Microsoft Autocollage

From the Microsoft Research Labs, Autocollage is a clever program that creates a collage from a folder of pictures.

Rather than randomly arrange the images, it analyses each one to detect boundaries and the interesting bits, as well as face detection. Once done, they are arranged into one image. The creators of Autocollage recommend using between seven and 30 photos and the default is set to 12.

The finished image can be saved to the hard disk, emailed or set as the Desktop background. The latter is a good way to keep a personal feel to the computer and there is a size option in the Options menu that matches the current Desktop size, which can cope with dual monitor setups.

This is a trial version that will work for 30 days and also leave a watermark on the finished images. The full version costs £18 and there is also a community forum.