This is not necessarily a Paint Shop Pro X3 review, but more of a plea to Corel to restructure the direction they are trying to take with Paint Shop Pro.
I have been an avid Paint Shop Pro fan for years. I started using Paint Shop Pro back when Jasc still owned the software. I believe the actual buyout of Jasc occurred around version 9. Every year since the buyout Corel has slowly introduced more bloatware and even spyware (see protexis licensing service) with each version.
Paint Shop Pro X3 is so bloated with useless features that the install directory now exceeds 1.14 GB of hard drive space. That’s more than a 600 MB increase from the X12.5 Ultimate Version which only consumed 448 MB of hard drive space. Further, the installation of Paint Shop Pro X3 literally takes 30 or more minutes on the most modern of computers. Something is definitely wrong when it takes longer to install a program than it does an entire Operating System.
It has become apparent to me that Corel has lost focus on what made Paint Shop Pro popular to begin with. It appears they are obsessed with developing and marketing useless bloatware to novice users, instead of focusing on improving the functionality of the full editor. Why is there a full editor mode now anyway? What happened to just Paint Shop Pro? Paint Shop Pro’s primary function is now so skewed that our user interface needs multiple tabs to distinguish which program you are using. I sometimes wonder how great Paint Shop Pro would have been if Jasc was still developing the software? As with many other small startups Jasc was successful because they thrived on innovation, not multi-million dollar marketing hype.
All this embedded marketing bloatware literally slows my computer to a crawl, and it creates stability issues within the full editor. Let’s see, in X3 we have several useless additions like mediacataloger.exe, photodownloader.exe, PSPProjectCreator.exe, Instantviewer.exe, and PSIservice.exe (spyware) that installs in the background without my permission, eating up my computer resources. Most of these services continue to run even after Paint Shop Pro X3 is closed.
Why do I need some resource hogging service like mediacataloger indexing every photo I place on my computer? I am perfectly capable, and actually prefer manually organizing my own photo library. We already have a My Pictures directory built into Windows for us to place our photos. I don’t need a program to keep up with where I put my photos. The cataloging or indexing (whatever you want to call it) of photos may appeal to some, but at least give us a choice to not install. It’s a resource hog that interferes with my screen capturing software, which results in both my screen capturing application and X3 to freeze or crash. Also why even waste time developing additions like Instantviewer? Windows already has a perfectly capable Picture Viewer built in that works fine. But I assume you thought yours was better and decided to overwrite my default file type handling with your viewer without notifying me during installation.
If the trend continues Paint Shop Pro will lose its identity as an advanced graphics editor and will become nothing more than a basic one-click photo editing tool. And to be honest, by the looks of X3 this may be the direction Corel wants to take our once beloved program. The addition of Expresslab proves this, which btw, now loads as the default interface editor in X3. I have to switch to full editor mode now. What kind of nonsense is this?
Don’t get me wrong, I understand adding these features from a marketing standpoint. There’s nothing wrong with designing features that would appeal to the casual crowd. However, please don’t do this at the expense of the more advanced users, you know, the loyal customers that have faithfully followed Paint Shop Pro for years. I could have moved on to Photoshop years ago, but I wanted to see Paint Shop Pro succeed. I have always had this underdog mentality about me. I like to see the little guys win, or at least remain somewhat competitive with the big boys. It frustrates me to no end that I have spent countless hours marketing Paint Shop Pro to the masses across the internet through videos and tutorials, and this is the end result? Paint Shop Pro used to be known for being bloatware free, stable, and innovative. What went wrong?
Many of your Paint Shop Pro customers actually still use the software for development and design in our businesses and workplaces. We don’t need all this extra “fluffware” eating up all our system resources and degrading the performance of our computers. Devote some of that development time and resources to improving toolsets, enhancing productivity, and improving performance. It’s obvious that the full editor isn’t receiving the development attention it needs. This becomes overwhelming observable when you try to use the text tool in X3. The text tool is completely broken. If this trend continues the Paint Shop Pro advanced/full editor buried deep under the bloatware will eventually fade into obscurity.
My suggestion to Corel is to listen to what your customers want. There’s a ton of negative press already circulating the internet surrounding X3’s bloatware and stability issues. Quit experimenting with name changes and just bundle up all the “box marketing fluff” such as, Expresslab, MediaCataloger, and Project Creator(a collection of even more useless software), and sell it as Paint Shop Beginner Edition. Have two separate development teams that focus on each release, one team for Paint Shop Beginner and one team for Paint Shop Pro. If that is not possible, at the very least give us an option to not install or uninstall all this excess bloatware. Listen to your customers, listen to my plea, and restructure the direction of Paint Shop Pro before it’s too late.
Note: I will follow up this post soon with a tutorial on how to manually disable most of this resource hogging junk Corel has added to the core program.
67 Responses
AMEN. I hope they pay attention.
I totally agree, the reason I’m here is because of the disappointment I got out of this latest version of Paint Shop Pro. Thanks you for showing I’m not alone.
Did the Service packs fix the many bugs in X3?
Well said
Wow. This really means something coming from you. You have been one of the few serious supporters of PaintShop Pro and for you to say this should cause a stir. What do we do? Sign a petition? Email Corel? Will you wait for one more version and then call it quits?
Thank you. You may have just saved me the price of upgrading. Each version does require more drive space and takes more time to load. I guess the only other option is to purchase PhotoShop Elements. I have expressed my concerns to Corel, but they never acknowledge me or indicated they care. I guess they have joined the ranks of Adobe and Microsoft and become distant and powerful enough to do what they want and not their customers. We either accept it or find another product. :o(
Well, here’s a view diametrically opposed to the (only negative) ones posted here so far; and contrary to some, I will not pretend to speak for anybody else but myself.
I am a big fan of PSP, and have been since PSP 8. I am currently using the X3, version 13.2.0.35 and I love it. None of the so-called bloatware bothers me; none of it appears to slow slow down my PC and I can easily ignore it if I choose to do so.
Sure, PSP has evolved since its Jasc days; in my view, overall it has been gradually for the better. And in terms of value for money, so far as I’m concerned, nothing comes close!
Andre, I agree Corel has implemented many great features since acquiring PSP from Jasc. The bloatware, however, is not necessary, slows our systems, and will eventually drive customers away.
Thank you for this review! I was also just getting ready to upgrade to the newest version but now I won’t.
I’ve been an absolutely devoted user of PSP since Version 7 but haven’t upgraded since Corel bought PSP with version 9.
However, with new operating systems, it’s getting harder to make the older versions work. So, I probably won’t upgrade again. I also don’t intend to buy PS Elements as I’ve heard the same complaints about it.
It’s more difficult to learn but the Gimp and various other freeware will be meeting my simple graphics needs in the future. Who knows? There may be a new Jasc-like developer waiting in the wings with some fabulous new software!
I’ve been using and paying for PSP since Jasc version 3.x. With X3 I finally gave up, uninstalled it, and got a refund from Corel. I guess I’ll keep using X2 until Corel either comes to their senses (unlikely) or someone makes a program that is as intuitive an powerful as PSP used to be.
Any yes, PSP has been going down hill since Corel bought out Jasc. Hey Corel, wake up!
I totally agree, and I have sent Corel similar feedback several times in response to their surveys. I was disappointed in X3 and quit using it before my 30 day trial had expired. About the only thing I considered a real improvement was the RAW conversion, and it’s not major for me as I still prefer Canon’s DPP. For the time being, I am still using X2 on my main computer and the less resource intensive X1 on my netbook and an older system.
I absolutely agree with you.
If only Corel could hear your suggestions, we could all have a definately MUCH BETTER PSP.
I have enjoyed X3 so far. I used X2.5 for almost two years before now. I will agree that I do not like for programs to think for me or try to do things for me. I haven’t experimented with all the settings for X3, but isn’t it possible to “turn off” the cataloging feature under General Program Preferences? Go to Uncataloged Folders and add your entire Windows user profile? Shouldn’t that do the trick? I already unchecked all of the Photo Downloader.
I agree that PSP needs two profiles or options upon installation–one for beginners and one for experienced photo editors.
Despite that annoyance of baggage piggyback programs, I still enjoy PSP. Hundreds cheaper than Photoshop and more powerful than Elements.
Who can we send snail mail letters to that would actually read our comments regarding the direction of PSP?
I’ve been using PSP since version 7, I am completely thrilled with X3. I do both graphics and photography so it really fits my needs. The photo downloader and cataloger are awesome, saved me a bundle not having to buy a similar program such as Lightroom for a more productive digital workflow. I love the express lab too, makes quick editing a breeze. The new features such as the the Raw Lab… are wonderful.
I do agree with you, that perhaps Corel should offer two different versions – one for graphics and one for photo processing. If I was only doing graphics I would probably not like all the other additions.
I do hope you can appreciate how valuable this program is for so many individuals like myself who use it for photography. I recommended it highly to everyone I know in the field.
Any luck with that tutorial? I’m looking forward to an X3 installation procedure without all the unneeded luggage.
Cheers
Absolutely.
We hope this tutorial.
Thank you.
Gracias.
i actually got started around PSP 9 or so….i literally had to browse the internet for tutorials for HOURS tryin’ to figure out how to manipulate one graphic….and the list goes on…i did love my PSP…but i literally spent hours tryin’ to figure it out…
after 9 i didn’t try again until X2 and soon after….X3…and i think the X3 is AWESOME!!! haven’t had to search for a tutorial yet…it’s sooooo easy to use….
as far as all the other stuff you were talkin’ about…the space used up and extra programs and spyware and such…none of that really concerns me too much…..
i have had no problem at all with the X3…and i will DEFINATELY be using this one for years to come!!!!
Hey Andre!! Just saw your post…can i get an Amen?? ~loL~
Having been a PSP customer since the very first freeware version, I’m stunned by what Corel has done to PSP. I used to absolutely love working with graphics in PSP and now everytime I have some graphics to work with for my clients, I get anxious and sickened by the mere thought of it. I’m currently looking for a replacement tool…so much for 10+ years of being a dedicated and loyal customer. I’ve been watching the versions Corel has been releasing, and with each version, the distance between what they are doing and what I seem to think they should be doing just gets wider. I thought it was just me.
Jarrod,
I am a new hire at Corel as of September 1st. Part of my work has been looking around for in-market resources and expertise on the company’s products, particularly PSP. That is how I came across your blog. I am amazed with the quality of work you have done, particularly the tutorials. I had no idea PSP was so powerful. However, I am also very sorry to hear you and other power users are not happy with your more recent experiences with PSP. I am particularly concerned because I want people who do such outstanding work with the product to be able to continue doing so in the future.
The most recent release of PaintShop Photo Pro addressed some key performance issues with, as you stated, few new features. We do hope at least to have provided some good value with the inclusion of the full KPT filter set and the Corel Painter Essentials product. From your comments however, this is clearly still not enough for the power user.
We are now working on making PSP better in the next version and welcome the opportunity to hear from you and other users on what we could do to reach that objective. With that in mind, I will be monitoring your blog and, if you’re OK, commenting from time to time.
For now, I retain some key priorities from your most recent blog: Fix the text tool, improve toolsets, enhance productivity, improve performance – AND don’t add more “fluff”. I will be passing these on to the engineering team as top priorities. Personally, after having played a bit with it, it’s the “automatic scan” of the hard drive with the organizer which needs a manual override – at times it can be terribly irritating!
I would very much appreciate if you could add a post to your forum for new features or priorities people would like to see put on the next release. While I cannot make any promise about implementing them, I can certainly commit to monitoring them and passing them on to the appropriate people with the appropriate sense of urgency they deserve.
Kind regards,
Jacques at Corel
@ Jacques Lamontagne:
The article above sums up all the gripes and frustrations I’ve had with the trial version of X3, the biggest of which was the fact that PSP overwrote the default file type handling during installation (most well-written software asks the user for permission). It may seem a trivial point but it’s that lack of attention to small details that gives the impression of sloppy programming (even if it is well written).
I was astonished at the way the program used up my system resources. My PC isn’t exactly high spec but I do a lot of video editing using Sony Vegas and it doesn’t slow up my system as much as PSP did.
On a positive note, I think that PSP does some things way better than other software but overall, as much I tried to love it, I ended up taking X3 off my PC. And that leads to my final gripe. De-installing the software took almost as long as installation (and that took a *long* time). I mean, deleting files and removing references in the Windows registry shouldn’t take 40 minutes should it?
I hope you can exert some kind of influence at Corel to get things improved.
Thank you for the comments and suggestions Alan, I will pass them on to engineering.
Question: was your install the PSP X3 standard edition or the more recent Ultimate version?
Thank you,
Jacques at Corel
Also a 10+ year user. v4 or 5 I think. When Corel bought Jasc I was struck with dread. Sadly my fears have been realized.
PS – Love this site BTW. Although I’ve had PSP on my various systems over the years I’m no expert. This site helped me wring some more functionality out of the program. I’m not upgrading from X2 though. In fact I still have v9 on my system and I lean on it the most. “One Step Photo Fix” took a dive after v9. Thanks for the warning.
@ Jacques Lamontagne:
Many thanks for a quick reply and acknowledgement of my woes! I believe I installed the standard edition of PSP.
Since writing my comment above, another problem has reared it’s head. I thought I had uninstalled PSP and all it’s components from my PC but whenever I plug in a pen drive or memory card containing images, I’m prompted (seemingly at random) to transfer the files to my computer using Corel’s Photo Downloader. In addition, I’ve also experienced stability problems on my computer since uninstalling PSP.
Now I’m going to be scrupulously fair and say that I can’t blame the stability issues on the installation and removal of PSP. I think there is another program causing problems with my computer. Nonetheless, what has happened to me really is sloppy programming – if I click uninstall, I really do expect the program to be fully removed!
Kind regards,
Alan
I have no problems with the new text tool.. after a bit of playing around with it I am now used to it and quite like it infact. I do find files take longer to save than in X2 and i would also like to see an option to install without the organizer or express lab as i never ever use them and don’t intend to.. the corel photo downloader and picture viewer weren’t an issue as i just disabled from loading but an option not to install these would also be good as not everyone knows how to do these things..
Alan,
I will report your uninstall issue to Product Management.
Jacques at Corel.
Have been a longtime user since the first Jasc PSP, I am just absolutely sick over the last two versions of PSP, my computer which has never had issues develops snail speed with those installed sigh; and the interface while it is sleek isnt anything that I care about; nor do I care about cataloging, etc., the text tool, well suffice to say it “sucks eggs”; it is absolutely useless; please take a look at Photo Impact 11 and the Photo Impact 9 and their text elements and render those capabilities to PSP for newbies and those of us that like “ease of use”. (I know alot of power users don’t need it, but I love those features, and have resorted to using PI for text while using PSP for design sigh…. this is not the way it should work, and this entire package just reeks of poor elementary design and testing. I am sorry to be harsh, but in times of the economy and $ hard to come by, this was really not a good time to spend $ on a product that does not meet any of my expectations, and this has made me really sad with the direction of the product/company. FWIW, I am sorry but this really is the poorest package to date.
Please fix it and provide an update for free to the people that purchased it.
Ive just about given up with PSP now…just using CS5 now corel have screwed PSP up totally. x2 was having massive stability issues…system resources taken up by useless additions with no option on install to disregard unwanted services.Its such a shame as it was a good program in its day.
RIP PSP…Shame on you Corel
Like you I’ve used PSP since the early versions, I stopped at X2 right now because I felt the program wasn’t necessarily getting better.
I have Photoshop CS3 on my work laptop but still tend to stick to PSP as I am familiar with it. Hopefully Corel can address some of the mentioned issues.
Totally agree!
I have been a faithful PSP user since PSP 7, and now into photography.
I plan to uninstall this useless program and purchase light-room.
I’ve used PSP since v7, it’s always been more intuitive to use than PSE or PS. I extensively use the ability to personalise the toolbars with frequently used commands. This feature alone lifts PSP above Adobe’s keyboard clunking shortcuts, 4 pages of A4 and counting. But, Lightroom and ACR are brilliant tools to work on RAW that PSP doesn’t even attempt to compete with. I won’t spend anymore on PSP, I have paid Corel for every recent upgrade, and despite 2 separate 30 day trials, can’t see any added value in X3. Reluctantly, I’ll buy CS5 for tools such as focus stacking, filter stacking, vanishing point filter, layer styles and above all, ACR. I’ll continue to ‘experiment’ with PSP X2.5 as it’s still easier to use. Corel make PSP great again, for all your loyal fan base.
My major complaint about X3 is removing the organizer from the pallette. I rountinely edit dozens of photos from a photo shoot. Having the organizer at the bottom of the screen so the next photo to edit can be pulled up quickly has been easy to use. Having to switch screens each time is time consuming and cumbersome. I’m sure the intent was to make the program initally load faster.
Great blog, I’m glad I found it, Im a huge fan of PSP since before 7 – I was just going over corels site and was inches from getting the latest version, but learned that 9 is actually the best version of all at the moment. I am also happy to see Corel taking an interest in the customer feedback as well!! I am also taking this opportunity to flat out beg Corel to add 3D Mesh painting to one of their future versions, it’s the only thing that makes me want Photoshop because other than that …I am very happy with psp 9 and will avoid the bloatware in x3 thanks to this blog!! Cheers and best wishes to everyone!!
oh yeah, one more thing,
Please please Please Please add 3D Mesh painting like Photoshop C4-5 Extended to the next PSP!!! …did I say Please ?? 😀 Please!!
I have been recommending Paint Shop Pro to my clients (300+) since version 7.
My clients and I choose Paint Shop Pro for the following reasons:
1. Faster than Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
2. Easier to learn and use – add a user specified amount of warmth.
3. More options with basic tools (saturation, clarify)
4. Superior print layout options.
Since version 9, the speed advantage has almost disappeared. Photoshop has not gotten faster, Paint Shop Pro has become slower!
Fortunately, advantages 2-4 largely remain. Therefore, hope remains that Paint Shop Pro can become a great product once again.
Changes needed:
– 16 bit support for all tools.
– Integrate the quick edit tools into the program by making the existing tools quicker and easier to access. If I want to do quick editing why should I purchase Paint Shop Pro when I can download Picasa for free?
Either forget the viewer or make it more consistent and customizable. When I open a picture the first time I do it from the viewer, the second picture that is opened is from the old file open dialog box. Why the inconsistency?
I should be able to turn off and viewer options that I don’t want bothered with. Some like it at the bottom of the screen, I don’t. It should be customizable enough to fit both preferences.
The Suggest settings should be suggest settings. Every time I open the Smart Photo Fix, it automatically activates the suggested settings! They are not suggested settings they are automatic settings. Because they are automatic, I have to undo all the suggested setting to implement my changes. This is a pain.
Things that Corel should copy from other programs:
Magnetic brushes from Lightroom or Serif PhotoPlus. This way I can change the brightness, color warmth, saturation of a very specific area. For small areas this is much easier to use than the magic wand.
Combine the magnetic selection tool with the darken filter from Graduated Tint option from Picasa. This option is very useful for fixing white skies.
Copy Picasa’s collage feature for your print feature.
Create a Mac Edition of Paint Shop Pro. Currently there are almost 1,000 former PSP users who have signed an online petition requesting a Mac edition. Mac users are not too happy with Adobe and PSP could steal a lot of business from Adobe on the Mac side.
[…] Jeg kom over en blogg som heter Paint Shop Blog. Her er det en person som har skrevet en artikkel hvor vedkommende er alt annet enn fornøyd med de siste oppdateringene av programmet. Innlegget kan leses her (lenke). […]
Here is the “Google translate” of the post dated 12-12-10 above:
Norwegian to English translation:
“I came across a blog called Paint Shop Blog. Here is a person who has written an article which the person is anything but pleased with the latest updates of the program. The post can be read here (link)”
Me thinks people all over the world are concerned.
When I download corel photoshop x3, it consumes my file and then I cannot open my files. Am I downloading it the wrong way or what. Please let me know why this is happening.
Thank you
I have to agree with some of the majority. I waited quite a while till upgrading to X3. I’ve used this software since version 7 and was dissappointed when Corel took over as I thought it would just be turned into a $$$$$ machine. Well, mostly true. There have been improvements, but it’s taken several versions and more $$$$ to get where it is today.
My biggest beef and this takes a lot of my time is the Organizer pallet. In X2, it was perfect, but they couldn’t leave it alone. I can’t believe this change made it past ANY beta or quality control folks!!!! I’d be happy if they would just return to the X2 Organizer.\
Jim K.
I started out many years ago using PS. Then switched to PSP7 which I used up through PSPx3U. Recently went back to PS and probably will not look back. Found the PSPx3 last update almost a joke in what it contained, not worth the cost. Yes, PS is a lot more $’s but I find it’s speed and capabilities well worth the investment.
I have been using PS almost from the first edtion and very happy with it. I have outsmarted a few photoshop users over the years. But something has changed.
I am running PSP X3 on a Windows 7 machine an since the update to version 13.2.1.15 the program hangs on several occassions, mostly depending on the size of the workspace, but not always. One specific feature that causes the program to crash time after time, is dragging helplines from the top and side rulers. It hardly makes it impossible to work properly.
The new text tool is annoying as well as is mentioned elsewhere on this blog. I sincerely hope that the next update repairs this error.
I’ve been using Paint Shop Pro 7.04 for years. A few days ago I thought “Guess it’s about time to update?”.
Downloaded the trial version.. What a piece of bloated junk!
So, I though..
“There must be a way to configure the installer?”
After spending some time trying to figure out how the hell the setup.xml was working I gave up, and just tried the old “Lets look for the msi install”..
PSPPro.msi doesn’t do squat..
So glad I didn’t uninstall my old PSP 7.04, never worked with a faster program. It has its limits, and annoyances, but it still kicks Corels PSP X3 arse!
So now I’m a proud user of Jasc softwares old psp 7.04 and Gimp.
Corel – Midas of Crap.
I use to use PSP back when it was Jasc, but have sinced moved to Photoshop, but was still recommending PSP to clients who didn’t want to shell out the $ for full blown Photoshop for the features. Back in November, I decided to give the trial version of X3 a spin, and was actually pleased with my limited testing of it, although the background stuff that it installed did concern me.
Just this past week I received email stating a special was running with a free publication with the purchase of X3, and I thought “What the heck, I’ll give the book to someone and get a copy”.
It arrived yesterday, and I tried to install it, figured it would pick up the trial version install and remove it. Well, it never got it removed completely.
So went online and followed Corel instructions for removal, still no dice.
I figured there must be some issue between the boxed and the trial that makes them incompat that one doesn’t play well with the other. So I reinstalled the trial. Opened it once so the install would register and was told it had expired and would I like to buy or input my serial number. So I did and it took, so I thought all was well.
Next I ran the check for updates, it found them, offered to download and install. There is where it sticks. Won’t install, doesn’t tell me which update it actually is trying to install. So now I am back to uninstalling the trial from add/remove. It has been running for 40 min and is at 41%.
At this point, I am truly sorry for trying out PSP X3, and will just stick with Photoshop. I am totally amazed at the difference in it versus my experience with the Jasc versions, which is where my recommendations were born from.
This is just so rediculous. I have installed full MS Server OS’s in less time, and that is sad when it is just a program.
I’ve been a user since Jasc 4, got all the upgrades through Corel PSP12, but haven’t used anything but Jasc 9.1. I don’t even recognize the program since Corel took over. I am a Corel product user, just got CorelDraw X5, but I’m sticking with Jasc 9.1.
I also have Adobe Master Collection CS4.
I used to always start any graphics work in PSP9.1, and always recommended it to everyone I knew who had any interest in photo editing or graphics. Now I tell them to buy a copy of PSP9.1 off eBay, and forget about the Corel products.
🙁
I loved my JASC Paintshop Pro 7! I’m still getting used to the Corel Paintshop Pro X3 and I am enjoying some great features I didn’t have with PSP7 but, I agree, it seems very bloated! I dislike when trusted programs grow too big for their boots, especially when they put spyware on my computer.
You have a great blog and I appreciate all the info and tutorials you provide!
Cheers,
Serena
Wow – seems like you guys are all hitting the nail on the head – I too, was a fan since the Jasc days, however, recently I could not get PS9 to work on my newer 64bit machine, so… …I ordered PS pro X3… what a mistake! It literally hijacked all my pictures as soon as I started it… After managing to stop that, then I had this “photo downloader” come up whenever I put in a disc, or started up by backup drive!! It is totally infuriating – worse yet – you can’t get rid of it! I tried some of the solutions out there to keep the downloader thing from interfering with my normal computing, and ended up messing up Windows. Not that I’m back online, it’s all uninstalled, and I’m waiting for my return authorization to send it back and get a refund – NEVER COREL AGAIN!!! I hope I can find a different photo / print editor that doesn’t mess with ya! good luck all!!!
I was blissfully unaware of the changes made to PaintShop until I lost my PaintShop Pro 9 disc and had to buy a new program.
Silly me, I thought buying this new updated version would be better, but it’s terrible.
Ugh! I felt the program peaked at 10 (X). It was my favorite. I am using 12 (x2) heavily now but I’m left wanting with regards to RAW integration but care not to get into X3.
I think Corel sees the power and potential that PSP has as a threat to their own design software. They are trying to keep the PSP base audience AND bring in the new PHOTO ONLY group. If Corel could I think they would make the entire program silly photo and greeting card wizards and strip out the quite powerful design side.
I would really like to see them fork the program as well. PSP Express (for all the silly wizards and single button processing and minimal design options sold @ about $40-$50. PSP Pro would contain the core photo processing full design and paint elements with optional add-ons for the wizards and such @ $80-$100. No other program that I’ve used has TEXT Manipulation as intuitive as PSP has. It has been consistent and the results are amazing.
Since 10 (X) there really hasn’t been the need to buy the newer versions. I only did it because I was only allowed 10 installs with the downloaded purchase. Not happy about that when my HD died and couldn’t get a HD that would work right. That story would require a novel and an army of attorneys to explain how I screwed myself out of several pieces of software due to a defective lot of hard drives. Lucky me.
I began using PSP with version 5 as a tool for web graphics (the early years) and now consider myself to be a power user yet, I’m still learning new things within the program.
Started using PSP a number of years ago and was happy with the program until X3 came out. X3 is the CRASH KING of all programs. I originally thought that is was my old XP sys and my old computer, but it’s no different on my new system running Windows 7 on a six core processor with 12GB of RAM. Unfortunately I gave my copy of X2 away and dearly wish I had it back. Corel cares absolutely nothing about it’s customers as there is no way to get in touch with them. I also have PSE but am not a big fan of that either. I guess I need to save my money and invest in a decent photo editing software and quit messing with junk. Dismal dismal editing software and would not recommend it to anyone.
Your Comments
I was thinking about buying Pro 3. Now I am really confused. I am not a pro photographer….just someone who takes pic’s of his kids at sporting events.
I was an avid film user for years and just switched to digital a couple of years ago.
I just want to get something that I can learn easily and be creative with.
Please…..any suggestions would be great
Thanks
If you get too frustrated;you can have a picture edited for free. Do a google search for jimsfreephotofix. (look for the search result address that is typed just like that). The site explains how to get your free edit. Send one to fixyerpix@gmail.com and give it a test run. You’ll like it. It’s Free. Always. JS
At today i’m using PSP v8.0 because:
1.- It’s fast (and speed is the key against frustation).
2.- Powerful because it has too much tools (but not all).
3.- Requires too little resources (ram, disk, cpu).
4.- It’s simple and intuitive.
5.- One-click-retouch-photo is quick and pretty good, better than newer versions.
6.- Makes you creative, not worring about annoying and stupid program features.
Hey Corel, are you feeling the love from your once loyal users? Anyone passing along all these comments to the decision makers at Corel? Or are you too busy stuffing more useless features into version X4 to nail down the one-click-the-picture-is-fixed market segment?
yep they are headed the wrong way i guess it is time to make the move the photoshop! ugh.
My television tells me that every 15 minutes or so so it must be true right …This Paint Shop Pro Photo XI lesson will demonstrate how you can give all of your portrait subjects the hollywood star smile of their dreams. …Give your portrait subjects a brighter whiter smile…..NOTE This Paint Shop Pro lesson was created using Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI but you can achieve the same results using other versions…. …Before moving on to the actual whitening technique Id like to point out that Paint Shop Pro Photo XI has a Toothbrush Tool see figure 26.1 …..
It is possible to do proper configuration in General Preference menu option. Once it is done, most of the issues mentioned can be avoided.
In fact, you can configure to have full editor mode opened when you start the program.
So what is the issue?
I agree – I’m disappointed with Corel, though I just cannot be bothered to learn how to use a new package – so PSP it is for me for the foreseeable future.
I started using PSP with version 6, and on my home PC I’ve never gone beyond 9 because that was when JASC was still developping it, and it was still good. I have XI at work, and it’s not very good.
There was a time when PSP was being considered the alternative to Photoshop, but any such status has long vanished, as Adobe moved forward while PSP stagnated.
Totally agree with this. I have been using PSP for years, and am STILL using PSP7. I learned all of its functions by “playing”, which is why I am so at home with it. I find the newer versions to be extremely slow to load, I don’t want to deal with DRM. The “add-on” functions should be a separate launch (kind of like how animation shop was a separate program), I find these new features to be kind of gimmicky, but that is just me.
PSP7 loads almost instantly on today’s hardware, and still loaded almost instantly back in the day. Speed, performance, and function would be the direction to go.
Even after purchasing Photoshop CS4 extended, I still default to PSP7… its just so much faster, and can still do quite a lot.
I’d love to see Corel push PSP in this direction: simple, fast, powerful, bundled with separate applications for the “non editor” stuff. These separate apps could “talk to” PSP.
I started using Paint Shop Pro when version X came out. That was about 15 years ago and it was the first program I ever bought (with my own money xD). I love it and haven’t upgraded for similar reasons you and a lot of the other users haven’t. I completely agree with you! I’ve always said that Paint Shop Pro is the more superior program but alas the underdog has in my eyes given up. I’m probably going to place my order for photoshop too, sadly.
I am a PSPX3 user. I own PSP8, too. Earlier I used PSP4. PSPX3 is a great software, better than earlier versions. I am surprised at the many negative remarks. I haven’t had much problems with it. If people don’t like the Express Lab or the Organizer, then they can configure the program to show the Full Editor only. I think it’s remarkably efficient in improving photos. I appreciate the Corel Photo Downloader, which makes things easier for me. I use the painting functions extensively. I appreciate the realistic oil and crayon effect on Art Media. My wish is that Corel continues to develop painting functions and don’t focus only on photo. Now PSPX4 is out, but I won’t upgrade because they haven’t added to the painting functions.
Mats (Stockholm, Sweden)
Hi torQQue,
Will you be providing comments on X4 or have you given up on PSP? Perhaps create a new post or thread for comments about X4?
I have been using PSP since version 7 and still have and use X. I’ve been wondering if I should get the latest version or switch to Photo Shop. This post and thread answers my questions.
I have been using PSP 9 since it came outand most previous versions before that since PSP started . I just lately installed Psp X3. How disappointed I was, going back to PSP 9. Many useful functions that are on PSP 9 aren’t no longer on PSP X3 that I loved . Why even though there are some good Features ON PSP X3 that I liked , there were more excellent features they removed. I don’t mind improvements to a program, but why remove many other features that made PSP9 what it was .
I’ve been a dedicated user since Jasc ver 8 (still the best IMHO) I have PSP 10, X1, X2, and recently bought X3, a mistake which I immensely regret. Seems every version they’ve messed with the crop tool and the text tools. I make a LOT of graphics for business use and still prefer my PSP to the Illustrator and Photoshop at work. Too bad that each version has gotten progressively more annoying and bloated. And yeah that part about it taking 45 minutes to install? Thats the most ridiculous. Sorry Corel, but I’ve bought my last version from you. I still prefer Jasc ver.8 and it has a free version of Animation Shop with it.
Bought a copy of Photo Shop CS5 Extended version. No I didn’t spend $700 bucks either. I signed up for a $79 evening plumbing class at my local community college and got the student discount rate of $199 from my local BB store. Don’t need a plumbing class? Sign up for flower arranging or what ever tickles your fancy. Doesn’t seem to matter.
Not sure why the Student version on adobe.com is $299 while only 199 at BB but I’m not complaining.
Haven’t used it much yet so no comment other than to say it installed quickly.
Another reason I jumped is every dang photo mag out there seems to have a PhotoShop tip or tutorial section. Where’s that for Paint Shop Pro? I always thought if I owned PSP I’d print my own magazine to sit on the rack alongside all those Photoshop rags. Shortsighted on Corel’s part.
I’ve been a PSP user since it was shareware but it’s time to drink the koolaid.
I use paint shop pro from the version 5: it was really good until it was a Jasc product (psp 8…9)… now with corel, every new version is always worst than the previous… and it is simply impossible to use (X4): it crashes constantly, it is slow, it is stupid. the masterpiece that was the jasc’s code is now totally absent or oscured by the corel’s idiocy, that bought our software and turned it into crapware.
I know this thread is old but I still want to comment I know a lot of people still using older PSP versions this might be a little long — sorry …. I started with psp 7 11-12 years ago moved to 9 & stuck with 9 for years and taught psp on 9 for a long time till I got a new computer with Windows 7 and I had to upgrade my psp to have it work with Windows 7 and recently I also have and learning Photoshop CS5 I still use the psp more then the photoshop since I use it for years and feel more comfortable with it .. while I am learning photoshop
I got pspX3 and did not like it much and did not have it long but used it any way I had to reinstall psp my disk was damaged after only using 1-2 times I called Corel for a new disk .. pspX4 just came out and they offered me a upgrade saying that they they fixed allot of the bugs 3 had and I took the offer .. I am so happy I took their offer PSPX4 is way better then X3 and it is loads faster & installs a little faster they fixed allot of the bugs that X3 had thank God they changed the workspace color option where you can change colors that drove me crazy in X3 that black was bad on the eyes .. do not get me wrong X4 it still has a few things wrong but they are minor things for me
they did improve the text a little since X3 ..but text still needs allot work,, the text is geared for more beginner’s I think instead of veterans I hate they took the auto text entry popup box away ( I miss that the most ) and I do use the shift key to open the text box up but rather have it be auto pop up like in psp 9 .
plus they renamed and changed the Image mirror and flip options they tired to improve that took me a while to figure there was way to add the old mirror and flip back using a bind script .. but personally I like the old flip and mirror image better
I agree with the others I would love to see the option what to install a beginners and veterans psp… instead with the editor I do not what the extra photo and organizer stuff just want the editor and tools to create & you can repair photos better in the editor area I think
I do not mind the organizer strip at bottom of the editor workspace that comes in handy for looking for tubes I auto hide or turn it off when not being used
they moved layers right click around some to look and behave like photoshop I would like to see the right click of mouse back for the layer palette for adding new layers and copy and paste and move layers up at top or down at bottom instead of the options being at bottom of layer palette like photoshop I miss right clicking for layers I do not use shortcut keyboards much due to having one hand and arm it hard to do shortcuts with one hand at times I had to add my own toolbar near layers to make that options better for me I hate all the short codes in photoshop hope all shortcuts on keyboard is will not be that way for psp
I saw some tools improved allot in X4 that was bad in X3 and that is a big plus in my book
but I would like to see the old tools , everyone request back or fixed better we have been stating the same problems they they are small to the company but are big details to those who uses psp for hours and years… on end.. thanks for reading this ..
I am so sorry my above post is long and that I made mistakes typing my typing does not keep up with my brain at times when I type a long post
I have every version from 6 through 15. To use 13 without cataloging when you open it hold your CTRL key while it boots up. I have mine set to open in Full Editor and just pretend the rest is not there. I cannot use 14 and 15 because although they have lighter interface the background is still in black. At least 13 has greytones that allow me to use for hours without tears. I also keep older versions on the old laptop with XP on it…LOL…some things are just lots better there.
I would love to get a contact or terms of use for the tutorials, some of them are super, thanks!