Hi all. I'm new here and relatively new to web design and am now looking to take my skills onto a new level.

As a budding new web designer, I'm now considering which software is best. My assumption was that I'd have to go with Adobe. However, after reading a few comments on here, there are some who consider it to be too expensive given that there are other options out there which could also be better.

I was hoping for advice from experienced people who could let me know if you think Adobe is the way to go or recommend any other software.

Thank you and grateful in advance

Hello Fionaer, if financial isn't an issue, purchase the Adobe. Less expensive good one is Corel Paintshop, a lot of the graphic artists are using both softwares. For the money, Corel is a good start.

Gimp is a freeware and has a lot of nice functions.

I can also recommend you GIMP. It's a favorite graphics editing program of many designers and graphic artists. Besides, it is free and compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. There are many features, plug-ins, filters and brushes in it. So, you can try it and decide yourself

If you need graphic editor ONLY for webdesign, try Adobe Fireworks (formerly Macromedia Fireworks)
Fireworks inexpensive and has many webdesign-specific functions

Originally Posted by fionaer

Hi all. I'm new here and relatively new to web design and am now looking to take my skills onto a new level.

As a budding new web designer, I'm now considering which software is best. My assumption was that I'd have to go with Adobe. However, after reading a few comments on here, there are some who consider it to be too expensive given that there are other options out there which could also be better.

I was hoping for advice from experienced people who could let me know if you think Adobe is the way to go or recommend any other software.

Thank you and grateful in advance

Gimp is best and alternative solution of adobe photoshop.
I can use this software many time.

as mentioned: for web graphics only (i.e. not print) then fireworks would be my weapon of choice. if budgets tight then gimp/inkscape (both free)