Corel Photo-Paint
Corel PHOTO-PAINT is a professional raster graphics editor developed by Corel Corporation for editing, enhancing, and creating bitmap images, including photographs and digital illustrations.[1] First introduced in October 1992 as part of CorelDRAW 3—the inaugural graphics suite for Windows—it enables users to retouch photos, apply effects, and perform non-destructive adjustments with tools like clone, sharpen, and red-eye removal.[2] Designed for Windows and macOS, it integrates seamlessly with CorelDRAW for vector-to-raster workflows and supports PSD files for compatibility with other design software.[1] As a core component of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, PHOTO-PAINT has evolved through numerous versions, with the latest being included in the 2025 edition (version 26.1, updated in June 2025), which introduces AI-powered features such as machine learning-based image resizing, Smart Selection Mask for object isolation, and enhanced color correction tools.[3] Key capabilities include drawing and painting tools for brushstrokes and shapes, bitmap effect lenses for dynamic adjustments, and an Image Adjustment Lab for quick enhancements like tone balancing and noise reduction.[1] Over its 33-year history, it has incorporated innovations like the Cut-Out Lab in 2006 for subject extraction, making it a versatile tool for graphic designers, photographers, and illustrators seeking precise control over raster content.[2] The software emphasizes user-friendly interfaces with in-product learning resources and plug-in support, allowing for efficient workflows in professional environments.[4] Its non-destructive editing paradigm, accelerated by up to 10 times faster Adjustments inspector in recent updates, supports reversible modifications, ensuring flexibility in creative projects.[1]History
Origins and introduction
Corel Photo-Paint was developed by Corel Corporation in 1991 as a raster image editing tool to complement the vector-focused CorelDRAW software, addressing the need for bitmap manipulation in the burgeoning desktop publishing industry. Founded in 1985 in Ottawa, Canada, Corel had established itself with the release of CorelDRAW in 1989, the first full-color vector illustration program for Windows. The addition of Photo-Paint responded to user demands for integrated raster capabilities, enabling seamless editing of photos and scanned images alongside vector work, much like emerging competitors such as Adobe Photoshop, which debuted in 1990.[2] The software's development was led by Corel's engineering team. Photo-Paint featured a proprietary raster editing engine optimized for pixel-based operations, distinguishing it from vector tools and filling a gap in affordable Windows-compatible graphics solutions at the time.[5][6] Photo-Paint made its initial release in May 1992 alongside CorelDRAW 3.0, marking the debut of the first comprehensive graphics suite for the Windows platform, including tools for illustration, layout, and photo editing. This launch positioned Corel as a key player in the early 1990s graphics market, targeting professional designers transitioning from Macintosh to Windows environments. The suite's introduction on Windows 3.0 and subsequent versions emphasized accessibility and performance for raster tasks like color correction and image enhancement.[2]Major version releases
Corel Photo-Paint has evolved through numerous versions since its debut, primarily bundled as a core component of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, with releases aligning closely to the suite's cadence. The software's initial version, 3.0, launched in May 1992 alongside CorelDRAW 3.0, marking the introduction of raster image editing capabilities to the suite.[2] Version 4.0 followed in May 1993 with CorelDRAW 4.0, enhancing bitmap editing features for better integration with vector tools. Subsequent numeric versions progressed annually or biennially, such as version 5.0 in 1994, which added advanced 3D tools and printing enhancements, and version 6.0 in 1995, optimized for Windows 95 with improved user interface elements.[2] A significant naming shift occurred in 2006 with version 13, rebranded as Photo-Paint X3 to align with the CorelDRAW suite's "X" convention, emphasizing professional-grade updates like the new Cut-Out Lab for object isolation and Image Adjustment Lab for photo enhancements.[2] This X-series continued through X6 (version 16, March 2012), which introduced the Smart Carver tool in Photo-Paint for content-aware image resizing, and X8 (version 18, March 2016), adding font management and Windows 10 compatibility.[5] From 2017 onward, the naming reverted to year-based designations to reflect annual innovation cycles, such as the 2017 release (version 19) with enhanced color personalization options and the 2020 release (version 22) incorporating non-destructive bitmap effects.[7] Key milestones highlight technological advancements across versions. Version 8 (October 1997) enhanced filter effects and performance for faster rendering of complex images.[8] The 2024 release (version 25, March 2024) refined user interface elements and added support for Windows 11 and Apple M-series chips. Most recently, the 2025 release (version 26, March 2025) introduced AI-powered enhancements like non-destructive filters and web integration tools for seamless online workflows.[7] Throughout its history, Photo-Paint has maintained a consistent release rhythm tied to the Graphics Suite, with limited standalone editions available in the 1990s for targeted users, though full functionality has emphasized suite integration since inception.[2] In terms of ownership, Corel Corporation rebranded to Alludo in September 2022, ensuring continuity in Photo-Paint's development under the new corporate identity while preserving its role within the suite.[9]| Version | Release Year | Key Photo-Paint Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 1992 | Initial raster editing debut |
| 4.0 | 1993 | Bitmap integration with CorelDRAW |
| 8.0 | 1997 | Enhanced filters and effects |
| X3 (13) | 2006 | Cut-Out Lab and Image Adjustment Lab |
| X6 (16) | 2012 | Smart Carver tool |
| 2020 (22) | 2020 | Non-destructive bitmap effects |
| 2024 (25) | 2024 | UI polish and modern OS support |
| 2025 (26) | 2025 | AI enhancements and web tools |