Photoshop resources for PaintShop users?

A lot of graphic artists using PaintShop Pro have complained, over the years that Photoshop users have access to more resources. Maybe that is true, but did you know that PaintShop Pro users can sneak up on many of those Photoshop goodies? Let’s see what PSP users are NOT missing.

PaintShop Pro can open PSD files

Although PSD files are typically Photoshop format. Many layered files available online, and in digital stores are PSD because, unlike jpg and png format, they retain the layers. This is often the “standard” format for templates, whether they are layout templates, element templates or even paper templates.

Don’t assume that the PSD files can only be opened by Photoshop. That is not the case. Although some features or special types of layers like styles and vector layers will not be retained in their original format, most of the other layers are kept intact. Since most layered templates are just about shapes (digital scrapbook templates, Facebook timeline template, etc.) PaintShop Pro users can open most of them without any problem. Isn’t it nice to have that option?

Photoshop brushes can be used in PaintShop Pro

If you have PSPX5, you can import all the .abr files you want as simply as any other PaintShop Pro native brushes. Save your brushes in a different folder than the brush folder and in PSP just go with File > Import > Custom Brushes and find the ones you want to import. It is THAT simple.

If you don’t have the most recent version of PSP but still want to use some .abr brushes, you can follow the tutorial in the Tips and Tricks section of the Campus and you can be on your way to convert them, in batch, in no time, for no additional cost.

This will open a wide range of resources that are said to be for Photoshop. Now, you like a brush or a brush set? No problem to use it with PSP. You can even purchase various packages of Photoshop brushes without any worry.

Photoshop gradients can be imported in PaintShop Pro

You can import various Photoshop gradients inside PaintShop Pro. You would simply go to the Materials Properties dialog window and choose Import. Interestingly, Photoshop gradients come in groups so if you import even just a single FILE, you might get dozens of gradients.

For more details on the process to import them, check this article.

Photoshop shapes can be imported in PaintShop Pro

There is a tool that LeviFiction created that allows you to import Photoshop preset shapes into PaintShop Pro. That is quite an addition to your toolbox now! Check this article for the details.

Photoshop plugins may work in PaintShop

Several plugins are advertised as “Photoshop plugins” and don’t mention anywhere that they can also work with PaintShop Pro.

Common plugins are often compatible and promoted as compatible with both software. Think of SuperBladPro, and EyeCandy as some plugins that have been around for a long time and are usable in PaintShop Pro without any problem. Here are just a few more very interesting plugins that you can use with PSP.

Auto FX Software

This series includes some popular plugins like Mystical Suite, Dream Suite, and AutoEye are advertised as Photoshop plugins, but they can also work as standalone and even appear in the list of plugins in your PaintShop Pro (even if they open in a separate window).

Filter Forge

If you check on the main page of this plugin site, it states right there “A plugin for Adobe Photoshop …” And what a plugin that is! It grants access to over 9000 filters, and you can really access all of them. Really, who needs any other plugin after this! But even though it is clearly advertised as a Photoshop plugin, it works perfectly well with PaintShop Pro too! Check it out for yourself here!

These are only a few resources that a PaintShop Pro user might miss simply because they are associated with Adobe or Photoshop. But that does not always mean that PSP users have to stare at them with a sad face. Not at all.

If a particular plugin seems interesting and you think it is only for Photoshop, check out the site further, check the FAQ, or the installation information. Even better, check if there is a demo you can download and try to install in your PSP. You might be pleasantly surprised to see a wonderful plugin that made you green with envy, work flawlessly with your PaintShop Pro. And if you are a dual user of Photoshop and PaintShop, then you might have the best of both worlds. And if you are a Photoshop user who has to switch to PaintShop Pro, you might find yourself in a more familiar situation than you thought after all!

Are there more resources for Photoshop than for PaintShop Pro? Possibly, but looking at all that PSP can access, maybe you have a much wider range of supplies than you ever thought before.

Do you know of other “Photoshop” resources that can be accessible to PaintShop Pro users? Share them in the comments below!

(some affiliate links are used in this article)