This is one of those "can't live without" tools for Graphic and Web Designers alike. While much of Ulead's software (cool 3d, Photo Impact) seem to target the novice designer, SmartSaver is as valuable to experts as it is to the beginner.

The program reminds me of a jack knife, it includes 4 different graphic utilities. Here's a brief rundown on them:

Image Slicer
SmartSaver's Slicing utility allows you to cut up larger images into multiple parts. This can help you compress your image better, or apply effects like rollovers later. SmartSaver makes the slicing process incredibly easy... just drag the line tool to mark where you want the slices to appear. When you're ready to save it, you can choose compression options for all of your slices, apply links to any (or all) of the parts, and then save it to your hard drive. Smartsaver saves all the pieces, AND generates the TABLE html to re-assemble the sliced image. This is one of those HUGE time savers, especially if you design webpages and begin your layouts in a graphics program.

Javascript
Want to add onMouseover effects to your sliced image, or premade one? This utility lets you generate all the Javascript you need to apply the popular rollover effect to graphics. Again, SmartSaver saves all the graphics and HTML you need for the effect.

Image Map
I frequently use a text editor to create and edit my webpages.. if I need an image map for anything, I always find myself turning to SmartSaver. The mapping utility quickly lets you import an image, map it..and export the HTML to use on your page. You can even copy JUST the HTML code to the clipboard, so you can paste it right into your page.

Optimizer
I probably use this tool more than any other in the entire program. SmartSaver gives you some of the best tools for optimizing and saving your images in gif, jpg, and png format. It has all the standard features you'd expect from a optimization program.. but also has extra features like "Emphasize Area" (allows you to pick one area of your image to devote more colors too), cropping and resampling that can be used across the entire program as well. Batch Processing is another life saver.

The Good Stuff, and the Bad Stuff
Like every program.. SmartSaver has a good side and a bad side. The best part is that it provides you with almost every feature you could want for post-editing image processing, and it does it all in a compact program.

Unfortunately, like many of Ulead's programs, the interface leaves much to be desired. I wish the program was more modular (allowing the user to choose which modules they wanted to load up) and the plugin feature was better supported.

Even with the few minor annoyances.. this is one of those truly terrific programs you won't want to live without once you try it.




Recommended: Yes