Parsons Projects

So you want to dabble with digital art but havnt got the money to buy the expensive Adobe Creative Suite well this post will help you find some free open source alternatives.

Adobe Photoshop

This can be replaced with GIMP. GIMP stands for GNU Image Manuipulation Program. The program has the ability to edit bitmap images and photos. It saves files in formats that will work with other bitmap editors, including Photoshop (jpeg, tiff, gif…). There is also a modified version of the client for Windows called GIMPshop, which “skins” the interface to emulate Photoshop.

Illustrator

This can be replaced by Inkscape. This program creates scalable vector artwork. It can import and export SVG, Illustrator (.ai), PDF files, and also handle many common raster format files (jpeg, png, gif..).

In Design

Replace with Scribus. This open source program is designed for desktop publishing. This program supports PDF/X-3 standards and comes with a limited amount of vector tools. It supports SVG importing and Open Type fonts. Designer Note: If you plan on using software on a semi-professional or professional manner, it is best to ask your printer first. Unlike the other programs on this list, your printer will want to be able to access your native Scribus file. Ask your printer in advance to install the software before sending out a print job.

Flash

Flash can be replaced with Synfig. Flash serves a dual purpose for designers, as a means to animate/present content or to use as an interface. Synfig is a little more confusing than Flash, espcially if you’re a novice user. It can export to a variety of video formats, including Flash (.swf), mpeg, and SVG. This program also supports ActionScript. Designer Note: While you may be creating with an open source tool, you might want to save your work in a widely-used format (SVG or SWF). Most of the audience will view your work with Adobe’s Flash Player, which is free to download. If you goal is to avoid all proprietary software, then check out Gnash, a free open source Flash player.

Dreamweaver

Replace with Nvu. This HTML editor allows code view and WYSIWYG design view, similar to the way Dreamweaver does it. It also allows users to handle their files neatly, integrate forms, and more. This is a great program for those learning web design. It also offers a clean source code view for the people that like to create their HTML from scratch.

Soundbooth

Replace with Audacity. Imagine a stripped down version of Soundbooth with the same amount of power. Don’t worry though, because you’ll be able to download all the sound filters you want through the web site. Handles all the major audio file formats (wav, mp3, aiff, ogg vorbis).

After Effects

Replace with Cinefx. This is very similar to After Effects. The one thing missing is the After Effects library. Not to gret though, since Jahshaka comes with a slew of their own effects. It even lets you import projects from Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, Lightwave, Maya, 3DS Max, and more. It lets you export your projects into many formats too.

(Windows, Mac, Linux)

Encore

Replace with DVDStyler. If you’ve created and edited your film, and want to share it, you’ll need to burn it to disc. Encore no longer exists as a stand-alone program, since it was rolled into Premiere in CS3. Open source solutions have yet combine editing suites and DVD authoring into one. Adobe has jumped into the format war and have given Encore the ability to burn Bluray discs. Until the format war is over (and Bluray drives become standard) most people, including the open source community, are sticking with DVDs.

DVDStyler is a great tool that allows the user create simple and beautiful menus for DVDs. Although this program doesn’t give advanced control over video playback, it is great to learn the DVD menu structure.

(Windows, Linux)

Premiere

Replace with Avidemux. While this doesn’t have all the features of Premiere, its great for simple linear editing and encoding. This allows you to input MPEG, Quicktime, AVI, ASF, images, H.263 format, and more. Output your work into AVI, MPEG, MP4, or OMG. While an advanced user might need more control, this will do the trick for the majority of users.

(Windows, Mac, Linux)

Conclusion

These alternatives are based on being:

• A comprable alternative
• Open source (free to users and developers)
• Cross-platform

There are a lot of alternatives you can find more here http://www.zerodibs.com/

So that is the list of replacments for Adobe Suite. Obviously, this list can change and grow with time. Please add your links and suggestions and share it with the aspiring artists in your life.

(Windows, Mac, Unix)