Corel PaintShop Pro 2023 25.2.0.58 Update 2

Overview

The Corel PaintShop Pro X4 is a photo editing and management application that lives up to the standards set by its predecessors and continuing the legacy of this famous software utility. In essence, Corel PaintShop Pro X4 is amongst the picture editors that simplifies the entire process and the beauty of any capture can be substantially enhanced with just a couple of clicks.

However, unlike other applications of this sort, Corel PaintShop Pro X4 incorporates all the functionality features for management and editing in an exquisitely designed interface. After all, since this program was created for the purpose of augmenting the quality of your photographs, why should it not look good doing it?

Installation

Corel PaintShop Pro X4 is a fairly large application, but the truth is that most alternatives that include a similar array of editing features are generally within the same specifications. However, even given the size, Corel PaintShop Pro X4 installs seamlessly fast and without too much hassle. Although the program brings the Google Toolbar along for the ride, the option to skip its installation exists.

On a side note, users will notice that Corel PaintShop Pro X4 runs without hogging too much from the system’s resources, so the minimal requirements are pretty low. Once the installation process is complete you will be prompted to register it by adding your email address and country. There is no need, however, to log onto your email and click the confirmation link just yet.

Interface

As we have mentioned, the Corel PaintShop Pro X4 interface is beautifully designed with an incredible look that combines various tones of gray with white and navy blue. The first pop-up screen is designed to educate users regarding the main abilities and features included in the program in a comprehensive manner. However, even if you choose to close this window, the learning center located in the upper left subsection of the main screen will provide you with valuable tips.

The central panel of the Corel PaintShop Pro X4 interface is the actual work area and its size can be adjusted to your liking. Underneath the work area you will notice the file manager that allows you to browse through your picture with ease. The left bar includes the common file editing tools, as you may have expected, based on the design of earlier versions, whereas the layers, colors and channels can be controlled via the sub-window to the right of the work area.

Pros

Corel PaintShop Pro X4 offers an immense array of possibilities when it comes to enhancing photos, creating slideshows or even integrating them in a HD video. This utility permits users to create 3D effects, distortions, illuminations, reflections and much more. Moreover, Corel PaintShop Pro X4 can be used to align and normalize all the objects and layers, remove red eye effects, perform skin smoothing, remove chromatic aberrations or set the contrast and brightness according to the needs of the capture.

Although mastering all the Corel PaintShop Pro X4 features and options will require some time, the good news is that all the tools are organized in intuitive subsections for more convenience. In addition, the learning center is always there to help in case you run into trouble. More good news for beginners, Corel PaintShop Pro X4 can actually suggest the modifications that should be performed on a picture due to its smart algorithms. Overall, any picture that has undergone a Corel PaintShop Pro X4 run-through will end up looking its very best.

Cons

Corel PaintShop Pro X4 will continuously nag you to purchase your copy of the full application throughout your entire 30-day trial period.

Alternatives

If you do not wish to purchase Corel PaintShop Pro X4 once the trial period is over, you could try out alternative applications such as PaintShop Pro X3 or PhotoLine.

Conclusion

Although Corel PaintShop Pro X4 does not really come cheap, it is an investment that no professional photographer can afford to skip. Since this photo editing software utility incorporates hundreds of tools that can immensely simplify the makeover process and can even provide valuable suggestions, it can save you time and money. However, even if you have just started your career in photography or are just practising it as a hobby, Corel PaintShop Pro X4 is the perfect tool to begin with.