Bitmap Tools

Both professional and recreational graphic artists rely on ergonomic furniture, surfaces and tools to create artistic and highly-technical work without compromising their comfort, posture or health. As many artists start to incorporate electronic and digital artwork into their portfolios, the importance of ergonomics increasingly applies to computer workstations and programs. Keep reading to discover the most popular bitmap tools used today.

Adobe Fireworks

Much like the well-known Adobe PhotoShop program, Fireworks is a popular tool for drawing and editing bitmap graphics. It is utilized both as a bitmap editor and vector editor, which makes the program appealing to graphic artists in both camps. Like Photoshop, the Fireworks program offers marquee, lasso, pencil and paintbrush tools with additional options, such as feathering, brush tools and stroke types.

Pixelformer by Qualibyte

Pixelformer is an economic Fireworks alternative for graphic designers who deal largely in small-to-medium-scale images. This bitmap tool is ideal for the creation and alteration of graphics for use as icons, buttons, web graphics and sprites. Other designers have discovered that Pixelformer is especially effective for use in font and cursor design. It is considerably more affordable than larger, full-service design suites like Fireworks or PhotoShop.

Paint Express

For the recreational digital artist, the Paint Express program from SlavaSoft is an uncomplicated, free bitmap tool that allows for simple drawing and design. Although it is one of the most simple programs available, it is still a useful design tool that can save artists the discomfort of a traditional pen-and-ink studio.

Digitized and computer-based drawing programs have redefined the needs of most graphic artists and photo editors. Technology and creativity merge to define the modern image creation and alteration process. With bitmap tools like Fireworks, Pixelformer and Paint Express, artists can transform their messy studios into an ergonomic, efficient digital design studio.