Computing

Learn the Basics of Graphics Software

By Sue Chastain, About.com Guide

No matter what software you use, there are resources and tutorials here to get you started on learning the basics of graphics software.

Fundamentals of Working with Graphics
Graphics File Formats
How-Tos for Common Graphics Tasks
Adobe Photoshop Basics
Adobe Illustrator Basics
Adobe Photoshop Elements Basics

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo Basics
Corel Painter Basics
CorelDRAW Basics
Corel PhotoPAINT Basics
More Software Basics

Fundamentals of Working with Graphics

Before you can even begin working in a specific graphics program, there are some basic fundamentals of working with graphics that you should be familiar with.

Graphics File Formats

Most graphics software programs use a proprietary native file format, but there are several standard graphics file formats, too. The most common of these are JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG. Understanding all the major graphics file formats will help you know what format to use for different situations, and how you need to change your workflow for different output formats.

How-Tos for Common Graphics Tasks

There are some graphics tasks that are not specific to one particular software title, or that can be done with the tools built into your computer operating system. Here are some tutorials for these most common tasks.

Adobe Photoshop Basics

Photoshop is one of the most robust and powerful graphics software programs around. It is not just the industry standard in creative professions, but for science, engineering, and many other types of industries as well. Although it can take years to truly master Photoshop, these tutorials will introduce you to the basic features and help you accomplish some of the most common tasks.

Adobe Illustrator Basics

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector-based drawing program which has become an industry standard for graphics professionals. These beginner tutorials will help you get started with Illustrator's drawing tools.

Adobe Photoshop Elements Basics

Photoshop Elements is a simplified version of Photoshop intended for home and small business users who need to organize and touch-up digital photos or create original graphic designs. Even though it's simplified, you may need some help getting started. These tutorials will guide you through some of the most often used tasks and basic functions of the software.

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo Basics

Paint Shop Pro is a powerful, all purpose image editor with a large and enthusiastic user base. If you're new to Paint Shop Pro--or Paint Shop Pro Photo as it's called today--these tutorials will help you start creating your own designs and editing your digital photos in no time.

Corel Painter Basics

Painter is like having a fully stocked art studio right on your computer. It offers every tool and medium you can think of from paper, pens and pencils, to watercolors and oils--and then some you probably have never even imagined. Whether you just want to turn your digital photos into paintings, or illustrate your own comic book from start to finish, these tutorials will show you how to get you started with Corel Painter or the simplified Painter Essentials.

CorelDRAW Basics

The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a versatile and affordable all-in-one graphics solution used by businesses and home users as well as creative professionals. Its main component, CorelDRAW, is a vector-based drawing tool with powerful document publishing features as well. These tutorial will introduce you to the many creative ways you can use CorelDRAW for enhancing documents and creating original graphics or logos.

Corel PhotoPAINT Basics

Corel PhotoPAINT is the bitmap-based image editor included with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. These tutorials will show you some useful techniques as you learn your way around Corel PhotoPAINT.

More Software Basics

Visit the links below for tips to help you learn more of the graphics software programs covered on this site.

Graphics Software