Let’s quickly go through what you can do with GIMP. The painting function has the essential clone, airbrush and pencil tools and a powerful gradient and blend tool. You can also create and save your own brushes and patterns for later use. GIMP lets you manipulate your photos, adding layers, doing Bezier and polygonal selections or setting text. Load and save animations in a frame-as-layer format and batch process all your photos for quick editing. The multi-windowed interface can be moved around to fit your needs and resized according to your desktop space

What’s more, GIMP can be expanded with over 100 different plug-ins and extensions available on the GIMP’s website. These apply in majority for layer effects such as render, distort or blur and make a great addition to the ones already present in the program. The website is also home to a variety of GIMP tutorials for people who want to brush up on their skills.

While GIMP is user-friendly, the installation process can be a bit scary. Because the application works under the GTK Runtime Environment, you will have to install this kit to successfully launch the program. The process is fairly lengthy and some error messages tend to pop up. If you persist, however, you will be able to install Gimp properly on your PC

Despite this fairly hazardous installation process, GIMP is a program we recommend. Whether you’re out of dough or are looking for a free alternative to Photoshop, GIMP is excellent image manipulation software with all the tools you’d expect. The friendly interface and expandability make this a program of choice.

GIMP - the reference in open-source image manipulation.

Download GIMP 2.6.12 in Softonic

packedia is a great summary of packaging designs with hundreds of images from standards of folding cartons, corrugated board boxes und displays. Additionally packedia includes animated videos how to fold the packages and interactive 3D-demos using VRML files. In this time, packedia is the widest free of charge digital catalog of packaging standards.

People who are developing, creating or designing packgings out of carton or corrugated board

Download packedia 2012 in Softonic

Reminiscent of the Mac desktop background, Animated Desktop Wallpaper Starfield is an animated wallpaper that shows stars moving in front of shades of blue and purple.

One nice thing about Animated Desktop Wallpaper Starfield is that you can change the underlying wallpaper while keeping the star animations. This allows you to create virtually endless combinations of desktop backgrounds with your animated stars.

If, on the other hand, the animation makes you dizzy, you can choose to disable it entirely. Unfortunately, the starry animation is the primary features that makes this wallpaper stand out, so if you disable it you lose most of what makes Animated Desktop Wallpaper Starfield special and unique.

For astronomy lovers, Animated Desktop Wallpaper Starfield will make a beautiful addition to your PC's desktop environment.

Download Animated Desktop Wallpaper Starfield 1.3 in Softonic

How to get started in Minecraft

Your world in Minecraft is randomly generated, and you appear in a land surrounded by water, with mountains, valleys, trees and animals. It's not clear what to do except explore to begin with but as the sun sets, monsters appear, who will kill you. Survival is impossible in the open, so you need to build a shelter to hide out in for the first night.

Collecting wood from trees, coal and stone from cliffs, you have to use your inventory to create tools, planks and more. Once you know how, mining and building is pretty quick, and you can create some really cool structures.

Minecraft realms

A new realm has been added to Minecraft, which allows faster travel through the huge worlds. Called The Nether, it resembles Hell, and is full of flowing lava and monsters. You can access The Nether using portals made from Obsidian you have mined. Also, when you create a new Minecraft world, it will now be more varied, with 'biomes' of different landscape, like desert, tundra and snow. NPC (non player characters) now roam villages, which can serve as early shelters for you at night, if you can find them!

Version 1.0 has some nice cosmetic changes, including an HD texture pack, better lighting from torches and even prettier sunsets and sunrises! The game launcher also looks better. There is now a 'Creative Mode', which makes you invincible, gives you unlimited resources, allows you to fly, and fast forward/rewind time! This mode is ideal for players who just want to get on and build cool stuff, without worrying about staying alive.

Minecraft is a wonderfully inventive sandbox game that really deserves the title, as your creation in it is only limited by your imagination and time!

Download Minecraft 1.1 in Softonic

Premium advantages:

Unlimited creative freedom including graphic design & text layout
3D design (e.g., for logos)
Advanced image editing
More professional design templates
Dynamic effects
Additional customization options
Diverse e-commerce options
Create Flash animations (e.g., banners)
Advanced search engine optimization
Universal website management

Download Xara Web Designer Premium 7.1.2.18080 in Softonic

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Our program can create a video slideshow for free. No ads, no third-party toolbars, nothing but the easy program. We are going to keep it free and work on more features. Our goal is to maximize real user amount

Our program is for every user, because we are trying to make it very easy to use the program. Everyone, who want to make a slideshow, can download and use our program. He may be a photographer, or student, or even house keeper

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1. You can remove unwanted image frames to be encoded into GIF animaton. Most video to gif conveter on the web cannot do this. 2. Extract video to image frames and convert image frames to GIF animation in one program. 3. Good image quality, but small file size. 4. Free to use.

People who want to create GIF animation from video clip, so that they can use GIF as avator or share it on the web.

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To add life to the slideshow, you can make use of the Virtual Screen feature and apply a default design template to a picture. For example, photos can be viewed framed on the virtual monitor, banner board, school blackboard and screen of the movie theater.

Photo Slideshow Creator has simple user-friendly interface so it's an ideal software for beginners. The program offers all necessary tools and options to create attractive music slideshows from photographs.

Download Photo Slideshow Creator 3 in Softonic

There are quite a few programs let users create and edit animations on their PC. There are even tools specifically for making stop motion movies, like MonkeyJam. Dragonframe is one of these stop motion animation creation and editing tools.

The concept of stop motion movies

Stop motion movies are a type of animation that is based on frames captured one by one to be joined into a video file. If done correctly, the frames merge to create seamless movement within the movie. It takes patience to create even just a short stop motion animation clip. Dragonframe helps make sure everything lines up, from motion to sound and more.

Features and required equipment

To use Dragonframe properly, you're going to need a camera to take the frames you'll be merging to create your clip or movie. Then it's just about editing and tweaking to ensure everything lines up to your liking.

Dragonframe comes with a lot of cool features that include tabbed workspaces to make it easy to jump from project to project, a timeline editor and even a comprehensive lip-sync system for adding dialog to your movie. In addition, vector-based drawing tools allow you to resize, rotate and adjust any objects you've drawn onscreen. The scaling is also quite smooth.

Installation

Beginners will find that a substantial amount of time will be taken up with learning how to navigate Dragonframe's expansive interface. Installation can also be a little bit of a pain. Dragonframe requires version 7.2.0 or higher of Apple's QuickTime or else the program won't even open. Testing revealed that a PC restart was required for Dragonframe to recognize the QuickTime update. Once recognized though, the program is quick to open and you can begin your stop motion movie making experience.

For a comprehensive and feature-rich way to create stop motion movies, look no further than Dragonframe.

Download Dragonframe 3.0.2 in Softonic

That said, you’d be hard pressed to say that anything else about this program is simple - reviewing Blender was like one of those nightmares where you suddenly realize that you are in deep water, but don’t know how to swim.

Full of features

Amazing in its variety, flexibility and features, Blender is huge, and a single review just doesn't seem to do it justice. For the uninitiated, the interface is overwhelming. There are bunches of panels and bars, all full of explanations and icons, with tooltips for everything. It is also completely customizable, as you can add and remove sections as desired, as well as moving them around and resizing.

Beneath the options menus are Blender’s functions, ranging from rigging and modeling to animation and game creation. In fact, Blender 3D has so many features that listing them all here would take hours, so take a peek at the definitive guide here. Among the more surprising elements included in the program are a built-in text editor, audio playback/editing and a game engine.

Steep learning curve

Blender has no configuration options to speak of as all the program's features can be toggled from the main interface. It is really a program for experts, or for users who hope to become much more proficient. Although there are good Blender tutorials on the website, this 3D modeling program is not something to casually play around with. Beginners would probably be better off, in fact, having a look at something more accessible, such as Google SketchUp.

If 3D creation is your thing and you don't have a copy of Blender, you're almost certainly missing out.

Blender is a hugely impressive 3D modeling program that is likely to scare off the uninitiated.

Download Blender 2.61 in Softonic

Also includes: - Chinese character stroke animations - Chinese-English dictionary - Default flashcard decks to start practicing immediately - HSK words, radicals, list of common Chinese characters, etc.

Unlike other generic flashcard applications, this one is focused on learning Chinese and thus includes features specific to the language. The software is also more user friendly and easy to use. Compared to other similar programs, it also features a better looking user interface.

For anybody who wants to learn the Chinese language. Any students, whether beginner or advanced could find the software useful. It is possible to create new decks of flashcard to tailor the application to the user's studies.

Download Easy Hanzi 2.2.3.2357 in Softonic

Ever get bored with unimaginative icons? Icon Craft can change all that.

Icon Craft is a full-featured icon creation and editing tool. It allows you to design and modify icons and cursors, both animated and static. You can also create icon libraries, download existing icons to modify and even make icons from photos and images.

Icon Craft starts by asking you to choose what task you want to perform. If you choose to create a new icon (rather than modifying an existing one), you’ll be able to select the precise measurements and color depth you need, ranging from 16x16 to 256x256 pixels, and from monochrome to True Color + Alpha (32 bits).

You will then be taken to an editing screen that allows you to control almost every aspect of icon creation. There is an extensive toolbar with drawing and text tools, effects, color options and pre-made shapes, among many other options. The editing window is nice and large for ease of use, and there are hotkeys available for almost every option.

Unfortunately, the Icon Craft trial version allows you to save only seven icons and irritatingly urges you to register at every opportunity.

Icon Craft is a comprehensive and fun tool for creating your own icons; it’s just a pity its trial version limitations are so obvious.

Download Icon Craft 4.50 in Softonic

Have you ever wanted to create one of those eye-catching morphing effects you see on TV shows and music videoclips? With FotoMorph now you can!

FotoMorph now gives you the chance to apply diverse effects to your photos (zoom & pan, morphing and warping) really easily. With these effects you can make somebody in a picture gradually turn into another person, or apply some slight movements to their facial expression. The effect is achieved by creating intermediate images (frames) based on highlighted transition points.

With FotoMorph the whole process is really easy. The program features a tabbed interface with different areas where you can select the photos you'll be working with, mark the transition points and preview the final result. As you can imagine, the most important step in the process is selecting transition points: the more you have, the more accurate your morphing will be. FotoMorph lets you add points to both the source and target photos simultaneously, and though it's a bit confusing at first, it ends up being an excellent method.

FotoMorph also enables you to tweak other elements in the transition, such as the resolution, the background image or color and the ability to add an optional text layer or a frame. Once you're done, FotoMorph can save your morphing effect in a variety of formats, including Flash movie (SWF), GIF animation, AVI movie, or a simple image sequence.

FotoMorph lets you create stunning photo morphing effects in just a few easy steps: no designing skills or technical knowledge required!

Download FotoMorph 13.4 in Softonic

Crazy Talk Animator allows you to combine images, videos and flash animations into impressive 2D creations. This includes the ability to add actors, create scenes or landscapes and add special effects. Like most 2D OR 3D modelling packages, Crazy Talk Animator is not easy to use but it does have several easy to follow tutorials and web resources to help you create your animations step by step.

The first step is to take a photo of your face. Crazy Talk Animator then teaches you how to animate it by giving you a few simple phrases to animate. This involves marking points of facial expression which Crazy Talk Animator uses to morph and animate it.

The possibilities are endless with Crazy Talk Animator and with some patience and dedication, you can create some really impressive animations. Note that to get more from Crazy Talk Animator, you need to download a resource pack which is available from the author's website.

Crazy Talk Animator Pro is a powerful 2D animating package although does require some time to learn.

Download Crazy Talk Animator PRO 1.2 in Softonic

Lamb Video to GIF Converter can create high quality animated GIF from any video with best color matching. ou can precisely select the GIF frames, adjust the continuity, play speed, image quality, and reduce output file size.

Anyone who want to convert video to animated gif. It can convert any video to gif, such as video downloaded from web/youtube, recorded by your camera/mobile phone, etc.

Download Lamb Video to GIF Converter 3 in Softonic

iClone is a full-featured 3D animation editor that enables you to create three-dimensional scenes with the program's library and your own photos.

The program features a slightly overloaded interface that may scare you off if you're not used to 3D edition environments. Fortunately, iClone includes a few templates and default models you can use in your first projects, while the rest of extra material is only available in the full version.

iClone lets you take control over the whole animation project. You can customize not only the characters and their movements, but also the background and any other objects in the scene, as well as the different camera perspectives and light sources.

All the work in iClone is done through the program's menus and toolboxes either side of the interface. These menus change according to the tool you select on the top tab bar. Results can be previewed in a handy player, right in the center of the program's main window. When you're done, you can easily share your creation because iClone offers quite a few possibilities to export it.

In all, iClone is a complete 3D animation editor, though it may take you some time and effort to learn how to use it and obtain good results.

Download Reallusion iClone Pro 5 in Softonic

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Using this plug-in is very easy. After installing it and registering as user – required to start using it – simply launch PowerPoint and you’ll see a new tab on the ribbon interface, containing all the VisualBee tools and options.

When you press the Enhance presentation button VisualBee opens up on a separate window and lets you choose a new style for your presentation. There are dozens of them, all conveniently organized in categories. Once the style is applied, you can go slide by slide, customizing small details such as animation and transition effects. VisualBee also features an Image gallery to give your presentation the final touch.

VisualBee comes in handy for those who struggle with graphics and images every time they have to create a presentation. On the downside, the so-called enhancement doesn’t always work and the result may be worse than the original slides.

VisualBee is a plug-in for Microsoft PowerPoint that helps you create better presentations by providing you with extra styles and images.

Download VisualBee 3.2 in Softonic

The main pets available in The Sims 3: Pets are dogs, cats and horses. You can also collect more animals, like turtles, mice, birds, snakes and iguanas, as you go along, but these are the basic three that you can create from scratch - just like any other sim you create. The Sims 3: Pets also includes a new neighborhood, Appaloosa Plains, and a pet accessories shop, although the shop's only available in the limited edition of the expansion.

There are two ways of getting a pet in The Sims 3: Pets - using the Sims Body Shop (if you choose this way, you'll be able to customize the pet exactly to your liking), or by adopting one from your neighborhood shelter.

Both dogs and cats and horses have their own needs. Dogs, for example, need walks to get rid of all that excess energy, while cats need to sharpen their claws. Luckily you can buy cat toys, to distract them from the destruction they could wreck on your sofa!

Interacting with your pets in The Sims 3: Pets is strikingly similar to real life. You will see your Sim playing with your cat with a laser pointer, walking the dog, going horseback riding, and much more. Animals can also acquire skills, gain character traits through a system of rewards and punishments, and even learn special tricks.

Add even more realism to The Sims 3 with the addition of The Sims 3: Pets!

Download The Sims 3: Pets Expansion pack in Softonic