Image editing and creating program

[Pattons3rd]

I need to find a program that can do most basic things that are needed for basic icons, buttons and things like that.
I don't really need anything fancy but if it has it I might use it.
I can't really afford something like Fireworks or Photoshop though.
I tried the Gimp, but I didn't know how to use it and it seemed a little advanced for me.
I have heard that Paint Shop Pro was one of the best basic programs.
Is this still true?

What does everyone recommend?
Should I try the Gimp again?
Or buy or download something else?
Free or low prices would be the best.
Thanks for any advice.

[the_pm]

Paint Shop Pro is ok. It has about 90% of the functionality found in Photoshop. It's not spectacular software, but it will get you through what you need to get done...probably.

The problem is I don't think it has a solid set of vector tools (something that's been lacking in Photoshop for a long time as well). So you might run across some limitations when you want to resize objects or get items pixel-perfect.

GIMP is good considering the price, but yeah, it can be a little confusing. Can you get student licenses? If so, good software might not be as expensive as you think!

[Gerrit]

I've been using PaintShop Pro forever. It has ( at least my ancient versions 7 & 8 ) vector tools as well.

I never had any problems to get items pixel perfect. Resizing works great as well.

I'm sure PhotoShop is more advanced but for your needs I think PaintShop Pro will serve you good.

I don't want to spend the $$ on PhotoShop and/or Fireworks. I have been playing with trial versions. Apart from having to learn how to use them, I didn't really find features which I don't have in PaintShop that might be useful to me.

Look at ebay! For little money you can buy it (books - highly recommended to buy a book - as well :) )

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=paintshop+pro&category0=

this here: http://www.iwdn.net/showthread.php?t=5747 - entry #6 - was done with PaintShop Pro 7. :)

[Pattons3rd]

Thanks for the help guys. :D


Thanks for the link Gerrit, I almost forgot to check eBay!:lol:
I will probably try out the Paint shop pro trial version and see what is like.

I don't think that Photoshop or Fireworks are in my price range.:lol:

GIMP is good considering the price, but yeah, it can be a little confusing. Can you get student licenses? If so, good software might not be as expensive as you think!
I thought the Gimp was free?
I just downloaded it from their site.

Thanks again, just checking with people that have expeirience!:)

[Gerrit]

The Gimp is free - last time I checked.. :)

[the_pm]

I thought the Gimp was free?
I just downloaded it from their site.

Thanks again, just checking with people that have expeirience!:)No no, I was asking that on an unrelated note, whether you qualify in general for student license prices. If you do, you can get Adobe products for peanuts, and they are full, non-expiring licenses.

[Pattons3rd]

Ahh I see.
No, I don't qualify for anything like that that I know of.

Hey does anyone know if Paint Shop Pro XI still has the animation feature?
I was having trouble finding it.

Is Microsoft Picture It even close to Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop?

[Pattons3rd]

Ok, guys I think I have got all this sorted out and I will purchase PSP soon if I don't change my mind again.
I am using the trial version right now and I like it pretty well.
Thanks for all the help!:D