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Get Splat! |
Plug—ins, those programs that offering added functionality running inside of full programs like Adobe Photoshop and Corel PHOTO-PAINT, can be classified into two categories. The first are those that improve the quality of an image. These types remove flaws in an image, or sharpen details. Regardless of the function, these plug—ins are devoted to image quality. The second type are those devoted to special effects. These can add textures, objects, and all assorted special effects that create imaginative touches to existing images. Splat falls in the latter category.
For most users, the image correction type of plug—ins may get the most use. Alien Skin also produces those types of add—ons for programs. There are many of these types on the market. Nik Multimedia has some rather extensive image correction software as well devoted to nearly any type of image adjustment imagined. The main difference is that special effects plug—ins may have the most appeal, and practical use, for those interested in the imaginative alterations of images. If you are just a casual photographer interested in simple snapshots of family and friends, you may want to really consider if a special effect plug—in is for you. On the other hand, if you are the creative type who likes adjusting images, Splat could very well be a real solid addition to your digital arsenal. For pros, again, the usefulness of a plug—in depends squarely on the kinds and types of programs you want and/or need.
Splat offers Frame, Resurface, Edges, Fill Stamp, Border Stamp and Patchwork to your images. While you cannot create an image as such, Splat allows you to make changes and additions to your images for unexpected effects. The creativity with Splat depends on your goals, expectations and to some degree how well you use multiple effects. While you can use some of these effects straight as they are, the true fun comes when you are performing multiple alterations.
The possibilities with Splat are literally endless. Using the familiar interface of Eye Candy, the interface is a model of simplicity and elegance. The resurface filter offers up six possible textures that can make your image looks as if it were painted on a canvas, or etched against a wall. Canvas, concrete, leather, metal plate, painted tile and wood planks are the possible surfaces that can be applied. Within those textures you have the ability to alter the lighting and other visual elements within a given surface. The options and opportunities are such that the user has incredible control over an effect. Rather than just applying a surface to an image, you can tweak and adjust to a high degree.
The Frame filter adds a frame to your image. It manages to surround your image with a wooden frame, a matte, splattered ink and art nouveau. The image itself is not directly altered, but the edges are, creating some interesting effects that frame your image. Naturally, the size and margins of the image are made alterable.
Using tub files, the splat Border Stamp filter allows you to surround your images with anything from acorns to U.S. coins. The possibilities here are what surrounds your image with singular images reproduced and then scattered around the edges. As with any of these filters, you can control the density, size and shadows of any image chosen. While you could do this without the filter, the time savings, and the instantly viewable results in the preview window provide instant feedback.
Patch work is one of the most unusual filters in the entire Splat set. What this one does is examines the color and shading of a selection or layer and intuitively fills the selected area with the content of patchwork files(*.ptl) thus creating a mosaic type of effect. You can then fill them with ascii forms, tiles and other similar types of shapes. The results are mosaic like and can be oddly compelling. With the Patch Filter the effects are really as powerful as their application. For those that enjoy image manipulation, this is one of the more demanding filters when it comes to application.
Alien Skin has done it again. They have created a plug—in that fills a void that you may not have anticipated. To truly appreciate Splat, one does have to work with it and see where it is most applicable. Thankfully, they have made a limited demo available so that you can have a taste of what the program can do before purchase. For the creative pro, and the serious hobbyist, there is much here. A great deal depends on your specific needs, wants and how you view plug—ins. For those with just casual editing needs, this may not be the most important filter to purchase.
However, if you have artistic aims, or very specific editing needs, Splat will save you time and effort. This is where plug—ins really work their charm. When it comes to saving time, Splat, and programs like it will get the job done smoothy and cleanly. Sure, you can do some of this one your own, but the time lost, and the difficulty may make a plug—in a real asset.
If I have stressed this a lot here, I do have to say that this is very much a niche market piece of software. Certainly you can look at most plug—ins in that way. For those with specific needs, this is one well considered addition to your digital image editing tools.
(Splat works on both the Mac and Windows Platforms)
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