Beginner....

[Ianp1983]

Hi girls and guys,

Just wondered what you thought the best software for a beginner would be.

I'm talking the overall package, price, features etc.

Thanks

(sorry if this is a boring question)

[Boss Hog]

What do you want to do?

[Ianp1983]

Just learn design basics. Be able to layer photo's etc, play about with typography, just have some fun playing about.

[Boss Hog]

Well none of the Adobe software such as Illustrator or Photoshop will be cheap enough to buy just for 'playing about'

However, you can download the trial version from their website that will last for 1 month I think. Maybe see how you get on with that first: http://www.adobe.com/downloads/

Failing that this is free: http://www.gimp.org/

[Ianp1983]

Is gimp for real? I always thought people were just taking the p*ss when recommending it!

[Boss Hog]

Well it's definitely free software for image manipulation, how good it is I have no idea unfortunately, I suspect better than MS Paint.

Have a read on their website, download, install and let us know.

[Ben.T.D]

Hi,

Just to add that Photoshop Elements is very good for the money and has alot of the oomph of it's big brother..I use it and I only miss the odd thing here and there...

Photoshop Elements goes for (v9) £53 from Amazon. Photoshop CS5 goes for £600!