Paint Shop Pro is one of the most popular graphic editing programs available today. It is also, in my opinion, one of the most well supported programs you are likely to come across.

There are hundreds of web sites on the internet, devoted to tutorials on how to create stunning graphics and other effects using this program. There are at least 2 active news groups in usenet, as well as several very popular and active user forums on the internet.

These forums are invaluable for obtaining help, information, tips, suggestions and links to PSP releated web sites. You can also see some of the incredible graphics that have been created by a host of very talented people.

One of PSP's strong points is the ability to handle colorization of black and white photos and images...Working with layers in PSP is a real snap.

It's ability to create text is pretty good, but the effects you get can be limited. There is a plug in program that works very will with PSP called Blade Pro, which allows you to add additional textures, and effects to text. Hand in hand, these programs work very well together.

While PSP compares well with some of the higer priced graphics programs, it's far easier to learn to use. I feel it's texturing ability is not as good as it could be, and in that respect, I perfer Photo Impact. It also dosen't handle text as well as Photo Impact.

The biggest selling point I think for PSP is it now comes with the ability to use vectors. Basically, this means you can create individual shapes, one at a time, modify them, and wind up some wonderful images. A classic example of using vectors can be found in the widly popular Spkie the Cat tutorial created by the talented Ron Lacey.

Over all, I think your going to get plenty of bang for your buck with the full version of Paint Shop Pro.....

While not nearly as easy to learn to use than Paint Shop Pro, Photo Impact is a great program. It is not nearly as well supported on the internet, but there are still some good tutorial sites.

The current version of PI, version 5.0 seems to be heads and heels over version 4.2. It has a lot more features, and some tasks have even been made easier in the newer version.

There are tons of material presets and images and lots of new and better features..... The new version comes with a Component Designer, that makes it easy to create button bars, and java roll over effects, for buttons and images that change. To see what can be accomplished using java roll over visit the java fun page.

As has been the case in past versions, PI5 handles text and beveled edges with ease. The material presets allow you to add metalic, glass, plastic and textures to your text and designs. One of the greatest features in version 5 is the ability to use almost any type of web page background and create a transparent image that blends in perfectly with it. You can see this feature in all the title logos on this site.

This program does only 1 thing. But it does it extremely well.... It automatically generates the java script code you need to add to your web page to get the popular roll over or mouse over effect where an image or button changes in appearance when you pass your mouse cusor over it.

What do I like about this program? The price..... It's FREE! And it's very easy to use..... Simply select the 2 images you want to use, the web page someone will be sent to when they click the image, and then click Generate. The code is instantly created, with nothing more for you to do but simply copy and paste it into your web page. Nothing could be easier.

I have a tutorial on how to use this program to create some great java effects.