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Software Recommendations

Photo Editing Software

The quality of diagnostics often will depend directly on image quality.  Agents, specialists, crop consultants, pesticide consultants may all be required to submit images to diagnostic labs.  It is very important that images are clear and high resolution.  When evaluating photo editing software for GPDN users we have to consider a set of minimum features:

Minimum Recommended Features

Image Cropping The ability to select the interesting area of an image and discard the rest.
Image Sizing The ability to scale or zoom the image as needed.
Text Annotation The ability to annotate the image with text.
Image Annotation The ability to draw on the image.
 Format Support The ability to open and save jpg files.
Usability The software must be easy to use.

Serif PhotoPlus (www.serif.com )
PhotoPlus 5 "Free"  There are many software publishers who have products that will meet GPDN requirements.  However, we have found a FREE software package (Serif PhotoPlus5) that will meet all of the requirements of the typical GPDN user.  Choosing "FREE" option will download the PhotoPlus 5 (with GIF and TIF disabled).  Licensed image compression technology requires Serif to charge a nominal royalty for GIF and TIF support.  You can add GIF and TIFF file support capability to your FREE PhotoPlus 5 for a nominal $1.00 fee.

Adobe Photoshop™ (www.adobe.com )
If your needs require a professional photo exiting, consider Adobe's Photoshop.  The software is very capable and flexable but I would not consider it easy to use.  I would recommend Adobe Photoshop™ only to diagnosticians who will use the software every day.