Graphics & vector software is primarily used for creating images for the laser cutters, CNC, and vinyl cutters. Generally speaking, vector files are used for any kind of cutting, as the cutting tool can simply follow the vector paths. Raster images are used for laser engraving and can be vectorized in files that can be used for cutting.
Adobe Creative CloudAdobe Creative Cloud (CC) is one of the industry-standard software suites for creating media of all kinds. While the Creative Cloud has a large number of programs, the two that are most useful for creative projects for the laser cutter are Photoshop and Illustrator.
Pros: Adobe is the premier software for graphical design suite profession and incredibly powerful. Additionally, Illustrator is available at all three Makerspaces for use with the laser cutter, so images made in Illustrator do not need to be imported into different software.
Cons: Adobe is not free (although it is free to for patrons use a several PPLD locations). It also has a very steep learning curve and can be difficult for people unfamiliar with the software to use efficiently.
East: The Adobe Creative Cloud suite is available on eight computers in the 2nd floor computer lab (computers #35-#42). During open hours, there is also a MAKE laptop available with the full suite.
Personal subscriptions can be purchased from Adobe's website. Student & educator discounts are available.
A variety of video tutorials are available through Lynda.com, which covers everything from learning the interface to very advanced concepts and techniques. Users new to Adobe products should start with the One-on-One: Fundamentals series.
Additionally, Adobe has detailed user guides for all of their products.
GIMPGIMP is a free image and photo editor that is available on almost all operating systems. GIMP is an easy way of resizing, recoloring, cropping, rotating and otherwise manipulating images. Additionally, GIMP can work with transparancies, layers, and almost every type of image file available.
Pros: GIMP is, essentially, the free alternative to Photoshop. While it may not be quite as powerful as Photoshop, it will work for most users' needs. Most basic functions (e.g. reszing an image) are an easy process.
Cons: Because GIMP can do a lot, there is a fairly steep learning curve, especially for people new to graphic editing. For people used to Photoshop's layout, a lot of functions require learning a new interface.
GIMP can also be downloaded directly from their website.
A video tutorial series on learning the basics of GIMP is available through Lynda.com. The tutorial will cover concepts from learning the user interface and basic functions to more advanced topics such as working with layers and filters.
GIMP.org has a variety of tutorials that cover using GIMP and are categorized by topic.
Inkscape is a free vector graphics program available on most operating systems. Inkscape can quickly create and edit line art, clipart, vectorize images, and export vector files into raster images.
Pros: Inkscape is a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator. Creating simple projects is often quick and easy. Inkscape's vectorization module is one of the easiest, yet most effective, ones available.
Cons: Because vector images are a completely different way of creating images than raster editors, there can be a bit of a learning curve for new users. Makerspace machines do not always work well with Inkscape, so often the files have to be exported into PDFs.
Inkscape can also be downloaded directly from their website.
A video tutorial series on learning the basics of Inkscape is available through Lynda.com. The tutorial will cover concepts from learning the user interface and basic functions to more advanced topics such as working with layers and filters.
Inkscape.org has a variety of tutorials that cover using Inkscape in both written and video format.
CorelDRAW is an advanced layout and publish application that can be used for both the creation and printing of designs. CorelDRAW works well with both simple and highly complex designs.
CorelDRAW (version X7) is available on the CAD computer at Library 21c.
Personal purchases of CorelDRAW can be purchased from Corel's website. Note that files created in newer versions of CorelDRAW may not be fully compatible with X7.
A variety of video tutorials are available through Lynda.com, which covers everything from learning the interface to very advanced concepts and techniques. Please be aware that the videos do not cover version X7, so features may be slightly different than on the library's computer.
Additionally, Corel has detailed user guides for all of their products.
Microsoft Paint is one of the most basic raster image editors available, but it's good enough in many cases, especially if all you need is basic shapes or lettering. The major drawbacks are that it cannot handle transparencies or high-DPI images.
Paint comes pre-installed with every version of Windows.
Paint.NET is, in many ways, an enhanced version of Microsoft Paint. It offers many features that Paint does not (including transparency and layers), but is not as complicated as GIMP or Photoshop.
Paint.NET can be downloaded for free from getpaint.net
XnView MP is an image organizer, but has many basic image editing tools as well, such as crop, rotate, color adjustments, and format converters.
XnView MP can be downloaded for free (for personal use) from xnview.com
