Two graphics software tips.

[utopiomania]

These two programs are not free, but well worth the money. If you need some fancy graphics
for your PureBasic programs, these two could be all you need.

The first is PhotoStudio 6 from Arcsoft. I've used this from version 2. It has a learning curve,
but has never let me down. It accepts filters and plugins, and is very to the point when you
use it. v.6 is Windows 7, and upgrades are cheap and you don't have to upgrade often, because
it works. Check it out.

The second is RepliGator 16, from Ransen. Load graphics, or images, into it, select effects and
variations to it and be prepared for some absolutely stunning results.

[eesau]

The RepliGator homepage sure is ugly Thanks for the tips though, I'm sure both pieces of software are very good.

I use Paint.NET nowadays for quick image touch-ups, and it's good for that. Free also. Too bad it doesn't support Photoshop plug-ins.

[vanbeck]

I just bought PhotoshopCS4 - and to be absolutely honest I don't know why I bothered. I have a graphics tablet, and convention directs us toward Photoshop, it's supposed to be the best after all.

Yet I just can't do things as quickly or efficiently as with PaintShopPro, even free software like Gimp has a better workflow for me. I think it's down to the more direct and technical nature of PSP, the selection tools are quick and straightforward and the effects are easy to use. CS4 just doesn't have that snappiness for me.

I'll certainly have a look at these suggestions, if it can do 1 job well and save me an hour or two in it's life, then in my book it's worth considering buying. I often use the lesser known packages that do their job well, like Unwrap3D, CharacterFX, Gimp, ProMotion - but just wanted to suggest PSP over CS4, it's not a poor mans Photoshop, it's a busy mans photoshop! - but it does cost a lot less .

[djes]

Please, Photoshop has a long learning curve, but it's worth the effort! When you'll be familiarised, you will not even imagine working without this fantastic tool. I'm working flawlessly with pictures sometimes as large as 12000x6000 pixels with multiple layers/FX/masks/vectors, and I have never (NEVER!) had a crash! Photoshop is incredible, if only all the softs were like that!!!
BTW, if you want a great tool for your tablet, TVPaint is still alive

[vanbeck]

Hehe, don't get me wrong, I know PS pretty well, actually I've used it since first trying it on a Mac about 15 years ago. But I still prefer doing more technical work in PSP. For instance, I find PSP very quick and easy to move and copy things, often I work with masks on a pixel level when texturing a model. I find PS is a lot more organic, better for tablets and more artistic work. When texturing, it tends to be 1024x1024 or 2048x2048 resolutions, so nothing that is too strenuous. I do quite often finish up a texture or piece of work in Photoshop, adding detail and stuff with the tablet after the basic image is in place. I think it just depends on how you work and what medium it is. The major factor is probably that I'm not great at organic stuff, I've seen YouTube videos of people using Photoshop properly, and it's just incredible - maybe I should ban myself from using PSP in my next project so I have to push Photoshop skills.

I'll check out that TVPaint, thanks!, I think I just need something fun to practice with, doing a little animation should blow out the cobwebs.

[djes]

Ok, I understand!
You're right, for some jobs PS does not make it, too much overhead! (is it the right term?)