Also note that Sagelight came out of hiatus and seems like being actively developed again Check blog at http://sagelighteditor.wordpress.com/ Downoad - http://www.sagelighteditor.com/downloadtrial.html
I haven't tested it, so this is just a conjecture, but this one looks really good, they're gone really bonkers in some of the features (curves, noise, saturation, etc.).
Also had 0 experience with PPSuite 8, but I extensively tested PPS 7 and though it has some awesome features I would not do my "specialised layer work" with it. Now, Vitaliy don't start throwing knifes at me, those are just my 1 and 1/2 cents and I haven't brought my circus outfit :P
Perfect Photo Suite 8
The Pixelmator Team today announced Pixelmator 3.0 FX, the most advanced version of Pixelmator to date, featuring Layer Styles, Liquify Tools, and support for new features in OS X Mavericks
http://www.pixelmator.com/blog/2013/10/22/pixelmator-team-unveils-pixelmator-3-0-fx/
Also note that Sagelight came out of hiatus and seems like being actively developed again
Check blog at http://sagelighteditor.wordpress.com/
Corel announced the availability of PaintShop® Pro X6 Ultimate. Thanks to the addition of 64-bit support, X6 is the most powerful version to date. Improvements in speed and performance, plus interface refinements and new quick selection tools help photographers achieve their best results – fast.
“PaintShop Pro X6 Ultimate is rooted in Corel’s sincere desire to build a product that helps users create their best photos ever. The most effective way to achieve this was to go right to the source,” said Rick Champagne, Senior Product Manager, Corel Photo & Video. “X6 was developed based on our extensive customer research. Our users told us they want 64-bit power, faster performance, an improved user interface, and continued availability of a perpetual license, so we delivered them. Now we not only offer the most robust feature set in the space, but also the professional power to back it.”
PaintShop Pro X6 is available at an SRP of $79.99 and $59.99 for an upgrade. For more information please visit www.corel.com/paintshoppro
I decided to try Chasys Draw, and I really wanted to like it in order to pull away from Photoshop. Sadly, the application was extremely slow to respond and it quickly crashed as soon as I try to add a layer of text to a medium size image.
I suggest to send email to author, he is responsive guy.
And such comment, even it is true, really make people to avoid somthing, that is not good for any little known and free program.
Autodesk Sketchbook Pro is pretty cool - although its not a full photo touchup app its pretty good for drawing stuff with a stylus.
I'm thinking of using it for storyboards.
Chasys Draw IES is a suite of applications including a layer-based image editor with animation, icon editing support and super-resolution via image stacking (Chasys Draw IES Artist), a multi-threaded image file converter (Chasys Draw IES Converter), a fast image viewer (Chasys Draw IES Viewer) and a RAW camera file processor (Chasys Draw IES raw-Photo). The whole suite is UAC aware and is designed to take advantage of multi-core processors, touch-screens and pen-input devices.
Full free. Donationware.
ACDSee Photo Editor 6
Cheap, has layers.
http://www.acdsee.com/en/products/acdsee-photo-editor-6/whats-new
Another cool thing, just have strage development status (developer sick or something like it)
Sagelight Editor
Price - lifetime version of Sagelight for $39.95
PixBuilder
Quite simple, fully free thing, but has layers support.
Photoline looks very interesting; someone used it?
It is very old software :-) and quite well known in certain circles.
Also check
Serif PhotoPlus X6
Photoline
Has 16bit support, vecor tools, Mac/PC versions, 64bit version.
Works as portable on your USB stick, if you like.
Small and fast.
European software.
Check some pros:
Really love the trial, but they marketing really sucks, check viewes on youtube channel.
I never found that the GimpShop's attempt at a (Photoshop-like) interface worked for me; firstly because it's still not a real Photoshop but mainly because using it just ends up putting one more wall between me and the rest of the Gimp Community: on the other hand, once we bite the Gimpshop [lousy interface] bullet, then we're using what the community uses. All the tutorials and Help files make more sense.
If The Gimp development team ever listen to us all and change their interface, I admit that I'll feel a tiny, teensy bit disappointed. The way it is, it's like a night-club with lots of wonders inside but only some of us are allowed behind the door! ;-)
Here we discuss only alternatives, not Adobe or their actions.
I think these guys are making a real effort at an alternative: http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/
@Vitaliy_Kiselev I have 2.8.4 and it can't handle 16-bit TIFFs yet. The latest 2.9 builds should support it, but I have not tried it yet.
I know windows users like paint.net
They said that 16bit is already implemented and working current branch.
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