PaintShop Pro vs Photoshop, what software to use for advanced picture editing and creating graphics? What are the main advantages and disadvantages of both options? Having tested the latest updates, I am ready to compare Photoshop vs PaintShop side by side and answer all FAQ.
PaintShop Pro vs Photoshop were created and released almost at the same time (1990-92). But is the Corel product functioning well enough today comparing it with the reference software? What unique features can it provide?
PaintShop Pro is an easy-to-use image editing software that offers a complete set of effective drawing, correction and picture editing features. You can perform complex manipulations with layers (retouch and restore), or enhance images with quick/automatic corrections, as well as add effects to photos.
This best photo editing software for beginners has a simple interface that allows switching between Photography, Essentials, and Complete workspaces. The "Management" tab contains a photo organizer, and you can use it to view, mark and organize photos. The “Editing” tab features tools that will help you refine your pictures. You can customize this tab – change almost everything, color, size, remove or add panels, icons, and scrollbars.
Similar to Photoshop, PaintShop Pro suggests using a stylus and a tablet, I tested this feature with my Huion H430.
Corel PaintShop Pro supports more than 40 file formats, including the most common types, such as JPG, RAW, PNG, PSD, TIFF, GIF and PDF. This gives you the possibility to import almost any image into the program.
Adobe Photoshop is multi-functional advanced software for editing raster graphics, creating graphic images, drawing, video editing and even performing color correction using the Camera RAW plug-in. Comparing Photoshop vs PaintShop, the former is cross-platform and is supported by both Windows and Mac OS.
Ps includes many unique filters, special effects and tools. With the help of customizable masks, you can perform professional retouching, using such techniques as Dodge & Burn or Frequency Separation.
In addition to advanced layers, almost every tool can be customized. You can change color, size, intensity and other parameters. This best photo editing software for PC is a part of Adobe Creative Cloud and provides users with cloud storage ranging in size from 20GB to 10TB, close integration with other products, Adobe Portfolio and Stock image. To make your Photoshop experience even more enjoyable, you can download and install various brushes, actions, text styles, etc.
Comparing PaintShop 2025 vs Photoshop in the price range, I would like to immediately note the leader, and this is PaintShop Pro. The reason is quite simple, Corel software costs $79.99 (full licensed version), and a yearly update fee is $59.99.
If you calculate the monthly costs from this amount, then you pay $6.5 per month. To buy Photoshop, you have to pay $9.99 a month. On the other hand, together with Photoshop, you get Lightroom free, cloud storage and Adobe Portfolio.
To make it easier to decide before purchasing, you can use Photoshop free, and PaintShop Free trial version. You will not pay anything, and get the software for 7-30 days completely free.
Corel PaintShop Pro and Photoshop perform a great range of tasks: photography editing, graphic design, drawing. Both programs contain tools for adjusting color, saturation, and tone, and can also be used to distort, crop, retouch, and overlay images.
But Adobe Photoshop has a wider variety of functions and is compatible with Mac OS. Photoshop has excellent color management, more tutorials, is better optimized, and comes with a broader set of features in general. But these additional features also complicate the mastering of this program.
One of the distinguishing features of Corel PaintShop Pro is a tool for automatically originals saving. When activated, the original copy of the image you are working on is automatically saved in a new folder. If you make mistakes while editing photos, you can restore the original. However, after that, the edited version will be deleted forever.
No matter which software you choose, these free plug-ins will significantly reduce the time spent on image post-production. This is especially important for novice users.
Use this action if you want to fix faded colors in your photos. Action makes the photo brighter and more saturated, leaving the colors realistic. Use it for images taken in daylight.
VCSO filters have always been popular among mobile photographers. Use this free action if you want to “bring life to colors”. The contrast will be raised and shadows will become distinct. Thus, lighter objects will acquire defined lines.
Black and white photography has always been in fashion, so I included this free action. With it, you will convert photos from color to B&W, not in a usual manner, but with softer, a little pinkish glare. Thus, you can emphasize warm weather or add romantic touches.
Everyone wants to have a beautiful winter photo, but the weather isn’t always “generous”, and in most cases, you don’t have enough snow. To fix this problem, you can use this free overlay. It mimics the falling snow, keeping the photo realistic.
Using this free overlay, you don’t need to wait for that perfect day, because this plug-in fills the sky with beautiful, natural clouds. It is suitable for any type of shooting, including landscape and wedding photos.
