General / Off-Topic Photoshop (or equivalent) Help Thread

[Alien]

I like to use an image editor. As I don't have the money to spare, I don't have Photoshop, but instead use GIMP.

I'd also like to learn how to do the cool things I have seen others do (on this forum, Mobius is one person I am thinking of).

So This thread is for asking how to do stuff in an image editor and hoping those who know answer. Hopefully we can build up a how-to knowledge base that helps people (while I realise this is already out there it requires wading through page after page of things you don't want to know yet or know how to do already just to find out how to do something and then still not being sure how to, plus this thread allows you to get 1-2-1 help which a how-to guide won't give you)

Also, don't panic if you ask how to do something and someone replies how to do it in an image editor you don't use (for example someone tells me how to do it in Photoshop and I use GIMP), I am sure we know enough about different image editors to help.
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So, to start with ...

I have seen in people's sig banners (probably done by Mobius) a border that is light on the top and one side and dark on the bottom and one side.

How do you do that?

 

[metatheurgist]

Probably help to post an example, 1000 words 'n all. I'm guessing you're talking about a bevel.

 

[kenwshmt]

I prefer inkscape, but I use it with a laser cutter, and its 'raster to vector' works well.

http://gizmodo.com/5974500/10-photoshop-alternatives-that-are-totally-free

http://sixrevisions.com/graphics-design/10-excellent-open-source-and-free-alternatives-to-photoshop/

There is one other way, and I understand its technically not free, its just they've disabled the registration, distinction without a difference I suppose.

adobe CS2, completely usable with the number they provide in the download page. these download links work.
http://www.techspot.com/downloads/3689-adobe-photoshop-cs2.html

So you know its not warez.
You can still get it beyond the adobe login, if you wish.
http://lifehacker.com/http-www-forbes-com-sites-adriankingsleyhughes-2013-0-1434820

http://www.techspot.com/news/51316-adobe-offering-creative-suite-2-for-free-but-they-didnt-mean-to.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/adriankingsleyhughes/2013/01/07/download-adobe-cs2-applications-for-free/

 

[Cosmos]

I've dabbled with GIMP.. its free and really powerful. There are all sorts of tutorials on the web for it. If we consider that a genuine copy of photoshop costs £600+, or an extortionate monthly fee going open source software is a no brainer.

Just like Photoshop it takes time to learn the package,the concepts and the menu systems and its something that takes determination and effort.

I noticed these packages can be counter intuitive, so my advice would be to start off with some small project in mind, say making a signature for yourself, doing some overlays and using some alpha transparency.

GLHF

 

[Alien]

I noticed these packages can be counter intuitive, so my advice would be to start off with some small project in mind, say making a signature for yourself, doing some overlays and using some alpha transparency.

GLHF

I'm fairly experienced with GIMP, but yes, that is what I am thinking too.
I want to be as good as Mobius, but I am starting small.
So, again I ask, how do I do the bevelled edge?

 

[Zieman]

So, again I ask, how do I do the bevelled edge?

In Gimp: select a rectangle, Filters -> Decor -> Add bevel

Is this the effect you're after?

EDIT: light grey line at bottom & right of the pic is just result of my bad cropping, not artifacts of the filter

 

[Alien]

In Gimp: select a rectangle, Filters -> Decor -> Add bevel

Is this the effect you're after?

EDIT: light grey line at bottom & right of the pic is just result of my bad cropping, not artifacts of the filter

Thank you ... see? this is what I am trying to do in this thread.
Again, thank you.

 

[Mobius]

youtube will also be your friend on how to videos. unfortunately I haven't played with gimp so I am unable to offer any help