Graphics software-what's the best

[km97]

I have designed by own logo (free hand) and need graphics software to re-create my logo in a program to get business signs, business cards, etc. What is the best graphics software to use?

[Kov-Ice]

So you are wanting to create a .jpg or .bmp of your logo to pass on so that the sign and card companies have your logo exactly, yes? Is it something you can scan, or are you wanting to digitally re-create from scratch? What types of elements will it include?

You could use a vector graphics program like CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator, though they might be a bit expensive for your undertaking. One of those companies might not charge a ton to recreate it themselves from your original.

[km97]

I did scan my hand-drawn sign design including hand-drawn logo and emailed it to the sign company. The artwork setup person said she had to try to re-create it with her program. She wasn't able to come close to my hand-drawn design. She said that I would need to use a program like Corel. Is there another way to do this? If necessary, I would rather put the money toward a program then pay someone to do what I have already spent countless hours creating. Is Corel in .jpg or .bmp? I am familiar with these formats but what is the difference between using one over another?

[KatoPC]

Adobe Illistrator used to offer a 30 day full trial look into that. Most places I have dealt with want a .eps

[km97]

In my extensive research, I did come across the free trial for Adobe Illustrator and also they had other programs available for a trial use but I couldn't determine what was the difference between them to know which one to choose. Regarding the .eps--what is this? Would you please explain what they are and what the differences between .jpg .bmp .eps?

[KatoPC]

file format .JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) .bmp (Bitmap) .eps (Encapsulated Post Script) .eps is generally the file format most designer like to use more compatable with their software

[km97]

Thanks. I appreciate your help.

[pillainp]

You could try out Inkscape (http://www.inkscape.org/).

[QOUTE]
Inkscape is an Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator, Freehand, CorelDraw, or Xara X...
[/QUOTE]

Simply create your logo in one of the vector art packages and export it to .jpg or .bmp format and send to the logo company.

EPS is a format that lets the printer print directly to the printer. All they have to do is load up the file and print it. This way, one house can do a design and prepare it for printing. Then they send it to printer, who prints it without any variation from the original (colour, etc.)

[glc]

Q: What formats can Inkscape import/export?

Inkscape natively supports only SVG, SVGZ.

Depending on your setup you may also be able to open Adobe Illustrator (*.ai), and Dia (*.dia) files.

Inkscape can save as SVG, SVGZ, PDF, Postscript (*.ps), Encapsulated Postscript (*.eps), Encapsulated Postscript Interchange (*.epsi), Adobe Illustrator (*.ai), LaTeX (*.tex), and POVRay (*.pov).

Inkscape can import most raster formats (JPG, PNG, GIF, etc.) as bitmap images.