Auto FX DreamSuite Gel Series

Auto FX's latest addition to the DreamSuite series is DreamSuite Gel, which contains five new filters. These new filters' primary purpose is to create depth and bevel effects, and can be used with both text and other symbols. Like the other programs in the series, DreamSuite Gel can be run both as a stand-alone application and as a plug-in from your favourite imaging program (In this case, Photoshop). The Gel Series work with both Windows (98 and later) and Macintosh (OS 9 and OS X) and require at least 128MB of RAM. 256MB or more is however recommended.


The installation went smoothly and without any problems at all. The fact that I already had DreamSuite 1 and 2 installed didn't cause any problems. A nice feature is the fact that all DreamSuite filters installed are accessed from the same application. This was a bit confusing at first, but later on it made perfect sense. So what exactly do these five new filters do? Here's a brief rundown on the filters:

Gel - The most basic of the filters in the Gel Series, it creates various colored depth effects with the usual options like, for example, texture and bump maps. There are, as with all DreamSuite filters, tons of settings, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing. The Gel filter does what it's supposed to do and it does it well.

Gel Mixer - As the name suggests, this filter lets you combine various Gel types. This filter is in fact rather similar to Metal Mixer from DreamSuite 1.

Gel Painter - This filter makes it possible to paint colors and textures on a Gel effect. Again a great working filter.

Liquid Crystal - Rather similar to the Gel filter, this filter is useful for more transparent and reflective bevels, like liquids or glass. Using the right settings, this filter can also create a rather metallic look.

Crystal Painter - This filter lets you apply brushed textures to a crystal-like effect. It looks rather nice and there are, as usual, tons of settings.


Another solid release from Auto FX, and with a $99 price-tag, it's also a rather cheap and price-worthy release. If you liked the other versions of DreamSuite, you will probably like this one as well.


Score:


Reviewed by Michael Stormbom

For more information about DreamSuite and the possibility to download a trial version, please visit:
Auto FX's DreamSuite website

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