4 Out of 5

PhotoWorks’ site is very user-friendly, and is a little different from some of the other photo printing sites. The layout makes it really easy to find what you’re looking for. They offer to print uploaded photos or to develop rolls of film, like many other services, but PhotoWorks has a few features that others don’t.

Using the Site
It’s free to sign up with PhotoWorks, and comes with 25 free 4×6 prints. After that, you can expect to pay 19¢ per print (if you order 1-24 prints; the price goes down to 15¢ for 25-400 prints per order, and even lower for more than that). When on the site, there are tons of options. You can set up a web page for viewing your photos, take advantage of numerous editing options, create unique gifts (some of which are not offered on other sites), and order great prints.

One of PhotoWorks’ advantages is its editing tool. The unique style of this editing tool makes it fun and easy to work with your photos – all for free. It includes the usual options of red-eye removal and cropping, but also features some unique options like contrast and exposure adjustment, an auto-fix feature, and even some fun options like inverted colors and “zombify.” PhotoWorks also offers some unique photo gift options, like notebooks, porcelain plates (imagine your wedding photo on a decorative china plate), address labels, stickers, puzzles, and playing cards.

The only downside we experienced on the website was in the uploading process. PhotoWorks’ site has trouble mass uploading photos unless you download their free photo management software, PhotoStreamer 2.

PhotoWorks has an “active member” storage policy. Your photos should remain online as long as you make a purchase from PhotoWorks at least once a year.

Ordering Prints
PhotoWorks lets you order prints in various sizes and quantities, including combo packages. The order page will even tell you if the digital photo is adequate for high quality prints at various sizes. You can also choose to have your order printed with matte or glossy finish.

We ordered 7 prints from PhotoWorks and paid $1.97 in shipping (standard – up to 5 business days). The order was placed on a Monday and we received the prints two weeks later. The packaging was good: two sturdy cardboard envelopes.

Print Quality
PhotoWorks filled our order accurately, with the photos printed on Kodak Royal Digital paper. The prints were good quality, but could have been better in two areas: the cropping was decent, but not perfect; and the prints were a little dark and slightly red. The darkness was apparent, but we were only able to notice the redness when closely comparing them with other prints.

Conclusion
Online Service & Sharing: 4.5 out of 5
Print Quality: 3.5 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5

PhotoWorks is a great service for online sharing, editing, and gift-creating. Its uploading method, delivery time, and print quality could use some improvement, but its editing tools and gift options are above the bar. Sign up now and get 25 free prints!