Software


Corel’s PaintShop Pro 2018 Picks Up Speed

August 15, 2017

By Theano Nikitas

Image courtesy of Corel

Corel has been on a roll this summer, releasing the new Painter in July (you can read our write-up here) and now, the 2018 version of its image-editing software, PaintShop Pro.

This “you-buy-it-you-own-it, no-subscription-necessary” Windows-only application combines simplicity and ease of use with some pretty powerful tools. The latest version, for example, has a streamlined workspace—the new Essentials—that gives you the basics and more room to view and work on your images. There’s also a Complete workspace that provides access to all the tools you need and want. You can customize your toolbars to keep the workspace lean and focused on the features you use most often.

Image courtesy of Corel

Perhaps one of the most important improvements to this version of the software is enhanced performance. Corel claims a 50 percent faster launch time than version 9 (and we can vouch for that), and much faster response time when using the software’s tools.

With PaintShop Pro 2018, Corel has also made the application more touch- and pen-friendly. You can make size adjustments to the scroll bar, for example, and larger icons make this application perfect for those 4K monitors.

Image courtesy of Corel

You’ll also get new color palettes, 30 new brushes, 30 new gradients, 30 new textures and 15 new patterns.

While you can pick up PaintShop Pro 2018 for $80, we suggest shelling out a little more to get the Ultimate version for $100. With PaintShop Pro 2018 Ultimate, you get Corel’s great RAW processor, AfterShot Pro 3, along with Painter Essentials 5 for some cool photo-painting options, plus Perfectly Clear 3 SE for quick and simple adjustments. You may want to check out the $160 bundle that includes Video Studio X10. To sweeten the pot, Corel has volume licensing, too.

For more information, or to download a 30-day free trial, head over to the site now.

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