Modern social media transformed image use into a form of expression, either using a single image, or bundling more together in an artistic style. For instance, specialized applications like ImageElements Photo Collage make it possible to create collages out of your picture collection, with multiple cool effects to configure.

Running the application asks you to configure the type of canvas you want to work on. This refers to general page layout options available in most print functions, letting you adjust size, orientation, and more. However, this process can be skipped, or configured later on, but it’s good to have the base of the collage configured on the first occasion.

Pictures can be added either by drag and drop, or relying on the built-in browse dialog. File support is impressive, with the possibility to work with formats like TIF, TIFF, XIF, GIF, JPG, PCX, BMP, DIB, ICO, CUR, PNG, DCM, WMF, EMF, TGA, PPM, JP2, DCX, RAW, PSD, IEV, LYR, WDP, and even some multimedia files, in case you decide to export for web use.

Unfortunately, the application doesn’t come with too many effect, except for some basic ones like black and white, sepia, or grainy. However, there are other related tools you can use to add depth, blur, and skew pictures to make them look a little different. There aren’t any preset frames either, so you need to work your way around with default tools.

The object database the application comes with is almost missing entirely, meaning you need to import all style objects and pictures. What you can add are empty boxes you can use as simple frames, and captions of customizable font and color. Exporting can be done to almost the same variety as import formats, printed on a sheet of paper, or built as HTML project.

Bottom line is that pictures are a common resource in multiple domains of activity, even communication. ImageElements Photo Collage provides a neat workspace where you can bundle multiple pictures, edit them, and export as a custom collage to help with presentations, or share with friends. It does feel a little rough around the edges, but can keep you busy for some time.