What to use for web graphics?

[bp1000]

I have been using fireworks 2004 till now. I know that may sound completely nuts but its what I know and allows me to create really good buttons, menu bars with gradients and shadows and I can even lasso images. Its simple to use and I can quickly create mock layouts.

I need something similar, easy to use, pre built shapes to make my buttons rating stars menu bars etc.

Photoshop had always been overkill and I don't want to pay much if anything. I did try gimp a few years ago but found it really intense and haven't tried it or anything else since.

Perhaps its time to change after 7 years! I would really appreciate any advice

Thanks

 

[macstudent]

If you are comfortable with Fireworks, why not upgrade to Fireworks CS5.1 and use that. It still works great, plus it has had many additions over the years.

Other programs to consider are Photoshop (which you said might be overkill) otherwise I also know of lot of people that use Illustrator for web graphics.

You might also want to look into acorn as cheaper option.
http://flyingmeat.com/acorn/

 

[bp1000]

Thank you for the suggestion I will try that out

I only make the odd button or menu bar so i didnt really want to pay over about £100 / £150 ($200)

I was thinking of trying pixelmator but i'm contemplating whether to just bite the bullet and learn GIMP as it's cross platform and not too far off basic PS from what i understand. Whether its any good for web work i'm not sure.

 

[Dranix]

Pixelmator is a nice editor, too. And it's currently on discount in the appstore. Later this summer a heavily improved 2.0 will hit.

 

[Hermes Monster]

Pixelmator is a nice editor, too. And it's currently on discount in the appstore. Later this summer a heavily improved 2.0 will hit.

Yep, I've bought it (for £17. 99) in preparation for v2.0 as it will be increasing in price (to around £60 I believe) - last of the big spenders.

I would say go with Pixelmator, coming from Adobe apps I find it more of a natural progression, than using GIMP - I didn't get along with it.

 

[bp1000]

Thanks all, I bought pixelmator and think it's a brilliant app. Missing a few features but I hear version 2 will be bringing things like heal, vector drawing etc.