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GIMP Question
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GIMP Question // New Users
Post by Musikman // Apr 12, 2009, 1:02pm
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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Hi
Rookie question here...
TomG mentioned a tool I should download to begin learning....GIMP, and went to their website. They have several different versions that can be downloaded, not sure which is best?
Also, they mention it's "mirrors", don't know what they are? Just want to do this download right the first shot, don't want to have any installation issues or missing files...
Any suggestions much appreciated! Thanks!
Paul |
Post by Rafa // Apr 12, 2009, 2:05pm
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Rafa
Total Posts: 95
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Yea, that is frustrating.
Don't worry, all the rest of the downloads are the source codes.
http://www.otake.com.mx/Foros/GimpCapture-1.jpg
A mirror its a frendly site that host the same file in another location to lower the bandwith consumption. Sometimes download from one of this mirrors in a country near your location its faster, and avoids using extra bandwith across nodes. |
Post by Musikman // Apr 12, 2009, 5:04pm
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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Hey Rafa
Thanks for the reply.
According to your screenshot steps 1,2, & 3...please tell me if I've got this right.....:rolleyes:
So I just have to (2) click on download GIMP 2.6.6, takes me to (3) "SourceForge.net", then run that file first to install the program?
**Not sure I understand where the "source codes" come in. Do I need to download source codes and install them after installing the GIMP 2.6.6 program? If so, which ones do I need, or are they all together in one download?
**What are the source codes for, and are they necessary for the program to run properly?
**They also mention an "Animation Package" for 2.4 and above, and what the heck are "tarballs"???
(Sorry for all the questions, I'm a "musikman" & not very familiar with drawing/animation programs yet, just learning, hopefully soon! :)) Thanks, much appreciated!
Paul
--Just wondering if I can install and run GIMP on my external hard drive (to save space), or if I need to install it to my C drive? |
Post by RAYMAN // Apr 12, 2009, 11:03pm
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RAYMAN
Total Posts: 1496
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The source code is needed if you want to make the program or alter something .... it is not needed if you just use the program so forget it.;)
Install it on your C drive and not on an external !
Peter |
Post by TomG // Apr 13, 2009, 4:24am
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TomG
Total Posts: 3397
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- Mirrors. Any file you download sits on a computer someplace, this being the server that you download from (since it "serves" you the file). A mirror is simply another server, another computer you can download from. This is handy because geography plays a part (it will always be slower to download something from a server further away, due to having to jump through more computers to get there across the internet), and also handy should one server become inaccessible. So you can use a mirror close to you, or another mirror if the first is slow.
- Source code. All programs begin life as source code, this is the code written by programmers that makes the program do its stuff. Source code is compiled to give the final executable that you are used to as a user. Some programs are open source, that is, anyone is welcome to see the actual code, and to add to it. This way, there is no one set team of developers who have access to the "secret" source code, but instead anyone and everyone can get access to it to modify it.
GIMP is one such program, this is why it is free. Unless you are a programmer, simply don't bother with the source code. It is not needed to run the program, only the final executable is required.
- Tar balls. No idea, I don't use GIMP, so I'd suggest a look at GIMP forums, or just download and try it out! Sounds like blobs that will stick together and fuse together but still pull apart, maybe something like meta balls?
- External drives. Best for data. External drives are always slower to access than internal ones. A program may need to access bits of itself from disk, and in order to keep the program running as fast as possible, you'd want that on your internal drives. Same for temporary files, caches, etc. For data though, when it only gets read or written when you do Load or Save, the external drive will be just fine.
HTH!
Tom |
Post by Jack Edwards // Apr 13, 2009, 4:39am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Tarballs are a Unix/Linux .tar compressed file. You're downloading the Windows version so don't worry about it, like was mentioned previously unless you are planning to join the GIMP development team you don't need the source code. ;) Also don't worry about the animation package.
You may also want to look into Paint.Net:
http://www.getpaint.net/
It's organized like Photoshop and has an easier learning curve for people new to image editing.
For vector graphics Inkscape is a good free program:
http://www.inkscape.org/ |
Post by TomG // Apr 13, 2009, 7:10am
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TomG
Total Posts: 3397
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Ha, and I thought he was asking about an animation feature named tarballs :)
Tom |
Post by Musikman // Apr 13, 2009, 1:46pm
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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It looks like the GIMP manual is only available online, not as a pdf download, I'll browse through & check it out, hopefully it's not too difficult to get started, it does look like a cool tool.
The only reason why I checked out gimp is because in Jack's first video tutorial (Organic Modeling) he uses it to draw/sketch the example he's using for that tutorial (a shark/big fish), and of course he mentioned it's free which is always a plus!:) It's actually kinda funny Tom, I told myself, I'm just going to remember Tom's advice and not try to jump ahead, so I started from square one, and just to be able to begin the tutorial, I first need to download & learn a whole new program!! AARRGGHHHH!!:D (hey, no way am I giving up...never!!...I will be a great animator someday! :))
As for the other free programs mentioned, PaintNet or Inkscape, how do they compare to GIMP? I'm somewhat familiar with MS Paint, and have used PrintShop quite often,(I actually was a printer for many years & did some desktop publishing for awhile. So I've gone from setting type using the old California Job Case to the birth of DTP on the PC! Hoping to transfer some of those skills to animation ). Just wondering what your preferences are? What do you guys think is the better of the three free ones? Don't want a huge learning curve that will take hours before I can do anything, but still want the best tools available. If they are not spacehogging programs, maybe I should try more than one.
Thanks everyone for all the help & advice...much appreciated!
Paul |
Post by Jack Edwards // Apr 13, 2009, 2:09pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Paint.Net is definitely the easiest of the group. It does have layers. The layer blend modes are found in the layer properties dialog though instead of the Layers UI. Also brush opacity is set in the "advanced" section of the color panel. But other than that it should meet your needs for concepting.
Gimp is more "professional" in it's feature set, has a more mature UI, filter set, and custom brushes.
Inkscape is a vector art program so is more for "inking" your sketches to turn them into line art.
You need a 2D paint program for a lot of your 3D work. Concepting, Texture painting, compositing, and post work to create the final image.
For myself I found that I needed a higher bit depth capability, so when I caught a deal I finally moved up to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Photoshop supports 16 and 32 bits per channel color which takes advantage of trueSpace's ability to use and render HDR files.
More important than your paint program is to have a Wacom tablet for drawing and painting. Though I have to admit, the Wacom is even more awesome in Photoshop... than it was in the other programs... :eek:
I've been eyeing the new cintiq as well.... even though it's quite a bit out of my price range:
http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/cintiq-12wx.php
A Bamboo:
http://www.wacom.com/bambootablet/bamboo.php
Or Intuos:
http://www.wacom.com/intuos/medium.php
Would be adequate for someone starting out.
If you don't have a Wacom, but you have a scanner, then you can do your concept work on paper and scan it into your paint program that way, but your texture work won't be as good.
You don't need to learn the paint program to do the Organics tutorial though since I provide the Viperfish template for you. ;) |
Post by Musikman // Apr 13, 2009, 2:27pm
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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Hi Jack
Thanks for all the info....I didn't know you provided the template for the viper fish....where can I download it? Guess I must have missed it?
Don't have a Wacom tablet, working with keyboard & mouse unfortunately....are the tablets expensive?
Paul |
Post by Jack Edwards // Apr 13, 2009, 2:30pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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This link should work:
http://cdn.caligari.com/Videos/WsOrganicsModeling1/OrganicsCourseResources2.zip |
Post by Musikman // Apr 13, 2009, 2:39pm
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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Thanks...Ok, got it downloaded. Now I just drag n drop into a library in TS, correct? |
Post by v3rd3 // Apr 13, 2009, 3:32pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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There are many terrific freeware and open source image editing utilities. Gimp, Paint.Net and Inkscape are definitely some of the best.
Others worth Googling into include:
Project Dogwaffle (freeware and shareware versions) freeware is robust and worthy of looking at on its own
Artweaver (freeware) much like project dogwaffle
Dia or DiaCze (freeware) similar to Visio
Pixia (freeware) photo editing type tools but does have some interesting painting abilities.
Synfig studio (open source) vector based tool for producing 2d animation. The drawing tools are becoming quite robust.... |
Post by transient // Apr 13, 2009, 4:06pm
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transient
Total Posts: 977
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I have a great gimp book that I highly recommend. [Linky] (http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-GIMP-Novice-Professional-Second/dp/1430210702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239674169&sr=1-1)
It's also an excellent general 2d app tutorial book, but I use it mainly as a reference. As with most open source programs, gimps tutuorials are very fragmented and the manuals tend to suck, especially for novices. However, even with this purchase you're looking at a a bargain.
The one wish I have for gimp is the addition of a linear light layer mode (to work better with lightworks multipass) and adjustment layers. If it had these, I would be very happy. Otherwise, it is still the best open source 2d app imo, and perhaps the best open source app period. |
Post by Musikman // Apr 13, 2009, 4:20pm
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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Hey thanks v3rd3 & Transient....many great & generous suggestions. It does seem like gimp is at the top of everyone's list as far as professional features & capabilities. I think if these programs don't take up too much space or conflict with each other I'll probably download & install gimp & maybe paintnet or one of the others you suggested. That way I can get started faster maybe with a user friendly one, & when I get more familiar with the tools I can try to take on gimp. Many thanks for all the patience & encouragement from all the members of this forum, especially appreciated I'm sure by all the new users here...thank you!
Paul |
Post by v3rd3 // Apr 13, 2009, 6:27pm
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v3rd3
Total Posts: 388
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Only too glad to help. If you are looking for a specific kind of feature in 2d post the question here. There are a lot of freeware utilities that I have used over the years that do one or two things really well and I would be happy to recommend them if asked. |
Post by Rafa // Apr 13, 2009, 9:16pm
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Rafa
Total Posts: 95
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Regarding of the tablet. I used to have one, (I'm wondering where is it) but I only used it verey little. The problem I had is that they are toooo sensitive. You click one button and your muscles move the pen. But if you use the mouse to iluminate things you do need one, your wrist will thank you.
The most powerfull program that take all advantages of a pen is Painter from Corel.
And as for the retouching programs, Gimp is the free one that has more features and plug-ins, some verey useful to 3d artists, like DOF with a depth map. |
Post by TomG // Apr 14, 2009, 3:27am
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TomG
Total Posts: 3397
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The Bamboo is very inexpensive, the smaller size starts at $70. I've been using a smaller size Wacom for years now, and it's so good I use it for everything (except tS, which doesn't like tablets much as yet, and most games, and Cubase as the mouse is easier to grab in between playing instruments than picking up a pen). I really dislike having to return to a mouse. So I use the tablet to browse the internet, work with email, edit photos, do 2D artwork, etc. I'd say I use the tablet about 80% of the time :)
I've also been using the same tablet for years, very heavy duty use, and it's still running fine. Even though its small, it does ok for me on dual screens. For any sort of 2D work, a mouse just doesn't cut it, it's horrible. So if you'll be sketching, drawing, painting, editing textures, airbrushing photos or anything else - grab a tablet!
Tom |
Post by Musikman // Apr 14, 2009, 6:37am
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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Thanks guys, I'll have to look into where to get the lowest price, I'll be out of the studio for awhile today, but will search around later on. I'm wondering if NewEgg carries those. Yes, I would imagine the tablet would be easier on the wrist. I think when I followed the Bamboo link that Jack posted they were $79 there.
Tom you said you use Cubase, I didn't know you were a musician...did you mention that before?
Have to go for awhile, but I'll catch up here a little later today.
Paul |
Post by TomG // Apr 14, 2009, 7:02am
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TomG
Total Posts: 3397
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Yep, I like doing my own recording, though don't get a lot of time to do it :) The only place you'll find any of my music is on the recent "tS real-time showcase" videos, where I threw together some music to accompany them (a forum search should find them, under showcase). Anyways, I used to use Cubase way way back when, before all this hard disk recording malarky, had a small home 8 track reel-to-reel set up, then quit music altogether for about 7 or 8 years or so (sold the music equipment for computer equipment and got into 3D instead!).
Thank goodness technology has come a long way and home recording is now affordable (I can now do for a couple of hundred dollars what used to take me over ten thousand dollars to do - the youth of today, don't know how easy they have it!).
NewEgg do carry the Bamboo, that's where I went to look up the price ;) I like NewEgg myself (as a personal recommendation, not to be taken as a recommendation in my official capacity here).
HTH!
Tom |
Post by Musikman // Apr 15, 2009, 1:22pm
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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I just downloaded PaintNET and it seems to be very easy to get started with, already loaded a few cool plugins off the forum too. Nice program!
Jack, if you wouldn't mind when you get the chance... I’ve downloaded the Organics Course Zip file you posted, and unzipped the files to a folder on my external hard drive for now. Just not sure where to copy them to in TS. There are a few different types of files in there. In "Libraries" folder there are 4 different Chapter folders, within each of those, there are “index” files, also files with extensions .Rsmat , .png, .xcf, .RsScn, etc.... I know I’m supposed to move these files to folders somewhere in the TS directory, but not sure which folders to move which files to. Thanks for your time!:rolleyes:
Paul |
Post by Jack Edwards // Apr 15, 2009, 1:27pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Hi Paul,
You need to set up the Libraries folder as a "Library Place" inside of trueSpace. That's covered in chapter 1.2 of the video if I recall correctly. ;) |
Post by Musikman // Apr 15, 2009, 1:33pm
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Musikman
Total Posts: 88
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Ok, I'll run through the video and have a look at how to do that. Thanks again Jack... |
Post by Jack Edwards // Apr 15, 2009, 2:19pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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No problem, glad to help! :) |
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