What is Graphics Software?

Hi, I'm Sue Chastain, your Guide to Graphics Software. That's my picture at the top of the page. You can read my bio to learn more about me. I produce this site to help people like you learn more about choosing and using 2D graphics software. My work on the site includes writing informational articles, software reviews, and tutorials to help you learn how to choose and use graphics software. I also sometimes link out to other useful Web sites relating to graphics software, and I have some guest writers that help me out with producing tutorials and other content for this site.

There is a lot of information here to help you choose the best software for your needs and to make better use of the graphics software you currently use. Let me help you find what you need to know!

What is Graphics Software?

If this is your first time here, you may be wondering, "What is graphics software?" Graphics Software has a pretty broad definition in many people's minds, but in the context of this site, it is any kind of software which can be used to create, edit, and manage 2D computer graphics. These computer graphics may be clip art, Web graphics, logos, headings, backgrounds, digital photos, or other kinds of digital images.

Some of the graphics software titles covered on this site include:

• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• Paint Shop Pro
• CorelDRAW
• The GIMP
• Microsoft Paint
• Digital Image Suite
• ACDSee
• Picasa
• and many more.

3D Modeling and CAD (computer-aided design) software is also graphics software, but these are very specialized applications which are best covered under the respective topics for the industries in which they are used. For example, 3D graphics software is often used in animation, and CAD software is often used in architecture and engineering.

Motion graphics have their own unique qualities, and though I do touch on this kind of graphics software on this site, it is covered in more detail in the About.com Animation and Desktop Video topics.

What Isn't Graphics Software?

There is a lot of software that some people think of as graphics software because you use it to work with graphics, but technically it is not because you don't use it for directly manipulating images. Here are some examples of software that people think of as graphics software, but aren't covered on this site:

• Page layout software such as InDesign, QuarkXpress, and Publisher.
• Web publishing software such as Dreamweaver, Flash and FrontPage.
• Presentation software such as PowerPoint.
• Home publishing or creative printing software such as Print Shop, Print Explosion, and Greeting Card Factory.

What are the Types of Graphics Software?

There are two main categories of graphics software and many smaller categories of specialized tools. The two main categories are pixel-based image editors, and vector-based image editors.

• About the Two Types of Graphics Software

Some of the categories of specialized tools are:

• Image Management Software
• Image Viewers
• Batch Processing Tools
• Web and Animation Software
• Icon and Cursor Editors
• Diagramming Software

What is Graphics Software Used For?

Graphics software is used in many facets of life and business. Some of the common things people use graphics software for include: editing and sharing digital photos, creating logos, drawing and modifying clip art, creating digital fine art, creating Web graphics, designing advertisements and product packaging, touching up scanned photos, and drawing maps or other diagrams.

Since you arrived on this site, you may have something in mind that you want to do using graphics software. Head on over to the Find Software category for lots of resources to help you find the best graphics software to fit your needs and budget.