A quick tip for command line users: if you want to convert .png files to .pdf:
convert *.png filename.pdf
Simple! If you want to keep control of page sequence or specific files to convert:
convert page1.png page2.png page3.png filename.pdf
Needless to say, but I’ll say it anyways, the .pdf won’t be in vector graphics, so not scalable but that is because .png is not a vector graphics format.
Doing a basic screencast in Linux is pretty easy. The package recordMyDesktop can be found easily on the repository of many Linux distros (including Ubuntu 9.04 that I use).
With this package you’re actually getting the backend recordMyDesktop which is written in C and the frontend developed in Python (gtk-recordMyDesktop or qt-recordMyDesktop).
The feature list is simple but that is all I needed for a quick screencast demo I had to prepare this afternoon:
I’m an follower of GTD. Probably not the best one, but at least I try to keep myself as organized as I can in the stream of neverending to-dos.
Which is why one of the first applications I searched for to install on my Android device was a good task manager to sync with RememberTheMilk. I was quite happy to find the open source app Astrid. The program does exactly what I need:
Blender is an open source, cross-platform 3D content creation program. This kind of stuff is way too off my league, but if you’re in to creating images and want to do some 3D work, Blender will surely be for you.
I’ve heard a great many things about this software. First and undoubtedly that it is feature rich and extremely resourceful. I’ve seen a lots and lots of work done on Blender and they look amazing. But, there is the other side of the world who says that Blender is useless if you want to be a real pro, mainly because the UI and standards it uses will not be the same as those found in other proprietary programs.
For the past few months I’ve been doing a lot of work editing images in .eps format. Since I really like my Gimp, I spent weeks trying to find a nice way to edit these images with this program, instead of running to Photoshop. Well, I was finally able to find a solution I now share with you.
The steps you’ll need to follow are actually quite simple:
That should do it! If you’re on Linux, just make sure Ghostscript is installed, it should be easy to find in Synaptic for example.
Inkscape, everyone’s favorite open source vector graphics editor has just come out with its version 0.46. From the website’s change log, a few highlights of what is new:
Download it here. Enjoy!
While Gimp can help you edit raster images (pixel graphics), Inkscape will help you edit vector graphics. The good thing about vector-based images is that you can resize it as you wish and it will not be distorted.
If you’re not a professional graphics designer most likely you’ll be able to use Inkscape and have it do everything that you need. No need to purchase the expensive Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw.
As mentioned previously, Gimp is a very good open source program for your image editing needs. What is even better about Gimp is its plug-in structure which allows for a greater usage of the program.
One of these plug-ins, called GimpPublishr, will allow you to upload your images to Flickr or Picasaweb automatically. It is quite simple to use, to install it just drop the extracted files inside your Gimp plug-in folder.
Have you hear of Photoshop? Who hasn’t, right?! Although this piece of software is incredibly good, it is too powerful for the vast majority of users. Why spend so much cash on such software if you’re only using about 10% of its real functions?
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) handles image manipulations task extremely well. It works for the newbies who just want to resize or convert an image file, up to more advanced users who would like to build complex images. The main principles of image editing are present in GIMP (layers, channels, and a lot more that I haven’t even explored). Another nice thing about GIMP is that it works with plug-ins so you can extend its functions.