Looking for a new art program

[SamuraiEchidna]

Many years ago, I was raised on a little program released by Ulead (and later by Corel) known as PhotoImpact. After a confusing time trying to figure out how to make the popular Photoshop work, I stuck with PhotoImpact. I've been using PhotoImpact all the way to the latest release known as X3 (or 13).

However, I recently ran into a problem with my copy of the program... It has trouble recognizing the Japanese kanji fonts on my computer. The program crashes every time I try to use them. I looked for a solution, only to found out that PhotoImpact was discontinued as of 2009, and I can't seem to find any active help centers online for PhotoImpact.

I am currently looking for a new art program to use. Something very similar to PhotoImpact, or at least compatible with it, but will let me use my Japanese fonts without any problems. Does anyone have a solution? I could really use the help. I know I shouldn't ask this without trying, but I've had so many problems with PhotoImpact X3, I'm fear re-installing the program might not help me.

 

[DSP]

Reinstalling it should solved everything? That's how it usually works with almost any program.

I say go for Photoshop CS5, I don't really understand what you found hard about it, it and photoimpact are very similar D: as well as imo photoshop being the much more quality product.

 

[Darkster]

If you want to add text in the form of kanji, then GIMP works. I like it. I make gifs and I edit pictures with it. It's free too. http://www.gimp.org/

 

[SamuraiEchidna]

Reinstalling it should solved everything? That's how it usually works with almost any program.

I say go for Photoshop CS5, I don't really understand what you found hard about it, it and photoimpact are very similar D: as well as imo photoshop being the much more quality product.

Well, I tried re-installing it, and it still doesn't recognize my Japanese fonts. So, that was a waste of my time.


And as for Photoshop, I just found it confusing. I don't know how else to say it. I just didn't take to the lay out right away. It wasn't intuitive for me.
However, I suppose I will consider giving it a second chance...