Corel PaintShop Pro Free Trial

Yolanda Bolk
7 minute read • Feb 20, 2025
Editing brings out what was already there such as sharpening details, balancing light, and guiding the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it. But finding the right software? That’s another story. Some programs are too complicated. Others are too expensive. And then there’s the question of whether it’ll actually work for the kind of editing you want to do.
That’s why the Corel PaintShop Pro free trial is worth a look. You get full access to its tools without spending a dime upfront.
Thinking about giving it a try? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the trial, what features stand out, and what happens when your free run is up.
What Makes Corel PaintShop Pro Stand Out?
Photo editing software should make your work easier, not slow you down with complicated menus or a subscription that never seems to end. Corel PaintShop Pro offers professional-level editing tools in a way that’s both accessible and affordable, without locking you into monthly payments.
For creatives who want full control over their images, PaintShop Pro delivers a one-time purchase model with powerful features like:
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RAW photo editing for professional-level adjustments
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AI-enhanced tools to remove imperfections and enhance details instantly
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Graphic design capabilities for creating marketing materials, digital art, and composites
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Batch processing to apply edits to multiple images at once, saving time on large projects
But what really makes PaintShop Pro stand out is how customizable it is. You can tailor the workspace to match your workflow, especially with The Complete Workspace, which puts everything in one place for serious editing.
The Complete Workspace in Corel PaintShop Pro: A Closer Look
For anyone who needs full control over their edits, The Complete Workspace is where everything comes together. Instead of toggling through endless panels, this layout puts the most essential tools right at your fingertips.
Here’s how it’s structured:
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The Layers Panel – Essential for complex edits, it allows you to stack images, blend elements, and add effects without permanently altering your original photo.
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Adjustment Tools – From basic brightness and contrast tweaks to precise color grading, you can fine-tune every detail.
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Retouching & Repair – Remove blemishes, fixlighting issues, or even restore old photos, these tools help clean up images seamlessly.
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Selection & Masking – Need to cut out an object or blend multiple images? The selection tools make it easy to isolate parts of your photo and work with them individually.
What makes this workspace particularly useful is that it adapts to your workflow. You can rearrange tools, save custom settings, and even switch between workspaces depending on what kind of project you're working on.
For those trying PaintShop Pro for the first time, The Complete Workspace is the best place to start, it gives you the full experience without unnecessary distractions.
Getting Started in Corel PaintShop Pro: First Steps for New Users
Downloading the Corel PaintShop Pro free trial is as straightforward as it gets. If you’re ready to jump in, here’s how to get set up quickly and start editing right away. You will get the 30-day trial, so you will have a whole month to try it out!
Step 1: Download and Install the Free Trial
Head over to Corel’s official website right here. Click the download button, and the installation file will start downloading automatically. Once it’s ready:
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Open the file and follow the installation prompts.
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Choose the workspace that best fits your skill level (you can always change this later).
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Launch the software and sign in with a Corel account to start your free trial.
Step 2: Set It Up for Your Workflow
One of the best things about PaintShop Pro is its customizable layout as we mentioned earlier. If you're new to editing, the Essentials Workspace simplifies everything with a clean, beginner-friendly interface. If you want full control, switch to The Complete Workspace for advanced tools and full layer editing.
To customize your setup even further:
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Adjust the toolbar to keep your most-used tools within reach.
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Set up keyboard shortcuts for faster editing.
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Use dual monitors if available — PaintShop Pro supports multi-screen workflows.
Step 3: Quick Tips to Get Started
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Use one-click adjustments
- Auto adjustments can improve lighting and color instantly.
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Try the Learning Center
- PaintShop Pro has built-in tutorials to guide you through features.
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- Even simple edits look more polished when you use non-destructive layers.
Once everything is set up, you’re ready to start editing.
What Happens After the Trial? Corel PaintShop Pro Pricing & Options
Corel offers two main versions:
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PaintShop Pro 2023: Priced at $79.99, this version provides a comprehensive suite of photo editing and graphic design tools suitable for most users.
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PaintShop Pro 2023 Ultimate: At $99.99, the Ultimate edition includes everything in the standard version plus additional features like AfterShot Lab for RAW photo editing, the Sea-to-Sky Workspace tailored for underwater and drone photography, and a collection of creative tools and content.
Pricing subject to change. Check the Corel website for more information.
Corel PaintShop Pro One-Time Purchase vs. Subscription
One of PaintShop Pro's standout features is its one-time purchase model. Pay once, and the software is yours to use indefinitely. This is a refreshing alternative to subscription-based models.
Is Upgrading Worth It?
If, during your trial, you found yourself utilizing multiple tools and appreciating the software's capabilities, investing in PaintShop Pro is a solid choice. It's more budget-friendly than many competitors, and the one-time payment means you won't be caught off guard by ongoing charges.
For those who require advanced features, the Ultimate edition's extras could be particularly beneficial, especially if you work extensively with RAW files or specialize in drone and underwater photography.
Should You Download the Corel PaintShop Pro Free Trial?
Great editing software should make your workflow smoother, not more complicated — or expensive. Corel PaintShop Pro gives you powerful tools, an intuitive workspace, and a one-time purchase option that keeps things simple. The free trial is the perfect way to see if it fits your needs before making a commitment.
Try it for yourself and see how it stacks up. Download the Corel PaintShop Pro free trial today and start creating with confidence.
Happy Trials!
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