I haven’t done any image manipulation since I took down my PC. Even then, for years I used Ulead PhotoImpact; software that was ancient even when I was using it. I don’t think I’ve even seen Photoshop running. How is Photoshop to use?
(Note: I will have limited computer access for the next week or so, so please don’t be offended if I don’t return immediately.)
It can be daunting initially as it has so many options but is a breeze after a while. It’s worth just experimenting with images until you get the hang of it imho.
It is expensive, though: around $600. You might want to start with the $100 ‘consumer’ version, Photoshop Elements, until you are sure it’s for you. Or you can download a trial version that expires after a month.
I’ll second Photoshop Elements. It’s very useful and powerful. The things that are different between the two are the things that only super-serious pros would care about. You get like 80% of the features (and nearly all the important ones) for about 20% the price if you get Elements.
I found photoshop very easy to use. I love it but it’s so expensive. I found GIMP to be effective but VERY DIFFICULT to use. But I got a book on GIMP at the library and it made sense. MS Paint Pro (or whatever it’s called now) was easy to use too.
Someone I know used Paint (dot) Net but I’ve not used it, though he thought it was easy and comparable to GIMP and Photoshop.
Still just using Image Composer, doing everything I need.
You can also download GIMP for free. It’s an open-source image manipulation program that does a pretty good job keeping up with Photoshop.
My biggest problem with it is that control shortcuts and procedures are a little different than in Photoshop, so I just use Photoshop. Without experience using Photoshop, you wouldn’t have the same problem.
The Photoshop Family.
The GIMP. Apparently there was a customization for The GIMP that would make it behave like Photoshop.
Paint Shop Pro.
I suppose if you’ve never used Photoshop then Elements would be fine. Otherwise … I used to have the full version of Photoshop on my Mac, legally installed via a multi-user license owned by the household I used to live in. I downgraded to Elements after moving out of that household, to keep things legit. I would have preferred to get the “real” Photoshop, but couldn’t afford it.
I had previously tried out an earlier version of PSE (v.3, I think) and liked it. It was basically Photoshop with all the print calibration features removed. Since I didn’t use Photoshop for print media, that worked fine for me. It otherwise functioned exactly like the full version of PS. But by the time I bought my own copy it was up to v.6, and I discovered, much to my disappointment, that the whole thing seems to have been dumbed down into a consumer-level photo editor designed around the idea of printing out 6"x4" photos. A couple of my complaints:
• There seems to be no way to hide the UI and simply view my image in “full-screen” mode. As one of my primary uses for PS is designing desktop wallpapers, this is a major deficiency.
• The full version of Photoshop seemed able to remember my preferences with regard to saving images for the Web. That is, when I used the “Save for Web…” command, it would open the relevant interface and all of the settings were exactly how I had left them from the previous saved images (typically, JPEG, high quality). PSE6, OTOH, wants to revert back to its default settings each and every time I open the “Save for Web” interface, so I have to manually reset everything every time I save a new image.
Photoshop is a professional-level tool. If you are already a photography/art/darkroom guru, you’ll want it. If you need to learn how to crank out graphics for professional use – i.e., professional web sites, 4-color press, etc. – you’ll want it. If you’re just doctoring home photos to plop onto Facebook or whatever, it’s high overkill given the cost. Most people who don’t do graphic art for a living never touch 90% of the tools in the full version of Photoshop, and even the ones you might use have a learning curve if you’re not already conversant in color space and photo manipulation.
Does Photoshop Elements allow the use of layers? I use those in preparing cartoon artwork (I have both The GIMP and the full version of Photoshop, which feature layers. I also have Corel Painter Essentials 4, which came with my drawing tablet. It does not seem to have layers.)
PSE, layers yes.
I’ve been using the full version for over 20 years, and my skills have grown hand-in-hand with the software’s capabilities. But I have no idea how it would be to begin using it now, with no prior experience. In general, my own rule is: Don’t buy hardware or software based on your currant abilities and needs and goals. Buy a lot more than what you think you need, and you will grow into it.
I’m a semi-professional user (the majority of my work is traditional media; compu-graphics only comprise about 35-40% of my workload), but Photoshop is the one tool I absolutely couldn’t do without.
Another vote for the GIMP. Graphic design is not my profession, but I do IT work at several startups (that require me to where alot of different hats) and have used the GIMP at least 3 times a week for 3 years or so. I’ve done everything from application icons, website graphics, printed flyers, large banners, print ads, photo correction/cleanup, etc. It’s never been able to not do something in GIMP (except for preparing for print in CMYK). Now, I am by no means a pro and I’ve seen how powerful Photoshop is, but if you are just doing some basic to intermediate level work and you are not locked into the Photoshop shortcuts and ‘finger muscle memory’, give the GIMP a try. There are plenty of great online tutorials on how to do things. I would recommend a book as well just to get over the initial learning curve and to get used to how the GIMP does things.
Some GIMP tutorial sites.
These will give you an example of some of the stuff you can do:
What do you mean? They’ve been pretty good with updating the program with new features throughout the years.
Having used both (though I’m by far not a 'shop master), I find PhotoImpact to be a really under-rated program. Sure, it’s not as powerful as Photoshop, but it’s a hell of a lot more intuitive, and it’s but a fraction of the prize.