Free Vector Creation Software and Programing
Last night, Brett posted his top 5 Fractal creation scripts. I thought that today would be a good day to post a list of our favorite free software for vector creation. This list is being written in a coffee shop, and as such, I am not going to peg myself with an exact number in a list that who knows if I can successfully accomplish. The only qualifier for this list is that we will not be discussing anything for Mac and we will include software that includes trial period for purchase. I am still an ultimate fan of the Adobe suite(and Illustrator, After Effects and Flash are my favorite Vector based design programs). Still, the availability of shareware, freeware and open source Vector Design Software is highly effective in training and exposing the next generation of designers.
I think we should start with InsightPoint and see where the list takes us:
1. InsightPoint
InsightPoint creates sophisticated illustrations and layouts for Web and print. When it comes to spelling out and sharing your ideas as text and graphics, InsightPoint is the fastest and easiest way to get you there. Built on top of XML technologies, comprehensive object-oriented vector design tools, trivial learning curve, and smooth drawing experience.
2. Serif DrawPlus Starter Edition
Unleash your creativity with Serif’s powerful drawing and graphics software – at no cost! You’ll be amazed how easy it is to create high quality graphics and animations without having to spend hours designing, or pay for expensive training. Whether you’re a seasoned professional getting a taste for Serif software or you’re completely new to creative illustration, you’ll find DrawPlus Starter Edition easy to learn and a pleasure to use!
3. Synfig Studio 0.62.02
Synfig is a powerful, industrial-strength vector-based open-source 2D animation software package, designed from the ground-up for producing feature-film quality animation with fewer people and resources. While there are many other programs currently on the market to aid with the efficient production of 2D animation, we are currently unaware of any other software that can do what our software can.
4. Inkscape 0.48 (A personal Favorite)
An Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X, using the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format. Inkscape supports many advanced SVG features (markers, clones, alpha blending, etc.) and great care is taken in designing a streamlined interface. It is very easy to edit nodes, perform complex path operations, trace bitmaps and much more. We also aim to maintain a thriving user and developer community by using open, community-oriented development.
5. Xara Xtreme
Yes, I did say that trial editions would be allowed, because, they perhaps offer the best alternative to the high end cost associated with Adobe Products…. Also, it’s faster!
Xara Designer has the world’s most sophisticated, highest performance vector rendering engine. Quite simply this makes it the fastest graphics software to be found.
Well, I didn’t plan on trapping myself with 5 listings, but that seems to be where I’m going to stop with this article. Truly, there are several quality graphic design programs for vector development. I will probably always prefer my copy of Adobe Illustrator, but there was the time when it was far to rich for my blood. In those days, the freeware and open source development tools above were great pathways to becoming a better designer. The open source graphic design programs and trial software are still the best gateways into the path of becoming a graphic and web designer.