Learning curve

[pwink44]

I have had PSP ver. 5 by Jasc for 25 yrs.(Because I won a beta version in a raffle from a computer co. and it has been able to install on every version of windows from 95 to 11) {when you learn how to make one work you hate to start the learning curve again}.
If I finally upgrade, how bad will the learning curve be?
tks, pwink44

[LeviFiction]

I've never used version 5, but from the history listings online a lot was added just from version 5 to version 9. And we're quite a ways down the line. Or have you heard of paint.net? That's closer to PSP 7 in a lot of ways while having some up to date features.

Your best bet, download the trial and play with it for 30 days.

[User10232023]

I used JASC 5 briefly before I jump to PSP7 when it came out and used PSP7 everyday for +20 years until around October 2023.
For me the PSP 2021 in Complete mode was the easiest to transition but there's still a learning curve on where some functions are, or what the new icons look like now.

My honest experience with PSP2023 Trial was such that I gave up on it and its issues.
I then trialed about 25-30 other software programs before coming back and trying trial of PSP2021 complete because of good reviews etc.
And I've found it has a mostly familiar UI and ended up buying PSP2021 complete from ebay (was lucky new-old stock).

PSP is still highly customizable, for example the tools toolbar customizing to single click icons.
Although I'm still customizing and my UI is kind of a mess atm, here's a screenshot of the current mess I've made.

There are a few things that I find are different or needlessly-complicated enough that I miss the old JASC versions.
- Jpeg artifact removal was replaced with "AI Denoise" with no option to disable and no controls.
- Browse folders (its very different and slow)
- circular colour palette (the new square version is so-so imo)
- icon images (some icons used to be simple & easy to recognize/less-abstract, ie clone tool)
- mouse wheel zoom in/out no longer re-centers where mouse cursor is located on image.
But those things might have solutions on these forums that I haven't searched/found yet.

I make it all sound bad but there is a ton of good things with newer PSP version.
The smart photo fix being probably my favorite new part of PSP.
Also a good thing to know is save UI after customizing:
File > Workspace > Save (keep UI changes)
File > Preferences (lots of options to customize UI, like the other day I somehow changed UI to show big icons.)
Also the community here is pretty good for trying to help out, but forums also have a lot of info to find with a quick search or two.

[LeviFiction]

Hello,

Just uploaded a script that let's you get the old JPEG Artifact Removal filter back in 2023 - https://forum.corel.com/viewtopic.php?t=70618

Also, while you can't change the materials palette, you can change the color selection dialog back to the old version in the General preferences.

[Cassel]

It might not simulate everything for that version you are familiar with, but here is an article on how to use "old version" settings:
https://scrapbookcampus.com/2017/03/the ... tshop-pro/