"Free Art Package?" Topic

I'm currently using Powerpoint and Paint to create my AARs. However, I need to add a couple of effects to some pictures and Powerpoint and Paint are some what lacking in that respect.

Is there an opensource or free art package that I can use? Did have a copy of Paint Shop Pro 5 but (as always) can't find it and I guess it won't work with Windows 7.

There is GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), an almost-as-good-as-Paintshop package that is open source. It is available here: gimp.org

I use Gimp to do things like retouch photos. It has a lot of features and there is a steep learning curve, but it is worth it. There are other programs out there, such as Inkscape but I have not used them so cannot speak to their capabilities. If you are interested. look at these lists:

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My daughter uses a package called "Sai" that's a freebie off the web. I'm not sure where it is but a quick google will find it. Here's a link to a short list of such programs:

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If you do find it, PSP5 should work in compatibility mode; I use PSP7, which also pre-dates Windows 7 by some margin, but works quite happily if I tell the computer to pretend it's got Windows XP….

Here is my Ease of use/options available list of free programs from easiest – hardest;

Paint, Paint.net, inkscape, Gimp

I'd suggest Innkscape for your need in making AAR's… but disclaimer it is the one I have used the least

I personally love using Paint.net myself, even if it has less options than gimp and of couse a lot less than my old copy of Photoshop. Paint.net feels like the grown up version of paint.

Check out the Draw application in the OpenOffice.Org suite. It's free/opensource and quite good. They've really gotten the bugs ironed out in the last two years or so.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've downloaded a few things and I am trying them.

Think I've identified my key requirement in that it would be good to turn an image into a brush.

Also, a lot of the opensource stuff has little or no supporting documentation.

Another vote for GIMP – use it every day, and almnost as good as Photoshop.. Some really great plugins that you can download to extend the functionality and range of brushes

If its for White Dwarf style maps – have a look at "Battle Chronicler" You can save army lists, show models or templates, use your own bmp files as map symbols, put on arrows for lines of advance etc.