Pixelformer 0.9.6.2 RC2

The idea behind Pixelformer is to make a step from classic simple icon editors towards advanced image editing tools. This step is made not only by mixing functionality from different classes of bitmap graphics applications, but also by implementing new unique features which are particularly useful for images with sizes typical for icons. As a result, in many cases Pixelformer is more efficient than sophisticated hi-end photo editors.

When designing Pixelformer, every effort was made to keep it reasonably simple and predictable, so beginners can quickly learn all the necessary features and reach professional quality, while professionals can apply their skills in the most effective way.

1. No restrictive limits for image dimensions: Pixelformer does not limit dimensions of images being edited to values typical for icons. In particular, it means that you generally would not need any additional tools while making an icon from a multi-megapixel photo.
2. Support for different color depths up to 32-bit RGB with alpha channel
3. Using Pixelformer, you always work in 32-bit RGBA color space. Just tag image with desired output color depth, and Pixelformer will generate appropriate palette, preview, and data for export.
4. Lossless target color depth switching: Because working color space is always 32-bit RGBA, it is enough to switch the "target color format" option when you need to change color depth of the resulting image. All image data will remain unchanged.
5. Semi-transparent colors: In addition to semi-transparent layers and semi-transparent drawing, Pixelformer allows you to use
6. Semi-transparent colors: offering you more control over transparency effects.
7. Free-form masking: Using the selection tools, you can create a region of arbitrary form and use it as a mask constraining the drawing area or as a selection for image manipulation.
8. Multiple layer support: Any image in a Pixelformer project can consist of unlimited number of layers. The layering greatly simplifies composition of complex images.
9. In-place supersampling: With Pixelformer you can draw at a much higher resolution than that of the output image - the drawing will be instantly resampled and mapped to the output. This method combines the benefits of raster and vector graphics and gives you antialiased but still editable image, which can never be produced by classic 1:1 raster editors.
10. The supersampling also helps to convert photos to icons by simplifying the edge trimming process and retaining a possibility to refine the result and align it to the pixel grid.
11. Dynamic palette generation: While creating non-truecolor images in Pixelformer, there is no need to worry about available color set - a highly optimized palette and corresponding preview are automatically generated in real time.
12. Multiple file format support: Currently Pixelformer supports BMP, PNG, PSD, TGA, JPEG, ICO and CUR file formats as well as EXE, DLL and ICL multiple image containers.
13. Plugin extensible architecture: The support for different file formats can be extended using appropriate plugins. The SDK will be available shortly.
14. Icon extraction capability: Pixelformer is able to extract icons, cursors and bitmaps from executable files and ICL icon libraries.
15. PNG size optimization: Pixelformer contains a PNG optimizer, which finds optimal PNG compressor parameters during export, and thus losslessly minimizes size of the PNG image file.
16. Vista icon optimization: Because Vista icons contain PNG-compressed subimages, the PNG optimizing engine reduces the icon file sizes as well.
17. Alpha premultiplication: When necessary, images containing an alpha channel can be exported from Pixelformer with premultiplied alpha.
18. Deep undo buffer: Pixelformer efficiently compresses undo data, keeping for you long history of operations while maintaining low memory usage.

Requirements:

1. 500MHz CPU (1GHz recommended);
2. 128MB RAM (256MB recommended);
3. 800x600x15bpp display (1024x768x32bpp recommended).

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