Free Graphics Editors

sTile99
Create seamless tiles, banners, buttons, or do photo re-touching. A rich set of filters and effects, easy to use, limited only by your creativity and imagination.

ZPaint
This is a nifty little program that draws lines and shapes with a 3D look. It's very simple and easy to use. It's somewhat limited in its capabilities, but it's a handy companion to other graphics programs.

IrfanView
Quite a versatile program, this started out as an image viewer and kept growing. It supports a lot of file formats, and allows conversions between them. It has limited image editing capabilities, but is very useful for a free program. Although the author will accept donations, it's not required.

Web Painter
This was a commercial program that originally sold for over $100. For some reason, it's now free! It has an odd interface (may be why it was never a commercial success), but if you take the time to learn it you'll be pleasantly surprised by its power. It can create animated gif's, which is its main strength. Another great thing about this one - it has a MAC version.

Gimp
This is the windows version of a graphics program that is written for Linux. It has a lot of effects that are normally found in expensive commercial packages. Unfortunately, this version is still somewhat 'buggy' so be sure to save your work often. The other downside is that it's over 8 meg download.

MicroSoft GIF Animator
This is a fairly primitive gif animation program compared to the commercial applications on the market today. But, if you're on a tight budget you can't beat the price!

Commercial Graphics Editors

PaintShop Pro
This is a very popular program. It has many features found only in expensive graphics applications, but is reasonably priced (under $100). It has a very large user base, which means there are lots of websites where you can learn tips and tricks on usage. It supports Photoshop plug-ins, which significantly expands its functionality.

PhotoImpact
Another reasonably priced program that's catching up to PSP in popularity. It has some features that PSP does not, and the price tag is in the same range. If you can afford both programs, so much the better! Like PSP, it has a demo program so you can 'try before you buy'.

Adobe PhotoShop
This is recognized as the industry leader in graphics programs. It's used by professionals and amatuers alike; it can be used to prep material for magazine publication, or just to make cool looking digital signatures! However, you've got to pay for all that power; sticker price for the new version will be around $500 - $600.

Corel Draw
Another high-end graphics program, but not as pricey as PhotoShop. This is a vector-based drawing program, and it comes with a large collection of clip-art. Sticker price for this one is around $300, but like all the commercial programs you may be able to find a special or a sale.

Plugins/Filters

BladePro
This is a very cool set of effects that you can use with any program that has a PhotoShop plug-in interface. Use these to make your objects look metallic, glassy, rusty, or just about anything.

EyeCandy
These are also cool effects, although they're a bit more expensive than bladepro. Many different effects, to make your digital signatures look dazzling.

Andromeda Software
This site offers a wide variety of filters and plugins to enhance your graphics program. The prices range from $44 and up depending on what you want. They also offer a time limited demo for each so you can "try before you buy". It's definitely worth a look.

Greg's Filter Factory Output
Filters, filters and more filters. This site offers some pretty amazing filters, free for the download. Check it out and spark your creativity.

NVR BorderMania
This is the ultimate in button making filters. Download the pro version and try it for 30 days free. Then for a small registration fee ($10) you can continue to make fantastic buttons for your graphics needs. (If you decide not to register your copy the filters will work the same but without the PRO capabilities)

Resources/Information

Design Resources
Looking for more information on Web graphics, digital photography or special effects plug-ins that work with Paint Shop Pro? You will find links to these resources and more. This page is updated frequently.

Scanner Help
This site offers some helpful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your scanner. From the most basics for the beginner to the more advanced. Check it out and see what you can learn.