Any cheaper alternatives to Photoshop?

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CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
5,401
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I'm a web designer (PHP programming mostly), and I occasionally use photo programs to create graphics for websites or tweak layouts. I used Photoshop CS2 several years ago in college and grew to really enjoy it. The interface is pretty good, and the capabilities are excellent. Unfortunately, I simply can't afford to shell out $600 for a new copy. $200 for an upgrade may be a possibility, but it's still a lot of cash.

In the mean time, I've been using Paint.NET and GIMP. Paint.NET is excellent and they've done a wonderful job at creating a Photoshop-like interface, but there are a number of features missing compared to Photoshop. GIMP has most of the features, but I find the interface to be absolutely horrid. I just can't get used to it, and often do whatever I need as quickly as I can just so I can shut the program back down.

Are there any other good alternatives that I can look into?
 
lxskllr

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
59,474
9,998
126
You listed my 2 favorites. I don't think you'll find any better for free. I don't think Gimp's interface is that bad. If a dumbass like me can figure it out, anyone can :^D
 
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CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
5,401
2
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limer said:
This may be an option although I've never used it:

http://www.gimpshop.com/
Click to expand...

I tried it once, but it never seemed to work correctly.

As far as GIMP's interface being a problem, it's primarily little things that piss me off, but they piss me off to no end. For example, the fact that GIMP opens with a random floating toolbox and other windows rather than as a "full screen application" like Photoshop and Paint.NET always astounds me. The fact that GIMP can't seem to remember what folder I was using last when I use the Open dialog is annoying (but might have something to do with cross-browser support). Hell, just the fact that the Open dialog isn't the Windows standard flavor is annoying.

Once I get moving with it, I can normally figure out how to get the job done, and it does to its job VERY well (especially considering the price). However, like driving a car that has a few annoying quirks, I just can't seem to enjoy using it, and find myself closing the program as soon as I'm done doing what's absolutely necessary.

I think I had a version of Paint Shop Pro that came free with my Envy 14, so I'm going to give that a shot. Thanks for the recommendations. :)
 
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CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
5,401
2
0
Gooberlx2 said:
edit: What features are you missing from Paint.net? They have an active plugin community.
Click to expand...

Guidelines, spot healing brush, a GOOD color-replacement brush (the recolor tool never seems to get the color correct), better edge detection for the magic wand (the tolerance slider sometimes does the trick, sometimes not), drop shadow (can be created fairly easily, but still an extra step that is done automatically in Photoshop) and other layer effects, etc.

Paint.NET has a lot of great stuff, but it's just missing a few things that really hold me back.
 
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TSDible

Golden Member
Nov 4, 1999
1,697
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The Gimp interface is supposed to change radically in the next major release. Mainly because many have the exact same complaints about it. Gimpshop tried to overcome a lot of those issues, but I don't think it is being maintained anymore.

You said you used CS2 and were comfortable with it.

Why not look for an old legitimate copy on eBay or something?
 
Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
TSDible said:
The Gimp interface is supposed to change radically in the next major release.
Click to expand...

I think they're also bringing some other native features like 16-bit operations and non-destructive editing via GEGL (which is implemented in current gimp in a limited fashion as a plugin...or something)

I'm stoked for 2.8.
 
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