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Software Available 4 Artists | Standards + Free alternatives
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Software Available 4 Artists | Standards + Free alternativesPosted:
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The question of what software do I need to design (or "GFX" :crazy: ) comes through here a lot. Basically, I decided to make a post listing the various software options you have depending on your task at hand.
List of programs and description
Image editing software
Illustration software (vector)
3D software (modeling, sculpting, etc.)
Want some tutorials? View my other topic:
Forums/t=6688126/tutorial-sites-y...gners.html
List of programs and description
Image editing software
Photoshop [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recommended versions: CS5, CS5.5, CS6, CC (these can, but do not have to be extended)
Photoshop is industry standard for Photo manipulation, photo editing, and various other tasks related to graphic design. Whether you want to change the proportions on a model, design a web site, digital draw, or just make basic 3D text or shapes, Photoshop can do it.
Gimp [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recommended versions: 2.8 or higher
Gimp is one of the top free alternatives to Photoshop. Gimp offers any of the basic features that Photoshop offers. Though, the platform may not be as intuitive as Photoshop, Gimp may be a good option for those brand new to the field that do not want to spend a lot of money.
Pixlr [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Pixlr is a free, web based alternative to Photoshop. Pixlr offers tools such as dodge, and burn, clone stamp, and more all from the comfort of your browser.
Pixelmator [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Mac only
Recommended version: 3.2 (most to date)
Price: $29.99
Pixelmator is a less expensive image editor. It's good for various photo editing tasks. It's interface, and toolset is very similar to that of Photoshop. If you're looking to just edit quality photos, this 2011 Best of Mac App Store winner should be an option.
Recommended versions: CS5, CS5.5, CS6, CC (these can, but do not have to be extended)
Photoshop is industry standard for Photo manipulation, photo editing, and various other tasks related to graphic design. Whether you want to change the proportions on a model, design a web site, digital draw, or just make basic 3D text or shapes, Photoshop can do it.
Gimp [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recommended versions: 2.8 or higher
Gimp is one of the top free alternatives to Photoshop. Gimp offers any of the basic features that Photoshop offers. Though, the platform may not be as intuitive as Photoshop, Gimp may be a good option for those brand new to the field that do not want to spend a lot of money.
Pixlr [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Pixlr is a free, web based alternative to Photoshop. Pixlr offers tools such as dodge, and burn, clone stamp, and more all from the comfort of your browser.
Pixelmator [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Mac only
Recommended version: 3.2 (most to date)
Price: $29.99
Pixelmator is a less expensive image editor. It's good for various photo editing tasks. It's interface, and toolset is very similar to that of Photoshop. If you're looking to just edit quality photos, this 2011 Best of Mac App Store winner should be an option.
Illustration software (vector)
Adobe Illustrator [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recommended versions: CS5 or higher
Adobe Illustrator is arguably the most used vector based software. If you're looking for a software to make logos, illustrations, badges, etc. Illustrator is a good choice. Illustrator has unmatched features, but it's interface can take some time to master.
Sketch [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Mac only
Price: $79.99
Recommended version: 2 or higher
From websites and application interfaces to icons and buttons, Sketch is perfect for designing the essential elements of modern software. Its also amazingly easy to use, especially for designers already familiar with software like Adobe Illustrator.
CorelDRAW [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Windows only
Price: $200 or subscription
A professional vector graphics editing application, CorelDRAW is one of the most popular professional vector design applications on the market. CorelDRAW isnt just one application its actually a suite of applications including a bitmap image editor, photo editor and more. Priced in line with Adobes software, its primary audience is professional designers looking for an Illustrator alternative.
Sketchbook [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Price: $65 or $24.99/year
Available for phone, tablet, and desktop
Sketchbook is one of the best software for digital drawing. Whether you're creating cartoon characters, illustrations, logos, or doing a bit of digital painting you should consider having Sketchbook in your arsenal.
Recommended versions: CS5 or higher
Adobe Illustrator is arguably the most used vector based software. If you're looking for a software to make logos, illustrations, badges, etc. Illustrator is a good choice. Illustrator has unmatched features, but it's interface can take some time to master.
Sketch [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Mac only
Price: $79.99
Recommended version: 2 or higher
From websites and application interfaces to icons and buttons, Sketch is perfect for designing the essential elements of modern software. Its also amazingly easy to use, especially for designers already familiar with software like Adobe Illustrator.
CorelDRAW [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Windows only
Price: $200 or subscription
A professional vector graphics editing application, CorelDRAW is one of the most popular professional vector design applications on the market. CorelDRAW isnt just one application its actually a suite of applications including a bitmap image editor, photo editor and more. Priced in line with Adobes software, its primary audience is professional designers looking for an Illustrator alternative.
Sketchbook [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Price: $65 or $24.99/year
Available for phone, tablet, and desktop
Sketchbook is one of the best software for digital drawing. Whether you're creating cartoon characters, illustrations, logos, or doing a bit of digital painting you should consider having Sketchbook in your arsenal.
3D software (modeling, sculpting, etc.)
Autodesk Maya [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Maya is a professional 3D software. It's platform is quite hard to learn in comparison to Cinema 4D and 3ds Max. Maya is used extensively in the industry for CG, 3D modeling, character creation, 3D animation, etc. Maya is a definite option for those serious about 3D.
Autodesk 3ds Max [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3ds Max, like Maya is extensively used in the industry, and a professional 3D software. It's platform is easier to grasp than Maya. 3ds Max can be considered when doing 3D modeling, character creation, animation, game development, etc.
Cinema 4D [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Cinema 4D is 3D software that's considered more user friendly than 3ds Max and Maya. When used, correctly, Cinema 4D can create beautiful renders. If you're interested in making simple architecture design, 3D modeling, sculpting, etc. Cinema 4D is a good option.
zBrush [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
zBrush is a superb, professional software for digital sculpting. zBrush is used by many concept artists, character creators, and pretty much any digital sculptor.
Mudbox [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Mudbox is a great software for digital painting, and sculpting. Mudbox is created by Autodesk, so you know that you're getting a quality product. Not as popular as zBrush, Mudbox can still create some quality sculptures.
Maya is a professional 3D software. It's platform is quite hard to learn in comparison to Cinema 4D and 3ds Max. Maya is used extensively in the industry for CG, 3D modeling, character creation, 3D animation, etc. Maya is a definite option for those serious about 3D.
Autodesk 3ds Max [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3ds Max, like Maya is extensively used in the industry, and a professional 3D software. It's platform is easier to grasp than Maya. 3ds Max can be considered when doing 3D modeling, character creation, animation, game development, etc.
Cinema 4D [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Cinema 4D is 3D software that's considered more user friendly than 3ds Max and Maya. When used, correctly, Cinema 4D can create beautiful renders. If you're interested in making simple architecture design, 3D modeling, sculpting, etc. Cinema 4D is a good option.
zBrush [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
zBrush is a superb, professional software for digital sculpting. zBrush is used by many concept artists, character creators, and pretty much any digital sculptor.
Mudbox [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Mudbox is a great software for digital painting, and sculpting. Mudbox is created by Autodesk, so you know that you're getting a quality product. Not as popular as zBrush, Mudbox can still create some quality sculptures.
Want some tutorials? View my other topic:
Forums/t=6688126/tutorial-sites-y...gners.html
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