PhotoLine
German image, vector and layout editor with CMYK and Lab support, sold for EUR 79
Quick Overview
| Company | Computerinsel GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | Photo Editing Software |
| Headquarters | Bad Gögging, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Runs locally on your computer |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Up to 32 bit per channel, CMYK and Lab, ICC colour management, adjustment layers, layer masks, vector editing, PDF import and export, batch conversion, actions, IPTC and EXIF handling |
| Pricing | EUR 79 for Windows, EUR 79 for macOS, 30-day trial (pl32.com, 16 October 2026) |
| Best For | Users who want a low-cost editor for photos, print-ready PDF and vector work |
| Replaces | Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom (basic editing) |
Detailed Review
PhotoLine is an all-purpose image and graphics editor from Computerinsel GmbH. The vendor describes it as covering photo editing, vector editing and DTP layout in one program.
It does not try to be a RAW-first catalogue like Lightroom. It is closer to a compact Photoshop alternative with a photo browser attached.
Photo editing features
The feature list covers up to 32 bit per channel, CMYK and Lab colour spaces and ICC colour management. Non-destructive work uses adjustment layers such as curves, plus layer masks.
It also lists IPTC and EXIF handling, keywords, a browse function with search, batch conversion and recordable actions.
Print and PDF work
PhotoLine imports and exports real PDF files with multiple pages and can prepare print-ready data, which is uncommon among low-cost photo editors.
Licence and contract
A single payment buys the program, and the order page says a single user may use it on several computers, including a mix of Windows and macOS. Orders are processed manually, which can take up to 24 hours. The contract is governed by German law and the legal venue is Computerinsel GmbH.
Limitations to Consider
PhotoLine is not a RAW catalogue and does not offer Lightroom-style library management or cloud sync, so a RAW-heavy workflow is better served by darktable or Capture One. Orders are handled manually with up to 24 hours delay. The interface is dense and the vendor site is basic, with documentation as downloadable manuals. Multiuser licences are quoted by email.
Who Should Use PhotoLine
Users who want a one-time-priced editor from a German company for layered image, vector and PDF work.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EUR 79 one-time licence
- CMYK, Lab and 32-bit support
- Vector and PDF layout in the same program
- Works on Windows and macOS under one registration
- German company and German law
Cons
- No RAW-first catalogue workflow
- Manual order handling, up to 24 hours
- Dense interface
- No cloud sync or mobile app mentioned
Alternatives to PhotoLine
Other European photo editing software worth comparing before you decide:
Capture One
Denmark · RAW editor with tethered shooting and a perpetual licence
DxO PhotoLab
France · RAW editor built on lens and camera correction profiles
darktable
Germany · Open-source RAW developer and photo workflow manager
Zoner Studio
Czech Republic · Photo and video editor with catalogue and cloud backup
See all European photo editing software or compare them directly against Adobe Photoshop on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
It overlaps with Lightroom for basic photo adjustments and has a browse function, but it is closer to Photoshop in design. For RAW catalogue work, darktable or Capture One fit better.
The order page says a single user may use PhotoLine on several computers, even a mixture of macOS and Windows, with one registration.
Yes, a 30-day trial with minor limits, such as a Demo text on saved GIF files and uncompressed TIFF only.