So, what is this page for?

For those venturing into the field of digital art, the sheer number of image editing programs that are available can be overwhelming. That's where this page comes in. Its purpose is to help you decide which program you should use for a particular activity, and to spread the word about some of the lesser known programs out there.

Before you continue along to the list of programs, it is helpful to know what some of the terms used in this guide mean.

Raster Graphics Images are made up of colored blocks called pixels. Most image editing programs are used to make these. Well-known raster editors include Photoshop, MS Paint, and the GIMP. Also known as bitmap graphics, or bitmaps.

Vector Graphics Use mathematically defined points, lines, and curves to form images. Well-known vector editors include Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Flash, and Inkscape.

Tablet Sensitive Increased pressure on a tablet pen controls some of the brush functions, like size, or opacity (transparency, alpha transparency).

Transparency It is possible to change the transparency of a brush.

Layers Layers are like clear sheets with pictures all stacked up on one another. They are a necessity for image manipulation, and are also useful for digital painting.

Web-based The program operates inside a browser -blocked- Doesn't require you to install anything on your computer.

Free Programs

Artweaver

Artweaver is a program meant to simulate real, traditional media, combining the look of traditional media with the process of working with a digital medium. There are a variety of "media" that are available for use, including acrylics, oils, pastels, and pencils. The behavior of each medium can be customized to suit your needs.

Tablet sensitive: Yes
Transparency: Yes
Layers: Yes
Best for: Painting, image editing

Aviary

Aviary is a web-based suite of programs. The Aviary suite includes an image editor (Phoenix), vector editor (Raven), color editor (Peacock), and an effects editor (Toucan), as well as an image markup editor (Falcon). To save any of your Aviary creations, you are required to create a free account with Aviary. If you really wanted to get around this, you could take a screenshot of your work and open it in another program and save it there.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a raster image editor, and can be used equally well for painting or photo manipulation. It has a easy to use interface, making it ideal for those new to graphics editors. However, it is still powerful enough to satisfy the needs of someone used to working with higher-end software.

Tablet sensitive: No
Transparency: Yes
Layers: Yes
Best for: Painting, image editing, photomanipulation, those without tablets, painting with a computer that you can't install things on

Raven

Raven is an easy-to-use web-based vector editor. Its simple interface is perfect for those who are new to making artwork with vectors. While it doesn't have some of the options that commercial programs like Adobe Illustrator have, it is perfect for those who want a no-nonsense editor that has a low learning curve, or those who don't want/need a large number of options that will mostly go unused.

Tablet sensitive: No
Transparency: Yes
Layers: Yes
Best for: Illustrations, making vector images, really smooth lines, people new to vector artwork

The GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

This is the program that everyone's heard of as a Photoshop alternative. It is as flexible and capable as Photoshop is. It is also similar to Photoshop in that is also has a large number of brushers available, and it is possible to make and use custom brushes in the GIMP. Unlike all the other programs listed here, it is necessary to open three windows to use it: the image that is being edited/painted, the window with the brushes, and the layers palette.

Tablet sensitive: Yes
Transparency: Yes
Layers: Yes
Best for: Painting, image editing, photo manipulations, some vector work

Paint.NET

Paint.NET is somewhat like a limited version of Photoshop. You are limited to a round brush, but can choose from a variety of patterns to paint with. These patterns can also be used by the shapes.

Tablet sensitive: No
Transparency: Yes
Layers: Yes
Best for: Painting, image editing

Inkscape

Inkscape is to Adobe Illustrator what GIMP is to Photoshop. It is powerful, and like Aviary's Raven, it has a simpler interface than Illustrator. It does lack some of the features that those familiar with Illustrator might use, such as the ability so split the handlebars of nodes apart, but it is otherwise very solid.

Tablet sensitive: No
Transparency: Yes
Layers: Yes
Best for: Illustrations, vector editing, smooth lineart

Sumo Paint

Sumo Paint is another web-based raster editor. It has multiple brushes for use, as well as many options to fine-tune the brushes, including opacity, flow, blend mode, and brush style. Unlike Aviary's Phoenix, it allows you to save your pictures to your hard drive as either a .png or a .jpg or under your Sumo Account.

Tablet sensitive: No
Transparency: Yes
Layers: Yes
Best for: Painting, image editing

Some of these programs (I'm looking at you, Adobe programs) can be pretty pricey. Something that isn't widely known is that if you're a student, it's possible to get software (among other things) with an academic discount. You just have to prove that you're a student.

Adobe Photoshop

In the world of raster editors, Photoshop is king. This is due in part to its popularity, but also to its flexibility. While Photoshop is designed to edit photos, it is also widely used for painting, photo manipulations, matte painting, texturing for 3d models, and a host of other things. Photoshop might be overwhelming at first for those new to graphics editors because of the large number tools and options available. Because of its popularity, there are a large number of resources, such as brushes and patterns, available for Photoshop users. Photoshop allows users to make, use, and share these resources.

Tablet sensitive: Yes
Transparency: Yes
Layers: Yes
Best for: Painting, image editing, photo manipulations, some vector editing




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