Free graphics software?

jro11 · Dec 26, 2024

I regret that I can’t find a FREE graphics software program that will allow me to draw even the simplest of images with some degree of accuracy.

My immediate need is to draw-up a set of penny whistle fingering diagrams similar to (need to add additional fingering) this:
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2a/84/3c/2a843c56f7b74b8e32abe13068374e42.jpg

What’s interesting about this image, and many other images like it (including pdf images) is that when I try and print the image everything is a fuzzy mess.

To do so to my standards I need the following features:

Basic tools (lines, curves, and shapes)
Text tools
Vector graphics (w. path editing)
Horizontal/vertical alignment
Proportional spacing
NOT Raster

And the following would be nice:

Layers
Snap-to (edges, centers, grid lines, etc.) functionality

Just to reproduce the above image (and have a file I could easily modify) would require features; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (7&8 would be very helpful).

Is there anything available for free with these very basic features?

Thanks

Catnip · Dec 26, 2024

I use Paint.NET for most of my graphics editing and it is pretty powerful, and free. However, it does not have vector graphics. When I need a program with vector graphics capability I use Inkscape, which is also free. It's pretty nice too. I suggest trying those out to see if they meet your needs.

Ghot · Dec 26, 2024

@jro11

Paint Shop Pro 7.04 (free), will do all that. And the learning curve is... mellow.

Paint Shop Pro 4.12 and 7.04 and 8.1 and 9.01

Due to popularity, powerful features and ease of use, here are: Paint Shop Pro 4.12 and 7.04 and 8.1 and 9.01 These are all free, legal and fully functional. These work flawlessly on all versions of Windows from 7 to 11. Paint Shop Pro 4.12 and if memory serves, 7.04 also work on Windows XP...

www.elevenforum.com

tecknot · Dec 26, 2024

Hi jro11,

I am not sure if either of these programs do everything you want/need, but they are in-depth graphic editors and are free:
Gimp
Inkscape

I hope either of these work for you.

Kind regards,

tecknot

Dannydet · Dec 26, 2024

I also would go with Inkscape.
Free and open source that handles both vector and raster.
However, there is a learning curve if you have never used this type of program.

abactuon · Dec 26, 2024

I don't know anything about it, but maybe any office suite will do?

Edwin · Dec 26, 2024

Everything you need is here..., plus Word.

PCUser · Dec 27, 2024

If you don't want to have to install, Photopea is an effective online free photoshop type tool. I recommend checking it out.

Photopea | Online Photo Editor

Photopea Online Photo Editor lets you edit photos, apply effects, filters, add text, crop or resize pictures. Do Online Photo Editing in your browser for free!

www.photopea.com

It will edit:
.psd
.ai
.xd
.fig
.sketch
.pdf
RAW
and also any JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, SVD, DDS

PCUser · Dec 27, 2024

Catnip said:
I use Paint.NET for most of my graphics editing and it is pretty powerful, and free. However, it does not have vector graphics. When I need a program with vector graphics capability I use Inkscape, which is also free. It's pretty nice too. I suggest trying those out to see if they meet your needs.

I think it should be noted Paint.Net url is not the correct url.

The correct url for Paint.net is: Paint.NET - Free Software for Digital Photo Editing

Paint.NET - Free Software for Digital Photo Editing

Paint.NET is free image and photo editing software for computers that run Windows.

www.getpaint.net

www.getpaint.net/

Catnip · Dec 27, 2024

PCUser said:
I think it should be noted Paint.Net url is not the correct url.

I did not give a URL for Paint.NET. Just the name. The app is available from the URL that you gave, or the MS Store.

jro11 · Dec 28, 2024

Thanks for the Inkscape suggestion!!

As long as I’m on a roll…
Any recommendations on a free CAD program? I used VectorWorks to draw my whole house—in 3D, with orthographic, plan, elevation, section, and isometric views—down to the electrical outlets. The program was sold to Nemetchuck and is an app specialized to designing concert (stage/lighting/etc.) situations!

It seems that, except for rentals, there are no good CAD options available. Worst, it seems that these days the prevalent architectural 3D design tool seems to be SketchUp, an orthographic tool I tried that renders amazing 3D drawings that are constructed in isometric projection (i.e., in perspective), require totally rethinking how to design the simplest of objects, and produce drawings that even when accurately drawn provide little to no information needed a builder needs to plan the purchase of wood beams (e.g., 2x4s, sheetrock, plywood, and stock items such as doors, fixtures, etc.).

PCUser · Dec 28, 2024

Yes, I was working on a laptop for a friend of mine, and installed this for him.
There are TONS of great tutorials on YouTube for this Free AutoCad program, and it's all FREE.

Check it out.

FreeCAD: Your own 3D parametric modeler

FreeCAD, the open source 3D parametric modeler

www.freecad.org

Catnip · Dec 28, 2024

I second the suggestion of FreeCAD. It's now a full release version, and still free.

jro11 · Dec 29, 2024

I'm very impressed by both of your' enthusiasm about FreeCAD, the parametric modeler, and just as impressed by its website and the care it has taken to be very professional about introducing users to this approach to CAD. But this is exactly the type of program I referred to when I brought up SketchUp and I'll have to be convinced I can design something even as simple as design a cabinet (with dimensions suitable for a carpenter--down to 1/16 inch) and use it to stick-build even a small shed and in the process straightforwardly print and provide a contractor with dimensioned drawings (s)he can actually work from and not only see a fancy rendition, on a computer, in 3D.
I'll have to look into this one (might take a while) and get back to you.

Catnip · Dec 29, 2024

Just remember, as with any CAD program there is a hell of a learning curve.

Good luck.

jro11 · May 12, 2025

Dannydet said:
I also would go with Inkscape.
Free and open source that handles both vector and raster.
However, there is a learning curve if you have never used this type of program.

There is an excellent tutorial "

Inkscape Dimensions Tutorial - Inkscape Dimensions Extension by fsmMLK

that covers how to download and install the necessary InkScape (what an incredible program!!) extensions to enable dimensioning. At about 2:11 it provides instructions/diagram

on how to create the directory structure necessary to do this.
Problem: I can't read the diagram pictured above.
Anyone know how I can get an exact description or picture of this directory hierarchy?
"

jro11 · May 12, 2025

jro11 said:
exact description or picture of this directory

I was able to, through CoPilot, get an answer to this question, to wit:

I have posted to the Inkscape forum to confirm its veracity.

jro11 · May 12, 2025

jro11 said:
to confirm its veracity

Here's another interesting thing I just discovered...
The directory structure I was having difficulty reading because it was "fuzzy" cleaned itself up when I ran the YouTube on a slower speed (.5)
In hindsight it makes sense. Hope it might be of help.

Free graphics software?

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