Open Source Creative Suite (Part 2)

An alternative to the Abode Creative Suite

Introduction

The Adobe Creative Suite is a Software package used by Art Designers around the world, but unfortunately it's not free.

In this series we will try to give an overview of the different parts of the Suite and where possible, give alternative Software for you to use.

This week we will be discussing:

Illustrator

Illustrator is a vector-based design tool, which is different from the pixels that Photoshop works with. The problem with pixels is that if you risize them, something called 'aliasing' will occur. Instead of nicely rounded circle, you'll get a circle made out of little blocks.

Vectors, on the other hand, work with calculations. When making a circle, it saves the circumference and the shape (circle, ellips). Because of that, when you're resizing, you're actually resizing. The circle stays the same shape and stays clear at any size whatsoever. 

See image below for an example:

The free alternative to Illustrator that we will discuss this week is: 

Inkscape

There are a few differences between both pieces of Software, of which Illustrator is actually the better one.
The differences aren't really that big, since most of the functionality can also be achieved for Inkscape by using a few plug-ins.

CMYK Compatibility 

CMYK is the standard color system being used for most of the printwork around the world. So this means it's kinda crucial for the average Desktop Publisher. 

Illustrator has this feature built into the software, but Inkscape doesn't. To get around this you need to add the CMYK profile to Inkscape, then export the file and import it in Scribus, which is an alternative to InDesign (and will be discussed in the next part). 

See the Link for the workaround.

Mesh-Based Gradients

There is a big possibility most of you are familiar with gradients. Which simply is the transition of two colors between each other.

Inkscape and Illustrator both have this function, but Illustrator also has 'mesh-based' gradients. This means that you're able to select multiple points and colors for the transition, instead of just two, which makes it possible to create images like the one below.

Inkscape doesn't have this functionality 'out of the box'. There is a beta version of Inkscape somewhere out there, but I wouldn't recommend using this because of:

Stability

Personally I have found few problems with Illustrators' stability. However, Inkscape does have the tendency to crash, especially when many layers and blur effects are active. So when Inkscape it is wise to save often, but I think this applies to most software.

Next to the previously mentioned differences, there's not a whole lot of variation in functionality when comparing the two.
Sometimes Inkscape seems a bit smoother and precise, especially when using the nodes, but that just might be a personal preference.

Get Inkscape Here

Tutorials

Full Circle Magazine Tutorials show are great way to learn the basics for working with Inkscape.

Part 1    Part 2     Part 3

Next time we will be discussing InDesign!

Written by: DatAsian

Translation by: Boundless