Have i mentioned that Gimp is an awesome image program? If not, then let me take this opportunity to do so. 

I started using Gimp 7 years ago and I'm still learning new features and ways to use Gimp. Recently, on a project, I was tasked with creating large, enhanced photo images. When I say large, some of these images are 10 megabytes. The significant size was required because the images had to be able to be viewed at almost 3 feet in length and remain sharp and clear.

 The files were sent in PDF but because of programming concerns I needed them to be in jpg format. The files were sent in large enough PDFs that I could convert to a nice large image. With out thinking I started looking for a converter that would do the job. After several tests and a lot of time I ended up with poor quality images. Then it occurred to me, Gimp should be able to do this! I clicked on the Gimp icon and up comes Gimp 2.8. I moused over a PDF and clicked on it to drag into Gimp. Gimp immediately took the file and started loading it. In less then 3 minutes I had a finished high quality  image that could be stretched to almost 3 feet on the large screen monitor with crisp clarity.

This isn't the first time Gimp has stepped in and saved the day. Over the years I've used it for animated gif creation. image editing, and a host of other image tasks. If you haven't tried Gimp I encourage you to give it a try. There are hundreds of plug-ins and creating new plug ins or modifying existing ones isn't a great task. The coding used is not difficult and there are compiler tools available.  Gimp, also known as GNU,  is Open Source software. It is available in many OS flavors and has a 64 bit Windows version.

I've used a lot of image programs but by far Gimp is the best at all around usefulness. There is a learning curve but,  believe me,  the time invested will be well worth it.

by Jim Atkins 'thedosmann"

'Memphis Web Programming