Inkscape

Via the Drawn! Forum I recently discovered Inkscape.

What is this Inkscape you ask? It's an open-source SVG (scalable vector graphics) package similar to Abode Illustrator. It doesn't have as many features as Illustrator as of yet, but damn is it pretty and easy to use. I don't rememer the last time I've had this much fun just monkeying around with an application.

Try the calligraphic pen. It's sensitive to the speed of the stroke, and to pressure if you have a tablet. You can't make an ugly line! Very fun for Chinese characters.

It also has a nice connector tool that would make it a great alternative to Visio or Flowcharter (both of which are amazingly frustrating to use) for folks who have to do a lot of charts and diagrams. Everytime I had to do an ER diagram at SILS I resolved I was going to find a better way to do it, even to the point of doing them in Photoshop (which wasn't any better - or worse). I wish I had tried Inkscape.



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