What would the web be without freebies? If you are just starting to make your own buttons and banners and buying graphics software is too spendy, you can definitely find some free options to get you started.
(I’m going to point you to places where you can download free software; however, please understand that I am not personally endorsing any of this software–except Elements, which I own–or any of the downloads. As with anything online, please use caution when downloading.)
- About.com has a list of free graphic software that will jump-start your creative juices. They give mini reviews and screen shots of 10 free software applications.
- Gimp is a brand that I have heard of, but have not personally used.
- FreeSerifSoftware
- Download.com has a list of what they call The best free design & photo software. Check it out.
- I think most operating systems come with some sort of Paint program. You probably have a free graphics program on your computer right now! You can definitely see what you can do with that.
As you become more comfortable making your own buttons and banners, you may want to go ahead and buy software.
- Adobe Photoshop is amazing, but unless you’re a professional graphic artist, I don’t think you need to have it. Besides, it’s very spendy at about $700.
- Adobe Photoshop Elements is the answer for those of us addicted to making our own graphics and fiddling with our photos, but want something less expensive than full-blown Photoshop. Elements retails for about $100. However, I’ve found it for less just by searching various sites online. I received Elements 4.0 (I think they’re up to 6.0 or 7.0 now) bundled with the Bamboo tablet for Christmas and I think it was about $80. As an aside, I’ve found the 4.0 version to be great for me.
- Corel PaintShop Pro is another program that is popular. You can try it for free for 30 days.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
GIMP and Inkscape are the only programs you need and they are both great. There’s tutorials and guides so you can learn then too.
I’ve used both Corel and Adobe, and Photoshop edges out Corel Paint Shop by a hair. My biggest problem is sometimes my graphics look a little “noisy.” I’d rather not make the file size any bigger, but I’ve noticed most blog banners look a bit cleaner than mine.
for quickie buttons, try imagechef.com, they’re so cool!:-)
You can also use Microsoft Publisher to make your own graphics (many people already have this in their MS suite – if not, don’t buy a new one — too expensive — get it from ebay). Its what I use, and while my graphics aren’t “professional grade”… they work for me… the normal mom blogger.
First, what I do is layout my clip art and graphics/words the way I want it to look when it is done. Then under the Edit drop down menu, I “select all” and once they are all selected, a small square pops up that allows you to “GROUP” your various pieces together into one graphic. Finally, I right click and select “save as picture” and save it as a jpg.
You can also use Microsoft Publisher to make your own graphics (many people already have this in their MS suite – if not, don’t buy a new one — too expensive — get it from ebay). Its what I use, and while my graphics aren’t “professional grade”… they work for me… the normal mom blogger.
First, what I do is layout my clip art and graphics/words the way I want it to look when it is done. Then under the Edit drop down menu, I “select all” and once they are all selected, a small square pops up that allows you to “GROUP” your various pieces together into one graphic. Finally, I right click and select “save as picture” and save it as a jpg.
Just wanted to add something for your readers. I use a program called paint.net and it is totally and completely free. I love it, and the fact that it is free is even more awesome.
I love your site man! Thanks!