Which photoshop should I get?

[chas_m]

Several reasonably-priced alternatives have already been mentioned. GIMP is really not a suitable package for a casual user.

 

[Corbab]

If you want a Photoshop-style app that won't break the bank, don't look to Adobe.

Pixelmator

Pixelmator will give you everything you want and need. It can be had for about $40 at Amazon.

Amazon.com: Pixelmator: Software

HUGE ups for Pixelmator. I'm currently using Photoshop, but I tried Pixelmator out before SL decided to work with CS3, and it's really a great program. There are a few things it leaves to be desired, but for 60 bucks, it's a great inexpensive alternative to Photoshop. It's also really easy to jump right in, most everything is self-explanatory or really easy to figure out.

 

[3DWall]

I must say that I can only give Gimp my best recommendations it is a very versatile tool in its latest versions and would fully live up to many peoples needs.

Photoshop is the marked leader and a onestop shop software because it has to satisfied many different groups from publishers, advertising companies, artist to web-designers just to name a few, but here is also the major problem with Photoshop, because in most cases you will not have any use for at least 50% of the functions but you still have to pay for them.

And sure I would love to own and use the latest version but in my country it costs as much as a new computer and that is simple too much. So now I use Gimp and in really many ways it offer the same possibilities as Photoshop and it is not harder to learn to use than if you want to use Photoshop the first time. Both softwares offer good help and manuals and the Internet are filled with tutorials for both.

So my advice is to give Gimp a try, if it don't live up to your expectations then you have not lost any money, and I can safely say that it is at least as good as most medium priced products on the marked I have tried.

 

[barry100]

I am new to the forums and to the digital editing world...but I have recently developed a desire to design my own docks, backgrounds, etc and I would like to know what software I should use or could use with spending the least amount of money as possible. Thanks for your help!

dont forget that photoshop elements is not as CRAZY pricey as the real photoshop. Infact you can get ot for about £79 and its a dead handy tool.

 

[SweetCosmicPope]

I have considered elements myself. I have extensive experience with photoshop (took visual design in school), but I've never been able to afford it.

Do all of these other programs allow for masking and layering? That's my biggest concern. I'm interested in elements, mostly because it's my understanding that it's compatible with photoshop filters.

 

[Jonzjob]

Nobody has mentioned Gimp? Any reason?

Sorry, I missed that there was a page 2!

 

[bobtomay]

If you're interested in Pixelmator and need to save a little cash - you can sign up for the my.smithmicro.com mailing list. They have Pixelmator on sale at $30 instead of $60 maybe 3-4 times a year.