Corel PaintShop Pro now includes depth-enabled ‘refocusing’ editing

By Hillary K. Grigonis Published March 5, 2021

Corel PaintShop Pro, the well-known photo editor that rivals some of Photoshop’s features, is now toting a new version with the release of X9. Along with some workflow enhancements and camera compatibility updates, the latest version includes depth-enabled photography support, an interactive gradient tool, an editing history export option, and templates for graphic design projects.

PaintShop Pro X9 is now compatible with Intel RealSense XDM. These depth-aware files are similar to light-field cameras, and allow users to refocus a shot in post processing based on the depth information captured. According to Corel, XDM files can be adjusted based on depth and range with a number of instant effects.

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The program’s new interactive gradient tool allows users to drag and drop colors while using a live preview to fine tune how and where the colors fade together. The developers say the new tool is designed to help users save time when using gradients.

Another new feature doesn’t add any new edits, but allows users to export the history of an image. That theoretically means that users can go back and undo or redo a step, even after they’ve closed out of that image. The move appears to be an effort to make edits a bit more non-destructive and less permanent, and Corel says the feature was designed for building tutorials and supporting legal documentation.

The updates to PaintShop Pro X9 also include templates for graphics projects like collages and greeting cards, as well as a new tour to help new users learn all the tricks. For businesses, the update includes an option that allows users to easily take, edit, and annotate screenshots as well as new commercial licensing options.

PaintShop Pro X9 is available individually or as an Ultimate bundle with AfterShot 3 for RAW files, a Live Screen Capture program, and Perfectly Clear 2 SE, which can help restore lost details in photographs. Along with the photo bundle, Corel also released a bundle paired with the VideoStudio Pro X9.

Corel PaintShop Pro X9 is now available with a 30 day free trial, retailing without a monthly subscription at $80, $100 for the Ultimate bundle and $130 for the photo and video bundle.

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Hillary K. Grigonis

Former Contributor

Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…

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