Note: This review covers v3.6 of the software, which is now in v5.0. There is no longer a trial version of this software.
If you like to play around with your photos, Caricature Studio was made for you. Import practically any digital image into this program and tweak away--Warp, Twirl, and Putty tools let you stretch and distort your target's features at will. You can even create chroma-key effects--meaning that if you shoot your subject in front of a neutral backdrop, Caricature Studio lets you swap in all sorts of wacky backgrounds. (You could also use one of your own photos, of course.)
In addition to morphing tools, Caricature Studio provides a bevy of filters and effects like Sepia, Posterize, Comic, and more. Edge effects include Fade and Bevel, plus several different frames. The program also lets you adjust the overall hue, brightness and contrast, and sharpness.
It is important to read through the tutorial (in the Help menu) before getting started. Although all the tools are labeled, it's not obvious how to use them correctly. Once you've read the tutorial, however, you should find the program easy to use.
A couple of caveats: In my tests, I needed to make Warp, Twirl, and Putty changes before applying a global effect like Comic--the tools didn't seem to work on images that had filters or effects applied (this may have been an anomaly on my system, however). Also, the Undo tool works for one change only; I ended up reverting to my original image several times to undo effects.
Anyone with even a passing knowledge of image editing should be up and running with Caricature Studio within the 7-day trial period. Although this version is fully functional, you cannot save or print your masterpieces.
After playing with this toy for a week, many folks will likely want to pony up the $20 to keep going.
--Kim Saccio-Kent
Reviewed by: norcal1970
Reviewed by: Devonshire
Reviewed by: prattden
Ad Choices