

The standard version of PaintShop Pro 2020 costs $80, while existing users can upgrade for $60. Advancements in speed and performance are also promised. Other improvements include simplified layer styles that make it easier to copy and paste settings between layers, and support for the latest RAW camera formats. The second new tool, Refine Brush, makes it possible to “select an object with extreme precision and accuracy, down to a single strand of hair.” The final major new feature is a “touch-ready, highly-simplified workspace that allows you to focus exclusively on quick photo edits.” The first new tool, SmartClone, is a content-aware feature that allows you to do everything from simple retouching to creating complex photo composites by “seamlessly” merging elements from multiple images. We particularly liked the Refine Brush tool which made it incredibly easy to create complex selections.Corel has released a new version of its Windows-only photo editing software, PaintShop Pro 2020, offering “new content-aware technology and new selection refinement.” Billed as an “all-in-one photo editor and graphic design software,” PaintShop Pro 2020 allows you to do some serious photo manipulation not just simple tweaking. It hasn’t got all the features that Photoshop enjoys, but then again, it doesn't cost nearly as much, and the tools it does have, especially the ones in this update are most impressive. Final verdictĪll in all, Corel Paintshop Pro 2020 is a solid piece of software, which allows you to improve photographs and create complex composites with ease. This isn’t a complaint specific to Corel, but to any publisher who does this. It’s just hard to swallow, having paid good money for an app, to be confronted with a pay wall to gain access to more content. Sadly there are precious few add ons that are free, but the brushes are mostly cheap enough to give them a try. New brushes and palettes have also been introduced, but not all are bundled into the app by default - in order to get them, you need to access Corel’s online store (which you can do from Paintshop Pro’s welcome screen), and see everything that’s available - for a price.

The built-in online store gives you access to additional content - for a price (Image credit: Corel)
