Paint Shop Pro 8

Type of Program: Graphics editor
Supported Platforms: Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP
Company Name: Jasc Software, Inc.
Version: 8.0
Price: $99 U.S. downloaded; $109 U.S. for boxed version
Installed Size: 55 MB

Download/Homepage

This is the third version of Paint Shop Pro that I've had the good fortune to review; I know it's going to sound corny, but it just keeps getting better!

Let's look at this realistically (especially for your pocketbook): The industry standard in graphics editors is, and always has been, Adobe PhotoShop. PhotoShop 7.0 costs over $600 U.S. Unless you are a professional graphic designer, that's a LOT of money to invest in a graphics editor, industry standard or not. Secondly, there's no shareware or trial version of PhotoShop available, so you'll have to make a "blind" decision (either you make that big investment and dedicate yourself to learning, quite possibly investing even more money in books or classes, or you purchase another graphics editor). Thirdly, PhotoShop has a steep learning curve (which looks more like an insurmountable mountain to some of us graphically-challenged). And lastly, for those who only want a graphics editor for use with their digital camera photos, PhotoShop is overkill.

Enter Paint Shop Pro: It's much easier to use and learn, 1/6th the price, AND you can download a trial version of PSP 8.0 which is fully functional for 30 days so that you can determine whether or not you want to buy it. The user interface has been upgraded and improved, making it even more user-friendly and customizable. New to PSP 8 are the correct perspective tool, straighten photos tool, erase backgrounds tool, Automated Productivity Scripts, warp images, paint naturally, and many new special effects.

Most PhotoShop-friendly plugin filters can also be used with PSP (such as Kai's Power Tools, Alien Skin's Eye Candy series, Flaming Pear's Blade Pro, etc.).

If you're looking for a reasonably priced, fully functional graphics editor, give Paint Shop Pro 8 a try -- after all, you have nothing to lose! You can try it for 30 days free by following this link:
http://www.jasc.com/download_4.asp?
 

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Reviewed by Angelene

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