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 2008/02/20 21:37 | by gaolewen ]
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Deciding on an alternative for Photoshop depends a lot on what you use Photoshop for. There are five apps that will give you some information about that are trying to compete head to head with Photoshop. Though if you have more targeted image creation needs there are some apps that may even be a better option than Photoshop.
1. GIMP: A Great Photoshop Alternative and It's Open Source
Gimp has a strong user community that supports its product, and a large feature set, though it has a different interface and way of doing things than Photoshop.
For those used to doing things in Photoshop, but who are interested in checking out this free software, look into Gimpshop. It's a modification of Gimp that is similar to Photoshop's user interface.
Download Gimp
2. Pixelmator: Young Application Though Growing Strong
Wow, their website is beautiful. You shouldn't buy software based solely on its brand design, but let's face it, it sure does help. Pixelmator is a young application, but has a growing set of features. For example, in their 1.1 release version, code named kitten, they've just added tablet based pressure sensitivity support. They have active forums, a downloadable manual for their product, and some juice moving them forward fast. Watch out for this app.
Download Pixelmator Trial
3. Corel Paint Shop Pro X2: Robust Application with Long Term Development History
PSP X2 is mainly targeted at photo editors. Though it has many features that a Photoshop user is used to, it is just a fraction of the price.
The new graphite workspace theme of X2 looks great and has a modern elegant feel. Corel is a large respected company and continues to develop PSP so you don't need to worry about this vanishing one day.
They have built in documentation for the products as well as online community support. They also have an option to test drive the product in your browser. I tried it and it worked well to evaluate, but of course that depends on your connection speed.
Download PSP X2 Trial
4. PhotoLine: Lots of Features but Lacks That Mac Like Feel
Photoline is positioned as a Photoshop alternative, it is a commercial app with a large feature set. Its fast, powerful, and stable. But a few issues that would make me hesitate before investing any time into the software. Their website lacks that professional feel that makes you feel confident about the software your buying. Their forums don't appear to be very active. Macapper does however give them high ratings and there is a Photoline Review there. Photoline has a few features where it may edge out Photoshop that are pointed out in this review, so it's worth a read.
Download Photoline Trial
5. Pixel Image Editor - Lone Developer Application
Pavel Kanzelsberger has been developing Pixel Image Editor in his spare time for the last eight years, and as we know from the popular Textmate, sometimes these lone developer apps can be great. Pixel looks like it'll deliver the goods too. There is a wide range of tools, lots of layers, effects and workspace options. I tried to follow a link to the Wiki and Forums and it went nowhere. So, no guarantee with community support on this one.
Download Pixel Trial
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