Before We Begin

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo Basics - Lesson 1

A few very important things to keep in mind--they are necessary in keeping your sanity.

1. When working with photographs, NEVER, EVER, work on the original. Open it in PSPPXI and make a duplicate copy [SHFT+D] of the picture then close the original.

2. Save lots and save often!

3. Save the image from the start. When you select File, New etc. and bring up the blank canvas, immediately save the image to a space on your hard drive.

4. Save lots and save often.

5. Never use anyone else's artwork (commercially) unless you have their written consent. Most fellow PSP'ers on the net these days are good about letting you use stuff as long as it is not being used to make a profit. They usually ask for a link back to them as the creator is all.

6. Oh, and did I mention to SAVE LOTS and SAVE OFTEN??

These simple steps can prevent endless head bashing on your keyboard. It took 2 days for the QWERTY impressions to wear off my forehead after I had spent 6 painfully hours retouching some old (ancient) family photos. I recommend that you get into the habit of saving the instant you open a new image.

Paint Shop Pro Photo does have an auto save feature. It will save every one-minute up to 100 minutes. Please don't become dependent on this function. Maintain good workflow habits by saving your images manually, or on your own.

Note: To get help with this lesson at any time, click the "Get Help with this Lesson" link at the bottom of any lesson page and post your question as a reply in the forum.