Skip to main content

1. 2D Software

There are many 2D design software available, such as:

  • Photoshop:

    • Photoshop is a professional image editing software developed by Adobe. It offers a wide range of features for creating, editing, and enhancing digital images.
    • It is widely used for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, graphic design, and web design.
    • Photoshop is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

  • Inkscape:

    • Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor that allows users to create and edit 2D graphics using a graphical interface.
    • It is designed to be user-friendly and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, including logo design, illustration, and web design.
    • Inkscape is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

  • CorelDRAW:

    • CorelDRAW is a professional vector graphics editor developed by Corel Corporation. It offers a range of features for creating and editing 2D graphics.
    • It is widely used for tasks such as logo design, illustration, and web design.
    • CorelDRAW is available for Windows and macOS.

  • GIMP:

    • GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful and versatile open-source image editor that provides a range of tools for creating, editing, and exporting 2D images.
    • It is widely used for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design.
    • GIMP is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

After comparing these software, I found that GIMP is the best choice for my project. It is free and open-source, and it is easy to use. It also has a wide range of features, which is important for my project.

Why I choose GIMP?

Although Photoshop and Inkscape are also good 2D design software, I choose GIMP because it is free and open-source. It is also easy to use and has a wide range of plugins and modules available to extend its capabilities. I am a software engineer, and I was open a lot projects in the past, I love to use open-source software.

1.1 GIMP​

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful and versatile open-source image editor that provides a range of tools for creating, editing, and exporting 2D images. It is widely used for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design.

Features of GIMP​

  • Layer-based editing: Allows for non-destructive editing by working with multiple layers.
  • Selection tools: Includes rectangular, elliptical, freehand, and fuzzy selection tools.
  • Brush and painting tools: Provides a variety of brushes, gradients, and patterns.
  • Transformation tools: Includes scaling, rotation, shearing, and perspective adjustments.
  • Filters and effects: Offers a range of artistic and photo-enhancement filters.
  • Support for plugins: Allows customization and extension through plugins.
  • Wide format support: Compatible with various file formats, including PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and PSD.

Installation​

To install GIMP on your computer, follow these steps:

  1. Download the official GIMP installer from the GIMP website.
  2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  3. Open GIMP after installation to verify that it is working properly.

For my case, I have installed GIMP on my Windows computer. gimp install

Creating and Editing Images​

Once GIMP is installed, you can start creating and editing images. The software uses a layer-based system, which allows you to edit different parts of an image independently.

Creating a New Image​

  1. Open GIMP and select File -> New.
  2. Choose the desired dimensions and background settings.
  3. Click "OK" to create a blank canvas.

Using Layers​

  • Create a new layer: Ctrl + Shift + N
  • Duplicate a layer: Ctrl + Shift + D
  • Merge layers: Ctrl + M
  • Change layer opacity and blending modes using the Layers panel.

gimp create

Exporting Images​

Once you have created and edited an image, you can export it in various file formats.

To export an image:

  1. Go to File -> Export As.
  2. Select the desired file format (PNG, JPEG, SVG, etc.).
  3. Choose the file name and destination folder.
  4. Click "Export" to save the image.

gimp export

Then, I get a new image like this: gimp export

1.2 Creating a Logo for a Project​

For my project, which is an intelligent access control system called EasyPass, I wanted to design a logo that resembles a door. Below are the steps I followed to create the logo using GIMP.

Step 1: Create a New Project​

  • Open GIMP and create a new canvas with appropriate dimensions.
  • Set up a transparent or white background.

Step 2: Create a Layer​

  • Add a new layer to keep the design separate from the background.

  • Set up auxiliary lines for alignment and symmetry.

Step 3: Draw a Door​

3.1 Draw the Main Door Structure​

  • Use the rectangle tool to draw the basic door shape.
  • Adjust the size and position as needed.

  • Fill the rectangle with a solid color to create the door.

  • Mirror the rectangle to create symmetry.

3.2 Add Additional Elements​

  • Use the polygonal selection tool to create a triangular roof.

  • Use the ellipse tool to draw a circular door handle.

Step 4: Add Text​

  • Select the text tool and type "EasyPass" below the door.
  • Choose a font that complements the design.

Step 5: Export the Image​

Once the logo design is complete, export it following the steps mentioned earlier.

Step 6: Final Image​

Here is the final logo design for the EasyPass system.

1.3 Resources​

-logo-design