The Different “Versions” of Painter X

First, we’ll start off with a simple truth about “purchasing” software – When you buy software, you aren’t buying the software itself [the software remains the property of the publisher], but instead you’re buying a license to use the software. Corel uses a single general license that covers use cases for specific “versions” of Painter X (and other software packages). The confusing part comes in because every “version” of Painter X is the same full software. That’s right – the trial, educational and full versions of Painter are all fully featured software. The difference between them is in the license terms that apply.

Are the different versions of Painter X really different? Reading through the license provided by Corel, here are my impressions of the license and some helpful tips for those trying to decide which version is the right version for you.

We’ll start with the most limited of the three versions mentioned – the 30-day Trial version. With the trial version, in addition to the rest of the license, Section 3 applies. Section 3 basically states that you may use the software the software for a limited time (30 days for Painter X), then the license expires and the software is disabled unless an upgraded license is purchased. During the trial period, some parts of the software may be disabled, you may not be able to load extra content (like brushes) and any modification to the software, including trying to get around the trial period will void the license instantly. If you’ve never used Painter, but want to see what it’s all about, go download the trial and give it a spin.

Next on the list is the Educational version which is, again, the exact same as the full version (and the 30-day trial), but again, the license terms are different. Section 3 no longer applies because the software is not a trial version, but section 4 comes into play because it is an academic version. It gives more rights than the 30-day trial in that the license will not expire and the software will not lock itself after 30 days, but from my interpretation of the license, when a student is no longer a student, the license does expire and any usage rights are terminated unless the full license is purchased. Commercial, for-profit (no matter how inexpensive), work is prohibited by the license as well (section 4, part 4.2, item iii). If commercial work is to be done with the software, the normal, more expensive, license must be purchased to remove the academic limitations set forth by the license. You can also think of educational version as having a student discount at a restaurant. You get the same meal as without the student discount, but you pay less (though with software, the meal is a little different because the license has more restrictions for the educational version). Long term students (who meet the eligibility requirements) may want to look into this version of Painter, but remember – as soon as you’re no longer a student, you no longer have any rights to use the software.

Lastly, the “full/retail/commercial” version is again, the same software as both of the above, but the license allows the user more rights on how the software may be used, including the right to use it for commercial purposes. Sections 3 and 4 no longer apply because the software is not the trial version or the academic version. This is the least restrictive license and the one that most users should purchase.

As an important note to all license holders, from the license itself:

1.7 TERM:
This License shall remain in effect only for so long as you are in compliance with the terms and conditions of this License. This License will terminate if you fail to comply with any of its terms or conditions. You agree, upon termination, to destroy all copies of the Product. The Intellectual Property Rights, Limited Warranty, Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability provisions set out in Sections 1.6, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.14, 1.15, 3.2, 6.3 and 7.3 shall continue in force even after any termination.

Remember to read through the license when installing software as it does include very important information, like outlined above. If you have questions about which license terms you are governed by or questions about the license itself, Corel may be able to help.

Just a note: I am not a representative of, affiliated with or endorsed by Corel Corporation. For specific questions regarding licensing of Corel software (or any other software publishers’ software) please consult the publisher. I’m also not a lawyer. For legal questions, consult a lawyer.