Best 2D Graphic Editor? Thread

Hey there!

I'm looking to find a 2D graphic editor that fits the things I need. I have a budget of $20 for this.

One thing that is a must-have is layers. No layers, no go.
Something that I need is the ability to import custom brushes. This is also very important, as I have many that I need to use.
A third, semi-important aspect, this one would be liked but is optional, is the ability to save as an Icon file.
Transparency is a huge deal. Needed.
Cursor saving would be a plus.
Easy gradient making.
The ability to have multiple images open in one window.
A lot of zoom.

If anyone could refer me to someone who has most, better yet all (yes, I will take some DLLs too) of these things, it would be greatly appreciated and you would be my best friend (or, at least, someone I may refer to as an 'acquaintance') !

There is a completely free image editing program called GIMP. Gimp.org

It has just about everything you listed, and is a great alternative to photoshop. I believe it will suit your (or your friends) needs.

Really? Thanks a lot!!

Paint.net or GIMP, as mentioned previously, are both great (and free) alternatives to Photoshop.

Paint.net has a lot of interesting Plugins too, for example a vanishing point tool that lets you construct up to two vanishing points on your canvas. Check out the downloadable extensions, there are some really useful.

On a more autistic-artistic level, there is also Alchemy (open source), which is rather a program to create inspiring shapes with than a pure painting solution. Alchemy is cool for its symmetry modifiers and shapes. It works best with a tablet.

Another one is Artrage. I don't know the current prices of Artrage, but compared to Photoshop it's cheap and it's pretty good to paint with.

Inkscape, also open-source and freeware, a vector graphics editor, but I don't remember if you can have layers there.

Also there's GIMPshop, an alternative to regular GIMP. GIMPshop is a modification of GIMP.

Edited by: feillyne

feillyne wrote: Also there's GIMPshop, an alternative to regular GIMP. GIMPshop is a modification of GIMP.

So development for GIMPshop continues? I thought it was on hold?