Computer graphics software, the subject of this guide, is a program or suite of programs designed for the manipulation of images or models on a computer.
Types of graphics software include raster graphics and vector graphics, with 2D and 3D variants. Some graphics applications are focused entirely on either raster or vector graphics, while others include both. Vector graphics can be easily converted to raster, but it's difficult to go the other way, although some software includes this function.
Raster graphics, also known as bitmap images, are a dot matrix data structure that represents a (usually) rectangular grid of pixels that are viewable through a monitor, on paper, or other display medium. Raster images are stored in image files, with varying formats. Most computers have bitmapped displays, in which each on-screen pixel corresponds to a small number of bits in memory, and most computer images are stored in a raster graphics format, which includes GIF, JPG, JPEG, and PNG.
Raster graphics are resolution dependent, and are unable to scale up to an arbitrary resolution without a loss in quality, as opposed to vector graphics, which can easily scale up to the quality of whatever device is rendering them.
Raster-based image editors (PaintShop Pro, Painter, Photoshop, Paint.NET, MS Paint, GIMP) revolve around editing pixels. When an image is rendered in a raster-based editor, it is made up of millions of pixels, and the image editor functions through the manipulation of each individual pixel.
Vector graphics are images that are defined in terms of 2D points that are connected by lines and curves, forming polygons and other shapes. Vector-based image editors (Xfig, CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape) function by editing lines and shapes, known as vectors. Vector graphic editors usually allow translation, rotation, mirroring, stretching, and skewing. Vector graphic formats include SVG, EPS, PDF, and AI.
Most graphics software applications include the ability to import and export one or more graphics file formats, including those written for a particular application. Such applications include Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, GIMP, Picasa, and Microsoft Publisher.
In addition to static graphics, computer graphics software includes animation and video editing applications.
Computer animation software is used for digitally generating animated images, and may include CGI, 2D, and 3D computer graphics. Video editing software is used in the post-production editing of digital video sequences, replacing cellular film editing tools and analog video tape-to-tape editing machines.
A wide variety of graphics software tools are appropriate for inclusion in this category, or its subcategories.
Categories
3D Graphics & ModelingColor Management & PickersComputer AnimationCopyright Protection | Fractal GenerationImage ConversionImage Creation & EditingVector Graphics |
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Aview is an ASCII art image (PNM) browser and animation player that is designed particularly for use in a Lynx browser. Its features include ASCII art rendering, portability, the ability to save to several file formats, image zooming and unzooming, contrast, brightness, and gamma control, three dithering modes, inversion, support for bright, dim, and inverse attributes, as well as hidden bonus features. The PNM file format is defined, and links to other related resources are included.
http://aa-project.sourceforge.net/aview/
ArcSoft is an algorithm and software solution provider of photo and video imaging products, whose imaging technologies are used in several platforms, such as smartphones, tablet computer devices, PCs, Smart TVs, digital cameras, and cloud-based platforms. Founded in 1994, the private company is headquartered in Fremont, California, with facilities in Asia and Europe. Its technology and products are highlighted, an image gallery is featured, and contacts are posted.
http://www.arcsoft.com/
Aseprite is used for the creation of 2D animations for videogames, including sprites, pixel art, retro-style graphics, and 8-bit or 16-bit images. The program is available for purchase online, and a quick reference guide, FAQ, tutorial, and full documentation are available online, along with a community support forum, where users can discuss program features or problems, asking for help or offering help to others. Registration is required for participation. Other support options are discussed.
https://www.aseprite.org/
The AVS Document Converter is used for converting or editing documents. When a customer registers one of the products in the suite, he may install and use the other products free of charge, via the same serial number. Products include AVS Audio Converter, AVS Auto Editor, Disc Creator, AVS Video Creator, Video Remaker, AVS Video Editor, and AVS Media Player, etc of which are highlighted here and made available for online purchase.
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Blaze Media Pro: Audio & Video Editing
Offered by Mystik Media, Blaze Media Pro is an all-in-one converter, burner, audio and video editing software for all popular audio and video formats, including MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, MPEG-4, AIFF, M4A, AAC, AC3, FLAC, ALAC, AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, WMV, and others. Its audio and video capabilities, supported conversions, configurable interface, video converter, audio and video editing, CD burner, and audio recorder features are highlighted. Online help is available.
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http://corticalcafe.com/prog_CGHmaker.htm
Dali Clock is a digital clock. When a digit changes, it melts into a new shape. The date is displayed when the mouse is pressed. The window can be made transparent, and the foreground and background colors change smoothly. Available for X11, MacOS X, iPad, Android, Palm WebOS, PalmOS Classic, Monochron, and Pebble, it may be freely downloaded from the site. Originally written for the Xerox Alto workstation in 1979, it was ported to other platforms over the years.
https://www.jwz.org/xdaliclock/
Available for recent versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux, Drawpile, and its source code, is available under the GNU General Public License, and download links are provided here. Drawpile is a free collaborative drawing program that permits multiple users to sketch on the same canvas at the same time. Its features and capabilities are listed and discussed, user groups are acknowledged, and various support options are available, including an issue tracker.
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Developed by Dyne, a non-profit, free software foundry, FreeJ is a modular video mixer for GNU/Linux and Apple OSX computer systems, capable of real-time video manipulation for amateur and professional uses, particularly in the fields of dance theater, veejaying, medical visualization, and television. Available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, the application may be freely downloaded from the site, along with its source code. A user’s manual is available.
https://www.dyne.org/software/freej/
Created by Aurigma, Graphics Mill is an imaging toolset for .NET and ASP.NET developers, allowing users to add raster and vector image processing functions to .NET applications. Its features in dealing with both raster and vector graphics are listed, along with its metadata features, color management, drawing and text capabilities, and composite images and templates. Code samples and pricing are stated, along with documentation and support options.
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Gravit Designer / Gravit Designer PRO
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https://designer.gravit.io/
Designed to be simple for beginners and powerful for professionals, IrfanView is available as freeware for non-commercial use. Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, the graphic viewer supports several file formats, including lossless JPG rotation, crop, and EXIF date-changing functions, multipage TIF editing, and support for embedded color profiles in JPG/TIF files, and several other features which are highlighted here. The program may be downloaded, along with plugins and skins.
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Using Python as a scripting language and sponsored by Archimedes Exhibitions, the program is open-sourced and licensed under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License. Designed to allow programmers, media artists, and designers to develop media applications, it uses modern OpenGL for display output and supports major touch driver models, such as Windows Touch, Linux XInput, and TUIO. An installation guide, programmer’s guide, and tutorial are provided.
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Originally developed as Paint Shop by Jasc Software in 1990, the raster and vector graphics editor was acquired by Corel in 2004. Supporting most recent Microsoft Windows operating systems, its functionality can be extended through Photoshop-compatible plugins. The software is available in three versions, PaintShop Pro, PaintShop Pro Ultimate, and PaintShop Pro Store Edition. The features of each are defined and are available for purchase online. Tutorials and support options are related.
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Based in Washington State, Poster Software LLC has produced PC graphics software since 1994, currently offering POSTER, a Windows shareware program used to create large posters, signs, banners, certificates, and murals; PUBLISH-iT Pro, a PDF publishing tool; DRAWiT, a Windows shareware drawing program; and PRESENT-iT, which is used to create slide-based presentation for online and printed delivery. Its programs may be purchased and downloaded from the site.
http://www.postersw.com/
Designed for creating posters, PosteRazor includes Linux, Mac, and Windows versions, with source, as well as a web assembly-based version that can be used in a web browser. As input, the program takes a raster image and the resulting poster is saved as a multipage PDF document. Open source, it is available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, as published by the Free Software Foundation. Its features are defined, with screenshots and source code.
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SiSoft was founded as a high-speed design consulting company in 1995, creating a variety of custom and proprietary software over the years, currently marketing Quantum Channel Designer, a multi-gigabit serial link design application, and Quantum-SI, an application for high-speed parallel interface design, which integrates timing, signal integrity, and crosstalk analysis for FPGA and ASIC design. Its products and product features are highlighted, along with datasheets and client testimonials.
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In business since 1999, the company offers document conversion and file compression tools for commonly used file types, such as PDF, Word, Excel, Text, CSV, HTML, JPG, and TIF. Its tools can also be used to automate repetitive tasks in the workplace. Its products include Diff Doc, Convert Doc, Convert XLS, Text to Excel Wizard, Convert PDF to Image, Convert Image to PDF, Convert Document to Image, Convert Image, and Convert PowerPoint. Its pricing is listed.
https://www.softinterface.com/
Hosted on SourceForge, and available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, ImageSpace is open-source software designed to operate on Unix-type computer systems. The software application is a genetic image generator which generates and mutates mathematical functions, while the user’s aesthetic perception is in the fitness function, selecting an image to be mutated. A gallery of images created by the application is presented.
http://imagespace.sourceforge.net/
Mapivi is an open-source picture manager and organizer that operates within the Mac OS X, Unix, and Windows platforms. Available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, the photo management tool has a focus on JPG photographs, and supports the addition, editing, and searching of IPTC/IIM, EXIF data, and JPEG comments. Its features are noted, along with screenshots, installation instructions, licensure information, and a download link.
http://mapivi.sourceforge.net/
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http://www.winiso.com/
