PaintShop Pro VS PhotoShop

Jason_Batten

Hey all,

I've never really gotten into graphics before. I can do very basic things in PaintShop Pro but I am wondering which program would be best suited for web site design.
I know that PhotoShop is the big bad boy of the professional game development world but what about simple web site graphics?
I mainly would just like to create banner, header and forum type images rather than buttons. The graphics will mainly be used on business type web sites.

So which one do you use? Which one is the most user-friendly? etc.?

Note: I own both programs, my brother being a graphics/model artist he uses PhotoShop. Versions are (I think) PSP7 and PS6 🙂

Shrike

I've only used Paint Shop Pro a very small amount but it seemed ok - perfectly suited to your needs. Photoshop CS is the latest version I think, and yes it's very good but also very expensive.

Having only used Photoshop before I found PSP's UI a little irritating but I'm sure that is just because I'm used to Photoshop.

vaaaska

I don't use either...I use Fireworks.

Photoshop is for more complicated image editing and for print production. Fireworks seems to understand what a web designer needs and all the tools are in just one application. Plus, FW gives you really precise pixel control and what I really like most is that if you draw an object using paths you get a very clear idea of how it's going to scale.

Even the great John Hicks/webdesigner claims he uses FW (http://www.hicksdesign.co.uk/).

That being said, if I could only pick one of them I'd go for Photoshop, but as it is, FW is my preference.

Weedpacket

I tinkered once or twice with PSP, and used Photoshop up to V.5; but I've since found the Gimp pretty much fills my image production needs.

pyro

I use all three (PSP, Photoshop and Fireworks), but for web design comps / logos I definitely prefer Fireworks...

goldbug

Originally posted by vaaaska
Fireworks seems to understand what a web designer needs and all the tools are in just one application. Plus, FW gives you really precise pixel control and what I really like most is that if you draw an object using paths you get a very clear idea of how it's going to scale.

I'll also put in my vote for Fireworks. In fact, it's one of the few apps I truly miss when working in linux (without win4lin). My main workstation dual boots into windows almost solely for fireworks.

Elizabeth

I've always used Photoshop, so I guess I'm biased now.

Hey you Fireworks guys - does Fireworks output any vector graphics or is it strictly Web?

Sxooter

And don't forget the Gimp. It's free, and available for Mac, Linux, and Windows. I'm certainly satisfied with it on my linux box. Never run it in Windows.

pohopo

i have been using photoshop forever, but I think I will have to check out fireworks now.

goldbug

Originally posted by Elizabeth
I've always used Photoshop, so I guess I'm biased now.

Hey you Fireworks guys - does Fireworks output any vector graphics or is it strictly Web?

Not sure about the new version (I'm still plodding along in FW 4), but according to the Export drop down, it can save:
- Lotus Domino Designer
- Flash (SWF)
- Illustrator 7
- Photoshop (PSD)

Now whether or not those are retained as vector objects, I cannot say (don't have any of those handy), but I do know back from when I did Flash, you could pass stuff between Flash & FW and it would remain vectored.

Elizabeth

I have Fireworks here, never taken the time to learn it or use it really; I'm thinking I'm like pohopo and I might have to give it a whirl.

Thanks for the info GB...

piersk

Originally posted by goldbug
- Lotus Domino Designer
- Flash (SWF)
- Illustrator 7
- Photoshop (PSD)

Fireworks MX 2004 (who wants to touch me? :p ) has the same list.

Mordecai

I've found that in 9 out of 10 times, Paint Shop Pro was better. It was not only much faster, it was about 4,000 times easier.

If you're going to be doing pretty advanced graphics, I'd recommend it over just about anything.

If you're doing basic stuff (like most web art would be), the GIMP will be your best friend.