Open source and automation for printing

So often in printing, commercial software drive the business. Each supplier silos their technology into a tower you either buy into or can only augment with extras. Yet, there is a growing ecosystem of software that supports these businesses and is available for those willing to put the effort into using them.

I’ve successfully repurposed a self-hosted photo library system based in PHP into a online proofing/review system for customers long before Dropbox and Box or OneDrive had thumbnails and commenting for document formats other than JPG. It was exhilarating to take a tool and mold it to the need. It does require self-support which is often the catch with commercial software packages.

Today’s online environments allow for even more platform independence and flexibility. As employees and creative folk become more tech savvy and proficient, I expect to see only more of this. I’d love to hear your ideas on what you’ve used to improve your printing processes with open source software.

Below is a link to some basic and well known software:

Automating layouts:

https://opensource.com/life/16/8/automating-pre-press-layouts-linux-commands

Bulk converting, resizing and sharpening of images:

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2015/06/efficient-image-resizing-with-imagemagick/

Vector Drawing with AutoDesk Graphic for iOS

Desktop, tablet, and phone. Autodesk has brought a feature filled vector drawing and layout application to the game.

I was pleasantly surprised the first time I saw InkPad for iOS as a vector editing and drawing application. It had most of the basic path and transformation and layering features needed for creating some pretty nice imagery and exporting. For its price, this is worth a look.

Then along came iDraw from Indeeo, which put a whole new level of ability, and an interface that made sense to access its capabilities. Autodesk purchased iDraw and rebranded/named it Graphic.

If you’re looking for the ability to create and edit your vector artwork, this app could make you happy, as it does for me. I have had good luck and enjoyed the use of Autodesk’s apps for iOS and believe their teams and marketing are putting together a fantastic suite of productive and creative apps.

Autodesk – Graphic on the App Store
Envosa – InkPad on the App Store (this app closely resembles the app first introduced by Steven Sprang who open-sourced the code to his app).

In search of: A Photoshop Alternative w/feature parity

Affinity Photo is the latest release from Affinity [Serif (Europe) Ltd.]. It aims to provide feature parity from Desktop to Mobile while taking advantage of the ability of each platform.

I’ve tried the Design application for OS X from Affinity and found it to be feature rich with many of the advanced editing features of Adobe Photoshop or the common Corel Draw graphics application.

While it doesn’t have the Actions, and some bulk processing that Photoshop has had for some time, the latest version adds recordable macros and batch processing. I have not yet had a chance to try this, although the feature set of version 1.5 includes it. HDR, CMYK, RGB, perspective assistance, included support for many 3rd party plugins.

This is cross-platform with full file compatibility, ability to use and export native PSD support (for those bridging between the Adobe monoculture). It runs on Windows, OS X and has an unbelievable parity of features for iPad Pro models.

The value and flexibility of Affinity’s products can be shown in online tutorials, video demonstrations and trial of the software.

If you are looking for a Photoshop-like power and ability on your iPad, this is the app to get. Currently its on the Apple App Store for $19.99 USD.

https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/ipad/

Affiinity Photo – on the App Store for iOS

A great start to using the app can be found from the developer’s online tutorials.

Website reboot

I’ve redefined the site to build a place for creative individuals to find reviews, access and understanding of the best tools for their craft.

If you find a tool you use to be best-in-class, please let me know so I may review and add it to the building archive.

I can be reached at webmaster@yourcreativechoice.com