Contrary to popular belief, the Linux operating system is preferred not only by programmers, but also by designers. Ordinary users also love this operating system, and for good reason. Its main advantage is that it is a licensed and absolutely free product. There is no need to spend huge budgets on purchasing enterprise versions of Windows and basic applications, everything is already in Linux, you just need to download and install.
The unique characteristics of the OS are no less important: it is much less demanding on hardware, better protected from threats, and more flexible in customization for specific needs thanks to hundreds of available distributions.
Why is Linux popular?
- Free to use. Most Linux operating systems and most programs based on it are completely free to use;
- Open source system. With access to the source code, you can study it, change it, distribute it, and publish changes in accordance with the license;
- Relevance and performance. Compared to Windows, Linux does not become obsolete over time. That is, in order to restore original performance, you will not need to regularly clean or reinstall the OS or run defragmentation;
- Safety. Linux supports various security options that protect against viruses, slowdowns, malware, and crashes. This is the main reason for the popularity of the OS among developers and designers;
- Versatility. Linux supports almost all popular programming languages.
Figma
This is a cloud service for creating and formatting user interfaces for websites and applications. Figma allows teams to collaborate in real time to develop, test, and deploy the look and feel of future products.
Mockups are very popular now because they are photorealistic presentations that demonstrate how a design might look or function in the real world. You can use ready-made templates and download free mockups for a visual representation of your product. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to create a mockup from scratch. The Figma editor allows users to create interactive prototypes of their designs that can be shared with stakeholders for feedback. Prototypes in Figma are perhaps the most popular type of project.
Interface prototypes in Figma are created in an online editor, where users see in real time what project participants are doing. Figma has a wide range of tools for flexible customization of interface components; users can change colour, size, styles, fonts, shape of elements, select the type of device for which the prototype will be made, and much more. Teams can connect customers to the project so that they can track what stage the product is at.
Inkscape
This service is efficient to work with and includes features that are found in other paid programs. However, it is free and open source.
Main features and capabilities of the program:
- Allows you to create vector graphics of varying degrees of complexity;
- Support for all major vector primitives;
- Great possibilities for editing vector graphics;
- Working with Curves;
- Support for command line options for export and conversion.
Gravit Designer
It is a powerful design tool, vector design application, vector graphics editor. Over time, the editor acquired new functions and turned into a powerful tool and became an independent application that allows you to solve almost any digital design problem.
Gravit Designer can be used for any task: from creating icons and logos to interface design, creating presentations, illustrations and animations.
Main functions:
- Drawing logos and corporate identity elements;
- Rapid prototyping of mobile applications;
- Creation of complex multi-colour and detailed illustrations;
- Creating quick template illustrations (posters, postcards, business cards).
Krita
The big advantage of Krita is that it is cross-platform. You can start working with it on Linux, seamlessly move your project to macOS, and finish it on Windows if necessary. A very big plus for those who want to start working in Krita will be a very simple and logical interface.
The editor can work directly with PSD files, without the need to convert to an intermediate format. In addition, professionals will find useful information about graphics tablet support.
A very important option is non-destructive editing. Thanks to the fact that Krita can work with layers, the program can add various masks and merge layers without affecting the original image.
Conclusion
Without the right tools, even the best craftsman in the world will not be able to achieve good results. In reality, there are a ton of tools for digital artists, but most of them are designed for Windows and macOS. However, if you choose Linux as your operating system, then this does not reduce your chances of creating a digital drawing or mockup.
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