http://www.pluginfilters.com/bordermania/index.html

http://www.filterforge.com/download/

Title: Re: What's the best image-"framer"?
Post by: cmpm on October 12, 2009, 08:14 PM

this is very cool i think

not exactly framing
but more then i expected

http://www.photojoy.com/index.aspx?id=10005