Corel PaintShop Pro 2023: image editing for Windows without a subscription

PaintShop Pro works with layers and distinguishes between raster, vector, mask and adjustment layers. Adjustment layers correct the colour and tone of the layers below but do not change the image pixels. Mask layers show or hide parts of the layers below. This lets you adjust corrections and montages later without starting over.

For retouching, the program includes classic tools. With the content-aware Magic Fill feature you remove unwanted elements: you select the area, and the program fills it with matching background. AI Background Replacement automatically selects people in portraits and group photos and replaces the background with a preset or your own image. According to the help, it is not intended for product shots or other subjects; for those you cut out with the selection tools.

The manufacturer does not mention smart objects or live filters that let you change effects afterwards. In our view, it is therefore worth duplicating the layer before applying stronger effects.

The native PspImage format stores layers, alpha channels and other features; the manufacturer recommends editing your images in it. According to the help, PaintShop Pro can read and write Photoshop files (PSD). Corel does not describe in detail how completely layers are kept. According to a specialist site for PaintShop users, most layers are kept, but layer styles and vector layers are not kept in their original form. If you regularly exchange files with Photoshop users, check this with the trial version using your own files.

For opening files, the program covers many formats, including TIFF, PNG, JPEG, WebP, HEIC, SVG and PDF. HEIC, SVG and PDF can only be read, not saved. You edit raw files from more than 800 camera models in the raw editor without overwriting the originals.

Editing happens at 8 or 16 bits per channel, in RGB or greyscale. There is no CMYK working mode. For printing, PaintShop Pro creates CMYK colour separations, one page per ink, and with proofing you simulate a printing press on screen. In our view, print files for offset printing are better prepared in a layout program.

PaintShop Pro 2023 includes several AI tools: AI Denoise, AI Artifact Removal for JPEG images, AI Upsampling for enlarging, AI Background Replacement, an AI Portrait Mode with bokeh blur and AI Style Transfer. The manufacturer does not list generative fill via text prompt for PaintShop Pro 2023.

The system requirements include separate recommendations for the AI features, such as an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen and 8 GB of RAM. For AI Denoise and AI Upsampling you can switch GPU acceleration on or off. This indicates that the processing runs on your computer. The manufacturer does not mention credits or an additional subscription for these features.

On data protection: according to the licence agreement, your content belongs to you and you are responsible for it. Corel's privacy statement mentions AI training only for transactional data from sales and finance, for administrative purposes. The documents do not mention using your images for AI training. However, the licence agreement allows Corel to collect technical data about your device and your use of the software.

PaintShop Pro runs on Windows 11 and Windows 10, in the 64-bit editions. The manufacturer does not offer versions for macOS, Linux or tablets. The interface is available in German, among other languages, and so is the online help.

You buy the program once; according to the manufacturer, it is yours permanently afterwards. You need an internet connection for installation and activation and for online features. According to the licence agreement, the number of devices a licence covers is set out in the licence certificate; we did not find any public information on this.

According to the manufacturer, the current version is PaintShop Pro 2023. The last published update (Update 2) was released in August 2023. According to the licence agreement, new, separately priced products are not included in updates. Corel offers an upgrade for owners of a licensed PaintShop version.

The Ultimate edition adds extra programs and content to PaintShop Pro: Painter Essentials 8 for digital painting, PhotoMirage Express, MultiCam Capture 2.0 Lite, Highlight Reel, the Corel Creative Collection and extra fonts. A trial version runs for 30 days and does not require a credit card.

PaintShop Pro suits hobby and occasional photographers on Windows who want to retouch photos and build montages with layers and masks without taking out a subscription. The AI tools for denoising, enlarging and portraits save time with everyday photos.

For photographers, the program offers 16 bits per channel and its own raw editor. As the last update dates from August 2023, you should use the trial version to check whether your camera is supported.

PaintShop Pro is less suitable for agencies and designers who exchange PSD files with Photoshop users or prepare print files in CMYK. Anyone working on a Mac also needs a different solution. The manufacturer does not list generative AI features such as fill via text prompt; in return, there are no ongoing costs after the purchase.