The PSD format can support all advanced features such as duotones, clipping paths and channels but it also offers one feature that no other file format does. While every other format must be flattened on export, PSD is only format that supports layers. Any program that supports PSDs directly can then leverage this layer information as Adobe ImageReady and Deneba Canvas show.

PNG is a format that can efficiently and losslessly handle images ranging from bi-level line-art through to state-of-the-art 48-bit photographic images. The format doesn’t just support a transparent key color as GIF does but also, through its alpha mask, offers true variable transparency. Likewise format doesn’t just support color profiling but also enables gamma information to be embedded so that colors can be kept consistent across different platforms such as Mac and PC. The format is also easily extensible as Macromedia has (rather confusingly) shown by making PNG native format for its largely vector-based Fireworks program.

The Digital Watercolor now features paint that remains "wet" between sessions enabling artist to play with brushes even after he has painted strokes.

The inclusion of cloning tool called Quick Clone helps in making cloning process faster and simple. You will only have to click on menu and you are now set make clones. Version IX has even included a total of 7 KPT filters namely Gel, Goo, LensFlare, Lightning, Pyramid Paint, Reaction, and ShapeShifter which are good effects that artist can play with. Painter has even gone to address compatibility issues with Adobe Photoshop enabling itself to open images in PSD format complete with layer masks, channels and layer sets maintained. It has also included support for Wacom Intuos3.

Included also are additional learning resources including a 175-page spiral-bound handbook containing artwork and tutorials from Painter experts, tutorial movies from Lynda.com, and a updated User Guide in PDF format. In essence, having Painter IX is a software that should be in a digital artist’s toolbox. It has features that are sure to give digital artist an edge.