What is the best graphics software?

[kraftwerk]

i need some good software that i could use to convert image files, make logos, etc. what is the best?

[Reaver]

Photoshop by far. You will not find a better graphics program. It is expensive though. Paint Shop Pro is a good alternative for simple things.

[steffield]

It really depends on what you want the output to be on. Photoshop is by far the best, but only not when it comes to web graphics. For this, you should use Macromedia Fireworks.

In the end it really does rely on how good you are with graphic design rather than the program.


Ian

[SilentKnight]

I really prefer corel photo-paint to photoshop.. I can't stand photoshop.... but that's probably because I've grown used to photo-paint, because i learned to edit graphics in it... and the tools and menus of it are intuitive to me now, and everything in photoshop is different. I can achieve the same effects with corel, so i don't bother with PS

[EricHQ2]

Photoshop is good for creating graphics. Fireworks is another good one. Illistrater is a good vector based graphic program.

[kraftwerk]

what about Adobe Illustrator?

[SnakEyez]

Photoshop is the best there is of course. Illustrator is good for layout only (if your trying to make pictures with it forget about it). Or if you want a great in-between item try Adobe LiveMotion. It's $299 which you may consider high, but it has the some of the design qualities of Photoshop mixed with Flash. Gives you 2 in one. Still not as good as photoshop, but is a good alternative.

Also for affordability there is Ulead which is, from what I have found, the best value on the market. Programs like Cool 3D, the GIF Animator, and Java programs for the prices just can't be beat (none of those are over $45).

Macromedia is the last company. They have flash, fireworks, and shockwave. Expect to pay the price with shockwave and for what it does I don't think it's worth the price of $1,200.

In my opinion Adobe is definitely the best of the best out there. I realize that some say Macromedia Flash is better then LiveMotion, but usually it is good to stay with the same company if using multiple products (like myself). I have run into some problems (mostly coversions problems) that occur with using 2 different companies programs for different things although most of the time they do work fine together.

My suggestion, download all the freakin trials your computer can hold and see what you like best. Even if other people say "oh this is the best f--king program on earth", it won't do you any good if you can't understand or comprehend what the program is or does. So check them out.

[imprint]

You all should check out Xara X if you haven't already...it is a great vector graphics program used by some of the great Corel artists. I use it in conjuction with Macromedia Fireworks for all of my web graphics. And, at $149.00 it is a pretty resonable deal. I don't have any affiliation with them, just love the product! They have free 30 trials on their site at: www.xara.com they also have an awesome support community at www.xaraxone.com.

Chris

[DataKernel]

The Gimp (http://gimp.org/) :cool:

[bilalak]

out of Experience
I prefer to work with Adobe hotoshop to manage first Draft of Pics , then Fireworkds from inside dream Weaver

If I need Vector Graphics COREL is the best

Paint is sometimes the fastest to select some graphics or ACDsee to display them :)

[cavedweller]

I think they pretty much all will. PS is the best and therefore its also the biggest pain in the sac to use (unless you know how to use it) which you dont otherwise you wouldnt even have asked.

Fireworks is nifty, has a lot of cool things it can do, its 299.00.


Paint shop pro is something people make fun of (just kidding never used it).

Gimp is a complete wate of space to me cause it is so goofilly setup its sickening. save something in it and you'll damn near get a nose bleed from trying to figure outwhat the hell is going on. But its free so if you learn how to use it good for you, i've seen some pretty cool stuff madw with it, so it cant be that bad. I ofcourse haev no clue as to how to use it nor do i wish to, cause i already have photoshop.

so if your concerned about money go with gimp if not go with photoshop. If your doing web stuff go with Fireworks, (not director:D), then you can get dreamweaver and it will make you smile cause of its nifty little features.