PaintShop Pro X4 for Photographers 1st Edition

As with many software manuals (with the exception of the Kelby books), it starts off with a exceptionally clear explanation of the more basic parts of the software that most people will need most of the time, but as the book goes on to describe all the incredible features of the software, he sort of realizes that he has run out of space and he just more of less describes in general what the features can do without showing clear screenshots of where all the options and sliders are and really describing what they all do. So with the most complex features of the program, he leaves a lot up to you to try to figure out on your own exactly how everything works. Of course, trying to cram a complete explanation of this program into 320 pages is an impossible task, and given that, I think he does the best he could. So if you want a solid intro into how to post process your pictures you will have a lot to gain, but if you want the inside info on all the subtle talents of this program, don't expect more that a basic outline.

This is a good book when you start working with PaintShop Pro. It will give you quite good overview what you can do using this software. Unfortunatelly there is no examples of what you can do with step by step instruction. However you can still learn a lot and just start having fun with PaintShop Pro. Book is not expensive as well and that one of the rason to buy it. If you go through, work a little bit with software then you will have idea what is the next book you should look for.

For me, the text gets less than halfway to what I need. The Corel supplied manual is very skimpy. The online help adds steps with no explanation. The book gives some flow to follow to learn the software and provides light, descriptive text. However, what I require is a complement to the software that gives the details for all the whys and hows. For instance, the section on use of ICC profiles is very short and covers only one Epson printer. It does not provide enough detail on why choices were made to be useful for other printing situations. You will struggle in vain to find why you should be concerned with rendering intents and driver matching types, much less will you learn when particular selections are appropriate. Or: why do the custom trays only seem to hold 14 items? Why do items disappear from the trays? Why do some items appear? Why is the "Print Contact Sheet" option grayed out for the tray? I could go on with a dozen other examples. The manual with that information is what I must have. Alas, Ken's book is not that one.

Useful product for photographers and graphics artists covering in some detail and with step by step tutorials much of what this program will do. Disliked that mention was made of one feature having been given an explanation in a previous book (Color replacer tool) . This is not good enough. You must write as if for new people / readers that are seeing the program for the first time. Include details for all features . cover commonly used first and then to some of the lessor used but still useful features.

I have been able to do do more with my photos since I purchased this book. It is easy to use and written with plain and simple step by step directions. I tried several times to use the on-line help that come with the software to merge photos but it always turned out not quite right. Using this book I have finally been able to merge photos to my satisfaction. I have been able to start using the tools more as the step by step instructions the book gives is very easy to follow.

This is a good read. I actually have PaintShop X5, but this book has covered all my needs. It would be better if it came with a disc. The companion website is not very impressive, but the book is goood.

Reading this book (not finished yet) in front of the computed and following the instructions have made me understand and realize what I am capable of in addition to the basics of editing. I am tremendously pleased that I purchased it and cannot wait to complete it. I have already started to go back and re edit my trips to Europe.

Was looking for something to get started and progress. It is filled all that. Would recommed it to all first time users who want a hard copy.

Had a browse through and then had a go at some of the topics.Tried the HDR merge by following the steps in the book and to my pleasant surprise got some stunning pictures.I will gradually try all the different things to do and hope they are successful as well.A well written informative book that eases the reader through the various stages in an easy and understandable manner.Would definately recommend to anyone that wants to get the best out of PSPX4.

I have used several versions of Paintshop since version 9 but this is the first book by Ken McMahon that I have used.First it focusses very clearly on what it says on the cover and Ken's explanations and worked projects are very well written enabling the user to make rapid progress in their skills of using the many features offered by the software.Highly rated.

I have used Paint Shop Pro for many years (since version 3) but the later versions are not quite as intuitive to use so an Instruction Manual is needed. In the latest versions of Paint Shop Pro (since Corel took over) the included book informs what the software can do but not how to do it. This book should be included in with the software. I would recommend it.

Without this I may never have understood what I was doing with Corel.I know now and am on X6.And........ I seem to know what I am doing now LOL

Easy to follow and everything you need to know whether you are a beginner or not.A good buy for any oneinterested in the subject