Corel Paint Shop Pro X (PC)

I've been a long time user of PaintShop Pro and have always liked it's power and simplicity. That said, to get the best out of the application you still had to delve deeper into the app.

I stopped upgrading at PaintShop Pro 8 because it simply wasn't worth upgrading. The upgrade from 7 to 8 was disappointing the move from 8 to 9 simply wasn't worth.

The feature list on PaintShop Pro X looked good and I was tempted to upgrade. I'm glad I did. The new version is a definite improvement over previous versions. More powerful and yet easier to use. I've gone back to older photos I'd already edited and stated again with great results.

Though I am an Adobe user, I wanted to try out Paint Shop Pro X as the reviews have been very good and it was suppose to enhance my existing Adobe software. Not only that, but it is incredible value. What I loved about this piece of software is that it made everything so simple. The interface is different to what I was use to, but the learning centre meant that I could just get on with the usual editing projects like red-eye removal, cropping and colour fixing. Not only this but the new makeover tools are incredible. With one click you can clean-up and brighten teeth, you can remove spots and wrinkles and the best thing, is that it is NOT done by cloning but by what seems like magic!!!

I can't speak highly enough of this product, it beats the cheaper products hands-down and is fantastic value. If you haven't used a photo editing software package before I would seriously consider Paint Shop Pro X.

I have just read through the other reviews and my experience about loading time is different. I use a standard PC with 512 mb ram. I just tested the loading time and from pressing the shortcut icon to fully ready was just 14 seconds. I use a Nikon D70S camera and shoot in 'Raw'. With the latest updates (3) PSP X can handle the files with no problems. I am also involved in a 'work of love' restoring photographs and slides of the family history dating back to 1900. I find all the tools I need to do an excellent job within PSP X. For convenience I use a twin monitor layout and one monitor displays the main screen whilst various other pallettes are held on the second. Some adjustments, eg 'Unsharp Mask' bring up a box with a before and after view plus adjustmen details. These are directed to the second monitor where they are displayed at full monitor size and this enables the effect to be more easily viewed. I tried a download of paintshop and I was not impressed, far more difficult to customise.

The package includes a training program that is useful for newcomers and Corel host newsgroups among which is a lively group devoted to PSP X with links to even more information and advice. It is 'populated' by people ever ready to help fellow users. I came to this from the Jasc version, PSP 8, and to me it is a major step forward.

This program really does represent excellent value for money but you must remember to download and install each of the updates in order, i.e. update 1, 2, 3. Each is dependent on the previous one having been installed.

If you are seeking such a program I can and do recommend this one to you.