What art/image software could I use at this point?

[Anacybele]

So I found that Adobe cut off activation for Photoshop CS3, which is what I currently use, but I'll be unable to use it in a few days because it can no longer be activated. :/

What can I use after that that isn't super expensive or not good though? The new Adobe programs force you to pay a shitty monthly fee. I've tried GIMP before, but I didn't like it much. I've heard of some other things, like Paint Shop Pro or...Paint Tool SAI or something like that. But how much do they cost?

I can't continue making art the way I do without something like that. Otherwise, I'm stuck with MS Paint (which has improved, but still isn't ideal).

Also, whatever it is, it has to be able to open my Photoshop files, in case I need them. Sometimes I take colors or pieces from them to use in other artwork.

Edited December 20, 2017 by Anacybele

[sirmola]

15 minutes ago, Anacybele said:

So I found that Adobe cut off activation for Photoshop CS3, which is what I currently use, but I'll be unable to use it in a few days because it can no longer be activated. :/

What can I use after that that isn't super expensive or not good though? The new Adobe programs force you to pay a shitty monthly fee. I've tried GIMP before, but I didn't like it much. I've heard of some other things, like Paint Shop Pro or...Paint Tool SI or something like that. But how much do they cost?

I can't continue making art the way I do without something like that. Otherwise, I'm stuck with MS Paint (which has improved, but still isn't ideal).

Also, whatever it is, it has to be able to open my Photoshop files, in case I need them. Sometimes I take colors or pieces from them to use in other artwork.

Isn't adobe giving CS3 users a version of it without the activation requirement? Source: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2365207

Also, you can always use GIMP to open photoshop files, and save them as other file types (altthough doing so will lose some information, and may rasterize some layers. Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-best-ways-to-open-a-psd-file-without-photoshop/)  I personally use Gimp for everyday use, and FIJI for scientific image manipulation purposes. I have heard about paint shop pro, but never used it. Same with Paint.net (which has been described as "a better microsoft paint without photoshop's bloat". You can get it for free here: https://www.getpaint.net/) Corel is another photoshop replacement that i have heard about but never used.

[King Marth 64]

Try Paint.Net, it's a free good Art Program to use. I recommended to get Paint.Net since it does have transparent background and it can scale larger sizes.

[Retyl]

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Edited September 6, 2018 by Retyl

[Anacybele]

1 hour ago, sirmola said:

Isn't adobe giving CS3 users a version of it without the activation requirement? Source: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2365207

Also, you can always use GIMP to open photoshop files, and save them as other file types (altthough doing so will lose some information, and may rasterize some layers. Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-best-ways-to-open-a-psd-file-without-photoshop/)  I personally use Gimp for everyday use, and FIJI for scientific image manipulation purposes. I have heard about paint shop pro, but never used it. Same with Paint.net (which has been described as "a better microsoft paint without photoshop's bloat". You can get it for free here: https://www.getpaint.net/) Corel is another photoshop replacement that i have heard about but never used.

According to that thread, it looks like that special version has issues too though. :/

I see. I'll try Paint.Net to start. If I don't like it though, I guess I'll come back here or fork over money for something better...

1 hour ago, King Marth 64 said:

Try Paint.Net, it's a free good Art Program to use. I recommended to get Paint.Net since it does have transparent background and it can scale larger sizes.

I see. As said above, I'll try it.

1 hour ago, Retyl said:

Have you tried FireAlpaca?
http://firealpaca.com/

No, never heard of that one. I might look into that too.

[DragonLord]

Like some people already mentioned and I saw in your replies, Paint.NET is excellent. That's my go to for any image editing. 

[Pandog]

To answer the question of cost, Paint Tool Sai is about 60 dollars for the activation license that you can use on multiple computers. You also don't need to pay a subscriptions.
Personally, I like it. Not as expensive or overwhelming as Photoshop.

Wish I knew more about what those other suggestions are. I've never heard of them :/c

Edited December 21, 2017 by Pandog