[Kat1lpz]

hi everyone,
I wonder if there's a free software on internet that i can download & im looking for simplier one. I just downloaded AI(trial version) & looks complicated for me (as im not into this techie world stuffs). Corel on the other hand is similar (i think so). Any inputs is highly appreciated.

 

[Maxcat]

I don't know that you'll find anything real simple but Inkscape is free and there are some good YouTube videos.

 

[dcbevins]

Yeah vector software has more buttons, functions and controls than a commercial jetliner. It all takes some time to absorb. There is no push button easy. The learning curve is what it is.

In the free category for vector software, Inkscape wins by ten miles, Gravit gets honorable mention and Libre Draw was at least in the race.

All vector software is similar in that it uses nodes, paths, bezier pens though sometimes the nomenclature varies.

 

[ProSeparatorNJ]

This question has become more popular than "Illustrator vs CorelDraw".

For free, I personally like Microsoft Expression Design. It has plenty to offer, especially if you already have some skill.

After that, I don't really like anything else that's free, but for very cheap I think you'd do well with Serif's DrawPlus for $25.00

For t-shirt work, these two have plenty to offer. DrawPlus having the advantage of the two for t-shirt work. I keep saying, for t-shirt work because both of them have plenty to offer for other kinds of work and neither of them are geared towards t-shirt specifically.

DrawPlus though kind of reminds me of a mini-CorelDraw in that both seek to do a whole lot of different things in a single package. Serif DrawPlus can do very good 3d objects like text or whatever, and also animation. It also can vectorize images right inside the program although the engine is not the best. It's better than nothing and occasionally, surprisingly good.

 

[davidshaw]

I think if you don't have the skills and time to learn vector software there are lots of companies out there that will convert your files to vector for a small fee.

I have never used any so I can't vouch for how good they are:

nkemb
www.digitemb.com

www.threadsandarts.com

They all charge $10 per vector, but I'm sure you could negotiate
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Embroidered workwear

 

[into the T]

Stone is right as rain!

free - microsoft expression is far less buggy than inkscape
but for just starting out spend the ~$25 and get drawplus

 

[davidshaw]

Stone is right as rain!

free - microsoft expression is far less buggy than inkscape
but for just starting out spend the ~$25 and get drawplus

I've never used Microsoft expression (I'll check it out), I primarily use Adobe Illustrator, however, I recently bought a copy of clip studio (formally Manga Studio) Nice software, great features and not bad for £40
I got it from here for £25!
Huge CLIP STUDIO Sale! $25 for CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO $87 CLIP STUDIO PAINT EX



----------------------------------------------------------------------

For Printed T-Shirts

 

[DrivingZiggy]

I don't know if this will help, but: For a limited time, Action Illustrated is offering vector and embroidery artwork, and rhinestone software for free. Choose one or all three!

Expiration: Sunday, November 12, 2017

 

[RumSlush]

Inkscape all the way......I've been doing almost all my art/designs using Inkscape. Learning curve but well worth it. Not much I can't do compared to Illustrator and it's FREE!!! tons of free lessons on youtube. You can even find how to use for cutters. I create and then import into Vinylmaster cut and so far so good. A few tricks to learn but fairly easy.

 

[StatementClub]

I'm not a big fan of inkscape, but I do like its rastor to vector conversion tool. However, if you're looking for a good robust alternative to Corel's and Adobe's vector programs. I would checkout Affinity Designer. Its only $50, but they do offer a free full trial. For me it was easy enough to learn.

 

[into the T]

inkscape is also good to have on hand because you can open ai and cdr files and save to svg

after having used inkscape for years, i never use it now since acquiring drawplus

it is a real ram/memory hog and randomly crashes or just hangs there on larger designs

having made the switch i no longer scream at my laptop or throw it against the wall

 

[Kat1lpz]

I tried to download the inkscape (xquarts) but wont play on my mac (el capitan os)..i have problems on xquarts itself...its says what is xquarts when i double click on application.

 

[Kat1lpz]

Btw, i went to wikipedia for it & thats where i got the site to download, or if you have a better link to share to kindly share it thanks

 

[into the T]

i feel bad for mac owners,
they spend twice as much to run half as much

pick up a used windows laptop for $100 and use it for graphics work

here are the direct links from inkscape:
xquarts
homebrew
dmg

 

[into the T]

it looks like gravit is available for mac's

 

[Meezie]

I use gimp

 

[Kat1lpz]

I use gimp

went to their site & download but my mac wont allow any unidentified developer & couldn't install it..

thanks anyway

 

[dcbevins]

Gimp is a fine raster tool, but for those new to this, its not a vector tool. It has some ability with paths, but not on scale with a dedicated vector program.

 

[Pmejna]

You can use two applications - one is incscape wchich is very good quality, but problem is that lack of CMYK so have its minus. The other one is Gravit.io - you can use online, download to PC, to Mac - soon even on android. I think someone mentioned Gravit - it is something beetween Inkscape and Affinity Designer - which I am using now, and must say that is close to Illustrator. Still, luck a lot, but have as well some benefits which Illustrator doesnt have.

 

[dcbevins]

I tried to download the inkscape (xquarts) but wont play on my mac (el capitan os)..i have problems on xquarts itself...its says what is xquarts when i double click on application.

If you know what IRC is, you can go to irc://irc.freenode.org/#inkscape and ask there. They have experience with macs and probably can get Inkscape up and running for you.

https://inkscape.org/en/community/discussion/ if you don't have your own client.