Graphics Software Review: The GIMP

September 18, 2006

You don’t have to spend big money to create really good graphics for your web pages. In fact you don’t have to pay a dime if you use the GIMP. It’s freely distributed and can be used for photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring.

I love all the great filters and scripts included with the software because I can just let my imagination and love of experimentation take over to create some pretty neat graphics.

sample image 2The effect in the Script-Fu I use the most is the round corners.
I can set the edge radius to whatever I want to make the corners more or less curvy depending on my needs. In the sample image here, I enabled the shadow effect to my rounded corner image.

Other scripts included are a button creater, a robust logo effects generator, a brush creator, a sphere creator – the list is endless. To say that I’m impressed with this software is an understatement.
You can download GIMP for Windows here

Posted in Graphics, Viewpoint, Web Tools and WordPress Related |

12 Responses to “Graphics Software Review: The GIMP”

  1. Payal
    September 19th, 2006 at 10:45 am

    I was just on the verge of giving up on Gimp because of it’s interface and wondering if I might have to dig deep into my pockets for Photoshop! I’m glad you approve of it – perhaps it’s the little encouragement I need to persist with it ;-)

    ~Janpd24/Payal

  2. Karen
    September 19th, 2006 at 2:00 pm

    Hi Payal,

    thanks for popping in. The GIMP isn’t the easiest software to use, it’s true. In fact, I had almost given up on it, but then I kept at it and I’m slowly getting used to it. I know all the pros use Photoshop, but I refuse the pay the big money to get a newer version. I have a very old version. Instead I payed the money to get Ulead’s PhotoImpact, which I have used for years. :)

  3. Danny Weiss
    September 19th, 2006 at 5:54 pm

    GIMP is a good product. On the topic of other cheaper-than-Photoshop alternatives, however, Corel’s Paint Shop Pro and Graphics Suite both come to mind. Not as cheap as GIMP, of course, but worth considering.

    -Danny.

  4. Karen
    September 19th, 2006 at 10:32 pm

    Hi Danny,
    it’s good to see you back here again :)
    Yes, I agree that Paint Shop Pro is a very good product which I have used before and would use again. In fact, some of my graphics are created using PSP tubes.

  5. Payal
    September 21st, 2006 at 7:11 am

    If I did have to invest some money in a good graphics package, would you say Paint Shop Pro (Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI is the latest version, but I could get version 9 off Amazon pretty cheap) is a good option?

  6. Karen
    September 21st, 2006 at 7:44 am

    yes, Payal, Paint Shop Pro is very good…
    From what I’ve read, the older versions before Corel bought out Jasc are better…so if you could get your hands on version 7 or 8 that would be better…but if you can’t, get version 9 first and see how you like it.

  7. Payal
    September 22nd, 2006 at 6:12 am

    Thanks. Will do that :-) . I’m using PSP 5 now, and that’s really ancient!

  8. Frits
    September 22nd, 2006 at 8:35 am

    I’ve got PSP 6. That’s ancient too but it does work. GIMP is good too. The Script Fu has some real nice possibilities.

  9. Karen
    September 22nd, 2006 at 8:49 am

    Hi Frits,

    yes, play with GIMP, Frits. It’s really a lot of fun.

    On the subject of old software, my favorite mantra is this:

    if it’s not broken don’t fix it

    so in other words, if a particular software application does everything you want from it, why change it? Unless of course you really need those added features in the updated app. ;)

  10. Frits
    September 22nd, 2006 at 9:55 am

    Thank you Karen,

    I’ll remember that :-)

  11. Tubby
    October 24th, 2006 at 10:47 am

    “I can just let my imagination and love of experimentation take over to create some pretty neat graphics”

    re

    Your words I quoted express my feelings also about the Gimp. I have tested dozens of freeware graphic programs, but in my view Gimp is the best of them all.

    My Gimp Links:

    1. Tubby’s Gimp Photo Editing     which depicts family photo editing
    I did with the Gimp and which has some good Gimp directly and indirectly related links.


    2. Tubby’s Gimp Tutorial #1: Correcting A Poor Photo Closeup     which is my first tutorial and shows many of the principles used in
    editing the photos shown on my website, Tubby’s Gimp Photo Editing.


    3. Tubby’s Gimp Blog     my new Gimp blog which allows commenting, questions, and constructive criticism concerning my Gimp website, Tutorial #1, and blog. And at which people can vote to help choose my Gimp Tutorial #2.

    I invite you to check out my links and post a comment at my Gimp blog, and dare I dream it perhaps someday mention my Gimp sites in one of your articles if, of course, you find somethings there that are useful to your readers.

  12. Karen
    October 24th, 2006 at 1:48 pm

    Hi Tubby,

    I checked out your links…I was not able to access your blog as I guess Blogger is down at the moment.
    I enjoyed your photo editing tutorial using the Gimp. I really like how you colorized the old family photos. Nice!