I have always used PS, and I used to like to Bounce things back and forth between Fireworks as well. Looking to get heavily back into graphic design and would like to hear some opinions on today’s versions of these programs. Thanks in advance.
I used Apple Shake a lot in the past, although it's primary function is video compositing, and i'ts discontinued.I obtained Xara with the vegas humble bundle, but I haven't played around with it.
I never learned photoshop, but I have a bunch of pshop tutorials. It's a definite pipeline app for photo and VFX pros.
I've read great reviews about Affinity photo.. there are no doubt other apps as well.. ACD, maybe? Krita? (it's freeware)
I have used many image editing programs eg Photoshop, Lightroom, (both on PC and MAC), Elements, GIMP, Xara Photo and Graphic Designer, Serif and Paintshop Pro (currently on X9 and my favourite go to editor) and many others.
They all have similarities and differences in their workflows, functions, etc. - eg. do you need scripting to streamline repetitive tasks, Auto preserve originals - this automatically gives you a backup copy of the original, when you save the change image.
My advice would be - look at the features you need in the price range you want to pay and learn how to use it to achieve the best workflow for you, also bear in mind that what works for me, and anyone else, may not suit you.