Alternative software?

**eolake** · April 13th, 2010, 09:24 AM

I had hoped to find a forum generally about Tools. Hope it's OK to post this here.

A friend uses SAI PaintTool for art. It's Japanese software, and what makes it special is that it uses vectors for the lines, and bitmaps for other stuff. (Normally "paint" apps use bitmaps, and "draw" apps use vectors.)
That's a really good idea, but it's Windows only, and it seems the program is not being updated anymore, and so on. So does anybody know a good paint app which uses vectors for the lines? Mac preferred, but I might get a Windose machine or install a simulator if I find a really good app.

I guess that while I do fine art, I don't do it in the naturalistic oil-painting tradition, but more in the modern acrylics tradition, more like comics or posters, lots of lines. So emulation of traditional media is not important to me.

I think Adobe Illustrator is quite powerful, but I think the interface sucks ashes, it always confuses the hell out of me.

**eolake** · April 17th, 2010, 02:14 PM

I should add that I use a Wacom Cintiq 12 inch, so pressure-sensitivity support is essential.

**joeparis** · April 17th, 2010, 02:43 PM

I don't think SAI uses true vector lines but they can be used as such. It's a good program. Illustrator is, of course, all vector so if you want an alternative with a less cluttered interface you could do worse than check out Xara Xtreme. It's not too expensive either, although Illustrator CS5 looks very nice.

**eolake** · April 17th, 2010, 03:00 PM

Thanks, Joe, I'll check out XX.

I'm actually getting Adobe CS 5 Design pack, mostly for the new power-retouching capabilities of PS, but it means I'll get Illustrator CS5 also, so can you tell me what you like about it?

**eolake** · April 17th, 2010, 03:09 PM

... it took some doing finding it out, but XX also does not support Mac.

**joeparis** · April 17th, 2010, 05:54 PM

Oh bollocks! Yes, you're right I completely forgot. Sorry.

Anyway, in my opinion, AICS5 just got better in a big way because of the variable stroke width feature, something that other vector programs have had for a while. Have you looked at Manga Studio Ex?

**eolake** · April 17th, 2010, 06:14 PM

Now I'm confused, because I have been varying the width of strokes with pressure for a long time in Illustrator.

**joeparis** · April 17th, 2010, 06:19 PM

Yeah, calligraphic brushes are pressure sensitive but the new feature effects all strokes, allowing you to alter the width at any time.
http://tv.adobe.com/watch/illustrato...tiful-strokes/

**eolake** · April 18th, 2010, 09:23 AM

... Ah yes, very intriguing. Thanks for mentioning this.

I've always felt that "living" lines is essential to strong line art.

**cortneyrmason** · April 19th, 2010, 12:03 PM

has anyone tried a GIMP tool? its a cross platform. you can use it with windows, linux and mac. its like photoshop but with less accessability.

**darkwolf29a** · April 19th, 2010, 02:25 PM

I've used Gimp, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Gimp is okay, but doesn't come any where close to the true power of the Adobe tools, period.

I like several of the new features that CS5 will bring. I think the newer version of the interface will bring it more in line, as they seem to be working towards now.

Honestly, I've found there are a few differences between InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop....Obviously. But, the interface is, rapidly, becoming the same. Most of the tools, etc, are the same now...same names, etc. So, I can see the tools coming together.