Paint Shop Pro X3 Wish List for Future Version

[df]

It would be nice to add a numerical input boxes for entering exact value (like: 39) in Layer Properties dialog...

Right click the layer you want to change and click Properties. I think there's even a key stroke for getting there for the currently selected layer. It would be much easier to just be able to input a number without having to do this though.

[JayTee]

I've been a user of X2 for a while now and have dabbled with previous versions prior to acquisition by Corel.

Although X2 hasn't got RAW support for my Canon 40D, I saw no reason to change to X3 - and by the sound of it I made a good choice, as it appears that X3 is quite a retrograde step. I have downloaded the trial onto a separate machine to see what it may offer and the answer is plenty. But that 'plenty' is negated by the painfully slow operation and inconsistent function operation. In X2, I use 'Clarify' occasionally but in X3 I think this has been replaced by Vibrancy which it appears you can't turn off the 'Preview on image' checkbox, adding to the frustration waiting for the refresh.

Anyway a general impression causes me to think I'll wait for X4 (hopefully on a user Beta Release Program) and expect that efficiency and consistency have improved greatly.

[Tadjio]

In my experience, X3 is slightly faster and more stable than X2.

Also, the new Local Tone Mapping is what 'replaces' Clarify and
has the identical Preview option for switching on or off as with all the other tools.

Incidentally, the old Clarify is still available for Scripts. I don't use Local Tone Mapping.

I checked on Vibrancy and it has the same Preview option but it's slow to proof so you might think it is not working.
The Help system defines it as follows:-
"Dragging the slider to the right increases the saturation of the least saturated colors while leaving highly saturated colors unaltered".

I'm curious as to why you think that X3 is quite a retrograde step?

[LeviFiction]

Incidentally, the old Clarify is still available for Scripts. I don't use Local Tone Mapping.

Tadjio - You meant the command is stilled called clarify in scripts right? Sorry your phrasing is a bit odd. It sounds like you think the Clarify command in scripts is different from the Local Tone Mapping command in the menu. Which isn't true, the menu name changed but it's still the exact same clarify command that you have access to in scripts.

[Tadjio]

No. Local Tone Mapping is subtly different from Clarify.
I investigated it when X3 came out but can't recall the full details now.

Yes, you can invoke Clarify within Scripts but it is removed from the Customizeable Menus.

[LeviFiction]

Well you'll have to figure it out again and tell us what this subtle difference is, because in my own testing there is no difference. Every application, and I did a study of the pixels, was the same whether using the script or the command. Even recording scripts the Local Tone Mapping is recorded as "Clarify."
I realize the difference probably makes no difference at all for most people, but I'm saying that a difference shouldn't exist based on the way they have the scripting and command work so I would like to know what's different if I continue to use it like this.

[Tadjio]

Well you'll have to figure it out again and tell us what this subtle difference is...

I have replied in a New Topic: Local Tone Mapping or Clarify.

[JayTee]

Thx to Levifiction and Tadjio for their messages - seems like I've stirred the juices re Clarify - I hope it all works out

[jcouvaras]

My Wish List

Have only been using the program for a week (have been an ACDSee Pro user for years)
Initial observations:

1. Database builder - do not like the MediaCataloger working in the background and taking resources
(by to 20+% processor resources) when I’d prefer to manage and decide what I want catalogued, or re-catalogue.

2. I have also found that when I open a JPG to edit, it always goes to 100% magnification.

3. Sort By Option - Find this very basic. There should be more – at least an Exif Original date created.

4. Exif Info – the advanced is rather basic. Today’s cameras have so much more information.
Does appear that GPS co-ordinates do not show.

5. Thumbnail Mode – is it possible for this screen be re-layed out for personal workspace?
In the drop-down menu I see View-Customise is blanked out – but not sure if that is the correct option.

6. Dual Monitor support would be good.

A lot more still to learn and understand, so do not make this a gripe list - just that some pretty basis stuff looks to be missing.

Thanks
John

[Tadjio]

I get the impression you have been concentrating on the "Organizer" rather than Full Edit Mode.

In Full Edit Mode you can use Dual Monitors and Image > Image Information gives details of the EXIF data.

[LeviFiction]

I too would like to see this improved upon.

The loading at 100% is a known bug that only happens for a lot of us but not all of us, interestingly enough.

Also customize is only for the full editor. The Organizer only has two views, as for customization of those views.....you can close the general information pane.

You can also turn off the cataloger in the program preferences.

[Micheal]

I have used PSP since Vers 7 and upgraded every time with new releases - this was because Jasc always added something new to the graphics side of the program.

Therefore i would like to see things like Stroking Selections added -- I am using a free script for this so i cant see why it cant be included.
Also a set of Render Filters simlar to U-Know -Whos -- again i have to use a free plugin to obtain the Couds Filter.
I would also like a Locked Layer to be just that - everything locked out of it - at the moment you can corrupt a locked layer with certain tools etc.
I would like to see The gradient tool revamped, its old hat and needs bring more up to date -- to be something along the lines of Serif DrawPlus 3/4 - Maybe a licenec could be negotiated
To allow Drawplus3/4 file vector file formats to cross platforms with PSP files.

I think it is important for graphics tools to be included in an Image editing program as they are in other Editors

[jcouvaras]

I get the impression you have been concentrating on the "Organizer" rather than Full Edit Mode.

In Full Edit Mode you can use Dual Monitors and Image > Image Information gives details of the EXIF data.

Thanks
Know this is a little off-subject, but I cannot see in full edit mode where to use second monitor?
Re eXit - a real pity you have to go into edit mode to view exif info. strange.
Better place would be in the organiser, but that only has summery info.
Thanks again.
John

[Tadjio]

I get the impression you have been concentrating on the "Organizer" rather than Full Edit Mode.
In Full Edit Mode you can use Dual Monitors and Image > Image Information gives details of the EXIF data.

Thanks
Know this is a little off-subject, but I cannot see in full edit mode where to use second monitor?
Re eXit - a real pity you have to go into edit mode to view exif info. strange.
Better place would be in the organiser, but that only has summery info.
Thanks again.
John

PSP originated as just the "full edit mode" - the Organizer was added much later.
Personally, I always start in Full Edit Mode (set in Preferences).
To use Dual Monitors, just drag any Tool Window onto the second screen.
I have all of mine on the second screen, leaving a large area for editing on the first screen (see attached).

[jukka]

This app has so much potential and so many annoying features. Try it yourself

Open PSP X# (latest) and open Organizer. What do you see ??
-> You see the pics you edited last. BUT the folder tree view is collapsed ? Why it is collapsed and not also show open the folder that from the pics are shown ??

You open image in express lab. Smart fix shows the pipet on top of image (when mouseover/hoover the image)
-> You change to the Color Balance and there is NO PIPET for checking the color values !


You open image in express lab from organizer. Close the Elab.
Is the file you edited still selected so you see what image to edit next ? No ! Not any kind of coloured borders.
What if the folder has alot pics so that the scrollbar state should be saved? NO! the scrollbar is at the beginning always. Not where you left it.


Normal File Explorer:
You can select files with clicking and using CTRL + Shift to add range to your selection that IS NOT EMPTY
BUT it does not work in here. Of course not.
Try it your self: CTRL-Click 3 images. Now leave a couple between and click CTRL + image. Now select last one with CTRL+Shift. You have two ranges selected.