EzPerf Stamp Perforation Measurement Software

EZ Perf significantly reduced the time I needed to identify and classify a large number of stamps that I recently bought at an auction. Scanning 20 to 30 stamps in a vinyl stock sheet allowed me to make size measurements rapidly and accurately.  In addition, cropping the images and calculating perforation size couldn’t have been easier.  EZ Perf is truly a valued asset when I organize my collection and it is highly recommended to all collectors.

Don Marion, Canada

Huge Time Saver. By the way your program [EzPerf] works GREAT. I have two stamps that differ only by their perfs. I used the little old plastic perf gauge to measure the perfs in the past but never really felt secure. I scanned the two stamps and loaded them into EzPerf. Yup, the two were different and the perf numbers matched the catalog. Have already found several perforation varieties that I missed with the plastic gauges.

Peter Laimins, Chicago, USA

Here are my thoughts as an amateur after a weekend experimenting with EzPerf: First the price: EzPerf costs USD 39.99. Buying a SG Instanta gauge from SG on eBay, shipped to my door in Denmark, costs USD 12.59. EzPerf has so much functionality that I feel the price is very reasonable. And even if I only used EzPerf as a simple on-screen perforation gauge (the EzPerf tool “linear gauge”), I still think it would have been worth buying. I don’t consider myself old, but I’m old enough to need reading glasses, and it’s so much easier for me using the large onscreen linear gauge instead of the Instanta.
I tested first my scanner, and despite its age, it was scanning very precisely. Then the program: all the measurements are spot on.
The two instruction videos on Youtube are very good, the onscreen help is first class, and the pdf manual is a masterpiece of clarity. Everything really works as effortlessly as shown on the videos. You just put a stack of stamps on your flatbed scanner, scan them in at 300 dpi, then get to work in EzPerf. With practice one works fast. For old ragged Victorian stamps you’ll need the set of tools in “expert mode”, but you’ll end up deciding between say perf 12½ and perf 13 with 100% confidence, even with very little to go on – using the Instanta I was often (too often!) in doubt.

Patrick L., Denmark

Reading perforations accurately has been an ongoing challenge for me. After buying various Precision Perforation Gauges, and using them in conjunction with magnifying glasses, the frustration finally got to me. This was compounded by the fact that my measurements did not coincide with the data provided by the Scott Catalogs in some cases.
In order to placate the situation, I turned to EzPerf. This is a computer program by SoftPro that measures Perforations with a high degree of accuracy. The beauty of this Program is that it takes the uncertainty out of the measurement. No more frustration. No doubting the validity of the reading due to poor light, or tired eyes, and things of that nature. The program has many additional features but I am not trying to sell it here. I just want Philatelists to be aware of an easy way to enhance this aspect of their hobby. It’s not expensive and it doesn’t wear out or get damaged.
This, and similar programs I assume, requires a Computer and a Scanner. Any ‘3 in 1’ Printer that I am aware of is sufficient to use. Just scan at 300dpi and let the program do the rest.
I must say that I still like to use the ‘old school’ perforation gauges when I can get away with it. It’s just that so often now……  modern stamps don’t seem to look right against the gauge. It don’t seem to matter which one I use. When that happens I step up to the plate and say ‘what happened to the good ol’ days?’  as I fire up the Software. My daughter tells me that ‘it’s evolution. Get used to it.’ I try to while I kick and scream.. In the end, I sure like the results I get. I’ve been using it over 5 years now.

Tom K., USA