There are no substitutions for this group unless you want to use Microsoft Word or another word processor, but those applications are not really equipped to function as a layout and design program. InDesign and the programs listed below are page layout, design, and desktop publishing software. A big plus: There are over 8,000 History steps for Undo/Redo. You get lots of new presets for symbols, shapes, and lines more options for custom gradients, textures, and styles and unlimited layers, masks, and groups. Also nice: the adjustable line weights, which are based on speed, pressure, and width. Very similar to Adobe Illustrator, Affiniity Designer’s most distinctive features include the Multi Stroke and Fill, which, among other things, stacks strokes and fills as layers so they can support their own blending and gradients. Even if you own both PaintShop and Photoshop, this little gem is more than worth the ticket.

You can even record and save actions as macros. Symmetry mode creates amazing kaleidoscopes, and the best Dispersion effect I have ever seen. Its highlight features include custom brush nibs called Nozzle tips, which modify the shape and size of your lines as you draw them. Affinity Photo ( $49.99)Īffinity Photo stands somewhere between PaintShop Pro and Photoshop in features and special effects. But my all-time favorite feature is the Picture Tubes, similar to Photoshop’s custom brushes, but in full 16-bit color. The Film effects are spectacular, the new SmartClone feature is amazing, and the Refine Brush, which finely details selections around difficult outlines such as hair and animal fur is superb. It provides hundreds of excellent features such as Capture, which is much better than Photoshop’s Snipping Tool. I’ve used it since version 5 and have continued to upgrade through the current versions. PaintShop Pro ( $79.99, or $99.99 for the pro version) I also appreciate that GIMP works on multiple platforms, uses minimal system resources, and is super-easy to use. I especially like the Borders Sparkles, Reflections, and Gradient Flare effects and the Whirl and Pinch features. See Alvin Alexander’s blog for all the cool stuff GIMP can do. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) offers 130-plus amazing filters and special effects.

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