Have you ever wanted to create a photo montage, but don't have the software--or the skills--to do it? Then Magic Photo Editor might be your answer.

This unique tool lets you select a photo (yours or one supplied by the vendor) and insert any number of images into it, using a selection of masks to frame the inserted images. You can add clip art flowers and cartoon characters, and add a frame for a finishing touch.

The program is fairly easy to use, but a little rough around the edges. For example, many of the clip art choices are pixellated, and you can't position your images within the masks. During my testing I was unable to use many of the frames, masks, and the like--the pop-up window wasn't large enough to display them, and there was no discernable way to navigate in the window.

Those glitches aside, this easy-to-use photo tool could be fun for hobbyists--though it is a bit expensive at $40. Be sure to play with the 30-use trial version before you register; it contains all the features of the program.

--Kim Saccio-Kent