Digital cameras are everywhere these days – and so are the digital image files they create. These four tools offer designers some of the best and easiest ways to edit, organize and store their digital images, streamlining productivity.

* Adobe Photoshop Elements 3. This latest salvo from Adobe is expected to start shipping in November. It offers enhanced organizational functions, including the ability to view multiple images, assign keywords and tags to images, and move images among and between file folders. The new software costs $99.99 and can be ordered from the Adobe site here.

* Microsoft’s Digital Image Suite 10. This offering from Microsoft debuted last month. It also focuses on easing photo storage and organization. For example, the software lets users set “flags” on their photos, enabling designers to create a virtual to-do list by identifying important photos for future tasks. Four of the six flags in designate common tasks: For Review, Needs Touchup, To Share and To Print. The remaining two can be customized for specific needs, making it quick and easy to find photos, Microsoft said. The software is available now and costs $129.

* Jasc’s Paint Shop Pro 9. This debuted last week and made significant advances, especially in terms of new touchup tools and productivity enhancements. The new software arrived along with a new tool aimed specifically at managing digital images – Paint Shop Pro Studio. To learn more, read this week’s story here. It retails for $119.

* Apple’s iPhoto. Apple’s iPhoto 4 comes as part of the iLife ’04 package (which also contains software for digital music, DVD creation and movie-making). It has only limited photo editing tools, but works well for managing, organizing, storing and displaying digital photos, and it also supports slide shows. Available now, the iLife ’04 package costs $49.