There are many different software programs available that can help you create and edit digital graphics or photos. Some of the more popular programs include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and GIMP (free). Many professional-level graphic creation programs are available on the computers (Macs and PCs) in the Cline Library Studios as well as online from NAU's Remote Apps.
Photoshop is a powerful raster (pixel-based) image editing program used to edit photos, create graphics, and design eye-catching works of digital art. Photoshop is an ideal program to use if you want to change the color/contrast of a photo, remove errors or unwanted features, retouch portraits, create collages or layer photos together, or create hand-drawn elements. Photoshop is available on all Cline Library computers in the Studios area.
Need to learn how to use Photoshop? Click the image below to view a Udemy Photoshop training course (available to NAU affiliates).
Illustrator is a powerful vector (equation-based) graphics design program used to create web and print graphics, logos, and icons. Illustrator is an ideal program to use if you want to combine shapes, text, colors, and other artistic elements to design graphics that can be scaled to any size for either print or web applications. Illustrator is available on all Cline Library computers in the Studios.
Need to learn how to use Illustrator? Click the image below to view a Udemy Photoshop training course (available to NAU affiliates).
InDesign is a desktop publishing program - similar to Microsoft Word or Publisher - that is used to create multi-page documents such as magazines, newspapers, books, and ebooks or marketing materials such as posters, flyers, and brochures. With its wide selection of layout and organization tools InDesign allows you to easily combine graphic elements like photos, images, logos, and text into professional level publications. InDesign is available on all Cline Library computers in the Studios.
Need to learn how to use InDesign? Click the image below to view a Udemy InDesign training course (available to NAU affiliates).
GIMP
Do you want to edit photos from your personal computer but don't want to spend a lot of money on Photoshop? Then GIMP is perfect for you! GIMP is a free and open-source raster graphics editor used for editing and manipulating photos and free-form drawing. The best part about GIMP is that it is completely free to use and is a great replacement for Adobe Photoshop. You can download GIMP for free from www.gimp.org.
Need to learn how to use GIMP? Click the image below to view a Udemy GIMP training course (available to NAU affiliates).
Raster image editor |
Vector graphics editor |
Desktop publisher |
Used to Create |
Used to Create |
Used to Create |
Features Layers, image adjustments, artistic filters |
Features Vector shapes, typesetting, artboards |
Features Document layout tools, master pages, typesetting |