Corel Painter 2023 Instruction Manual

1. Setup and Installation

This section provides instructions for installing and setting up your Corel Painter 2023 software.

1.1. System Requirements

Ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements for optimal performance:

• Windows:
  • Windows 11 or Windows 10 (64-Bit), with the latest updates
  • Intel or AMD 64-bit multicore processor with SSSE3 (or higher)
  • 8+ GB RAM
  • 3.6 GB hard disk space for application files (additional space may be required for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7)
  • 1280 x 800 @ 100% (or higher) screen resolution
  • Mouse or Wintab-compatible tablet
• Mac:
  • macOS 12 Monterey or macOS 11 Big Sur with the latest updates
  • Multicore Intel with SSSE3 or Apple M1 processor (or higher)
  • 8+ GB RAM
  • 2 GB hard disk space for application files
  • 1280 x 800 @ 100% (or higher) screen resolution
  • Mouse or tablet or Apple iPad with Sidecar support

1.2. Product Activation

To activate your Corel Painter 2023 product, you must connect to the Internet and register it first. An active Internet connection is required for product activation and registration, but not for running the software after activation.

The software license permits installation and use of one original copy on up to two computing devices or electronic equipment under your control and in your possession.

Image: The Corel Painter 2023 Key Card box, illustrating the physical product packaging.

2. Operating the Software

Corel Painter 2023 is a professional painting software designed for digital art, illustration, photo art, and fine art. It offers a wide range of tools and features to enhance your creative workflow.

2.1. Core Features

• Extensive Brush Library: Sketch, paint, and illustrate using over 1000 realistic, artist-created brushes. This includes new Fluid brushes, Thick Paint, watercolors, pastels, oils, acrylics, airbrushes, and exclusive digital effects like Particles, F-X, Pattern Pens, and Image Hoses.
• Superior Blending & Textures: Achieve unparalleled artwork with advanced blending capabilities and impressive textures.
• Versatile Art Tools: Utilize a comprehensive array of tools for various artistic styles and needs.
• Brush Accelerator™: Optimize Painter’s performance with one click, leveraging your CPU and GPU.
• Customization: Create your own brushes and content, customize the user interface, and tailor workspace layouts.
• Content Import & Preservation: Easily import content and preserve file integrity when transferring between Adobe Photoshop and Painter.
• Learning Resources: Access a library of free learning resources, including helpful discovery files, guides, video tutorials, a knowledge base, and community forums.

2.2. Compatibility

Corel Painter 2023 is built to work seamlessly with a variety of drawing tablets and stylus devices, including those from Wacom, Xencelabs, Huion, and other Wintab-compatible tablets. It also supports Apple iPad via Sidecar with Apple Pencil, providing a natural painting experience with pressure, tilt, bearing, and rotation sensitivity.

Image: A drawing tablet with a stylus, demonstrating Corel Painter 2023's compatibility with various input devices for a natural painting experience.

2.3. Supported File Formats

Painter is compatible with a range of image file formats, ensuring flexibility in your workflow. Supported formats include RIFF, PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIF, GIF, and BNP.

2.4. Fluid Paint Controls Overview

The Fluid Paint feature allows for advanced control over paint opacity and blending, enabling realistic transparent and layered effects. It is recommended to use Fluid Paint on a separate layer rather than directly on the canvas to fully utilize its transparency capabilities.

3. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Corel Painter 2023 software, consider the following maintenance practices:

• Software Updates: Regularly check for and install the latest software updates provided by Corel. These updates often include performance enhancements, bug fixes, and new features.
• Operating System Updates: Keep your operating system (Windows or macOS) updated to ensure compatibility and security for Painter 2023.
• Driver Updates: If using a drawing tablet, ensure your tablet drivers are always up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause performance issues or compatibility problems.
• Regular Saves: Save your work frequently to prevent data loss due to unexpected software closures or system issues. Consider enabling auto-save features if available within the software.
• Backup Your Work: Regularly back up your digital art files to an external drive or cloud storage to protect against data corruption or loss.
• Manage Storage: Ensure you have sufficient hard disk space, especially when working with large files or complex projects, as this can impact performance.

4. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter while using Corel Painter 2023.

4.1. Performance Issues

• Slow Performance: If Painter feels sluggish, ensure your system meets the recommended RAM and processor specifications. Utilize the built-in Brush Accelerator™ to optimize CPU and GPU usage. Close other demanding applications running in the background.
• Brush Lag: Check for updated graphics drivers and tablet drivers. Reduce brush size or complexity if working on very high-resolution canvases.

4.2. Display and Output Issues

• Washed Out Colors: Verify your display's color calibration and ensure you are working within a consistent color profile throughout your workflow. Check the color profile settings within Painter and during export.
• Unexpected Brush Strokes: If brush strokes do not appear as expected, particularly with Fluid Paint, ensure you are painting on a new transparent layer and not directly on the canvas. Refer to the Fluid Paint Controls & Properties video for detailed guidance.

4.3. Data Loss

• Lost Drawings/Work: Implement a routine of frequent manual saves. Explore Painter's preferences for any auto-save or recovery options to minimize potential data loss. Regularly back up your project files.

5. Specifications

6. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Corel website or the documentation included with your product. You can also visit the Corel Store on Amazon and click the '+Follow' button to stay updated on the latest product news and exclusive offers.