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This information from AI Chatbots with some of my edits (improvements I hope!). Basing on Photoscape X version 4.2.1. It's free; download your own copy from http://x.photoscape.org – note as of this writing (June 2025) the Photoscape X site does not support HTTPS.
Using PhotoScape X
Viewer and Editor
PhotoScape X has a workflow designed around its Viewer and Editor working together for efficient batch editing. Here's how to use them effectively:
adapted from AI Chatbots and geared towards use on MacBook
Basic Workflow:
1. Start with Viewer - This is your file browser and organizer. Open it to navigate to your photo folder and see thumbnails of all your images.
2. Select and Send to Editor - In Viewer, you can:
Select multiple photos (Cmd+click for individual selection, Shift+click for ranges)
Right-click and choose "Send to Editor" or use the toolbar button
This opens the Editor with your selected photos loaded
Using Editor for Multiple Photos
Once in Editor, you'll see your photos in a filmstrip at the bottom. You can:
Click between photos to switch which one you're editing
Apply edits to one photo, then use "Copy Adjustments" and "Paste Adjustments" to apply the same settings to other photos
Use the "Batch" feature for applying identical adjustments to all loaded photos at once
Efficient Multi-Photo Editing Tips
For similar lighting conditions: Edit one photo completely, then copy those adjustments to similar photos
For different photos needing individual attention: Load them all in Editor but edit each one individually
For consistent processing: Use the Batch processing tools for things like resizing, format conversion, or applying the same filter
Saving Your Work
You can save individual photos as you go, or use "Export All" to save all edited photos at once
Set up export presets in preferences for consistent file naming and format settings
The key advantage is that Viewer helps you organize and select your photos efficiently, while Editor lets you work on multiple photos without constantly reopening files. This workflow is much faster than editing photos one at a time from scratch.
Other PhotoScape Abilities
Here's what the other PhotoScape X menu items does:
Cut Out
Removes backgrounds from photos or isolates subjects
Uses AI-powered automatic background removal or manual selection tools
Great for creating transparent PNGs, replacing backgrounds, or preparing images for collages
Useful when you want to extract a person or object from their original background
Batch
Processes multiple photos with the same settings automatically
Can resize, rename, convert formats, apply filters, add watermarks, or adjust exposure across many photos at once
Perfect for preparing photos for web galleries, social media, or when you need consistent sizing/formatting
Saves huge amounts of time compared to editing each photo individually
Collage
Creates multi-photo layouts and photo grids
Offers templates for combining multiple photos into one image
Good for creating photo albums, before/after comparisons, or social media posts
Can arrange photos in grids, frames, or artistic layouts
Combine
Merges multiple photos into panoramas or long strips
Can stitch photos together horizontally or vertically
Useful for creating panoramic landscapes or combining related sequential photos
Different from collage because it creates seamless merged images rather than distinct photo arrangements
Create GIF
Makes animated GIFs from multiple photos or video clips
Can control timing, loops, and transitions between frames
Great for creating simple animations, cinemagraphs, or social media content
Useful for showing before/after transformations or step-by-step processes
Tools
Contains utility functions like screen capture, color picker, and other helper tools
May include features for renaming files, EXIF data viewing, or format conversion
These are typically quick-access tools that don't require opening the full editor
Store
Access to additional filters, templates, frames, or effects that can be downloaded
May include both free and paid content expansions
Extends PhotoScape's capabilities beyond the built-in features
Each serves different purposes - Batch for efficiency, Cut Out for precision editing, Collage/Combine for creative layouts, GIF for animation, and Tools for utilities.
Batch Processing Steps
You typically would edit one picture first to get the look you want, then use Batch to apply those same settings to multiple photos. Here's the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Edit Your Reference Photo
Open one representative photo in Editor
Make all your adjustments (exposure, color, contrast, filters, etc.)
Get it looking exactly how you want the final result
Save or note your settings
Step 2: Access Batch Processing
Go to the main PhotoScape X interface
Click on "Batch" (this opens the batch processing module)
You'll see a different interface designed for bulk operations
Step 3: Set Up Your Batch Job
Add Photos: Drag and drop your photos into the batch queue, or use "Add Files" to browse and select them
Choose Operations: Select what you want to do:
Resize (dimensions, percentage, or file size)
Format conversion (JPEG, PNG, etc.)
Rename files with patterns
Add watermarks or text
Apply filters or adjustments
Step 4: Apply Your Settings
If you want to replicate your manual edits, you'll need to recreate those settings in the batch interface
The batch processor has its own adjustment controls (not a direct copy from Editor)
Set quality, output format, and destination folder
Step 5: Process
Review your settings and output folder
Click "Start" or "Process" to begin
PhotoScape will process all photos with identical settings
Important Note: Batch processing uses its own adjustment controls rather than copying exact Editor settings. So you'll need to manually recreate your desired look using the batch interface's sliders and options. This is why it's helpful to have your reference photo open for comparison while setting up the batch job.
About PhotoScape X and Other Editors
PhotoScape X is a comprehensive photo editing and management application that combines basic-to-advanced editing tools with batch processing, collage creation, and organizational features in an intuitive interface.
Compare to other photo editors
Adobe Photoshop Elements: no free version, cost is $100 for 3-years
GIMP: Free
Canva: Free version available (premium costs $15/month)
Luminar Neo: 7-day trial; subscription-based pricing
Paint.NET: Windows only, free
Affinity Photo: no free version, cost for one-time purchase $70-100
Fotor: Free online version available (has watermark); pro version (with advanced features and AI, $39.99-89.99/year)
PhotoScape X: Free version, pro version (additional features) one-time purchase $39.99
PhotoScape X has an excellent balance of features and ease-of-use, strong batch processing capabilities, all-in-one approach (editing, organizing, etc), good value for the money (the version described here is free), and has an intuitive workflow between Viewer and Editor.