You can use ImageReady standalone, but its features are limited, compared to the other programs in this review. It uses only bitmap graphics, which are harder to edit and change than vector graphics. Bitmap text also lacks the flexibility of vector text. ImageReady is pretty much Photoshop Lite with a few Web features thrown in. Adobe could easily have incorporated the Web features into Photoshop 5.0.
Novices can make compelling graphics with a minimum of fuss.
The more than 100 effects include old favorites such as drop shadows, page curls, smoke and many interesting borders. PhotoImpact has several brushes. The natural-medium crayon and Chinese calligraphy brushes make especially good textures and shapes. PhotoImpact's text tool permits easy customization. The type tool makes it simple to vary everything from font size and typeface to textures and 3-D effects.