Corel sells a family of creative and productivity software beyond its best-known drawing suite: PaintShop Pro for photo editing, VideoStudio and Pinnacle Studio for video editing, Corel Painter for digital painting, WinZip for file compression, and WordPerfect Office for documents. The Corel website sells them all as downloads, often in several editions and licence types.
A good Corel purchase means picking the right product, the right edition and the right licence, and checking your computer can run it first.
Which Corel product fits the job
PaintShop Pro is Corel's photo editor and a lower-cost alternative to subscription editing tools. It handles RAW files, layers, retouching and design work, and suits hobby photographers and small businesses.
VideoStudio is the easier Corel video editor for home movies, travel clips and simple social content. Pinnacle Studio is the more advanced editor for multi-track timelines and more precise control.
Corel Painter recreates natural media such as oils, watercolour and charcoal and is aimed at digital artists, usually with a pen tablet. WinZip compresses, encrypts and shares files. WordPerfect Office is a document suite with a loyal following in legal and government work.
Editions: Standard, Pro and Ultimate
Many Corel products come in tiers. The Ultimate edition typically adds bundled extras such as plug-ins, effects packs or partner software on top of the Pro version. For video, higher tiers add features such as more tracks, advanced colour tools and extra effects.
Before paying for Ultimate, check the Corel comparison table on each product page. If the bundled extras are things you will not use, the lower edition is the better buy.
Perpetual licence versus subscription
Corel has long sold several products as a perpetual licence: pay once and keep that version. Some products, or some editions, are sold as subscriptions that include updates while they run. The licence type is stated at checkout.
A perpetual Corel licence suits people happy with one version for years. A subscription suits users who want every new feature and ongoing support. Check whether an annual plan renews automatically, and turn off auto-renewal in your Corel account if you do not want it.
Upgrade pricing and previous versions
If you own an earlier version of a Corel product, look for upgrade pricing, which is usually lower than a new full licence. You may need your previous serial number or an account that shows the earlier purchase.
Each release adds features, but an older version you already own may do everything you need. Read the "what's new" page for the latest Corel release before upgrading for the sake of the number.
New Corel releases usually arrive once a year, and the previous version is often discounted around the launch. If you only need the core features, buying just before or after a release can be the cheapest time. Corel also tends to run sales around Black Friday and the end of the year across PaintShop Pro, VideoStudio and WinZip.
System requirements and platforms
PaintShop Pro, VideoStudio and Pinnacle Studio are Windows programs. Corel Painter runs on both Windows and macOS. WinZip has versions for Windows and Mac, which are priced and licensed separately.
Check processor, memory, graphics and operating system requirements on each Corel product page, especially for video editing, which is demanding. Most products offer a free trial; install it first to confirm it runs well on your machine before buying.
For Corel Painter, a pressure-sensitive pen tablet makes a far bigger difference than the edition you pick. Confirm that your tablet driver is supported during the trial.
Refunds and licences for more than one computer
Corel software purchases carry a refund window, but terms vary by product and region. Check the current policy before buying, and keep the order email with your serial number.
A standard Corel licence usually covers a limited number of computers for one user. Families and businesses should check the licence terms or look at multi-seat and volume licensing.
Where the Corel savings are
The 25% Corel code is the best general option and suits a full licence of PaintShop Pro, VideoStudio or Painter. Try it first on any product.
The $100 code looks aimed at Corel Painter, the most expensive of these products. On a full Painter licence it is likely to beat 25%; use the percentage code on anything cheaper.
The 15% code is a fallback for products or editions where the 25% code is refused, such as upgrades or WinZip.
Corel codes usually do not apply on top of sale prices or bundle deals, and some exclude subscriptions. Compare the sale price with the full price minus a code before buying.
Common questions
Is Corel PaintShop Pro a one-time purchase?
It has traditionally been sold as a perpetual licence. Check the licence type at checkout.
Does Corel VideoStudio run on a Mac?
No, VideoStudio is Windows only. Corel Painter runs on both Windows and macOS.
Can I upgrade from an older Corel version?
Usually, at a lower upgrade price. Keep your previous serial number handy.
Which Corel code is best?
Try 25% first; use the $100 code on a full Painter licence.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 20% off | Promo code | View at Corel → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Corel → |
| 20% off | Promo code | View at Corel → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Corel → |
