Graphics Design

[Shelley_c]

I started to use ulead products when I found them to be somewhat restricting in what I wanted to create. I then moved on to jasc products which was fine for a while but I soon found the tools were somewhat restricting and versatility was thrown out of the window (The early days) I know, which is why i stated that jasc now corel have evolved since the good ole days.

I then moved to photoshop, That was when I started to pull my hair out which is why I can understand a little why you don't use photoshop. It's daunting and I will be the first to admit that but once you start to understand that there is more to photoshop than it's infamous filter gallery (which I never use) and the array of plugins that it pocesses and start learning the tools and features it's in a league of it's own. I can't see anything that touches it for versatility.

Because of the vast feature rich options you have within photoshop most designers will never touch 10% of photoshops potential. That includes me but for me photoshop was difficult at first but you learn by using the tools.

@ paul: Don't get me wrong. If you are anything like me (which I'm sure your not) you'll be pulling your hair out and screaming at photoshop. Heck, I once asked photoshop to create my designs... would it comply? It's a feature I still want included to this day.

[southernlady]

I found PSP version 7 VERY restrictive...can't stand it. I only keep it around because I teach tubing and it's the best one to tube with by far. *I* tube in version X2 but I am the exception to the rule. And that may have been the version you ran into.

The newer versions have a better flow and are more intuitive. That's including version 9 on up. But even I admit there are things I would fix with them. And I use most of what I have in my program on a daily basis esp if I am tubing.

I am not a tag maker for the most part, I leave that to others altho I know how. But I love animation. And resizing a gif in Animation Shop is easy, even if made by someone else.

Okay, reviews of Paint Shop Pro..

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Review

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2

I've said before that Paint Shop Pro gives you Photoshop-like powers at a Photoshop Elements price, and that holds true in PSPPX2. For professional printing, Adobe Photoshop CS3 is still the only way to go, and for a complete photo management and editing package, Photoshop Elements 6 remains tops. PSPPX2's real strength is in image editing and graphics creation, and, truthfully, there's not much in those areas that the program can't do. This new release only strengthens the program's toolkit.

Bolding is mine.

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 for Windows

Guide Review - Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 for Windows
Paint Shop Pro has often been lauded as an affordable Photoshop alternative. In the past I didn't feel it measured up, but with each new version, it has become more mature and refined. While some of the new features were a matter of catching up to the competition, Paint Shop Pro has always had a nice set of unique features--picture tubes, screen capture, and tons of special effects.

Shelley, I know I won't change your mind but for those who just have a HARD time swallowing the ridiculous price $699 that Adobe wants for PS CS4, then maybe PSP is worth a look. Even the NEW price of $59.99 for the standard edition of PSPX2 or $99.99 for the Ultimate (and personally the ultimate is just a few extra bells and whistles, I have the standard) or $59.99 for PhotoImpact X3 isn't going to break the bank.

Even if they decide later to go for PS CS4, having both isn't an issue. I know many people who have both, myself included.

Liz