Graphics software

Graphics software are computer programs used by designers to create artwork.

Raster software

Raster software is used to create raster graphics. Common used software is:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Gimp
• Paintshop Pro

Vector software

Vector software is used to create vector graphics. Common used software is:

• Adobe Illustrator (a good tutorial for using Illustrator is available here)
• Corel Draw
• Sodipodi
• Microsoft Visio

Things to consider when choosing your software

There has been much discussion over the years about which programs are better. Keep in mind when you are evaluating a software package to purchase or open source package to use, that you will probably have to output your designs to a professional printer. Not all commercial printers have all programs available, and not all features are compatible with their output hardware. Contact your printer first to make sure they'll be able to use your files.

Another thing to keep in mind when selecting software, is to choose one where you feel yourself most confortable with. If you are familiar with Photoshop, you will probably feel right at home in Illustrator as well. If you are skilled in Visio you can achieve great result even the toolset is more limited than Illustrator's. It all comes down to how well you know the software and how much time you want to invest to learn new skills for a particular software package.

See also

• Building
• Technical design software
• Raster versus Vector artwork