Free & Open Source Software (FOSS) for the Creative Arts

Today, Art and Technology often go hand-in-hand. The following are links to selected 'open source' software & tools for use in the Creative Arts. If you have an interest in this area, you might want to try some of them out.

• Art of Illusion - A free and open source 3D modelling and rendering studio.
• Artful.ly - An open source business tool for art organizations or businesses that includes modules for ticketing, fundraising, constituent management, and more.
• Audacity - A free and open source, cross-platform software tool used for recording and editing sounds.
• Avidemux - Free and open source software designed for multi-purpose video editing that can be used with almost all known computer operating systems.
• Blender - A free and open source 3D content creation suite, available for all major operating systems.
• Booktype - An open source platform to help you  write, publish, and/or print books.
• Calligra Flow - An easy to use free & open source diagramming and flowcharting application.
• DarkTable - An open source photography workflow application and RAW developer. A virtual lighttable and darkroom for photographers.
• GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) - A multi-platform photo & image manipulation tool. It is an open source alternative to Photoshop.
• Inkscape - An open source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator or CorelDraw.
• Kaltura - A community developed free and open source video management platform and applications.
• KdenLive - A free and open source multi-track video editing tool.
• Krita - A full-featured, open source sketching and painting application for digital artists
• Mixxx - One of the most popular free and open source DJ software packages in the world.
• MuseScore - Free and open source music composition and notation software.
• MyPaint - An open source graphics application for digital painters.
• Open Movie Editor - A free and open source video editing program, designed for basic movie making capabilities.
• PhotoPrint - A free utility designed to assist in the process of printing digital photographs and posters.
• Scribus - An open source desktop publishing system with and extensive graphics tools.
• Shape Collage - An open source tool that allows you to create picture collages in any imaginable shape or form.
• Synfig Studio - Free and open-source 2D animation software solution for creating film-quality animation using vector and bitmap artwork.
• TuxPaint - A free, award-winning drawing program for children ages 3 to 12.
• VLC - A popular free and open source cross-platform multimedia player that plays most CD, DVD,  and many other files & streaming protocols.
• Xournal - A free and open source application for notetaking, sketching, and keeping a journal using a stylus on Tablet PCs and other platforms.

There are also a lot of other links to selected web sites with free, but not open source, online creative art tools: e.g. Flockdraw ; Phoenix; Pixlr; Frinika; Kristal ;Splashup.

If you know of some other great free and open source software and tools for use in the Creative Arts, please share them with us. 

 

Also, the next time you visit Summerton, S.C., visit the Lake Marion Artists gallery which is located downtown at 108 Main Street next to Two Cute and Wen Lily's Cafe & Gifts.