My software isn't doing it for me, any alternatives?

[Outkin 35]

I've been using photoshop elements 8 to do my art with a bamboo drawing tablet...and it's been crappy so far to say the least. I've lost alot of time from various issues, such as:

Completely losing control of my keyboard until I reboot

File corruption due to having multiple layers (which I kinda need) 

Not being allowed to save, and not being given a reason as to why. 

I'm quickly growing sick of this. I'm glad I didn't drop $400 for normal photoshop, or even $100 for the this one...it happened to be bundled with my tablet. For that much money, I should have no issues. 

I need to be able to create large canvases (since I want to print them to a normal painting size) have access to layers, and be compatible with my drawing tablet. It'd be nice if it had similarities to photoshop so I can pick it up quickly.

[MLPForums Phanact 1,374]

If you're using a tablet and I assume you're drawing and creating artwork rather than editing it then you can use Paint Tool SAI which is what most artists on the forums use, to my knowledge. It's incredibly powerful and incredibly easy to learn and use software, just takes a bit of patience.

 

If you're editing photo's then your alternatives are GIMP which is incredibly good but I feel has quite a steep learning curve when you're used to Photoshop. Paint.NET is also another alternative but I haven't used this one myself so cannot comment on it's positives and negatives.

[Outkin 35]

None of them seem to work with my tablet sadly...thank you.

Edited March 5, 2014 by Outkin

[Azura 1,107]

Paint Tool SAI should support any Wacom Bamboo tablet. Did you update your drivers and Adobe Air?

[SFyr 1,982]

@@MLPForums Phanact, basically already mentioned all programs that I've heard good things about--minus Adobe's more expensive ones.

And as Azura mentioned, drivers may be an issue. I think that the tablet works from the start, but sometimes you have to manually DL drivers to make it perform how it's supposed to.

Though, I use an Intuos, not a bamboo, so I'm not overly familiar with the latter.

Also I use photoshop cs6 (and I have used illustrator), and haven't really had issues, but it's an expensive program to buy as you've said, so I'm not keen on telling you to buy it.

Edited March 28, 2014 by SFyr

[Foxx 258]

I highly recommend Paint Tool SAI. It is very easy to navigate, and the tools are very easy to get your head around

[Flash Fire 386]

I use serif and gimp with my bamboo tablet, and they work fine. Both are free programs.