Shopping for PSP 2018

[Linda Lou]

Hi all,
I have been using PaintShop Pro for over 15 years. My v. 8.1 is constantly crashing on Windows 10, and I'm getting tired of reinstalling it. Therefore, I am considering purchasing the 2018 version. For the new version will I be able to use all the tubes, shapes, brushes, gradients, and picture frames that I have created and collected over the years?

[Ravelli]

Hello Linda,

I'm just looking at the same, but with PSP7.04, so an even older version. It seems everything from former versions can be used in today's PSP.

- Tubes coming as .tub files still work in PSP2018.
https://snag.gy/NXD2Qb.jpg
- Shapes coming as .jsl files still work in PSP2018. If you make new ones today, they will be saved as .PSPShape files.
https://snag.gy/v7gMtN.jpg
- Brushes coming as .jbr files can be imported into PSP2018. They will be converted into separate .PspBrush and .PspScript files, so you can still use them.
https://snag.gy/LnpQkH.jpg
- Gradients coming as .jgd files still work in PSP2018. I still have custom made ones from 2002, and they still work.
https://snag.gy/IwmBta.jpg
- Picture Frames coming as .pfr files still work in PSP2018.
https://snag.gy/smql4u.jpg

If you want to have tested anything before, I guess one of us can do that for you. But, the current PSP is pretty compatible with ancient PSP files, so you don't have to worry.

Wish you a nice day,
Ravelli

[Linda Lou]

Hi Ravelli,

Thank you for the helpful information. I am going to download the trial so I can familiarize myself with it, and purchase the software if I don't have too much trouble with new processes and terminology.

Regards,
Linda Lou

[Linda Lou]

Trial installed, and will be ordering if I can get answers to the following four questions. Terminology seems the same, but navigation will take some learning. My brain is still attempting to translate procedures from my old Jasc PSP 6,7,8.

First, let me say that I rarely work on photos. I do, however, work on .png and .jpg image files many hours each day.
Questions:
1. While I am creating or editing an image in Edit how do I browse the other image files on my computer without having to go back to the Manage tab? I used to be able to go to File>Browse and navigate to them (all within my Workspace). At that point I could scroll my cursor over each image and see its size to compare or select one for editing along with what was currently in the workspace. Is there a way to do this in 2018 so that I don't have to keep flipping back to the Manage tab?

2. The trial installs as 64-bit. The computer that I have 2018 trial installed on is two years old, not ancient. PSP 2018 takes 10 or more seconds to load. Will 32-bit version load faster? If so what is the main difference between the two versions as far as performance and features?

3. I am aware that there are great videos available as well as Help/Learning within the program. Does the boxed disc come with a book (as my older versions did)? If not can one be ordered from Corel? In my days of earlier versions, I learned best when I could sit with the book next to me and refer to it step-by-step as I worked.

4. I've set my file locations for my tubes, brushes, plugins, etc. Enabled is checked as well as sub folders. The brushes and tubes are showing up in my Workspace but I'm still getting "No Plugins are loaded". What am I doing wrong? Do I need to manually paste those plugin folders into Corel's plugins folder?

Ravelli was so helpful with my other questions that I'm hoping one of you can help to answer these. Thanks!

[Ravelli]

1) On Windows SHIFT+F9 should show you the small Manager in the Editor. (I never use it)

2) The 64-bit version can address more memory of your computer. All 32-bit applications are limited to 2 GB only. You should work generally with the 64-bit version. For the case you want to use an old plugin which is available for 32-bit only, you can use the 32-bit version. Of course you may use 32-bit always, but 64-bit is the future.

3) I had this printed handbook in a former version, but never looked at it. Here in Germany they are part of a software because of our laws. You can find it in the Help menu, which opens a Corel website. But it is not a big help, since it covers only the basics - it just explains that you can do this and that, but not the background. The editor of PSP has not changed that much since PSP 7 (I use it since version 2.0 around 1993/94). Most changes are cosmetics, means a modern user interface and several minor bugs... erm... features!

4) Uhm, hard to say! Perhaps you set the plugin for PSP 64-bit folder to 32-bit plugins? I don't use many plugins, so I will double check this later.

Edit: here a screenshot of my Plugin settings: https://snag.gy/3Zy5IP.jpg
I do install plugins anywhere on my computer and then set the path like shown in the screenshot. Or I move them manually into the plugin folder. And it turned out, I have ancient plugins (.8bf from 2004) in the 64-bit plugin folder, and they still work in the 64-bit PSP! Please double-check your plugin settings.

[JoeB]

4) Uhm, hard to say! Perhaps you set the plugin for PSP 64-bit folder to 32-bit plugins? I don't use many plugins, so I will double check this later.

Edit: here a screenshot of my Plugin settings: https://snag.gy/3Zy5IP.jpg
I do install plugins anywhere on my computer and then set the path like shown in the screenshot. Or I move them manually into the plugin folder. And it turned out, I have ancient plugins (.8bf from 2004) in the 64-bit plugin folder, and they still work in the 64-bit PSP! Please double-check your plugin settings.

I have both the 32bit and 64bit versions of PSP2018 installed (which is recommended when installing, by the way - except for the Trial version which is only 64bit). My 64bit version will not run my 32 bit plugins, which is to be expected. So I'd be interested in knowing which 32bit plugin - including its version number - you have that still seems to run properly in your 64bit PSP.

I agree with your original answer to the OP (before your edit) that she should make sure that the plugins she is trying to open aren't 32bit plugins. If they are, then she won't be able to see them until she gets the 32bit PSP installed.

[Ravelli]

Hello JoeB,
thank you for asking, so I could triple-check what I couldn't believed myself. turned out, the plugins in question are installed as 32-bit and 64-bit - I saw only the 32-bit ones. Sorry for the confusion, Linda!
(The plugins are from the Flaming Pear Freebie collection, but this fact is unimportant now)

Ravelli

[Linda Lou]

Shift+F2 gives me a black screen. Is there another way to open the small Manager while in Edit? The 2018 Organizer in Edit isn't quite what I need to see a view of all image files in a Folder. That is how I compare images of cordinating colors and similar sizes so I can work on two or more at the same time.

As far as working on more than one image in Edit, each one seems to open on a new tab. How do I open more than one in the SAME workspace without having to copy/paste from one tab to another?

"Perhaps you set the plugin for PSP 64-bit folder to 32-bit plugins?"

Ah, now that you mention it, that makes sense; I forgot - yes, I did. All my plugins are 32-bit from the old days.
DSB flux (for effects) and VDL Adrenaline (for all types of snow) are my favorites. Therefore, will they work if I install 32 as well as 64 in 2018? If so when I install from the purchased disc will there be a choice to install both at the same time or will that be two processes?

As I read and watch more videos I am amazed at all the new features, and how easy they will be. The 2018 version will be so much fun - if I can remember where to find everything.

Thank you so much for all your help. I'm getting there slowly.

[hartpaul]

Try Windows > Tabbed Documents and make sure it is unticked.

For the small manager which is called the Organiser , then Shift + F9 will give that or View > Palettes > Organiser.
This can also be unpinned so that it auto hides in bottom left corner when you move cursor away from it.

For browsing to other folders, you can use the Show/ Hide Navigation to browse to other folders, but there does not appear to be a way to show all of the thumbs in small size as in the browser in PSP 8.1. Instead they show along the bottom and you can get them smaller by dragging the Organiser window down, but no way to have multiple lines of thumbs showing such as the thumbnail mode in Manage.

[Linda Lou]

Hello, hartpaul,
Thank you for jumping into the discussion.
What does unchecking Window>Tabbed Documents change? I should know what I'm changing so I know what to do in case I need to reset it sometime.

there does not appear to be a way to show all of the thumbs in small size as in the browser in PSP 8.1.

Ugh, that's not going to be fun when there are hundreds of image thumbnails to scroll through in that scrolling Organizer which has been worthless to me so far. Perhaps I'll have to get used to flipping back to Manage>Navigation, but it still seems very inconvenient. Is there by any chance a way to resize the Manage>Navigation tab and keep it open as a smaller window while working in Edit? Might be good suggestion for 2019.

[hartpaul]

What does unchecking Window>Tabbed Documents change? I should know what I'm changing so I know what to do in case I need to reset it sometime.

It is reset by ticking and unticking.

With it ticked and multiple images loaded you can only see one image at a time and have to click the tab for each image to see it.

Coming from PSP 8.1 you would be used to seeing many different images at once in the workspace so unticking Tabbed documents would suit you. Load say 5 images and then tick and untick the Tabbed documents to see what it looks like.

I don't use the organiser or the Manage preferring instead to open up the Windows explorer window for that folder and selecting to view large thumbs. That way it almost looks like the browse window from PSP 8.1. Images are easily dragged and dropped into the workspace from there and clicking on the workspace or an image there causes the explorer folder to be hidden from view. It can be viewed again by clicking on the folder on the task bar,

[juergen]

Therefore, will they work if I install 32 as well as 64 in 2018? If so when I install from the purchased disc will there be a choice to install both at the same time or will that be two processes?

PSP2018 or the plugins?

Plugins: I think it depends, but you have to customize both 32/64bit of PSP separately (settings, path to plugins...)
2018: Don't know exactly, i think you were be prompted to install the 32bit Version after installinmg the 64bit version.

Regards, Jürgen

[Ken Berry]

If so when I install from the purchased disc will there be a choice to install both at the same time or will that be two processes?

With PSP 2018, as with the most recent previous versions, when you start installing you are presented with the choice of which versions to install. The first option, which the installation process itself tells you is Recommended, is to install both 32 and 64 bit versions. I always accept this, and installation of both versions proceed with no further intervention by me.

Some people choose one or the other -- some choose the 32 bit version only since all of their plug-ins are 32 bit. Some choose one version because they don't have much space left on their hard disk. But if these considerations don't apply to you, simply accept the recommendation to install both versions.

[JoeB]

All my plugins are 32-bit from the old days.
DSB flux (for effects) and VDL Adrenaline (for all types of snow) are my favorites. Therefore, will they work if I install 32 as well as 64 in 2018? If so when I install from the purchased disc will there be a choice to install both at the same time or will that be two processes?

When you get and install the retail version of PSP2018 you will get a dialogue asking which versions you wish to install. The first option is to install both 32bit and 64bit and is shown as recommended. You should choose that option, and both versions will install as you continue the installation. Then, when both are installed, start by opening the 32bit version and, in the welcome screen, choose the option to use the Complete workspace rather than essentials. This will allow you to completely customize PSP to your liking. Then, in the Edit screen, start setting your Preferences, going through each one. I suggest in the Tabs option you select not to open in the Welcome screen but to open in either Edit or Manage, whichever you prefer.

When you have done your preference options make sure to save your workspace! And, as you further customize your workspace over time (rearranging palettes, moving or adding or removing tool icons/buttons, etc.), always make sure to save the workspace again or you will lose those changes.

Except for File Locations all of the customizations you do in the 32bit version will show up when you open the 64bit version - they share the same Workspace file - so you don't have to set up those workspace options separately in each version of PSP. You could, similarly, start with the 64bit version to make your customizations but I suggest the 32bit version simply because you have 32bit plugins you'll need to point that version to and likely the version you'll be using because of the plugins. If you do have or get 64bit plugins then you'll have to point the 64bit version to their locations.

[Linda Lou]

Thank you, all, for the excellent explanations.
@Hartpaul great idea to keep a Windows Explorer window open. I did not realize that I could drag images from that into the PSP workspace. Very cool! Now I can hide the other two tabs, and following your suggestion about Tabbed Documents, I can work on multiple images in one workspace.

I appreciate the info on installing 2018.
Again, many thanks for helping me to get started with this new version. Great forum!