Thanks for starting this thread. I've visited the graphics and scanning forum and they are all using paint shop pro. I have photoshop elements 4 and am curious how someone who has used both paint shop pro and photoshop elements compares the two?

Hi, Bob. IF I had to pick just one image editing software program to use, I would choose Paint Shop Pro.

I have older versions going back to when it was owned by JASC and later by Corel. The biggest problem with the newer versions is that they DO have more features, but they are also larger programs that use more memory and hard disk storage.

This is especially true for the latest version of Adobe Photoshop Elements version 5 .. which is why I purchased version 4.0 .. I wouldn't even be able to use Elements version 5 on my Dell laptop, it is such a memory hog.

I also got Elements version 4.0 because it is compatible with my Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator (a hardware device to use in place of a mouse and in conjunction with a graphics tablet). I already had Elements version 2.0 on my computer.

Adobe Photoshop 7.0 came bundled with some hardware I bought, possibly my WACOM Intuos graphics tablet.

BTW that is a good way to end up with free copies of editing software.. watch the ads for which software programs companies are tossing in if you purchase their hardware.. graphics tablets, laser mice, scanners, photo printers, etc.

Elements 4.0 is very good for making quick edits, Auto Enhance, etc. And a nice feature of this is you can also get a more detailed editing window if you choose to, where you have emore control over the editing.

I think the big difference between Adobe Elements and Corel PSP is that there are more online places to go get free downloads and tutorials and Plug-Ins for Adobe Elements. Also, many of the Adobe Photoshp Plug-Ins will work in Elements. And some of the Plug-Ins from Adobe WILL also work in Corel PSP. There are more books written for the Adobe products, too.

An excellent manual for Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 is "Photoshop Elements 4: the Missing Manual", by Barbara Brundage.

This weekend, when I have more free time, I will go thru both my Corel PSP and Adobe Elements programs and give you a better comparison.

I learned to Image Edit on JASC Paint Shop Pro so have the most familiarity with it.

If you stay behind the latest upgrade by a version, you can get it cheaper once a newer version comes out. And you can buy used software at Amazon.com and eBay.

It is almost annoying how fast the companies keep coming up with upgrades for their image editing software. Makes it harder to learn the programs and get a feel for what is where in the layout.

Gail R (WNY)

Thanks Gail. I've been trying to decide if I should buy Paint Shop Pro. I certainly agree with your assessment of the missing manual books. I had the one for PS Elements 3.0. When I bought 4.0 I went through adobe and transferred my license for PS Elements 3.0 to my granddaughter and passed the book along to her also. I also agree that the newer versions are resource hogs and think I will stick with PS Elements 4.0 unless I decide to try Paint Shop Pro.

I don't think you'd be sorry if you bought PSP, Bob.

It is an extremely useful product and has the best built-in Help File and Tutorials I have seen in image editing software.

I think it is probably easier to learn than Adobe Elements.

Corel PSP does accept many of the Plug-Ins, Filters, Frames, Borders, Masks, etc meant for Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Elements .. you just have to make sure they do before downloading them.. for PSP, I don't download Plug-Ins unless PSP is specifically mentioned as being compatible.

I just took a look at Amazon.com and found Corel Paint Shop Pro X for sale there at $19.97 plus $3.49 shipping. That's even way lower than the Upgrade prce. The description reads: "new, sealed, 100% Authentic, no rebate, ships fast, with Registration Key #

This is most likely without a box (manual was not mentioned but really not terribly needed for PSP since its built-in Help Files and Tutorials are great) and was meant to be bundled with a computer of other hardware purchase. When the hardware is no longer on the market, the software CDs included are stripped out of the packaging by the Overstock & Liquidation purchasers and sold as separate items at greatly reduced prices.

The latest release of PSP is Paint Shop pro Photo XI, so PSP X would be just one version lower.

I learned JASC (now Corel) PSP on version 8.0 and still have it. In some ways, I preferred it to the newer versions, such as ease of use, speed, program size, memory requirements, hard disk space needed.

Gail R (WNY)

Thanks Gail. I will definitely look into the amazon deal.