The Gimp isn't just for Linux users, and it isn't a cheap knock-off. It boasts Photoshop support, can create and edit virtually any image file that isn't vector based, and it's totally free. The image quality is outstanding and offers control over rendering options for compressed formats like gif, png, and jpg. It also supports editing Photoshop files.
The layout is pretty standard. There's a frame containing the image, another for layers, and yet another called toolbox. The toolbox contains a square selection tool, round selection, path, zoom, paintbrush, gradient fill, etc. Like most Linux based software, it performs things a little differently than it's Windows counterparts. To make shapes, you select an area and fill it, or you can use text-to-path to do other interesting things with text. The paintbrush has many different shapes to choose from and allows control over mode, opacity, scale, fades, by color select, etc. It also features "Intelligent Scissors" that make cropping a snap. There are options for cut, copy, and paste, paste as layer, new image, brush, or pattern. There are hundreds of plugins available online, or can build your own.
There are both Windows and Linux versions of the Gimp, and I use it on both platforms without any problems. Paintshop Pro is now a distant memory, and there are no regrets. This program can do everything Paintshop did, and then a lot more. The Photoshop support alone is worth the download, especially if you need to edit the psd files contained in downloadable website templates. This is one of the best image editors I have ever used.
No comments:
Post a Comment