While GIMP is the best known open source image manipulation program, GIMPshop features a modified menu structure that closely matches Adobe Photoshop. A plug-in called 'Deweirdifier' combines application windows in a similar manner to the MDI system used by most Windows graphics packages. All plug-ins available in GIMP can be used; however, the program does not support plug-ins designed for Photoshop. GIMPshop is available for several platforms including Windows and can be downloaded here.
Hugin is a panorama photo stitching tool based on Panorama Tools. The cross-platform utility will calculate the best way to align images and create control points based on a distinctive feature visible in all source pictures. After enough control points or pairs are created, the program will combine the images. An optimizer tab allows photographers to yaw, pitch and roll images. Easy-to-understand tutorials are available here, and the latest stable release can be downloaded for the Windows and Mac platforms here.
Graphic Designers will appreciate Inkscape, a vector graphics editor that uses the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format and almost matches Illustrator in its capabilities. The program features a streamlined interface and supports many advanced SVG features including markers, clones, and alpha blending. Users can easily edit notes, perform complex path operations and trace bitmaps. Inkscape is available for download here.
Press-ready output can be archived with Scribus (available for download here). The desktop publishing software features a modern interface CMYK color, ICC color management, separations, spot color, and pdf-file format creation. A screenshot gallery shows some of the capabilities of the program that bring back memories of earlier QuarkXPress versions.
Recent Comments