Opinion needed...

[suanz]

Which is a more versatile program - Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop? Being user-friendly is also a consideration.

I just need it to make color bars, icons or maybe banners. And also a bit of touch ups on photos.

So far all my color bars are done using a trial version of Paint Shop Pro. I'm thinking of making a purchase but not sure if I'm making the right choice. I have not had a chance to try Photoshop cos they dun seem to have any trials.

Any suggestions?

Comments

[despina-moon.livejournal.com]

Photoshop, IMHO, requires some help. It's an incredibly powerful tool but also pretty complicated for a beginner. If you do purchase it, there are some wonderful books out there that can help, but I took a class in it and I'm still a little intimidated by it.

That being said, there are some Photoshop masters in the Saiyuki fandom and if you are unafraid to ask for help, (not like me) they will definitely assist you.

I only know paint from the old days, but it was pretty easy, as I recall.

[suanz.livejournal.com]

In that case, I think Photoshop may not be a wise choice... Cos if you with all your As are intimidated, I'd be totally floored. Hah!!!

Thanks for the tip. ^_^

[samsarapine.livejournal.com]

I don't know if you're interested in a good freebie program, but I use Gimp. It's more than powerful enough for me to do what I need to do, and I'm only working with a fraction of its features. Big drawback, though: while the program is pretty intuitive, its 'help' feature is next to non-existent, so I've had to figure a lot out by trial and error. I've heard it compared to Photoshop in both power and options.

I've also got a sweet little freebie banner program called XHeader that's so easy to use it's not funny. They have an online tutorial - watch both parts, and you'll be able to use the program with ease.

Yes, I'm cheap. *g*

[suanz.livejournal.com]

Cheap?? No way. I'd go for freebies as long as it's legit and available.

But the bimbo in me does not know where to look for it. Sigh.... I think I understand what my Mom meant when she said I should continue my studies. Ha Ha Ha

Thanks so much for the recommendation. I'll definitely check it out. ^_________^

*hugs you & despina_moon*

[samsarapine.livejournal.com]

*hugs you back* I don't know if you clicked on the program names that I left in the first comment, but I made them into links that will take you straight to the review/download page for each program via cnet. Is that what you're looking for?

And they're both legit. Cnet says so. Cnet is my cybergod. *g*

[suanz.livejournal.com]

I just downloaded both programs. Gimp looks a bit like Paint Shop Pro but seems to be a lot more difficult. I'm still figuring out the process.

(sad to say resizing itself is giving me a headache =^_^=)

X-Header seems easy enough but I have yet to try it. Good news is I've gone thru both tutorials. ;)

[keire-ke.livejournal.com]

I see GIMP has already been suggested - I only have a passing acquaintance with it, but so far the impressions are positive. It's not Photoshop, to be sure, but it is functional and, let's be honest, free.

If you go to deviantArt you can find some tutorials on GIMP and how to work it. :)

[suanz.livejournal.com]

I tried googling and did find one tutorial in deviantArt. Will definitely go search for more.

Thanks for the tip. ^_^