What about Fireworks?

I never heard of Adobe Fireworks, but I did assume I forgot some, so I put a other choice.

Gee, it's hard to compare free software to the costly stuff if you don't own the costly stuff. Is there a way to get a good, fully functional (as opposed to the usual limited trial downloads they give) that would allow us to try out Fireworks and Photo Shop free? I have never even seen either program open, much less used them, nor have I even investigated MS Paint. (odds are pretty good it's not free, huh? hahahaha...Microsoft free...hahahahaha)! I would love to give them a try, but not for so much (any) money. esp when I can get GIMP for free. As a result, I really don't know which is best, but I sure would like to (hint hint...someone have a free test I can use? hint hint?) find out.

Lady

Paint.NET. Just started doing logos after installed FastDial. Easy, quick, versatile, etc.

GIMP is by far the easiest if you're used to it. It's really a matter of personal preference.

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Here's where I stand on this discussion.

I believe that it really is personal preference and usually what a person is used to using. I personally started with MS Paint when i was around 10, then I discovered Adobe Photoshop in like 2001. Since then, I've stuck with Adobe Photoshop and have no real intentions of switching. I feel this way because I'm used to it, and I've developed skills with it. I would assume programs like GIMP, the Corel Design Studio, and other design programs are fairly good as well, but personally I'm just more used to the Adobe Suite.

However, if it's price that's on your mind, then there are many free photo editing software out there. I myself have tried GIMP, and I must say for an open source program, it has really been beneficial and seems to live up to what it says it can do. Paint.net is also a free open source image editing tool like AguilaFan mentions earlier. I haven't used this program so I can't tell you much about it.

Ultimately, I believe it all depends on what type of graphics you are trying to create. I would divide it into two categories, Image Editors and 3D Modeling. Most graphic designers such as myself utilize of these programs.

If you're looking for 3D Modeling programs but you're tight on a budget. Here are two Completely FREE programs from which you can look it. SOFTIMAGE|XSI MOD TOOL: http://tinyurl.com/3mk33m, it's the same software valve used to create the models for Half-Life 2. The other one is is MILKSHAPE 3D: http://tinyurl.com/cto422, it's a simply and very decent shareware modeler, it's a lot more easier on terms of learning compared to SOFTIMAGE|XSI MOD TOOL, so I personally would recommend this one first.

If you need to know anything else feel free to ask, I'd be happy to attempt to help.

- Chris