Software I Utilize
I get questions all of the time from family and friends regarding the software packages that I use. I determined that it would not hurt to take the time to go ahead and answer a few of those questions here for those who may be curious and may help those who wish to get started on their own.
Let me start by saying that I am a huge supporter of open source software! The major benefits of open source software are, of course, price (free!), and the fact that most open source projects that make it off of the ground have huge communities of contributors. What does this mean to you and me? It means that the development of the project is increased abundantly due to code contributors and editors - new features are added, performance is increased, and the overall product usually gets driven to a point that meets or exceeds its commercial competitors (if there are any.) It also means that resources (add-ins, mods, extensions, etc.) are found abundantly and in excess online. If you don't know how to use a certain package, a learning resource to find exactly what you need is normally just a click away. Find out more about open source software at these invaluable links: |
Graphics Packages
Blender 3D
Blender 3D is a wonderful suite of tools for 3D modeling, animating, rendering. It also includes a built-in game engine and creation tool and video editing software. Best part -- it's free!
Krita
Krita is one of more recent additions to my workflow. However, it generates beautiful works of art like a real world canvas. This program allows tapestry-style art right on your PC.
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GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free software package for drawing and manipulating pictures and photos. It relates a lot to its commercial counterpart Adobe Photoshop. Not quite as polished and lacking just a few of the tools, this is a very powerful open source program.
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InkscapeInkscape is the answer to vector graphics for the open source world. Compared normally to Adobe Illustrator this is one of the most popular software packages for vector artists today.
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Animation Software
OpenToonzOpenToonz is a brand new commercial quality 2D animation software package brought to you by the creative minds of Studio Ghibli (Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo).
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Synfig Studio
Synfig is the most recognized name in open source 2D animation. Best of all it offers frame interpolation/tweening with the use of vectors! Makes animating a breeze.
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Pencil 2D
Pencil 2D is a very high quality 2D animation software geared toward the traditional frame-by-frame animator. No interpolation here, draw each frame. Hours and hours of fun!
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Editing
Sony Movie Studio Suite ($$)
After trying lots of different packages (open source) I just couldn't find one that would make me happy. One day, I stumbled across a great sale on Newegg that allowed me to purchased Sony Movie Studio Platinum Suite for quite a steal. This was right before some holiday and I wanted to create a nice video for my wife.
I went ahead and splurged and bought this package - and I could not be happier. Not only is it a high quality movie editor (dumbed down Sony VEGAS (Hollywood studio level stuff)), but it comes with big hitter name software bundled with it, like Sony ACID, Sound Forge, Music Studio, and DVD architect! It really gives you all the software you need to produce your own home studio movies. |
Other Software
PortableApps
PortableApps is the most powerful tool that I carry today. It allows me access to my workflow wherever I go -- all on a tiny USB drive. I install it on every USB drive I have and load it with stuff I plan on using that USB drive for. Check it out and get mobile today!
XAMPPXAMPP is an absolute must for any web designer on the go. XAMPP is a mini virtual server which allows you to run and test your PHP and MySQL site locally without having to upload to a site. Did I forget -- it's completely portable?
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CamStudioLive screen capture software. Good for recording work on screen. (Video tutorials, game playthroughs, etc.) Tiny, portable, and easy to use.
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Notepad++I have been using Notepad++ for so many years in place of standard Notepad. Lots of powerful features and allows plugs-ins. Edit multiple documents in multiple tabs, offers contextual highlighting for easy language reference, and your sessions are saved! Close your work and reopen the program to find all of your documents in their same state. Great for the every day HTML/PHP editor. :)
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