The Innovation Hubs

Are you a designer, media arts professional or a hobbyist on the search for free and open source software? Do you want to edit photos, video files, create vector based graphics for company logos, and use software for desktop publishing? 

Image by Christos Pontikis. Used on a CC license.

Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard when it comes to media arts software but it comes with a price. Our Digital Innovation Hubs some of our Learning Centres offer library customers access to the Adobe Creative suite for free. But, during our closure, you may need an alternative.

Here are some free and open source alternatives with comparable features to what's available in the Adobe Creative Suite package.

Photo Editing

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an open source photo editing software. It offers many features that are available in Adobe Photoshop.

Features include:

• User friendly
• A wide array of editing tools 
• Exports common file extensions
• Small download file size
• Great for batch processing
• Offers over a hundred free plug-ins
• GIMP website offers several tutorials and support to get you started

Illustration

Inkscape is an open source vector based graphics system. It is perfect for creating logos, typography and clip art. Inkscape offers similar features to Adobe Illustrator.

Features include:

• Unlimited resolution for rendering and printouts
• Capable of importing and exporting several types of file extensions
• Uses the standard SVG file format that is used in most vector based software
• Ideal for creating any type of vector graphic such as web icons and logos
• Inkscape.org offers support and tutorials

Desktop Publishing

Scribus is an award-winning desktop publishing software. It has some of the same functions that Adobe InDesign offers. It is ideal for students or professionals working with typesetting, page layout, creating animated presentations and so much more.

Features include:

• Scribus is a cross-platform application that runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Gnu/Linux devices
• Ideal for creating brochures, magazine layouts, presentations and business cards
• Can import vector type images
• Scribus.com offers support and how-to’s

Video editing

Black Magic’s DaVinci Resolve is a powerful, professional-grade video editing suite. Because Black Magic integrated their other apps such as Fusion (for compositing and effects) and Fairlight (for audio editing), DaVinci Resolve is essentially Adobe’s Premiere Pro, After Effects and Audition all in one package.

Features include:

• Black Magic offers 2 versions, DaVinci Resolve (free) and DaVinci Resolve Studio (Paid)
• Rendering files are faster than Premiere Pro
• Black Magic has incorporated their Fusion and Fairlight apps into Resolve, you can do all your editing, compositing and audio editing in one app
• The DaVinci Resolve website offers an extensive list of tutorials and courses

Helpful Library Resources

As you are learning the open source software mentioned above, check out the resources that Toronto Public Library offers in O'Reilly Public Libraries (formerly Safari Tech and Business Books Online) and Lynda.com. Both are free to use with a Toronto Public Library card. You will be asked to sign in with your card to follow the links below. 

O'Reilly Public Libraries (Formerly Safari Tech and Business Books Online). 

GIMP for Absolute Beginners

An easy to follow book for absolute beginners using GIMP. 

Pro Photo Colorizing with GIMP

A short, 20-minute tutorial on some quick tips using GIMP. 

Inkscape Starter

A great overview and starter guide to using Inkscape. 

Beginning Scribus

An informative book offering tips and tricks on design and page layout in Scribus.

Courses and Tutorials available on Lynda.com

Lynda.com offers several tutorials in design software. You will need to log in using your TPL card to access the tutorials. 

Inkscape Essential Training

Mike Rankin will guide you through the basics of using Inkscape. 

Inkscape Starter

A great overview and starter guide to using Inkscape. 

GIMP Quick Tips

A short video outlining the most common questions you may have using GIMP software. 

DaVinci Resolve Training and Tutorials

Several DaVinci Resolve tutorials offered in Lynda.com.