Occasionally, you see an MR Forum thread asking about more advanced computer programs to make/manipulate model railroading signs, buildings, backdrops, websites, etc.
Thus, here's a "heads up" for this (free) graphics suite -- Self-advertised as a "Photoshop-Killer" with a normal retail of $90 U.S. The "Adobe-equivalent" photo suite retails for up to $1,000.
MAGIX is offering its Silver Edition of "Xara Xtreme Photo & Graphic Designer Suite" (Version 5) as a free download until November 24th -- USA's Thanksgiving Day. Here are the links you need...
MAGIX Promotion Webpage = http://www.magix.com/?id=9192&L=52
Links to detailed reviews & blog-replies: dotTech and Gizmo's. Do read each website's review (and blog replies) before downloading "Xara Xtreme Photo & Graphic Designer Suite".
Some more insight: The download is 365 megs (it is a graphics suite). Install with "Run as Administrator" if using WinVista or Win7 operating systems. Install does take quite a few minutes to unpack temporary files for a complete installation. Also, at the end of the installation, simply uncheck boxes, to not-install the ASK-Toolbar (unless you desire installing the extras).
After Installation: You have up to 7 days to register for "your free" graphics suite after opening up the MAGIX Xtreme Photo & Graphic Designer 5 (Starter) Icon. MAGIX does require a web-account for registration where you can also uncheck later e-mail notifications, etc. Hard drive space used after installation = 550 megs.
MAGIX Xtreme Graphics Suite is now yours to use, and reinstall anytime into the future. The (3) major individual programs are: Graphic Designer 5 (quick photo optimization), Photo Designer 7 ( more complex photo editing), and Photo Manager 10 (to organize/print/burn photos).
After 1 week on my computer, I continue to discover more features (daily) including capabilities for vector graphics, website design, cd-burning, etc.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
Thanks for the heads-up. I downloaded it and will install it when I have time.
For those who intend to download it, it could take a little while depending on your download speed. The file size is 364 mb.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
I've used Gimp, another free download, with excellent results.
Lee
Route of the Alpha Jets www.wmrywesternlines.net
I use Pixelmator, on my Mac. Not a free program, but it was only $30. I still have a windows box, and I will give this one a try, thanks for the link.
Download is going to take 30 minutes or more regardless of your Internet connection's speed because the server (or home computer) where the program is has a very slow connection.
Took only 8 minutes here all told
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Another program you should looking into getting is Adobe Illustrator. It allows you to design objects that you can scale up or down to any size you like without pixelation (uses mathematical forumlas to do do). I use it for clients who are looking for logos or things that will be used on a variety of projects and need to be blown up or shrunk very small. VERY handy for you guys who create decals for your locos.
PS... if anyone would like some simple design work recreating logos or making simple ones for freelance railroads, let me know. I'd love to help you :)
arvanlaa Another program you should looking into getting is Adobe Illustrator. It allows you to design objects that you can scale up or down to any size you like without pixelation (uses mathematical forumlas to do do). I use it for clients who are looking for logos or things that will be used on a variety of projects and need to be blown up or shrunk very small. VERY handy for you guys who create decals for your locos. PS... if anyone would like some simple design work recreating logos or making simple ones for freelance railroads, let me know. I'd love to help you :)
The main problem with Illustrator is that it's very pricey. The currently free graphic design software posted about in this thread seeks to do the same thing. From the limited tests I've had time to perform, it seems to have full vector graphics like Illustrator.
It does have that and a fair bit more besides. Then again, there are a lot of programs that have those capabilities.
TrainManTy The main problem with Illustrator is that it's very pricey. The currently free graphic design software posted about in this thread seeks to do the same thing. From the limited tests I've had time to perform, it seems to have full vector graphics like Illustrator.
I had suggested an alternate method of obtaining Illustrator for cheap, however I think a forum Mod did not appreciate my suggestion and deleted it lol :P
arvanlaa I had suggested an alternate method of obtaining Illustrator for cheap, however I think a forum Mod did not appreciate my suggestion and deleted it lol :P
That´s what happened, arvanlaa!
Sir Madog arvanlaa: I had suggested an alternate method of obtaining Illustrator for cheap, however I think a forum Mod did not appreciate my suggestion and deleted it lol :P That´s what happened, arvanlaa!
arvanlaa: I had suggested an alternate method of obtaining Illustrator for cheap, however I think a forum Mod did not appreciate my suggestion and deleted it lol :P
On some forums they don't take too kindly to what, in some music forums, have been termed 'Warez Kiddies'
One for those who are into 3D modeling scenarios...this one has been made free and available for download..has a serial number that can be used if you are running an older installer for it that requires one..although from the page that should be a moot point.
It is Caligari's trueSpace....http://www.caligari.com/downloads.html
Their support is through the forums....http://www.caligari.com/store/trueSpace/forums_external.asp
TrainManTy arvanlaa: Another program you should looking into getting is Adobe Illustrator. It allows you to design objects that you can scale up or down to any size you like without pixelation (uses mathematical forumlas to do do). I use it for clients who are looking for logos or things that will be used on a variety of projects and need to be blown up or shrunk very small. VERY handy for you guys who create decals for your locos. PS... if anyone would like some simple design work recreating logos or making simple ones for freelance railroads, let me know. I'd love to help you :) The main problem with Illustrator is that it's very pricey. The currently free graphic design software posted about in this thread seeks to do the same thing. From the limited tests I've had time to perform, it seems to have full vector graphics like Illustrator.
arvanlaa: Another program you should looking into getting is Adobe Illustrator. It allows you to design objects that you can scale up or down to any size you like without pixelation (uses mathematical forumlas to do do). I use it for clients who are looking for logos or things that will be used on a variety of projects and need to be blown up or shrunk very small. VERY handy for you guys who create decals for your locos. PS... if anyone would like some simple design work recreating logos or making simple ones for freelance railroads, let me know. I'd love to help you :)
Inkscape! Free vector graphics program. It works wonderfully just like Gimp! Both completely free, ALWAYS.
I wouldn't use anything other.
Gimp is free and is the equivalent to Photoshop.
Harold
I have an old version of PhotoShop, Gimp and PhotoFiltre. I also have various programs from Kodak, Sony and HP that came with their cameras.
I find myself using PhotoFiltre for most of my photo manipulation needs. It was free and works much like PhotoShop.
Here's the link: http://www.photofiltre.com/
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
I use Inkscape! for making my Scroll Saw patterns, its a great program. If you look up, scroll saw village, he has some nice video tutorials on using the program.