Photo editing and manipulation tools are not exactly in short supply but those that get the balance between the number of features and ease of use are few and far between. Despite featuring an interface that is somewhat off-putting to start with, PhotoFiltre 7 is an extremely accomplished tool with the latest update adding support for both layers and transparency – these were option that were previously only available in the more advanced PhotoFiltre Studio.

While the interface is perhaps the most well organized, it is more appealing than the likes of the GIMP. This freeware image editor is probably PhotoFiltre’s closest competitor in this particular software arena and while neither apps is going to win any prizes for the most attractive or well-designed interface, PhotoFiltre definitely has the edge over its rival – and while the interface is a little on the cluttered side, it does mean that many options are easily accessible through the wide range of toolbar buttons on display.

Being a freeware tool, it should come as little surprise that this is a slightly limited app. PhotoFiltre 7 is in fact a slightly cut down version of the commercial app PhotoFiltre Studio X. There are obviously a number of features that have been omitted from this free version of the tool, but it is still accomplished enough to mean that it is well worth checking out.

As the app’s home page points out (http://www.photofiltre-studio.com/news-en.htm), should you remain allergic to layers, the older PhotoFiltre 6.5.3 is still available for download. You can find out more and download yourself a free copy of the latest version of the progam by paying a visit to the PhotoFiltre 7 review page.