Since I switched our family completely over to Linux, I’ve been looking for a replacement for Publisher. I’ve looked at Scribus, but although it is powerful, it is too cumbersome to use. My wife and I have been using Openoffice.org for simple documents, envelopes, business cards, etc but it has its limitations.
So one day when I needed to do some graphics I installed Inkscape. I really liked it when I started playing around with it. I liked that you could just select an area and change its color by clicking on a color in the palette across the bottom of the screen. I also like that you could grab shape and pull on a handle and deform it. It reminded me of Google’s Sketchup.
Then a few days later I wanted to make a CD jewel case back cover. I Googled for Openoffice.org templates and I found a page with Inkscape templates. I was hooked.
Inkscape may not be a complete solution, but it’s a very versatile program that should be in everyone’s toolbox.
Here are a few links that helped me learn and use Inkscape: