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Download drawing software. Program for creating art: description and capabilities. Paint is the default program

Greetings to all!

If earlier, to draw a picture, you needed a brush, an easel, paints, etc., but now you can create without leaving the computer! Moreover, I would like to note that paintings created in some editor on a computer also cause great delight (as if it were a painting on canvas)!

I will add that many people mistakenly believe that drawing a picture on a computer is easier than on canvas. Moving a cursor (or even drawing with a graphics tablet) is no easier or faster!

Actually, this article is dedicated to tools - to draw a picture, you need special drawing programs (note: graphic editors). These will be discussed below (by the way, I’ll add that I chose free programs that support all popular Windows: 7, 8, 10 (32|64 bits)) . So...

By the way!I have another article on drawing on my blog. There is a special sites that allow you to create paintings online, meet other artists, and find common ideas. For more information, see this article:

List of the best programs. Let's start drawing?

Before moving on to the programs, I would like to dwell on one important issue - the type of computer graphics. In general, there are two main types - vector and raster graphics.

Raster drawing is a canvas on which there are many multi-colored dots (pixels). Together, all these points look to the human eye like some kind of picture (or photo).

Vector drawing consists of entities: line, segment, square, ellipse, etc., which are all interconnected. All these entities also form a wide variety of pictures.

The main advantage of a vector drawing over a raster one is the ability to transform it in any way (for example, enlarge it) without losing quality. The computer, in fact, only needs to recalculate your picture according to the mat. formulas.

Raster graphics are convenient for creating high-quality photos and digital drawings. The most popular raster image formats are JPEG and PNG. It is raster graphics that are most popular in our time (and that is why in my article the main focus is on programs for working with it).

Vector editors in the article: Gravit, DrawPlus, Inkscape.

Raster editors in the article: Paint, Gimp, ArtWeaver and others...

Paint

Raster editor

Basic program in Windows

How to start: find it in the START menu, or press the Win+R buttons, enter the mspaint command in the open line and press Enter.

A very simple graphic editor, designed not even for drawing, but for easily editing pictures (add an inscription, an arrow, erase something, cut out one piece of the picture and paste it into another, save the screenshot taken, etc.).

Professionally, of course, you can hardly draw anything in Paint, but if we are talking about some very simple drawings, then the program can be used. At least, if you are just at the very beginning of your journey, then why not try? ☺

Gimp

Raster editor (partly vector)

The GNU Image Manipulation Program (or GIMP for short) is a very powerful, free and multi-purpose graphics editor. This editor is very multifunctional: it can be used for drawing, or as a program for retouching digital photos, as a program for processing a package of pictures and publishing them (+ converting one format to another).

In addition, there are very interesting opportunities for creating step-by-step commands (scripts) that will automate routine tasks (and the scripts can be truly complex)!

Main advantages:

  • drawing pictures and posters;
  • support for graphics tablets (Wacom, Genius, etc.);
  • draw web designs for sites, edit ready-made layouts from Photoshop;
  • you can refresh your old photos, make them more juicy and vibrant;
  • or poster;
  • remove unnecessary elements from photos (a bad photo can become a good one!);
  • a huge collection of plugins for GIMP will allow you to solve a wide variety of problems;
  • The program supports Windows, Mac, Linux operating systems.

ArtWeaver

Raster editor (some analogue of Photoshop)

This program replicates many of the tools of such a popular editor as Adobe Photoshop. To edit ready-made pictures and draw new ones, there are a bunch of ready-made brushes of all types and sizes, different modes, pencil imitation, ink pen, oil brush, etc.

Main advantages:

  • support for all popular graphic formats: GIF, JPEG, PCX, TGA, TIFF, PNG (including PSD and AWD);
  • a huge number of tools for editing pictures: gradients, selections, filling, etc.;
  • plugin support;
  • availability of convenient drawing tools: brushes, pencils, etc.;
  • graphics tablet support (BIG plus for those who like to draw);
  • many different filters: spot, blur, mosaic, mask, etc.;
  • working with text layers;
  • the ability to sequentially cancel your actions.
  • support for all popular versions of Windows.

MyPaint

Raster editor

MyPaint - painted portrait of a girl

A popular raster graphics editor designed more for digital artists (those who like to draw). It is an unlimited canvas (sheet) and a relatively simple interface on GTK+, without distracting the artist from the creative process - drawing.

Unlike Gimp, MyPaint has much less graph functionality. editor, but for your attention a huge dimensionless canvas; a large number of brushes, for a variety of tasks and for different functions (there are a lot of brushes, see the screenshot above).

MyPaint is a tool for painting with brushes on your PC screen almost as if you were doing it on a real canvas. In addition to brushes, there are: crayons, charcoal, pencils, etc. It's hard to resist if you have a craving for drawing...

Main features:

  • the program is specifically designed for drawing, so it has fewer options for editing existing pictures (i.e., there are no functions such as selection, scaling, etc.);
  • a huge set of brushes that you can customize for yourself: create and change groups, blur, mix colors, etc.;
  • the program supports graphics tablet;
  • the boundless canvas is very convenient in the drawing process - nothing is holding you back while creating;
  • support for layers: copying, pasting, adjusting transparency, etc.;
  • Windows, Mac OS, Linux supported.

SmoothDraw

Raster

A free program for painting and those who like to draw by hand on a computer. The program's interface is very simple, designed so that any artist who has just started can immediately start creating without wasting time studying.

I would like to immediately note that the program has a lot of brushes (pen, brush, airbrush, pencil, etc.), there are tools for retouching, working with layers, you can change the brightness, contrast, colors of pictures, add some effects .

Program features:

  • many types of brushes for drawing: pencil, chalk, pen, airbrush, brush, spray, etc.;
  • works with tablet PCs, supports graphics tablets;
  • works with the following image formats: PNG, BMP, JPEG, JPG, TGA, JIF, GIF and TIFF;
  • there are tools for photo retouching;
  • working with layers;
  • possibility of color correction;
  • Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10.

Note! For SmoothDraw to work, you must have at least NET Framework version v2.0 on Windows.

Paint.NET

Raster

Paint.NET is a free picture and photo editor for Windows. The main difference from other programs is that it uses an intuitive and innovative interface with support for layers, a dimensionless canvas, special effects, useful and powerful editing tools (analogues of which are only available in paid products).

Active and growing online support will help in solving non-standard problems. In addition, quite a lot of instructions have been written for the program, additional ones. plugins to expand capabilities.

Peculiarities:

  • free to distribute and use;
  • user-friendly interface (somewhat similar to Photoshop);
  • you can work with many documents at the same time;
  • support for working with layers;
  • a large number of instructions;
  • the program is optimized to work with 2 and 4 core modern processors;
  • Supported by all popular Windows: XP, 7, 8, 10.

Livebrush

Raster

Livebrush(translated from English as “live brush”) is a powerful graphic editor that allows you to paint with brushes. Moreover, I would like to immediately note that the “drawing tool” is not a simple one, with its help you can create quite interesting pictures, decorate the art with beautiful strokes and lines, etc.

As you work, you can select and adjust the brush so that as you move it, the line under the brush will change its thickness, color, transparency, tip rotation, depending on your mouse movement speed, pressing speed, etc.

By the way, those who have a graphics tablet will be able to fully experience the advantages of Livebrush, because it also understands the force of pressure and its inclination.

The program's set includes many brushes of different shapes: from simple lines to patterned Gothic ornaments. By the way, you can correct any pattern yourself by switching to editing with a pencil.

In addition, you can draw the pattern yourself and save it as a template. You can import ready-made sets of brushes, projects, and decorations into the program. By the way, they can be found in huge quantities on the official forum of the program.

In general, my verdict is that the program is very convenient, interesting, and deserves the attention of all drawing lovers!

Inkscape

Vector editor (one of the few)

Free analogues: Gravit, DrawPlus

Paid analogues: Corel DRAW and Adobe Illustrator

Inkscape is a free vector editor, one of the few that can partially replace such monsters as Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator. The application has a fairly standard interface: color palette, menu, tools. The program supports all major graphic formats: SVG, PDF, AI, PS, EPS, CorelDRAW.

By the way, Inkscape also has tools from the raster editor - for example, it supports various types of blending. In addition to drawing some geometric shapes, the program supports extensive work with text: you can write text along curved lines. It looks very cool and unusual.

The application has a fairly large number of filters, extensions, etc. All this is available at the office. program website.

Gravit

Vector editor (online version)

Gravit- quite an interesting vector editor. Of course, it cannot replace Adobe Illustrator, but it can compete with the previous program (Inkscape).

The tools include all the most basic things: pens, lines, intersection and cutting of shapes from each other, alignment, layers, fonts, etc. Works can be exported to SVG and several raster formats. You can also open works made in Adobe Illustrator in the program.

What's somewhat surprising is that Gravit looks like a real program while running in a browser window, without using Flash. Among the main shortcomings I would highlight the lack of Russian language.

By the way, in Gravit the choice of canvas is quite interesting: you can choose standard formats of sheets, business cards, postcards, and create covers of popular social networks, phone screens and other gadgets.

Overall, an interesting editor that deserves attention.

DrawPlus

Vector

A very flexible and powerful graphic editor that allows its users to create high-quality illustrations. This program will allow you to fully explore your drawing capabilities.

DrawPlus has many tools that will allow you to easily and quickly create a variety of shapes, strokes, and lines. Each of the elements can be combined with others and gradually the whole complex will become a rather complex, but beautiful illustration.

By the way, DrawPlus has a 3D module - it will allow you to turn your creativity into real 3D design elements. You can apply a wide variety of effects when creating logos, isometric projections, and flowcharts.

You can import a huge number of formats into the program: PDF, AI, SVG, SVGZ, EPS, PS, SMF, etc. The proprietary format for projects is DPP.

Graffiti Studio

Website: http://www.vandalsquad.com

Raster graphics

One of the best programs for drawing graffiti, it looks as realistic as possible!

To start drawing: you need to choose a piece of canvas (carriage, walls, bus), and, in fact, start creating (there are just heaps of ready-made options to choose from!). The artist has a large palette of colors (more than 100 pieces), several types of caps (skinny, regular and fat), and a marker. The distance to the surface is changed manually, it is possible to make drips. In general, for fans of such graphics there is a huge scope!

Those who don’t believe that you can create real masterpieces in the program, I recommend taking a look at the official website and seeing the best works - your view will change a lot!

PixBuilder Studio

Raster editor

A powerful program for processing and editing graphic images and photographs. In addition to editing, it is quite possible to draw and create (although there are fewer tools for this than in previous similar programs).

PixBuilder Studio has quite interesting tools that allow you to finely work with color, brightness, contrast, and layers. In addition, there are built-in effects (for example, dithering (when processing digital signals, it is the mixing of pseudo-random noise with a specially selected spectrum into the primary signal) ), blur, sharpening, etc.

Peculiarities:

  • support for popular raster formats: BMP, PNG, JPG, GIF, TIFF, etc.;
  • there is the opportunity and tools for drawing (though very limited);
  • Great opportunities for editing finished photos and pictures;
  • ability to work with layers;
  • professional work with color: adjusting balance, brightness, contrast, etc.;
  • setting up hot keys;
  • the presence of ready-made effects (you just need to apply them);
  • preview (to evaluate the result);
  • support for popular Windows OS: 7, 8, 10.

Krita

Raster editor

An excellent and convenient raster graphics editor for artists (by the way, at the time of writing this review, the program is free even for commercial use). Krita runs on both Windows and Linux.

As for the most important thing: there is a good brush motion stabilizer, layers, masks, dynamic brushes, animation, a large number of blending modes, paper and pastel imitation, “infinite” canvas, etc.

By the way, there is even a portable version of the program that can be run from a regular flash drive on any PC. The program has also been translated into Russian.

PS: the article will be updated...

Thank you in advance for tips and advice in the comments!

We reviewed the most common applications that act as full-fledged complexes for drawing, as well as processing a variety of images.

Which drawing program on a graphics tablet or editor on a PC you choose depends on your specific goals.

Corel Painter will be highly appreciated by digital graphics specialists. This is the best choice when you want to download a drawing program to your computer to work with your tablet. The famous developer offers a developed but rather complex product. To learn how to use all the benefits of the package, you will have to spend a lot of time. And if you also want to learn how to work in vector, you will have to switch to a more functional tool from the same developer - CorelDRAW.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro is a high-quality drawing creation program for all categories of users. Allows you to both process graphics and create cool art, comics, and sketches from scratch. An accessible interface in Russian will be a pleasant bonus, but in order to work with the utility at the highest level, it is advisable to think about purchasing a professional monitor with good color reproduction.

Krita is no less functional. Artists draw both posters and entire comics in it. The application is free, open source and suitable for all modern operating systems. However, it will be a little difficult for beginners to master it. If you are not afraid of difficulties and are willing to spend time, try it and you will get a truly functional tool.

Adobe Photoshop allows you to apply a wide range of different effects and filters. Creating images will seem very comfortable and quite simple. You will be able to enjoy an accessible Russian-language interface and a large number of educational video lessons and materials on the Internet.

Working with Tux Paint is aimed at quality training for inexperienced users. The utility's interface will be convenient for any user, and the presence of sound and animation effects will attract the attention of children's audiences whose parents want to teach their child the skill of drawing on a computer.

Paint.NET will bring a lot of positive impressions; the program engine is able to remember all user activity and return more than a dozen completed actions, excluding any errors made during the editing process and applying various effects. Using Paint, vector graphics can be edited effectively.

Pixbuilder Studio is distinguished by high performance indicators, while the rest of the utilities from the above selection demonstrate lower launch and image opening speeds. The program contains rich professional-level functionality and is available for download absolutely free.

Fans of a variety of brushes will appreciate the Artweaver Free program, which has a lot of useful filters and effects. It is worth noting that the application allows you to create your own brushes, which will be difficult for competitors.

Paint Tool SAI is a serious utility designed for professional artists and designers, allowing you to create stunning illustrations and digital paintings. The utility supports tablets, providing creative people with all the necessary resources for artistic activities. Moreover, some studios use SAI as a program for drawing cartoons. Its functions are really good.

Graffiti Studio is difficult to compare with full-fledged painters and even drawing games for children, since the purpose of this application is to entertain the user. You can fulfill your teenage dream and feel like a master of street graffiti. True, the range of tools is meager - only a marker and spray cans, but a huge selection of colors and shades, line thicknesses will be a significant plus.

Also not included in the review are the wonderful programs MyPaint, Medibang Paint, SmoothDraw, Affinity Designer, the built-in Windows graphics editor Paint, and the raster graphics editor Inkscape. You can always find their detailed descriptions on our website.

In today's world, computers are increasingly penetrating our lives. Many areas are simply unthinkable without the use of a PC: complex mathematical calculations, design, modeling, Internet communications, etc. Finally, it came to drawing!

Now not only artists, but also ordinary amateurs can easily try to draw some “masterpiece” using special programs. It is these special programs for drawing on a computer that I would like to talk about in this article.

*Please note that only free programs will be considered.

1. Paint is the default program...

It is with Paint that I would like to begin the review of drawing programs, because... it is included in Windows XP, 7, 8, Vista, etc., which means you don’t need to download anything to start drawing!

To open it, go to the menu " start/programs/standard", and then click the "Paint" icon.

The program itself is extremely simple and even a complete beginner who has recently turned on a PC can understand it.

Among the main functions: changing the size of pictures, cutting out a certain part of the image, the ability to draw with a pencil or brush, filling the area with the selected color, etc.

For those who do not professionally deal with images, for those who sometimes need to correct something small in pictures - the program’s capabilities are more than enough. That is why I recommend starting your acquaintance with drawing on a PC with it!

2. Gimp - a powerful graph. editor

Gimp is a powerful graphics editor that can work with graphics tablets* (see below) and many other input devices.

Main functions:

Improve photos, make them brighter, enhance color rendition;

Easily and quickly remove unnecessary elements from photographs;

Cut website layouts;

Drawing pictures using graphics tablets;

Own file storage format “.xcf”, which is capable of storing texts, textures, layers, etc.;

Convenient ability to work with the clipboard - you can instantly insert a picture into the program and start editing it;

Gimp will allow you to archive images almost on the fly;

Ability to open files in “.psd” format;

Creating your own plugins (if you have programming skills, of course).

3. MyPaint - artistic drawing

Website: http://mypaint.intilinux.com/?page_id=6

MyPaint is a graphics editor aimed at beginner artists. The program has a simple interface coupled with unlimited canvas sizes. There is also an excellent set of brushes, thanks to which, using this program, you can draw pictures on your computer, just like on canvas!

The program is captivating with its simplicity and realism - the paintings come out of the pen almost like the best hits on the walls of professionals.

In the program, you can choose canvases, for example, carriages, walls, buses, on which you can then work your creative miracles.

The panel provides a choice of a huge number of colors - more than 100 pieces! It is possible to make smudges, change the distance to the surface, use markers, etc. In general, a whole arsenal of a graffiti artist!

5. Artweaver - replacement for Adobe Photoshop

A free graphics editor that claims to be Adobe Photoshop itself. This program simulates drawing with oil, paint, pencil, chalk, brush, etc.

It is possible to work with layers, convert images into various formats, compress, etc. Judging by the screenshot below, you can’t even tell it from Adobe Photoshop!

Website: http://www.smoothdraw.com/

SmoothDraw is an excellent graphics editor, with a lot of possibilities for processing and creating images. The program is mainly focused on creating pictures from scratch, from a white and blank canvas.

You will have a large number of design and artistic tools in your arsenal: brushes, pencils, pens, pens, etc.

The work with tablets is also quite good, coupled with the user-friendly interface of the program - it can be safely recommended to most users.

7. PixBuilder Studio - mini Photoshop

Many users on the Internet have already dubbed this program mini Photoshop. It has most of the popular functions and capabilities of the paid Adobe Photoshop program: a brightness and contrast editor, there are tools for cutting and transforming images, you can create complex shapes and objects.

Good implementation of several types of picture blur, sharpening effects, etc.

It’s probably not worth talking about such features as changing the size of the picture, rotating, reversing, etc. Overall, PixBuilder Studio is an excellent drawing and editing program for your computer.

8. Inkscape - analogue of Corel Draw (vector graphics)

This is a free vector image editor similar to Corel Draw. This program for drawing with vectors - i.e. directed segments. Unlike bitmap images, vector images can easily be resized without losing quality! Typically, such a program is used in printing.

It’s worth mentioning Flash here - it also uses vector graphics, which allows you to significantly reduce the size of the video!

By the way, it’s worth adding that the program has support for the Russian language!

9. Livebrush - painting with a brush

Website: http://www.livebrush.com/GetLivebrush.aspx

A very simple drawing program with good image editing capabilities. One of the main features of this editor is that you will draw here brush! There are no other tools!

On the one hand, this is limiting, but on the other, the program allows you to implement a lot of things that you can’t do in any other!

A huge number of brushes, settings for them, strokes, etc. Moreover, you can create brushes yourself and download them from the Internet.

By the way, by “brush” in livebrush we mean not “just a simple” line, but also models of complex geometric shapes... In general, it is recommended for all fans of working with graphics to become familiar with it.

10. Graphics tablets

A graphics tablet is a special device for drawing on a computer. Connects to a computer via standard USB. Using a pen, you can drag across an electronic sheet, and you can immediately see your painting online on the computer screen. Great!

Who needs a tablet for what?

The tablet can be useful not only for professional designers, but also for ordinary schoolchildren and children. Using it, you can edit photos and images, draw graffiti on social networks, and easily and quickly add manuscripts to graphic documents. In addition, when using a pen (tablet pen), your hand and wrist do not get tired during long-term work, such as when using a mouse.

For professionals, this is an opportunity to edit photographs: create masks, retouch, edit and make corrections to complex contours of images (hair, eyes, etc.).

In general, you get used to the tablet very quickly and if you often work with graphics, the device becomes simply irreplaceable! Recommended for all graphics lovers.

This concludes the review of programs. Good luck with your choice and beautiful drawings!

So, you bought a graphics tablet. In addition to the fact that you still have to get used to it and get better at it, you need to immediately decide on a graphic editor that will maximize all the capabilities of your new device. And if you think that you can only draw in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, then you are very mistaken.

In addition to the globally recognized and undoubtedly cool products of Adobe, there are many graphic editors that offer the same functionality, but for less money, and sometimes even for free. In addition, some programs boast a unique interface with many interesting features; designers and illustrators will definitely appreciate them.

We have compiled a list of programs where you can fully draw using a graphics tablet, simulating various artistic techniques, make sketches, create raster and vector images, and also practice lettering and calligraphy.

Corel Painter X3

Painter X3 simulates traditional brushes, textures, dry and wet effects with incredible precision. Thanks to this, there is an almost complete immersion in a real artist’s studio, where there is no computer or monitor, only an easel and canvas.

Painter Lite

A lighter, cheaper version of Painter offers all the painting tools you need, but at a lower price. An excellent option for those who are just starting to draw and are not ready to spend a lot of money.

Clip Paint Studio PRO

Despite the fact that this program was developed specifically for drawing manga, Clip Paint Studio has gone quite far and can be used with the same success in industry-standard digital painting. The program has incredibly convenient features, for example, ready-made shapes that can be used as a model for drawing poses.

Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 7

SketchBook Pro is a professional drawing application optimized specifically for tablet devices. Drawing in it is easy and pleasant, which novice users will undoubtedly appreciate.

ArtRage 4

A program with incredible tools and the most attractive interface. Drawing in it is easy and pleasant. Focused on creating realistic images.

Xara Photo and Graphic Designer 9

Photo editing, drawing, unusual effects are not all the capabilities of Xara Photo. Users will appreciate the compatibility of file formats and the low price of the product.

Affinity Designer

The program supports working with layers, import\export of different file formats, a convenient navigator and all the tools for working with vector graphics that you can think of. Affinity Designer is something of an Adobe Illustrator killer. The only drawback of this program may be that it is only available for MAC. But the price is more than reasonable.

Inkscape

A free and convenient vector illustrator, which is essentially a symbiosis of Corel DRAW and Adobe Illustrator. Remarkable support for pen pressure sensitivity—a big deficiency in the vector illustration world—makes Inkscape a powerful tool for those serious about calligraphy.

By the way, Inkscape has an excellent resource in seven languages, including Russian, which is very rare even for commercial graphics programs. On the Inkscape website you can not only download the program, but also read articles, study lessons, participate in discussions and much more. There is also the opportunity to become one of the developers and testers of the product and bring useful features to it.

Artweaver

A raster graphics program that looks like a symbiosis of Painter and Photoshop. Compared to GIMP, it is slower in processing, but with a much larger set of brushes. Wide support for Wacom tablet.

GIMP

A colorful and functional raster program for drawing and illustrating. The interface appearance and capabilities are similar to Corel Painter. Wide support for Wacom tablet.

MyPaint

An undemanding and easy-to-use open-source program for digital artists. Allows you to concentrate on creativity, not the program interface. Tablet support is well implemented.

SmoothDraw

And here is another drawing program worth attention - ten thousand beginner and professional artists managed to download this wonderful development for free. You don't have to waste time learning menus and tools - just open a new file and show off your talents using clearly visualized functions.

Users have access to blending modes, layers, virtual canvas rotation, and sub-pixel anti-aliasing levels. In addition to standard painting tools, the application contains special tools, such as graffiti, water drops, stars, grass. Synchronization with tablets is also implemented.

Paint Tool SAI

Don't be intimidated by SAI's clean interface, as this is the de facto standard program for most Japanese anime artists. It also comes with a line correction feature to create sharper contours.

Serif DrawPlus (starter edition)

Serif DrawPlus offers all the tools for working with raster and vector graphics. Here you can create interesting prints, make logos, edit photos or draw using a lot of custom effects, including 3D. Truly a godsend for beginning illustrators and designers, and completely free!

All the programs on the list will be excellent alternatives to Adobe products, even if you are not ready to admit it yet. It’s enough to give them a chance, and who knows, maybe in a couple of weeks you won’t even remember about Photoshop! Moreover, you don’t have to pay for some products at all. Don't be afraid to try new things, push boundaries and improve!

Text: Victor Bespaly

The computer has changed its role more than once during its evolution. If earlier it was bought in order to create, now it has turned into a center for multimedia entertainment. You can watch movies, listen to music, play games on your computer - and that’s enough for most people. But not for those who want to create. Today we will talk about how you can draw on a computer - and at the same time draw beautifully.

A true designer is unthinkable without an artistic education; he must have excellent command of the techniques of drawing (pencil, charcoal), graphics (watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, etc.), painting (gouache, watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil). But everyone can master computer graphics. A computer in the hands of an ordinary person can turn into an obedient instrument for the embodiment of his artistic idea - the very one that he cannot translate on paper.

The first thing to remember is that there are two types of graphic files: vector and raster. The set of tools and programs you need will depend on which graphics you prefer. In vector files, an image is formed by a set of curves and shading functions. Each time you open this image, the editor program draws the image from scratch. In raster files, a picture is a set of dots with a color parameter, and the picture is universal, but takes up more space.

USEFUL IRON

One of the most important parameters of a computer is the amount of RAM.

Contrary to many claims, you don't need a very fast processor to draw on a computer. A real frequency of 1.5-2 GHz is quite enough, it will be Intel or AMD - it makes no difference, it all depends on the means and preferences you have. The most important parameter of a computer working with graphics is the amount of RAM; the more of it, the better. Our work applications, such as Photoshop, Painter, OpenCanvas (or even 3DS MAX), love it when there is a lot of RAM. And if you are going to create complex multi-layer compositions (and you definitely are?), then you can’t get away with the standard 512 MB DDR. We recommend installing at least 1 GB; The speed of RAM affects performance less noticeably.

You don’t need a cutting-edge video card for drawing, and the brand doesn’t really matter either. However, there is an established opinion that the best cards for drawing and graphics are produced by Matrox.

Now the main thing: the periphery. And we'll start with the good old scanner- without it, the artist will have a very difficult time, but he is needed, first of all, to enter background blanks into the computer. For example, you drew a palm tree and now you need to place it on an island by the sea. Take a similar illustration on paper, scan it, stylize it as a painting and place it as a layer under a palm tree. A digital camera can compensate for the lack of a scanner, but in this application it will only cope with the task with a C grade. You can make sketches by hand on plain paper, and then correct them on the computer after scanning them. A decent scanner will cost you 2 – 2.5 thousand rubles.

And finally, the main peripheral device for a computer artist is digitizer or tablet. They come in two main types - drawing and graphic. Drawing tablet created for CAD applications such as AutoCAD, 3DStudioMAX and their analogues. Such tablets have a pen without a degree of pressure - it is either pressed or not, there are no details provided here. The main advantages of these tablets are high resolution and positioning accuracy; an old model with a large area will cost approximately 1,800 rubles.

Graphics tablet differs in the following: a small area (graphics have small areas compared to drawings); It positions the point more roughly, but it feels pressure on the pen, and this is a big plus. If you use Adobe Photoshop, then working with chiaroscuro and brushes of different thicknesses will be much easier. Additionally, you can use a function that makes the stroke brighter or paler depending on the pressure applied - as a result, we get the opportunity to draw a lighter or darker “spot” without changing the brush.

For our case, graphics tablets are best suited. Prices for non-professional models start from 800 rubles; As you understand, the more expensive the tablet, the better it is and the more convenient it is to work on it. However, even on a small A6 matrix everything can look quite tolerable.

Another useful device - uninterruptable power source. It’s better to play it safe than to later grieve over the loss of the brilliant creation you’ve been poring over for a week. The estimated price depends on the desired capacity and the number of connected devices. In order to have time to save the drawing at the right time and turn off the computer correctly, a UPS costing 1,000 rubles is quite enough.

Common mice

A rather exotic input method is trackball- an inverted mouse with a large ball. The user rotates this ball with his fingers. The advantage of a trackball over a mouse is its high precision of cursor movement at low speeds. The trackball is inconvenient for everyday use.

In choise mice everything is quite simple: does it fit comfortably in the hand, is there scrolling or a 3rd button, etc., all this is entirely up to your taste. A separate conversation about rugs; rugs should be purchased specifically, and not used as a bonus for a new computer.

A mechanical mouse pad should be both slippery and grippy. This means that the mouse should not stick to the carpet, but the ball should literally bite into it. For optics, it is better to choose a mat so that the mouse does not move the cursor while standing still. The size of the mat should also be optimal - too large ones take up a lot of space on the table, and too small ones force the user to frequently move the mouse away from the edge of the mat.

You can also draw with a regular mouse. But it's not necessary.

PROGRAMS FOR ARTISTS

There is a whole range of software tools - from simple computer drawing tools to professional packages. The Windows shell includes one of the simplest packages - Paint. Using the example of working with this package, you can get an initial idea of ​​​​the techniques for creating graphic files. There are also more serious packages, for example, Adobe Photoshop. Let's try to briefly go through the main programs and highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

Painter is one of the best drawing programs.

Painter- the best program for a computer artist. Now version 8 has been released, called Corel Painter. Don't be fooled by phrases like "Procreate Painter is better than Corel Painter" - it's the same program. Painter easily imitates all currently known real materials for drawing and painting, and even the styles of individual famous artists. The interface is intuitive, the only drawback of the program is that it is paid.

Adobe Photoshop- a package focused more on photo processing than on drawing. However, it contains many essential tools for an artist. Painting in it is not very convenient, but coloring comic book pictures is great, and applying different styles and filters to them is even better. The great advantage of Photoshop is that a huge number of filters, brushes and other add-ons have been created for it. You can easily convert all your sketches into a single gallery with a recognizable style. Photoshop is paid and expensive, but it's worth it.

Photoshop is a powerful graphics editor for all occasions.

OpenCanvas- a completely free program for artists, very light and convenient, but in terms of functionality it is very inferior to expensive analogues. In many ways it repeats the flagships, but is greatly simplified. The project is developing, new updates are released periodically. Can be recommended to all aspiring artists.

OpenCanvas is free and functional - that's what's great about it.

Ambient Design ArtRage- a special program that allows you to draw almost works of art using a tablet computer or tablet. You can either draw it yourself or use any digital photograph as a background; You can draw not only on a tablet computer, but also using an ordinary mouse or tablet. A very useful and absolutely free program.

Ambient Design ArtRage was created specifically for tablet computers.

Corel Draw- vector graphic editor. For a long time it was considered a toy for amateurs; professionals disdained the program, preferring Adobe Illustrator. But the Canadian company Corel did not stand still - the situation changed after the release of episode 10. The program has grown so much that today we can already recognize it as a very serious vector graphics tool. It will appeal to everyone - from a green beginner trying to draw “in Korel” for the first time, to a pro who can quickly use it to create some fashionable trademark or label for a new type of beer.

Corel Draw is a powerful vector editor.

By combining these editors with each other, you can achieve almost any result. The only thing worth remembering is that the vector editor is always primary, and the raster editor is secondary. That is, after editing a file in a raster editor, it can no longer be converted to vector format; you can only apply the next layer.

Summarize. A must-have kit for a computer artist is Painter or Photoshop. Optional - Flash, Corel Draw, OpenCanvas. A vector editor allows you to create an image from scratch, while a raster editor works better with blanks. This, of course, does not mean that you can’t draw something decent, or even even brilliant, in Photoshop. But it’s more convenient to draw in vector programs.

Options for practical use

Budget. Mouse, pad, raster editor.

If you have invested a little more than the standard 10 dollars in a mouse pad and a mouse, and even if you have a lot of patience and at least as much time, then, of course, you will draw something. Unfortunately, drawing with a regular mouse is very difficult. At best, the resulting drawings are in the style of children's primitivism.

Minimum. Scanner, sheet of paper, pencil, mouse, raster or vector editor.

This method is quite labor-intensive, but allows you to get good results. The idea is simple - you make a sketch on paper, scan it and process it in a graphics editor. The better the software, the better the drawing will be.

Comfortable. Mouse, scanner, Corel Draw, high-quality mouse pad.

It is very convenient if the mouse polling frequency is high, and with the help of vector editors you can draw any curved lines correctly. But this method is only good for vector editors.

How to. Graphics tablet, scanner, trackball, Corel Draw and Adobe Photoshop.

With this set you can draw at a high level, you are limited only by your skills and imagination.

Graphics tablet

A tablet is an ideal device for drawing.

Probably, almost everyone who has ever picked up an electronic pen and tried to draw something on a graphics tablet has experienced bewilderment and disappointment. It looks so much like a regular pen, but the feeling of drawing is completely different. And the results, frankly speaking, are not brilliant. Perhaps the result will be better if you understand the principle of operation of these miracle plates.

A special mesh is installed inside the tablet. These are conductors made from the thinnest copper strips. Each of them can be compared to a receiving antenna that receives a signal from an electronic pen. They allow special chips to track the position of the pen on the tablet and transmit its coordinates to the chip. Then the driver and drawing program are turned on.

When we move the pen over the active area of ​​the tablet, a trace remains on the screen, if we have a graphics editor loaded and a drawing tool is selected. Many tablets have a transparent plastic cover that can be removed so you can put a picture or photo underneath. This way you can trace the image, copying it. The pen itself has one end for drawing and the other for erasing. The design and principle of operation of all tablets are almost the same.

Happy work!