Best free training/way to learn PSP X8?

[grinolot]

I am looking for a basic overview to start and the most efficient use of PSP along with the best practices for workflow and editing several images from a show.

[Kathy_9]

Here's one option. http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=52821

[Troy at TheGTAMblog]

If I may pop in, although they don't mention workflow specifically (how to get things done 'the fastest', etc), Corel does have an extensive "Learning" and "Discovery" areas at the PaintShopPro website and Corel.com. From the Basics to some Advanced effects that PSP offers, I went there to 'convert' a lot of my workflow/steps into 'how PSP does it', there. They also have a lot of great, short Tutorials on the various new Effects and capabilities in x8, too (that panel that pops up everytime you start PSPx8).

http://www.paintshoppro.com/en/learn/photo-editing/
http://learn.corel.com/photo-tutorials/
[There is another place Corel has but I can't think of it at the moment,sorry]

I only mention this because I was never one to ever "Read The Manual" with things in life, but it really helped a lot to get used to 'how PSP does things'. I think it would help you a lot, as it would give ideas that you could tailor your own personal workflow with. Have fun!

[trueblue]

The Learning & Discovery maybe good, but you don't get a mentor with 1 on 1 help learning PSP like you do in the Beginner's Workshop.

[hartpaul]

I am looking for a basic overview to start and the most efficient use of PSP along with the best practices for workflow and editing several images from a show.

I think a lot of us have picked up new tips to help speed up our work flow as we have used the product and also looked at this forum and other sites.

For many of the operatiomns there are many ways of making changes eg, changing the size of a brush -
1. type in the new value,
2. click and hold the fast change arrows (up and or down) to the right beside the numerical value for the brush,
3. click the larger button to the right so a drop down of sizes appears and then select the size.
4. Drag the blue slider below the size values
5. Click the size any button to make it active and then roll your mouse wheel (which was my favorite until I learnt #6)
6. Hold Alt key down and move the brush up to make it smaller and down to make it larger.

The last two have the advantage that your cursor is on the image and you can check the size there and get it right size while the others require revisiting the sizing buttons and guestimating if the size will be suitable.

A google search on Paintshop Pro Tips and Tricks brings up a number of ebooks and sites that have valuable shortcuts and tricks with using PSP

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Pain ... 8AftzYfYAg

Cassels 101 Tips and tricks and suzsplace.com are highly recommended and for plenty of tutorials you can look at

http://www.paintshopprotutorials.co.uk/
with tutorials for beginners to advanced.