Which one do I choose?

I've just started to play around making icons, wallpapers etc.

At the moment I'm using paint.net. I find it easy to use.

What I'm wanting is some advice should I stick to this software or maybe move onto Photoshop or even theGimp.

How do they all stack up against each other, Pro's and Cons?

Thanks

They are making GIMP much more user friendly, almost similar to PhotoShop. There still may be some things that are more complicated in GIMP than are in PhotoShop. GIMP is free, PhotoShop is not. GIMP you need to download a huge file, PhotoShop comes on a CD (in other words, you would want to have a broadband connection for GIMP). Also, if you are on a Mac, you would need to install X11, which takes up more space, and it's just another step. I think it may slow down your comp a little. I haven't messed around with it too much.

Both programs are solid. They just are different. You'll find more support and tutorials out there for PhotoShop. So if you don't like figureing things out for yourself, PS would be the better choice.

If you are going to school and can get a discount, I would go with PhotoShop. If you are not and have broadband, go with GIMP. If those two categories don't fit you, I guess it depends on if you have the money, or the connection.

#370604

@wizard: The GIMP is something around 7.3 MB, you call that a huge file?

@mps69_1999: Read this article. It will clear things out for you and help you decide.

#370622

I thought it was bigger, like around 30 megs, or more. OK, I stand corrected.

#370623

Read this article. It will clear things out for you and help you decide.

Ummm that's kind of a biased article. How can one seriously compare the two without even giving the GIMP an honest go?:slant:

I agree with everyone that PS is probably the best way to go if you are/hope to pursue this in terms of a job. If it's just a hobby & you don't want to part with the bucks then GIMP is okay. There's also a photoshop style interface hack out there. Also, after a bit of experience I found I can usually learn/adopt the PS tutorials for my own needs.

#370656

plus you can always "Acquire " photoshop if ya know what i mean

#370774

If you like the layout of photoshop you can use GIMPshop (just google it) It's gimp with a more photoshop-like interface. t's still very gimp-ish anyway... mainly just tools have been renamed and menus are different.

There are many ways you could "obtain" photoshop

#371646

plus you can always "Acquire " photoshop if ya know what i mean

There are many ways you could "obtain" photoshop

For example, you could buy it from adobe.com. I find this works best .

-NC

#371728

Thanks for all the info and advice guys.

Photoshop's looking like what I need/want.

I've one more question, Photoshop being part of Adobe is it bloated like some of the rest of their stuff. That's the only thing that really puts me off using their software.

Thanks

#371928

For example, you could buy it from adobe.com. I find this works best .

Not only - sometimes a "limited edition" comes bundled with printers or scanners. Quite good in the end.

I agree on the bloated, but only for the CS versions of photoshop. You may find an older version enough, and light.

#371936