Graphics software for stompboxes

[mike_a]

Hi all,

I've recently built 2 stomps (a BSIAB2 and a Guv'nor). I would like to design the graphics for the labels and I would like to ask which software you recommend.

I've heard of "front panel designer". Is it any good?
how about Adobe Illustrator?

I've also seen baja's great looking label for the voodoo vibe. It would be great to know how it was done.

Thanks,
Mike.

[soulsonic]

Illustrator is a really good program for designing labels and panels and layouts and pretty much whatever. I use PhotoShop most of the time for stuff like that because it does what I need and it's a program I'm familiar with. I don't really know how to do much in Illustrator, so I haven't messed with it, but I have friends who've done some really good stuff with Illustrator. I believe all of Weber's Amp Kit layouts are done in Illustrator.

[modman]

On the other side of the internet, there are Linux fanatics all around the world who make FREE clone software for any standard software by Windows, Adobe,

I currently use GIMPshop
http://www.gimpshop.com/
A modified version of Gimp, and with identical controls to Photoshop
http://www.gimp.org

For text etc, I use
http://www.openoffice.org

It's because if you write software for PC or Mac, you'll have to get it licensed by Windows or Mac (ie. pay alot of money so you can never compete with their softwares), but not for Linux. Just get an Linux interface for you pc/mac (also free) and you're started...

[bumblebee]

the gimps cool, i use that.
it lacks some features tho imo.

what do you save your files as for printing decals? like gif,png,jpg etc?

i know they all work but are some better than others with clarity etc?

[madbean]

It depends on what kind of learning curve you want to tackle. I've been using Photoshop for so long it is second nature. But Illustrator is much less intuitive, IMO. Gimp is a great way to go for open source, and you can get Paint Shop Pro really cheap. You can get Photoshop Elements cheap too, which is stripped down but probably has enough features for pedal graphics.

[mike_a]

Thanks guys!

Would it be okay to ask if someone could share some templates?

That could make the start a bit easier....

[bajaman]

I've also seen baja's great looking label for the voodoo vibe. It would be great to know how it was done

I used CorelDraw 11 - I have been using it for years now (since CorelDraw 2 ) so it is very easy for me.
Like all programs there is a learning curve - my wife uses photoshop a lot, but I find it difficult to use - she cannot do very much with CorelDraw though. It just depends on time and practice using any graphics program.
With regards to the Vooddoo Vibe label - I took a photo of the roger mayer unit and using CorelDraw, adapted it to fit a 1790NS case - glad you liked it
cheers
bajaman

[DWBH]

I also use Corel (the new version, Corel X3). Pretty easy to use.

[bajaman]

I also use Corel (the new version, Corel X3). Pretty easy to use.

Yep - got that too on another computer - have you seen Corel Technical drawing - for drawing those exploded diagrams for how things fit together - pretty out of it software
bajaman

[mike_a]

Thanks for the ideas guys.

Now I should get working

[madbean]

Try Deep Paint, too. It was released by Right Hemisphere a few years ago as a free product (discontinued).

http://www.download.com/3001-2191_4-10398243.html

[Nikifena]

+1 to corel draw
I use it too.
Verry good software!

[mike_a]

Would you say that Corel draw is more suited for this kind of work than Illustrator?

Is it easier to learn?

madbean, I've never heard of this app. Have you used it for pedal graphics?

Thanks again,
Mike.

[madbean]

madbean, I've never heard of this app. Have you used it for pedal graphics?

No, I used it a bit when I was doing a lot of 3D modeling and animation. Actually, the version I used was specific to painting textures on 3D models. This is the same app, but with only 2D capabilities. I don't know how robust the text stuff is in it...but you can do some decent painting.

[Nikifena]

Would you say that Corel draw is more suited for this kind of work than Illustrator?

Is it easier to learn?

Corel and illustrator are vector graphics software. I can work only with corel draw. I think that every software can be used if you have imagination to make a good frontpanel design

Is it easy... I don't know. For me is easy. I think that it's easier than illustrator.

[MarcoMike]

I think that every software can be used if you have imagination to make a good frontpanel design

good point!
I always use PaintShopPro and love it! much simpler and user friendly than Photoshop, which seems designed by Franz Kafka for all the steps you you have to do for simple operations! you can do vectors as well with PSP.

The new version (°11) has many good features but it's kind of "heavy", all the earlier versions (from 7th) are good as well and perfect to learn.

have fun.

[rocklander]

I've played with various incarnations of corel, photoshop, paintshop, gimp and I guess I'm a bit thick cos they all confused the hell out of me (not much for reading instructions).
a while ago I discovered http://www.photofiltre.com and downloaded their program. it seems very simple and intuitive and yet can do pretty much all graphics acrobats I want to do. I don't think it's vector based, and doesn't have layers (I know a bunch of people live and die by layers), but I just save multiple versions (file systems I can handle ). When I started using it it was free for private use, and although they've release a commercial version (which I've still yet to try - don't really see any need to honestly), the free version is still there...

better living everyone.

[Mr. G.]

A good free vector program, that I use, is called Inkscape: http://www.inkscape.org/

It's pretty much the open source answer to Illustrator. I'll also throw another vote for the GIMP.

[JiM]

I also vote for Inkscape (for everything vector) and the Gimp (for everything bitmap), both are great Free Software

[rocklander]

just downloaded and tried inkscape... very very nice software indeed!