We are getting ready update our graphic design software... Trying to determine which current software is the best. I have posted a poll with the ones we are looking into. If you have opinions on others not listed in the poll, feel free to list them.
That is sort of a broad list. You cant really compare Illustrator with Photoshop as they are 2 completely different programs aimed at 2 completey different formats. Illustrator being vector based, PS being pixel (bitmap) based. In my opinion, each of those are the best in their fields. Read more here PS vs Illustrator
should show at the top of the page... you should be able to see it, several people have voted already. And thanks everyone for the input.
These tools do different things as stated above. Quark is a fine design and layout program, used by many major publishers for their printed materials. Personally I like InDesign better, as it uses the more familiar (to me) Adobe tools and ways of working. Illustrator and Freehand are very similar, with Freeehand being slightly easier to use for the beginner. But with Adobe buying Macromedia, its days may be numbered. I haven't used Paint Shop Pro, but Photoshop is the king of bitmap file manipulation. Most of these programs have free trial versions, give as many as you can a shot. Different strokes for different folks, I voted Photoshop.
Nothing can beat photoshop! It has all tools that are usefull to do wonders! When it comes designing... the name photoshop to be referred.
It all depends on what you plan to do with the software. If you want to create web graphics then some would say that fireworks is the best. If you want to produce print stuff then maybe illustrator would be best. I'd hesitate before considering Freehand though. It wasn't included in the Studio 8 bundle so I don't think we will see any more versions of it.
Hi hooperman, When it comes to printmedia high resolution of images are prefferred. For the purpose of web it is 72 pixel/inch. For printmedia photoshop jpeg and bitmap images also can be used with high resolution. If client is not certain about size of images how large he required to print than "Illustrator" is the best. The output of illustrator is "Vector"...Vector images can be enlarged to any extent if required where as jpeg/gif/bitmap images can't be enlarged as per the requirement. Bitmap images will get pixalted when enlarged more than its original size. For small printing works I suggest photoshop and for large poster works it is illustrator.
I prefer Freehand for vector graphics and photoshop for pixel images I don't like illustrator 'cause it doesn't have pages
JASC Paint Shop Pro is great if you don't need the bells and whistles a true Adobe Photoshop artist needs. Affordable too.
Photoshop's great, I just voted for it. But, I have seen a fellow colleague in action, working in Freehand and it seemed like a fairly competitive option as well. I personally love Photoshop though, and I don't think that will change anytime soon. It is expensive, yes but totally worth it!