PaintShop Pro
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Graphics software |
| Predecessor | Jasc Software |
| Founded | August 1990 |
| Founder | Robert Voit |
| Fate | Acquired by Corel in October 2004 |
| Successor | Corel PaintShop Pro |
| Headquarters | United States (original development site) |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Graphics editing software for raster and vector images |
| Owner | Corel (since 2004) |
| Website | www |
PaintShop Pro (abbreviated as PSP) is a graphics editing software designed for both raster and vector images, developed for Microsoft Windows. Initially launched by Jasc Software, the rights to distribute PaintShop Pro were acquired by Corel in October 2004. The program allows for expansion through the use of plugins compatible with Photoshop.
Various editions identified by version numbers are available in two primary forms: the standard PaintShop Pro, which serves as the core editing tool, and PaintShop Pro Ultimate, which includes extra standalone applications, creative utilities, and plugins. The supplementary software included differs depending on the edition and is not offered separately by Corel.
Beginning with version 8.00, PaintShop Pro incorporated an interface enabling task automation through Python scripting.
History
The software originally started as GIF2PCX, a file conversion tool developed by Robert Voit to assist in transferring images between Compuserve and AOL networks. As basic editing features were introduced, the name evolved to Paint Shop. The initial release (version 1.0) debuted in August 1990, supporting conversions among BMP, GIF, and PCX formats alongside simple image adjustments such as brightness and contrast.[1] The title changed to Paint Shop Pro once comprehensive painting tools like variable-sized brushes were incorporated. Originally distributed as shareware, many earlier editions remain accessible online, whereas newer versions have transitioned into commercial products.
With PaintShop Pro 5, layers were introduced along with CMYK and HSL color modes; this version also bundled JASC Animation Shop for animation creation, marketed together as "Paint Shop Pro 5.0 with Animation Shop".[2] PaintShop Pro X6 marked the debut of a native 64-bit edition while still including a 32-bit version.[3] The following release, X7, added intelligent fill functions such as "Magic Fill" and "Smart Edge," as well as support for XMP sidecar files that retain editing information for raw image formats.[4]
Between versions XI and X3 (2006–2011), the product was branded "Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo." This "Photo" designation was removed starting with version X4; version X5 was developed on the foundation of Ulead Photo Explorer following Corel's acquisition of Ulead.[5]
On November 28, 2007, Corel announced it would shut down its Eden Prairie office in Minnesota—the original development site for Paint Shop Pro—with future development efforts shifting to locations in California and China.[6]
JASC Paint Shop releases: 1990?–1993
The following table outlines various JASC Paint Shop editions, with approximate release dates in italics derived from the earliest file timestamps. Dates without italics represent official launch dates.
| Version number | Release date | Key features and notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.02 | 24 May 1991 | Compatible with Windows 3.0 Standard and Enhanced modes; supported numerous file formats such as Windows BMP, OS/2 BMP, GIF 87a/89a, GEM Paint IMG, MacPaint MAC, Zsoft Paintbrush PCX (versions 0/2/3/5), Pictor PIC, Windows RLE, TIFF (both compressed and uncompressed), and WordPerfect WPG versions 5.0/5.1. |
| 3.0 | 14 August 1993 | The final known Paint Shop edition; incorporated undo functionality, image resizing maintaining aspect ratio, printer selection for local and network devices, integrated portrait and landscape printing modes, and extended compatibility with formats including Dr. Halo CUT, Windows and OS/2 DIB, Deluxe Paint LBM, Microsoft Paint MSP, CompuServe RLE, Truevision Targa TGA, and TIFF with Huffman compression. |
JASC Paint Shop Pro releases: 1990–2004
| Version number | Release date | Release highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 0.9 | 1990 | |
| 1.0 | 1992 | |
| 1.02a | 1992–1993 | |
| 2.0 | 14 August 1993 | Introduced a floating toolbar interface, Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) support, a status bar displaying image information, TWAIN device integration for image capture, batch file conversion capabilities, adjustable JPEG compression levels, DPI configuration for PCX/TIFF/WPG formats, undo functionality, zooming from 10:1 to 1:10 scale, floating tools and histogram windows, precise rotation in one-degree increments, filtered resizing techniques, and a broad array of image filters and color adjustment tools including gamma correction and palette editing. |
| 2.01 | 15 November 1993 | Incorporated ImageCommander catalog advertisements and order forms within the help documentation. |
| 3.11 | 14 August 1995 (two-disk archive), 11 August 1997 (combined installer) | |
| 3.12 | July & November 1996 | Added compatibility with Win32s, Windows 95, and Windows NT 4.0 operating systems. |
| 4.0 | July 1996 | Marked as the first fully 32-bit release; introduced a new paintbrush tool featuring customizable settings for multiple brush types; Magic Wand selection based on hue and brightness; enhanced selection options including opacity control and feathering effects; support for progressive JPEGs plus alpha channels in TIFF/TGA/PNG files; Channels feature with histogram visualization; Image Arithmetic function enabling image combination through mathematical operations; integrated image browser with adjustable thumbnail sizes; customizable toolbar interface; multi-screen capture utility included; minimum system requirements raised to Intel 80486 CPU with at least 8 MB RAM.
The Power Pack included Kai's Power Tools SE. |
| 4.10 | September 1996 | Added preview capabilities for GIF and PNG transparency, full-screen editing and viewing modes, CMYK JPEG support, and background plug-in loading functionality. |
| 4.14 | October 1997 | Enhanced memory management and TIFF format support while resolving stability issues. |
| 4.15 SE | April 1999 | Special edition bundled with PC peripherals as well as PC Advisor magazine distribution. |
| 5.0 beta | February 1998 | Debuted JASC Animation Shop integration; introduced multi-layer PSD format support; enabled layer editing with blend modes and masking capabilities; provided customizable grids and rulers; improved TWAIN support alongside enhanced digital camera compatibility; multiple undo levels limited by available disk space; new retouching brushes plus filters such as Gaussian blur and sharpening effects; Picture Tubes brushes allowing sequential graphic element insertion. |
| 5.03 | May 1999 | |
| 6.00 | September 1999 | Included Animation Shop version 2; added vector graphics tools featuring editable text objects and node editing capabilities; multi-gradient support with custom profiles; new effects including Bevel and Weave filters; JPEG/GIF optimization tools; printing layouts supporting multiple images per page; adjustment layers for precise color correction workflows; direct compatibility with over one hundred twenty digital camera models; enhanced file management browser along with user interface improvements.
Distributed in Germany by MicroBasic and in Italy by Questar. |
| 7.04 | August 2001 (Anniversary Edition) | This edition bundled Paint Shop Pro version 7.04 together with Media Center Plus and Animation Shop software plus special effects filters from Alien Skin Eye Candy among others. It included tutorials alongside new Picture Tubes assets. Distribution covered Chile (Success S.A.), Argentina (Softland), and France (AB Soft). |
Corel Paint Shop Pro releases: 2005
| Version number | Release date | Release details |
|---|---|---|
| X (10.00) | 6 September 2005 | Major improvements over JASC Shop Pro 9 include:
|
| X (10.01) | ? | Updates following Paint Shop Pro X release:
|
| X (10.02) | ? | Feature enhancements include:
|
| X (10.03) | ? | Bug fixes and improvements:
|
| X (10.10) | 27 February 2006 (Photo Art Suite) | The Paint Shop Pro Photo Art Suite package includes Corel Paint Shop Pro X, Corel Painter Essentials 3, and Corel Photo Album 6 - Deluxe Edition. |
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo releases: 2006–2008
| Version number | Release date | Release details |
|---|---|---|
| XI (11.00) | 12 September 2006 | Rebranded as "Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI". Notable upgrades from version X:
|
| XI (11.11) | December 2006 | Bug fixes addressing Camera Raw image rendering quality, added support for two additional camera models, improved organizer speed, plus introduction of 'One-step photo fixes'. |
| XI (11.20) | February 2007 | Final release compatible with Windows 2000 operating system. |
| X2 (12.00) | 5 September 2007 | Significant new features include:
|
| X2 (12.01) | 1 November 2007 | Expanded RAW camera format support from nine manufacturers added. |
| X2 (12.50) | 9 September 2008 (Ultimate) | Ultimate edition features:
|
Corel PaintShop Photo Pro releases: 2010-2011
| Version number | Release date | Release details |
|---|---|---|
| X3 (13.00) | 25 January 2010 | Renamed as "PaintShop Photo Pro X3". Major enhancements over X2 include:
|
| X3 Service Pack 1 (13.10) | 12 March 2010 | Stability fixes addressing crashes in Full Editor and Express Lab; corrections for EXIF metadata display and TIFF file handling; ensures commands with live preview execute properly. |
| X3 Service Pack 2 (13.20) | 29 June 2010 | Updates include:
|
| X3 Service Pack 3 (13.30) | 17 November 2010 | Emphasis on overall stability enhancements and improved compatibility with third-party photo-editing plug-ins. |
| X3 Service Pack 4 (13.40) | 17 December 2010 | Included updates:
|
| X3 Service Pack 5 (13.50) | 5 September 2011 | Features added:
|
Corel PaintShop Pro releases: 2011–present
| Version number | Release date | Release notes |
|---|---|---|
| X4 (14.0) | 7 September 2011 | Renamed as "PaintShop Pro X4". Enhancements over X3 include:
Ultimate edition offers Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0 filters, selection of 21 premium images from Fotolia, plus additional Picture Tubes. |
| X4 Service Pack 1 (14.1) | 5 December 2011 | Updates feature:
|
| X4 Service Pack 2 (14.2) | 31 May 2012 | Improvements include:
|
| X4 Service Pack 2 (14.3) | 3 December 2012 | Bug corrections addressing:
|
| X5 (15.0) | 5 September 2012, 5 June 2013 (Walmart) | Based on Ulead PhotoExplorer, key features include:
Ultimate edition includes Reallusion FaceFilter Studio 2.0, NIK Color Efex Pro 3.0, and a creative pack of brushes and textures. |
| X5 Service Pack 1 (15.1) | 6 August 2012 | Updates comprise:
|
| X5 Service Pack 2 (15.2) | 31 January 2013 | Added RAW compatibility for over a dozen cameras including Canon EOS-1D X and Nikon D600; improvements in cataloging; increased stability. |
| X5 Service Pack 3 (15.3) | 15 August 2013 | Extended RAW support for Canon EOS and Nikon D7100 series; workspace corrections; stability upgrades. |
| X6 (16.0) | 4 September 2013 | Highlights:
Ultimate edition bundles Athentech Imaging's Perfectly Clear and Reallusion's FaceFilter3 Standard. |
| X6 Service Pack 1 (16.1) | 31 October 2013 | Updates include:
|
| X6 Service Pack 2 (16.2) | 6 March 2014 | Introduced RAW support for multiple Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Leica, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony models; improved high-resolution display handling; fixed stability issues. |
| X7 (17.0) | 27 August 2014 | New capabilities include:
|
| X7 Service Pack 1 (17.1) | 7 January 2015 | Stability refinements and expanded access to creative content within the software. |
| X7 Service Pack 2 (17.2) | 17 March 2015 | Added RAW compatibility for more than twenty new camera models; overall stability improvements. |
| X7 Service Pack 3 (17.3) | 28 May 2015 | Further extended RAW support by over ten additional cameras; ongoing stability enhancements. |
| X7 Service Pack 4 (17.4) | 23 February 2017 | Launched new Welcome workspace; incorporated RAW support for twenty-nine new cameras; included complimentary Corel ParticleShop plugin featuring five brushes; noted impact on workspace customization. |
| X8 (18.0) | 11 September 2015 | Features introduced:
|
| X8 Service Pack 1 (18.1) | 21 December 2015 | Added Welcome guide with dynamic content trays; brush performance optimizations; various stability fixes. |
| X8 Service Pack 2 (18.2) | 21 April 2016 | Option to revert Materials palette to classic layout; RAW format support expanded by over twenty-five new cameras; updated lens profiles; assorted bug fixes. |
| X9 (19.0) | 18 August 2016 | Introduced Project Templates feature; Smart Capture screenshot utility; Gradient Fill tool enhancements; improved stylus/tablet integration and text tool functionality; real-time photo effect upgrades. |
| 2018 (20.0) | 9 August 2017 | Performance improvements realized through faster operations; interface streamlined with larger toolbar icons; addition of more than one hundred twenty-five new brushes, gradients, textures, and patterns. |
| 2019 (21.0) | August 28, 2018 | Simplified user interface introduced alongside two new creative editing tools focused on separate-window adjustments for straightening images and tripod head removal; enhanced overall performance complemented by extensive creative content updates. |
| 2020 (22.0) | August 1, 2019 | New Photography Workspace tailored for touch input introduced along with SmartClone tool and Refine Brush feature; upgraded text editing capabilities including wrapping and rendering improvements; creative photo effects added through GRFX Studio encompassing photo animations; improved copy-paste of layer styles plus depth of field effects alongside refinements to legacy features. |
| 2023 (25.0) | December 2022 | Added AfterShot Lab module functionality; enhanced Frame Tool features introduced; Focus Stacking capability included; real-time Blend Mode preview improved along with Snap to Objects functionality plus various usability and performance enhancements. |
Picture tubes
Picture tubes are graphic elements without any backgrounds, utilized as components to assemble intricate images by merging them with other graphical parts. Initially, they operated similarly to graphic brushes but created image trails instead of color strokes. Popular themes for these tubes include alphabets, human figures (dollz), animals, toys, floral designs, romantic expressions, and symbols representing various seasons.
The introduction of the tube feature occurred with PSP Pro version 5. Native tube formats include , , , and . External software such as XnView, IrfanView, and TubeEx can convert files from format into .
Ultimate edition
PaintShop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate was released toward the conclusion of PaintShop Pro Photo X2’s product cycle in September 2008. This edition incorporated 150 picture frames, Picture Tubes, a Background Remover tool, Corel Painter Photo Essentials 4, Photorecovery capabilities, RAW compatibility for 250 camera models, and a 2GB USB flash drive.
Subsequent Ultimate editions launched alongside standard versions offered additional features: X4 Ultimate included Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0, a voucher for 21 premium images from Fotolia, and extra Picture Tubes; X5 Ultimate added Reallusion FaceFilter Studio 2.0, NIK Color Efex Pro 3.0, plus more than 100 exclusive brushes, textures, and royalty-free backgrounds. The X6 and X7 Ultimate releases integrated Athentech Imaging’s Perfectly Clear and Reallusion’s FaceFilter3 Standard.
These bundled extras require installation through their specific PaintShop version but can later be transferred to other versions—for instance, plugins installed with X5 can be moved to X6 and continue working even if X5 is removed. Since Corel typically issues new major versions annually, this arrangement enables users to upgrade without losing access to Ultimate edition add-ons from prior releases.
- Paint Shop Pro Personal is a Japanese-market variant of JASC Paint Shop Pro 9, distributed by Sourcenext Corporation.
- Paint Shop Photo Album is a streamlined version of Paint Shop Pro designed for photo enhancement, management, and sharing; Corel released its fifth version.
- Corel Paint Shop Pro Album Personal represents a localized Japanese edition of Corel Paint Shop Pro Album 5 Deluxe, also published by Sourcenext Corporation.
- Corel Photo Album succeeded Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album with its sixth iteration.
- Corel PaintShop Photo Express followed Corel Photo Album’s lineage, initially released as PaintShop Photo Express 2010.
- Paint Shop Pro Photo Studio was introduced to commemorate the launch of Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2.
License management software
From versions X through X8, the software includes a third-party Windows service called , known as ProtexisLicensing. Created by Protexis, this background service handles license data management and communicates with a remote server. Disabling this service may result in Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo ceasing to operate.
See also
External links
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