Inkscape and Artweaver (free) are also quite good for free software. GIMP is great and holds some small advantages over Photoshop in some workflows and tasks. I lean on Photoshop quite a bit and you couldn't go wrong with Photoshop elements ~($80 US I think).
The function of this tool is as odd as the name but might just meet your fancy: Project Dogwaffle.
I also use Paint Shop Pro. I have always used that (and have also used Photoshop) but for the price it does the same thing in my opinion at a fraction of the cost. When I started getting into photography I upgraded to Paintshop Pro Photo X and it is AWESOME!
I also use PaintShop Pro (PSP) and have used it for years. It is low cost at $99 (and often on sale for $59) and can do the same thing as PhotoShop and Illustrator combined, but in less steps than those two apps. PSP also has more effects and painter options than the other guys. I just hope that Corel never catches on to what a great product they bought from JASC and hike the price to match the other guys. Shhh...Mum's the word.
19 Replies
photoshop elements, has everything you will need from photoshop, or if you dont want to spend a penny GIMP or paint.net
I would also recommend Inkscape as a free vector-based drawing tool.
Inkscape and Artweaver (free) are also quite good for free software. GIMP is great and holds some small advantages over Photoshop in some workflows and tasks. I lean on Photoshop quite a bit and you couldn't go wrong with Photoshop elements ~($80 US I think).
The function of this tool is as odd as the name but might just meet your fancy: Project Dogwaffle.
If you're interested in trying the free open-source (FOSS) option GIMP, you might start here:
http://sites.google.com/a/dons.usfca.edu/implementation-guide-gimp/
I found installating GIMP a bit of a challenge and built this to help site educators ramp up and over the learning curve.
The beta of Photoshop is free right now... (of course, that won't be forever, and it is likely a ploy to get you hooked!): http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/photoshopcs6.html
Another vote for GIMP. It also has a very large following so there are a lot of "how to's" available on YouTube.
+1 GIMP (general Photoshop duties) and Inkscape (vector-based). Plenty of online tutorials available too.
Paint.net is a good one that I use - its free online.
I use Paint.net too - and I also downloaded a free plug-in that allows you to open PSD files and save as PSD too.
I use Photoshop but here is a decent free web based image editor you may want to consider.
http://www.sumopaint.com
I love Fireworks!
I'm a big fan of Paint Shop Pro from Corel.
Here are a few I mentioned in a couple of posts. Not all have layering.
http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/5-free-desktop-image-editors-for-e-learning/
http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/5-free-online-image-editors-for-rapid-e-learning/
I also use Paint Shop Pro. I have always used that (and have also used Photoshop) but for the price it does the same thing in my opinion at a fraction of the cost. When I started getting into photography I upgraded to Paintshop Pro Photo X and it is AWESOME!
At home I have Photoshop Elements 10 (v.9 and 10 now have masking).
Some others I have in my toolbox, mostly for something quick to edit:
Real World Icon Editor
SnagIt Editor
Photoscape
Of course, I also use Powerpoint 2010.
I use pixlr.com (free in-browser) regularly here at work.
Also, Aviary (free in-browser) offers a suite of multi-media creation/editing tools (http://advanced.aviary.com/).
Hi!
If you're used to photoshop, maybe you'll like GIMPshop.
"GimpShop is a modification of the FREE Open Source GNU Image Manipulation Program intended to replicate the feel of Adobe Photoshop."
It's also free! Hope I helped!
I also use PaintShop Pro (PSP) and have used it for years. It is low cost at $99 (and often on sale for $59) and can do the same thing as PhotoShop and Illustrator combined, but in less steps than those two apps. PSP also has more effects and painter options than the other guys. I just hope that Corel never catches on to what a great product they bought from JASC and hike the price to match the other guys. Shhh...Mum's the word.
I like Xara http://www.xara.com/us/
It's really fast, really easy, and doesn't cost all that much.
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