Inexpensive graphics software for Mac?

I aspire to be an SL clothing designer, but first I need graphics software. I read all the threads in the textures forum, and there were many opinions, but they were all tailored to PC's. I looked at the GIMP website and couldn't even understand how to download the software, and decided as a beginner I need something more user friendly.

Any suggestions for graphics software that is affordable (ie not Adobe Photoshop) and beginner friendly? I have a MacBook Pro.

Thanks!

Photoshop Elements is fairly cheap, and it does have the most important features for doing real work. Looking at Elements 4 on another Mac, I see that it can save to Targa format too. Somewhere on the Adobe web site there should be a checklist showing what features are missing, most will be things you won't care about for textures.

You could also look for an older version of Photoshop. Versions before CS3 won't run native on an Intel Mac if you stick to OS X (just Rosetta, that applies to elements right now too I think), but old versions can be found for good prices and the performance isn't really any worse than on a G4. And if you have a PowerPC Mac none of that matters, it will be native.

There used to be lots of great paint programs for Mac but Adobe pretty much took the whole market to itself. There is a new one called Pixelmator that looks promising, but I think it is still vaporware right now.

Hi, Lulu. Gimp itself isn't all that complicated to use, but yes the OS X installation can be confusing.

You have to install X11 on your Macbook Pro. If you put your OS X CD in, you should find something called Xcode tools, which you can install with a couple of clicks.

then go to:

http://gimp-app.sourceforge.net/

and download the .dmg file like other Mac stuff.

GraphicConverter shareware

/109/32/80851/8.html#post1583807

It's biggest shortcoming is it does not do layers, but it will do alpha channels, .tga.


I use an older version of Photoshop Elements V2.0, that I got a couple of years ago on sale with two rebates so it only cost me about $30 as I recall. It includes layers and will do alpha channels .tga

Cannot get any cheaper than that.

Also, Photoshop versions 7 and 8 (CS2) are quite sufficient for SL clothing makers, and can often be found at bargain basement prices.