Free Software

This section will provide information on how to access free art-related software. Some of these will be links to software freely available on the web, including Image Manipulation Software and other goodies.

The links will take you to the websites where you can download the software onto your own PC. While all these links and the software has been tested, please use caution when downloading anything from the internet. Ensure your anti virus software is up to date, and perform a scan on anything you download before installing it to your PC. If you dont know how to do this, ask somebody who does to help you (Links open in a new window).

Please Note: NTAAC are not responsible for the contents of external sites, and we accept no liability therein.

Audacity
One of the best free audio editing tools around, Audacity, from Source Forge, can record and edit sounds and export to mp3 formats - a perfect way to make your own Podcasts. To get you started try this excellent online manual

Splashup
Splashup, formerly Fauxto, is a powerful editing tool and photo manager. With all the features professionals use and novices want, it's easy to use, works in real-time and allows you to edit many images at once. Splashup runs in all browsers, integrates seamlessly with top photosharing sites, and even has its own file format so you can save your work in progress.

Microsoft Photostory 3
Turn your photographs into a storyboard with MS Photostory, free software for Microsoft Windows users. To find out how to use it download this manual from Marc Liron

MS Paint
Microsoft’s own Paint tool that comes free with all versions of Microsoft Windows.  On your own PC go to Programmes > Accessories > Paint to access it.  A VODA tutorial on how to use it can be found on the North Tyneside Leraning Portal - How to use MS Paint - You may need to be logged in to the NTLP to access the tutorial.

Gimp
Gimp is a free Image Manipulation program.  It uses GNU, aka GPL which is a General Public Licence and means the licence is for open source software that can be adjusted by the user but not sold.  This can be quite difficult to download for a beginner as you have to ‘compile’ the software from various sources.  Recommended for advanced users only or those who like to experiment.

Picasa
Picasa is Google’s own free easy to use software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. It also allows a fair amount of Image editing such as one-click fixes and effects.  You can even add a ‘gold star’ rating to your favourite images.

An Exercise Using Picsa
Here is a link to access an entry from Adult and Community E-Learning blog (see our blog page for more information on blogs), written by Beth Campbell, its an easy to guide to using PICASA to create a professionally packaged CD in a matter of minutes, complete with a built in slide show and a customised CD cover.

If the blog isn't there anymore (and they do get replaced with more recent ones, just like a diary entry), using this link for the word document of the same article - You may need to be logged in to the NTLP to access the word document.

JAlbum
JAlbum is free software that will generate a stylish photo gallery that can be shown as web page. It has lots of personalisation options and is very easy to use. Have a look at some of the featured albums.

Art Gallery Software
This is not free, but if it does what it says on the tin. it 'firmly puts you in full control of your online artwork and art gallery web site'. Artists who want to sell their work online might want to look at this site which you can find here.

Zamzar Free Online File Conversion
Have you ever wanted to convert files without the need to download software? Zamzar is dedicated to helping you transform your songs, videos, images and documents into different formats by offering you a one stop solution for all your file conversion needs... and it's free for files up to 100Mb.

Spacejock Software
The Spacejock Software site contains free software that's been written by Simon Haynes, the Australian author of the Hal Spacejock novels. He originally wrote the programs for his own use but now he's made them all available for anyone to download. Programs include BookDB (Book catalogue software), yWriter (free novel writing program) and Sonar (Short story or article submissions tracking software). The site also has information for aspiring authors on the act of writing, getting an agent, etc. Spacejock software contains no ads or spyware.

CutePDF Writer
CutePDF Writer is the free version of commercial PDF creation software. CutePDF Writer installs itself as a "printer subsystem". This enables virtually any Windows applications (must be able to print) to create professional quality PDF documents - with just a push of a button! FREE for personal and commercial use!  No watermarks!  No Popup Web Ads!