Graphic software

[StellenboschStudent]

I am looking for software to help me create graphics for my dissertation. I am not looking for something in the class of Adobe Photoshop/Creative suite, that seems to be a bit too much and has a rather steep learning curve. I want something easy, quick to learn with a moderate amount of options available.
For a while now I have been using paint, yes MS Paint, but it lacks certain (ok, a lot) of features that I need.
Any suggestions?

 

[Dom1n8tr1x]

You could always give GIMP a try, it's like a watered down version of Photoshop and it's free. I would however recommend Photoshop. Sure it takes time to learn, but it's worth the effort. I have been using Photoshop for over 10 years and still learn new things, it's so versatile once you get to know the basics.

 

[kissingmybbgoodbye]

I am looking for software to help me create graphics for my dissertation. I am not looking for something in the class of Adobe Photoshop/Creative suite, that seems to be a bit too much and has a rather steep learning curve. I want something easy, quick to learn with a moderate amount of options available.
For a while now I have been using paint, yes MS Paint, but it lacks certain (ok, a lot) of features that I need.
Any suggestions?

Maybe start telling what features you need

 

[StellenboschStudent]

I just want to draw basic shapes.
To give you an idea of the sort of things I want to draw:

http://www.nanoscience.gatech.edu/zlwang/image/publication/bp_sci2007_1.jpg
http://www.estadao.com.br/fotos/fibers-interna.jpg
http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/wp...hematic2.jpg?phpMyAdmin=387c4b701e2at54367afa

 

[Fudzy]

GiMP/Paint.Net for the photo/arty stuff. Inkscape for the diagrams/illustrations.

My biggest gripe with people who use a Photoshop type app diagrams/illustrations is the quality is usually severely compromised when it's converted to PDF etc.

 

[Fudzy]

I just want to draw basic shapes.
To give you an idea of the sort of things I want to draw:

http://www.nanoscience.gatech.edu/zlwang/image/publication/bp_sci2007_1.jpg
http://www.estadao.com.br/fotos/fibers-interna.jpg
http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/wp...hematic2.jpg?phpMyAdmin=387c4b701e2at54367afa

Inkscape will work perfectly for you, use layers, it will make your life a lot easier.

PS. Very interesting dissertation, good luck

 

[saburation]

Give Coreldraw a go. A new version was just released. You can download a full working 30 day trial to see if you like it or not. It is the alternative to Illustrator and supports photos and line drawings (vector). It is quite easy to learn. It gives "hints" as you work so it tells you what the tool does and how it works. You can turn off the feature once you know how to use the program.

 

[Avenue]

Inkscape will work perfectly for you, use layers, it will make your life a lot easier.

PS. Very interesting dissertation, good luck

+1 for inkscape- you need a vector drawing program, but what ever you choose, you're going to have to put some time in to learn the basics at least

 

[murraybiscuit]

you need a vector program to do diagrams. think illustrator rather than photoshop.
that way file sizes are small and resolution high, and can be exported to pdf for high res print.
vector files contain editable text, shapes and colours, paths and curves can be easily manipulated.
your second example is a 3d rendering, which would require a 3d program like blender/3dsmax.
inkscape is probably the best freeware option out there, coreldraw the best cheapo-ware option, and illustrator is cream of the crop.
either way, you've going to have to learn the basics of vector graphics, these things don't draw themselves

 

[ponder]

http://inkscape.org/