Free apps used in design

**cgutzmer** · #1 02-19-2009, 09:28 AM

I would like to build a list of all the free applications that you use in designing in any way, shape or form

Please include a link if at all possible. Please also say what you use it for, like if you use it for the design, coloring, unfolding etc etc etc

Thanks!
Chris

**nothing** · #2 02-19-2009, 12:30 PM

the only free app i use that i can think of is scalemaster. i dont know where i got it from.

for figuring the scale of the finished model.

**JT Fox** · #3 02-19-2009, 03:57 PM

I use:

Metasequoia LE for all my 3D modeling- http://www.metaseq.net/english/

Pepakura v2 (Trial) for unfolding- http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/

Cheers JTF

**cgutzmer** · #4 02-19-2009, 04:06 PM

Kewl

what do you use for coloring?
Chris

**JT Fox** · #5 02-19-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gutzmer

Kewl

what do you use for coloring?
Chris

I use Photoshop CS. I have access though work so saved a few quid. I also have access to Corel Painter so I might give that a go.

Cheers JTF

**willygoat** · #6 02-19-2009, 08:47 PM

I hear that GIMP is pretty similar in form and function to Photoshop for recoloring. I use Photoshop for my recolors though. Helps to have a wife in PR that "has" to have it ;D

**PaperMakeiT** · #7 02-20-2009, 02:48 AM

I use:

1) Blender www.blender.org for 3d modelling (free).

2) Gimp for textures (free). Great software, many tuts and plug-in.

3) OpenOffice for pdf conversion (free).

**cgutzmer** · #8 02-20-2009, 05:54 AM

open office converts? Awesome!!! Thats what I just installed on my new latop as a replacement to ms office

This is the combination I will likely be using too

Thanks Claudio!
Chris

**PaperMakeiT** · #9 02-20-2009, 07:55 AM

Yes, OpenOffice converts! I used to convert with Primopdf, but then I found that OpenOffice let me a better control over the size and quality of the final file.

Tips:

1) Before converting go to File->Export something setting section and set the jpeg quality to 100% (default is less).

2) Instead of convert the whole bitmap image of let's say 8"x11", you can cut several little pieces and import in oOo in a 8"x11" sheet. In this way the white part is not jpeg but simply a vector space. The final file size is smaller and you can move around the pieces.

P.S. oOo is the nickname of OpenOffice.org

**cgutzmer** · #10 02-20-2009, 08:24 AM

GREAT TIPS! Thanks a ton

Chris