Software Choices for Graphic Design
- By Michael Richards
- Published 07/29/2011
- Graphics
- Unrated
Many different computer programs are available for graphic design. But deciding which program is best for you will depend on what you are trying to design and your budget. While several professional programs are available, they are usually very expensive. Fortunately, there are also free and inexpensive alternatives for users who do not wish to pay large sums of money for these programs.
The most well known of software packages for graphic designers are the suite of professional programs available from Adobe, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. However, these programs are quite expensive, especially for novice users who do not need professional graphics software. The Adobe suite can cost hundreds of pounds, depending on where you purchase it from, though Adobe does offer the Photoshop Elements program for under $100. While Photoshop Elements does not have all the features of a full version of Photoshop, it can still handle most basic needs for graphics and is perfect for designers who are short on cash.
Another cheaper alternative to the Adobe line of design programs comes from the software company Corel, which have two programs that can achieve many of the same resu
lts: CorelDraw and Paint Shop Photo Pro. These programs do not have all of the features as the full Adobe suite, but they are still suitable for most designer's needs and can be purchased at a much lower cost. CorelDraw is used for creating vector graphics, similar to Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, while Paint Shop Photo Pro is similar to Photoshop and has more features than Photoshop Elements.
If you are looking for software to create graphics, but do not want to pay high prices, there is a free alternative available called GIMP, which stands for "The GNU Image Manipulation Program." This program is a free, open-source software package that functions just like Photoshop and can be installed on Windows, Mac and Linux computers. Despite being free, GIMP still has a wealth of features, including a fully customisable interface, many built-in plug-INS for image manipulation and restoration and can also support many different file types, including files that were created in Photoshop. Because it is free, it is perfect for novice designers, though experienced image creators will find it very useful as well.
Regardless of what your graphic design needs are these programs will be able to get the job done. What programs you decide to use is all up to your own preference and budget.
The most well known of software packages for graphic designers are the suite of professional programs available from Adobe, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. However, these programs are quite expensive, especially for novice users who do not need professional graphics software. The Adobe suite can cost hundreds of pounds, depending on where you purchase it from, though Adobe does offer the Photoshop Elements program for under $100. While Photoshop Elements does not have all the features of a full version of Photoshop, it can still handle most basic needs for graphics and is perfect for designers who are short on cash.
Another cheaper alternative to the Adobe line of design programs comes from the software company Corel, which have two programs that can achieve many of the same resu
If you are looking for software to create graphics, but do not want to pay high prices, there is a free alternative available called GIMP, which stands for "The GNU Image Manipulation Program." This program is a free, open-source software package that functions just like Photoshop and can be installed on Windows, Mac and Linux computers. Despite being free, GIMP still has a wealth of features, including a fully customisable interface, many built-in plug-INS for image manipulation and restoration and can also support many different file types, including files that were created in Photoshop. Because it is free, it is perfect for novice designers, though experienced image creators will find it very useful as well.
Regardless of what your graphic design needs are these programs will be able to get the job done. What programs you decide to use is all up to your own preference and budget.
Michael Richards
Michael Richards is writing on behalf of Fluid Creativity, specialists in Graphic Design.
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