IMatch! Simply Unbeatable!

[Dan Barham]

Obviously the third time is a match (IMatch, that is). I tried it twice and rejected it as just too hard to learn. I then tried several other image management applications and found them all lacking in one thing or another. I tried the trial version of IMatch AGAIN and dedicated myself to learning it. Frankly, it's no small feat but I'm now a believer. It's taken many hours for this thick old blockhead, about a full day in fact, but I'm starting to get it.

Most of my approx. 3,000 images are for genealogy purposes. Most are very old images of past family members that are invaluable to me and many others. I've maintained a manual index of information to go with these photos (very time-consuming and awkward) and searched for a solid application where I could embed a lot of the background info into the image file without fear of losing it later.

I've now found that IMatch will handle IPTC for me and Photoshop Elements will not strip the IPTC data when I edit an image. WOW! This is just what I've been looking for. After I enter all of the gen info into the image file it'll stay with it forever.

Photoshop Album uses IPTC data, but on a very limited basis, and Paint Shop Photo Album is proprietary, not recognizing IPTC. Unacceptable.

Now....to those who, like me, have said that the IMatch learning curve is too steep and just not worth it, I say "Take a day! Go through the tutorial and other learning tools. Visit the Forum and read. If I can learn it anyone can!"

Dan

 

[Spikeman]

So there is hope after the first trial period! I am on my second try with this software. I struggled with it first time through, but I don't think I gave it a fair shake because I was also testing Thumbsplus and ACDSee and it all got muddled in my brain. This time, I'm only looking at iMatch and probably need to set aside a day or so to learn by complete immersion. Most of those who stuck with it on the learning curve seem to be happy and the author, Mario, shows up in the forums alot with help and advice.

May I ask what tips you would offer about learning the program? What did you do differently the third time in your approach to learning the program that finally made it click? Was it just spending more time or are there certain features you concentrated on; such as setting up the filing system?
That part was a bit overwhelming to me.

Also, I've heard that there may be a major upgrade to iMatch coming out soon so if I end up purchasing, I may want to wait. Right now the revision is 3.4.08. Do you know anything about this?

Mario, if you are there, is there any truth to this and if so, what will the new version offer? Thanks for the help

Ken Winterstein

 

[Teancum]

I downloaded the trail again, and frankly it is just as confusing as I had remembered. I couldn't make heads or tails out of it. So, like last time, I deleted it. When I tried to get the tutorial up, all I got was jiberish and I just plain gave up. I feel like a dunce, but then perhaps I am not alone. It sounds great, but sorry, no cigar.

 

[Jason Edwards]

I tried it also...twice...and just dont want to spend the time to learn it. Been using ACDSEE for so long and I am happy with it. It does seems like a really nice program with tons of options/customizing, but for me I will stick with ACDSEE. I dont usually feel this way about software. Usually, I will take the time to learn something if I think its worth it but for some reason I just dont want to learn. Lazy....nope. Just happy with the way I am doing things now I guess or maybe too busy with other projects.

Anyways, the point is that you are not the only one to find it a little itimidating. I think there are too many options.

Maybe one day.

Later
Jason

I downloaded the trail again, and frankly it is just as confusing
as I had remembered. I couldn't make heads or tails out of it.
So, like last time, I deleted it. When I tried to get the tutorial
up, all I got was jiberish and I just plain gave up. I feel like a
dunce, but then perhaps I am not alone. It sounds great, but
sorry, no cigar.

 

[SteveB]

Does IMatch use monitor colour profiles yet?

Obviously the third time is a match (IMatch, that is). I tried it
twice and rejected it as just too hard to learn. I then tried
several other image management applications and found them all
lacking in one thing or another. I tried the trial version of
IMatch AGAIN and dedicated myself to learning it. Frankly, it's no
small feat but I'm now a believer. It's taken many hours for this
thick old blockhead, about a full day in fact, but I'm starting to
get it.

Most of my approx. 3,000 images are for genealogy purposes. Most
are very old images of past family members that are invaluable to
me and many others. I've maintained a manual index of information
to go with these photos (very time-consuming and awkward) and
searched for a solid application where I could embed a lot of the
background info into the image file without fear of losing it later.

I've now found that IMatch will handle IPTC for me and Photoshop
Elements will not strip the IPTC data when I edit an image. WOW!
This is just what I've been looking for. After I enter all of the
gen info into the image file it'll stay with it forever.

Photoshop Album uses IPTC data, but on a very limited basis, and
Paint Shop Photo Album is proprietary, not recognizing IPTC.
Unacceptable.

Now....to those who, like me, have said that the IMatch learning
curve is too steep and just not worth it, I say "Take a day! Go
through the tutorial and other learning tools. Visit the Forum and
read. If I can learn it anyone can!"

Dan

 

[cs629061-a]

Does IMatch use monitor colour profiles yet?

Yes, it does (v3.4.0.8).

 

[Mario Westphal]

When I tried to get the tutorial up, all I got was jiberish

The tutorial is a PDF file. You should be able to view it with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader (www.adobe.com). What program do you use to view the tutorial?

I'm asking because many people have software installed (mostly graphics software) which takes over the PDF file extension and then opens all PDF files as graphics - which usually makes no sense.

(...)

ACDSee is not a bad program. Many users are quite happy with it. Also there's Thumbs+, also a good image browser. Or, FotoStation and Cumulus on the higher end.

There will never be an application that is suitable for all users. Many users just stick with what's in the box, and never look for something different. Other users are happy with what they have. In general, if it works for you, don't change it ;-)

My experience shows that IMatch is used mostly by "ambitioned users", pro's who make a living from shooting and selling images and photo agencies. But over the last 12 months, IMatch has also found many new "normal users" which just want to have an application that allows them to handle their family photos, or vacation images. Many of these users are switching over from other systems, because the other system was dropped by it's creator, or there were too many bugs or limitations.

In genreral, users who need to

+ Actively manage their collection,
+ Create various outputs,
+ Import and export data in various formats,
+ Have a custom workflow,
+ Need IPTC / EXIF support
+ ICC color profile support
+ RAW file handking for Nikon,Canon,Minolta,Olympus,Sony,Sigma,Kodak,...
+ Unlimited categorization features
+ Excellent handling of removable media
+ Ability to handle 50,000 or 200,000 or more images w/o performance loss

consider, and often choose, IMatch as their tool.

IMatch excels in many of these areas, and I will continue to improve IMatch with the upcoming versions. I use IMatch myself every day to catalogs several thousands of new photos each months, and this personal experience and the feedback of my growing user base keeps me going ;-)

-
Mario Westphal
Author of IMatch - The Digital Image Management Solution
[email protected]
http://www.photools.com

 

[Teancum]

Mario, one of the things that makes me sad about giving up on Imatch is the fact that you are so very active in answering and helping people with their questions. You may be right about the PDF situation, the program opened it up in Notepad as I remember. I will watch and wait for your new version and give it a try. All of the programs you mentioned are very good I am sure, it just seemed to me that those who are Imatch users are nearly as dedicated as you. My compliments to you and thanks for genuine advice.

 

[wanpakboy]

its great unless you are using raw and have asian text below it in the directory tree dou to its reliance on the canon ddl liberaries. raw jepegs quit showing up... so it dosnt work for me. other than that and the visualy uninpired gui Its wonderful, leaps ahead of the competition.

 

[Mario Westphal]

You may be right about the
PDF situation, the program opened it up in Notepad as I remember.

Since the IMatch installer creates just a shortcut to the PDF document with the IMatch tutorial, it seems that something is messed up on your system relating to PDF files. Try to run Acrobat Reader. He should automatically fix the bad association between PDF documents and Notepad on your system.

--
Mario Westphal
Author of IMatch - The Digital Image Management Solution
[email protected]
http://www.photools.com

 

[Michael Lee112193]

You may be right about the
PDF situation, the program opened it up in Notepad as I remember.

Since the IMatch installer creates just a shortcut to the PDF
document with the IMatch tutorial, it seems that something is
messed up on your system relating to PDF files. Try to run Acrobat
Reader. He should automatically fix the bad association between PDF
documents and Notepad on your system.

--
Mario Westphal
Author of IMatch - The Digital Image Management Solution
[email protected]
http://www.photools.com

--

Mario, I studied, and reread your manuals again and again before things soaked in. I know that you and your team have spent a lot of time and energy and have done a wonderful job creating this excellent tool, but I have to say that your manuals stress too much on the theory and ideals of your concept, rather than making it a document to make the manipulation of your program simple and intuitive. A good experienced script writer could do great justice to you monumental piece of work. He should make it simple, so even dummies like me will be able to manipulate your program on first try.

Perhaps, another suggestion is to commission a little book, titled, "Imatch-A classroom in a book", like Adobe have done and charge £5 or £10 for it, if it is bought with your program.

I finally managed to crack all the mysteries of your program but I spent a lot of time, and nervous energy to get there. Today, everyone wants INSTANT USUAGE PROGRAMS. Soon, it looks like I will have to learn more of your upcoming update, groan!

Despite all this, you have given photographers something really worthwhile. Congratulations again!

mbp

 

[Nigel Cross]

You might also want to take a look at Smart Pix Manager, which offers image management and viewing, but with a much less steep learning curve than IMatch:

http://www.xequte.com/smartpix/

Regards

Nigel

 

[Spikeman]

I've heard you and others allude to a version upgrade. Is it coming soon and what new features or fixes will it have? I'm currently trialing 3.4 again and trying to devote some serious time to learn the program. If a new version will be out very soon, I may wait until then before purchasing. Thanks.

 

[Mario Westphal]

I've heard you and others allude to a version upgrade. Is it
coming soon and what new features or fixes will it have? I'm
currently trialing 3.4 again and trying to devote some serious
time to learn the program. If a new version will be out very soon,
I may wait until then before purchasing. Thanks.

There is an intermediate update coming soon (see the release notes page in the support section at http://www.photools.com for details). The next major upgrade is scheduled for Summer.

Since I do all this alone (there's no team), my schedules may slip due to high amount of support emails or forum postings.

--
Mario Westphal
Author of IMatch - The Digital Image Management Solution
[email protected]
http://www.photools.com

 

[Mario Westphal]

I finally managed to crack all the mysteries of your program but I
spent a lot of time, and nervous energy to get there. Today,
everyone wants INSTANT USUAGE PROGRAMS. Soon, it looks like I will
have to learn more of your upcoming update, groan!
Despite all this, you have given photographers something really
worthwhile. Congratulations again!

The interesting point is that I get about as many "well thought out user interface, intuitve and fast" and "Your user interface is bad" emails per week ;-)

IMatch comes from the professional market. The UI is targeted at professional users, who need to work fast, are used to remember shortcuts and don't care much about a flashy UI. I get many new users who switch over from Photoshop Album because they have learned that a flashy UI does not help when the software gets slow after adding a couple of thousand images, or insists on copying your images into it's database...

Making a nice, clean UI is easy if you have only a couple of functions. But with a software as feature-rich as IMatch, it becomes much harder. Every user has his workflow, experience with other applications, expectations, and habits.

Making a UI that fits everybody is nearly impossible. Making a user interface that can be customized in any aspect is hard to do, takes weeks or months of extra effort, and also causes all kinds of problems.

I will re-vamp the user interface for the next major release of IMatch, but I need to find a balance between the existing UI, and the new UI. Since IMatch has many, many thousand users world-wide, I don't want that they need to learn everything again. What I want is a more flashy look, more customization features, even more support for even more different workflows, better multi-monitor support, and related themes.

What I don't want is code bloat, bugs, performance loss due to all the flashy UI stuff...let's see how it all works out.

IMatch is currently more a "Photoshop of Image Management". Noone would say that the Photoshop user interface is easy. But everything is where it belongs, shaped by the feedback of thousands of professional users over the years. With IMatch it's basially the same. The UI evolves in each new version, and I try to find the balance between compatibility and "sexy looks" ;-)

--
Mario Westphal
Author of IMatch - The Digital Image Management Solution
[email protected]
http://www.photools.com

 

[Portola]

Mario--

I have immense respect for you and IMatch, but I'm afraid your comments suggest that you just don't "get" user interface. It is not about "flash" or "sexy looks", although aesthetic quality is just as valid in software as in the rest of life. The essence is revealing the structure of an application in an intuitive way, and making it into a pleasant and fun experience in every respect. It is not an optional, bolt-on feature. A good user interface is sometimes far more difficult to design than the supporting engine.

You must be a tireless genius to have created IMatch by yourself. It is truely a masterpiece in many respects. But I think you might benefit from some outside help for the user interface revision.

 

[Zulabarr]

Mario Westphal wrote:

It's amazing how good the program is and how much support you give (every one of my emails has been answered within hours) and you are only one guy, doing this in your spare time. All of your hard work is much appreciated. (Where do you get the energy!) You can't get a better value for your money than IMatch.

I finally managed to crack all the mysteries of your program but I
spent a lot of time, and nervous energy to get there. Today,
everyone wants INSTANT USUAGE PROGRAMS. Soon, it looks like I will
have to learn more of your upcoming update, groan!
Despite all this, you have given photographers something really
worthwhile. Congratulations again!

The interesting point is that I get about as many "well thought out
user interface, intuitve and fast" and "Your user interface is bad"
emails per week ;-)

IMatch comes from the professional market. The UI is targeted at
professional users, who need to work fast, are used to remember
shortcuts and don't care much about a flashy UI. I get many new
users who switch over from Photoshop Album because they have
learned that a flashy UI does not help when the software gets slow
after adding a couple of thousand images, or insists on copying
your images into it's database...

Making a nice, clean UI is easy if you have only a couple of
functions. But with a software as feature-rich as IMatch, it
becomes much harder. Every user has his workflow, experience with
other applications, expectations, and habits.

Making a UI that fits everybody is nearly impossible. Making a user
interface that can be customized in any aspect is hard to do, takes
weeks or months of extra effort, and also causes all kinds of
problems.

I will re-vamp the user interface for the next major release of
IMatch, but I need to find a balance between the existing UI, and
the new UI. Since IMatch has many, many thousand users world-wide,
I don't want that they need to learn everything again. What I want
is a more flashy look, more customization features, even more
support for even more different workflows, better multi-monitor
support, and related themes.
What I don't want is code bloat, bugs, performance loss due to all
the flashy UI stuff...let's see how it all works out.

IMatch is currently more a "Photoshop of Image Management". Noone
would say that the Photoshop user interface is easy. But everything
is where it belongs, shaped by the feedback of thousands of
professional users over the years. With IMatch it's basially the
same. The UI evolves in each new version, and I try to find the
balance between compatibility and "sexy looks" ;-)

--
Mario Westphal
Author of IMatch - The Digital Image Management Solution
[email protected]
http://www.photools.com

 

[Zulabarr]

Somehow I screwed up the editing on my last message. This is what I said (not Mario).

I finally managed to crack all the mysteries of your program but I
spent a lot of time, and nervous energy to get there. Today,
everyone wants INSTANT USUAGE PROGRAMS. Soon, it looks like I will
have to learn more of your upcoming update, groan!
Despite all this, you have given photographers something really
worthwhile. Congratulations again!

The interesting point is that I get about as many "well thought out
user interface, intuitve and fast" and "Your user interface is bad"
emails per week ;-)

IMatch comes from the professional market. The UI is targeted at
professional users, who need to work fast, are used to remember
shortcuts and don't care much about a flashy UI. I get many new
users who switch over from Photoshop Album because they have
learned that a flashy UI does not help when the software gets slow
after adding a couple of thousand images, or insists on copying
your images into it's database...

Making a nice, clean UI is easy if you have only a couple of
functions. But with a software as feature-rich as IMatch, it
becomes much harder. Every user has his workflow, experience with
other applications, expectations, and habits.

Making a UI that fits everybody is nearly impossible. Making a user
interface that can be customized in any aspect is hard to do, takes
weeks or months of extra effort, and also causes all kinds of
problems.

I will re-vamp the user interface for the next major release of
IMatch, but I need to find a balance between the existing UI, and
the new UI. Since IMatch has many, many thousand users world-wide,
I don't want that they need to learn everything again. What I want
is a more flashy look, more customization features, even more
support for even more different workflows, better multi-monitor
support, and related themes.
What I don't want is code bloat, bugs, performance loss due to all
the flashy UI stuff...let's see how it all works out.

IMatch is currently more a "Photoshop of Image Management". Noone
would say that the Photoshop user interface is easy. But everything
is where it belongs, shaped by the feedback of thousands of
professional users over the years. With IMatch it's basially the
same. The UI evolves in each new version, and I try to find the
balance between compatibility and "sexy looks" ;-)

--
Mario Westphal
Author of IMatch - The Digital Image Management Solution
[email protected]
http://www.photools.com

 

[Dan Barham]

Mario--

I have immense respect for you and IMatch, but I'm afraid your
comments suggest that you just don't "get" user interface. It is
not about "flash" or "sexy looks", although aesthetic quality is
just as valid in software as in the rest of life.

I've got to agree with Portola on this one. I'm now "getting" IMatch with a heck of a lot of effort and hours but it should be more intuitive.

Mario, the terms "flash" and "sexy" imply sizzle and not steak. Not true! Read the e-mails! Many, many prospective users clearly want (need) an easier interface. They don't want sexy or flashy, they want to understand it. They're going away to other applications because the curve is far too steep. I'm not talking about learning all of the features....there are many excellent features....I'm talking about learning to use the application itself, the basic bones.

You're responses to those e-mails are commendable in saying that maybe IMatch is not for that person but, no offense, perhaps a little short-sighted too.

Again, no offense, I bought IMatch and I've found nothing that compares to it although it is difficult!

JMHO, Dan

 

[JOHN ASKHAM]

Perhaps, another suggestion is to commission a little book, titled,
"Imatch-A classroom in a book", like Adobe have done and charge £5
or £10 for it, if it is bought with your program.

I would welcome this too. The sooner the better. I love the potential of iMatch and struggle with it, but life's rapidly passing by!
John