PSP - Jasc/Corel?

[maxzap]

I am very very new to scrapbooking... Have basically been a stamper and am now getting into the scrapping end of things which I am becoming obsessed with.. I'm beginning to see Digital as an enhancement to my scrapbooking but am confused about software programs. I have Jasc Paint Shop Pro 7 but have really never used it much. I see here some tutorials for Paint Shop Pro but some are COREL Paint Shop Pro... Is this the same program? Just a different or newer version?

I think that I should EITHER update my program or possibly get the PhotoShop Elements but have no clue as to which would suit my purposes better (I want to still paper scrapbook but use digital enhancements))...

Any thoughts, suggestions or help would surely be appreciated.

Thanks.

Maxzap

[mrichar383]

Yes, the newer version is by Corel. I started on PSP 7 (Jasc) and have now upgraded to PSP X (Corel). Having learned on 7, I am still partial to it, but I am still learning X, so we will see.

[pbo]

I use PSPX and would recommend it.Its a great program for enhancing and scrapbooking!

[Emma]

Corel bought Jasc after PSP 9 came out, so PSP X is Corel now. I always say use what you have. Lots of us created great pages w/ 7 for a long time before 8 came out.

That said, 8 was such a huge jump from 7 that learning X might be hard if you're attached to v 7. It's up to you what to do: either start in 7 for the "free" aspect and just learn the upgrade later, or upgrade now before you get entrenched in 7. I'm a software junkie, and I KNOW I'll learn the new version, so I'll just use what I have until it starts to "strangle" me. But some just like what they like, and have a really hard time breaking out into a new software or new version.

So if you want new software, either PSP X or PSE 4 will be awesome. Buy any Wacom pen tablet and you'll get a free PSE 3 with it ($100). PSP X and PSE 4 are right under $100 alone, but I know we can help you find some deals.

Let us know which approach appeals more to you!

[maxzap]

I just went to the Paint Shop Pro site and looked over their into on PSP X and it looks like I can buy an upgrade version for about $60.00. so - I'm thinking that might be the way to go...so I just start out learning on the PSP X instead of learning one program and then relearning the upgraded version.

From what little I have read it seems that the PhotoShop Elements Program has a big learning curve and I am a woman of little patience so unless the long term results are going to be remarkably different I think I might be better off with a program that is easier to learn.

Maxzap

[Emma]

PSP is hard, just so you're prepared. PSE isn't easy, but it's not as hard as PSP. Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Paint Shop Pro are graphics editing programs as much as photo editors, so their power and options make them more difficult to learn. BUT their power and options make them do pretty much whatever you want.

It's worth it. Take it slowly: do the First Page Tutorial, sign up for a class here, holler when you need any help at all.

[sammdc]

I would stick with 7 I am using 9 and tried the demo for 10 and it is more and more like photoshop and quite a different interface and learning curves. To me psp 7 was so simple heheheh I spent an hr last night trying to put text on a shaped line something so simple in psp 7 is alot more complicated in psp 9.

[Maikku]

Pricewise I'd recommend you upgrade to PSPX. In my opinion both programs are great but definetly not easy. It will take a while for you to learn I do think PSE4 is easier though. I have both and use them both. If you look around you might get them cheaper. I got PSE4 at Super Walmart only for $75.You might also want to consider downloading a trial. Try one for a month and the try the other. Or simply learn the basics with your current program before you choose.

[carti]

I agree with what most have said regarding this. I liked PSP 7 the best and it is hard once you get use to using one version then they upgrade, you have to learn some things all over. I would try a trial one first, perhaps it would be better if you started with PSP X.

If you are a member of Costco they have some terrific prices, you may be able to find PSP or PhotoShopElements. I had PSE and did not like it.

Good luck in what ever your choice.

[maxzap]

OK so I read lots of forum info and just now have ordered off the internet WacomGraphire Pen Tablet with Photoshop Elements 3, Corel Painter Essentials 2 and a few other things that I have never heard of.... Cost was $99 and Emma had suggested this purchase (if I had my heart set on new software)... So I'm impatiently waiting for software and will then work with the tutorials and sign up for some classes.... Thanks to all who have helped with the decision making process.

[Abby]

Ohhh, you'll love your Graphire tablet and I think you'll love PSE3 too - I use it lots and it's super!

[Emma]

how's it working out for you? The tablet is so nice to have for detail work, force yourself to get used to working with it, and PSE is a great program. Have you done the first Page Tutorial for PSE yet?

[maxzap]

Actually I have the tablet thingie hooked up but haven't really been using the pen (it's been more of an expensive mouse pad so far). I'll start using the pen instead of the mouse. ....

I did do the first page tutorial (I'm really slow though - it took me two evenings to get through it)..And also not very creative digitally. Scrapbooking on paper seems easy for me - just lots of fun and no real learning curve. But I love the effects that I have seen in the gallery and am determined to learn and get comfortable with the computer side of scrapbooking.

I'm planning to go through the First Page Tutorial again this week (tonight or tomorrow evening) and then try to start some of the others. Would love to take one of your classes but I'm thinking that I need to know more about the program than I do now or I will be totally lost.

Maxzap

[Emma]

nah, class is designed for those with ZERO experience to those who have a little more. Would love to have you!

[maxzap]

just signed up for the class -- DSU 160 I think it was. Beginners Basics... Thanks for the nudge.

maxzap

[Easily confused]

Just last night I purchased Photoshope Elements 4. I hadn't planned on doing that but was at Sam's having pictures done and was watching the photo guy touching up some photos for me. While of course that is not the software they use at Sam's, he told me that he uses PS 2 at home and does much with it. When I told him I use PSP8 he told me to use PSE, that it is much easier. Well, now I have it, have opened it but not used it yet. Now I am wondering if I did the right thing.
One question I have here is: I want to join the monthly club and it says that the brushes are software specific. Oh boy, now which program should I get the brushes for. I think PSP is a bugger but I am wondering which program I will use more. I have done quite a few tutorials in PSP8 but can't remember how to do the stuff as soon as I have finished the tutorial! Slips through like wet noodles. Is the stuff in PSE going to be that tough too.
To cut to the chase(too late) which program am I more likely to use and should get the brushes for. Also if I change my mind(a woman's perogative) can I get the next months content for the other program? Penny

[Emma]

the Club Digital includes the software specific stuff for all software. You can either store or delete the stuff you don't want/use. Like one month I got brushes for PHotoshop/PSE and some custom shapes for PSP. All brush sets come in either both Adobe and Corel format, or have a PNG file included so you can define your own brushes in whatever software you're using. So everyone gets the same download every month.

Enjoy your programs! I think PSP and PSE really complement each other. PSP has more brush options, PSE has more downloads available, PSP has better patterns and fills, more text options, and PSE has those nice layer styles...it's a toss up, you'll get a lot of use from them both if you use both. I do, love it!

[Easily confused]

Thanks for you input. I can hardly wait to try out PSE. I guess I will be using both of them. I was thinking that if I kept one that the other would have to go but there is no reason why I can't use both! Thanks again for the info on the club too.

[Maikku]

I completely agree with Emma. Why not use both. Once you learn more you realize there are some things you like to do with one program and some with the other. I don't regret a bit having both.:D