Paint Shop Professional PSP X2 interface, menu, toolbars, and more.
What does the PSP program look like, and where is everything?

Newbie 101: Learn how to set up PSP X2 work area by only using the pallets that are needed most often.

Learn how to setup PSP for easier use. The instructions below is for new Paint Shop Pro X2 PSP user that does not know the basic format of the program or for someone that is interested in purchasing the program, but would like a quick view. Reading the below information will allow you to leave here with enough knowledge of the program to use it with more ease. You will see what is meant by "Layers" and also view the main PSP menu, and toolbar. We also have an active page that shows you what the PSP X2 main menu and the PSP X2 toolbar contains. To view this information visit our PSP menu and toolbar page.

The version that I personally feel is the best one is verion 12 a.k.a X2. The user interface is absolutely magnificent! The darker colors make my work area stand out so that I can get a better feel, and views Everytime a new version comes out it gets better and smarter.

This program version truly has some of the greatest organization tools that I've ever seen in any of the PSP versions. View the screenshot below, and follow the tips to setup the program for easier use.

Let's get the PSP work area in order
What windows should you have open in PSP?

Open up Paint Shop Professional and follow the directions below. Above is the small screen shot of the PSP X2 User Interface. To see the full view of this image visit the full PSP Program screen shot here. NOTE: Those on dial up may prefer this higher compressed image.

The Best PSP User Interface Settings
Use the above screenshot image to help you locate these areas

1. Go to View, choose Toolbars, and make sure "Tools" is chosen.

2. Go to View, choose Palettes, and make sure these three are chosen, Layers, Materials, and Tool options.

Note: I myself like to sometimes have the history palette open, but that is your choice. As for the others palettes listed I rarely have them open all the time. I suggest closing all other palettes as you do not want all those windows open to clutter your work area.

3. Once you have chosen the above palettes you will see these palettes open on your PSP desktop called Materials & Layers. You can now resize these windows so that they do not clutter your viewing area.

There are several pallets, tools and more. The goal is to have more workspace that is clear of clutter. You can always open up other tools when needed for later projects, but the settings I've given here are the standard. These also help if you are on a computer that is low on memory or with a slower CPU.

Be sure to review the PSP help section within the program. This area alone is like a college course for PSP and is worth the time. You will find everything you need to know there.

 

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Here is an important PSP tip. When new users try PSP for the first time they always ask "Where is the selection tool". After viewing the screen shot I would like for you to look at the selection tool button and notice the small downward pointing arrow. Click on that itsy bitsy arrow, and you will see there are other types of selection tools there for your to choose from.  Many tutorials ask you to choose the magic wand, but yet the magic wand may not always be showing in the toolbar until you click that little arrow to choose it.

If you do three tutorials made for either PSP 9 or 10, 11, or 12, you will then have enough knowledge of the program to continue on to bigger and better things! Its truly a great program.!
We also have a page that shows the PSP X version 10 interface.

Graphics on site: This web sites graphics were all made by me using the Corel Paint Shop Professional program. We are currently working with software by Corel, and you can buy Corel Software directly from official site Corel.com . All animations are typically made with Corels Animation Shop 3. Animation Shop 3 Download (11.2 MB)