Anyone know of a free vector graphics program?

LMSx · Post by **LMSx** » 2008-09-02 02:56am

I downloaded a trial version of Flash CS3 from Adobe a while back because I wanted to use the...line thing...to make a few cartoon images. Not to make any animations, but mostly the functionality to draw a straight line and then curve it with a mouse. Versus something like MS Paint, which just drops the line down.

I hope that gives the idea what I'm looking for. I think that involves vector graphics. Anyways, the trial time expired and I'm looking for a substitute. Basically for the images I was making, I was tracing over the outlines of an actual photo then coloring them in for a cartoon-like effect. Does anyone know of a basic free/shareware program that does that?

Oh yeah, it's Mac OS X (although I do have a Windows computer). Much thanks.

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-09-02 03:10am

There's Inkscape, but I'm not sure if it works on Mac. The thing about freeware vector software, is that they may not work with all the useful formats because of patented related technologies.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2008-09-02 03:15am

Inkscape runs on MacOS X.

The_Saint · Post by **The_Saint** » 2008-09-02 04:23am

hehe just wrote a reply saying Inkscape but I was beaten to it.. yes Inkscape is cross platform, free will make coffee for you.. well.. almost..

Otherwise wikipedia has a List of Vector Graphics Editors

LMSx · Post by **LMSx** » 2008-09-19 04:30am

Oops, lost track of this thread.

Thanks for the Inkscape recommendations, all. It fits in with GIMP and x11. They're both useful, but it was a little difficult figuring everything out to start.

Of course, after learning the program I realized today that the nearby campus library computers have Flash CS3.

Sigh.