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If you do graphics on a Mac then you need GraphicConverter
Thursday, May 8, 2008
For the most part, Apple stays out of the graphics application and utility business. iPhoto has a few photo tricks, but the graphics world is ruled by Adobe and Photoshop and a few copy cats. With all of Adobe’s power and might, one Mac graphic application thrives. GraphicConverter. One of the worst named, but most capable utilities for anyone who does graphics on a Mac.
Reader Comments
Carleton Butler said:
I used GC extensively for reading and converting MrSIDs (.sid files) to standard jpegs and tiffs. Something Adobe Photoshop cannot do.. Other than that, I prefer to use Photoshop and Lightroom.
Art said:
In my prior life selling native american artwork, I became a slave to Photoshop and Freehand. As quirky as PS is, I’ve become used to it and still prefer it for most tasks. I suppose this is how enthusiasts feel about Graphic Converter.
I’ve followed GC for years, but never felt compelled to try it. I’ve seen the ugly interface and read people’s posts about how quirky or utilitarian its interface is and just didn’t want to try to grock someone else’s crappy graphical interface.
I’m a HUGE fan of Plasq, which today came out with Comic Life Magiq. I bought it and it’s fabulous. I tend to reward those developers that bust their rumps doing what seems like it’s been done a million times in a better, more clever fashion.
pixelmaster said:
I’ve been a user of GraphicConverter for many years and agree with most of what you wrote. I’ve also purchased Photoshop Elements and find that most of the graphic filters and effects are there and easier to use than in GraphicConverter. Where GC shines is in all those somewhat obscure features and functions which just are not available in Elements. The number of file formats, the number of preference settings, and work flow routines are many; just not easy to figure out, even if you use GC every day.
Kenji Oh said:
Even for graphic pros deeply involved in Photoshop, Graphic Converter offers tools and features not found elsewhere. The batch conversions and file modification features alone are worth the price of admission.
If ever there was an indispensable utility for Mac users, it is this one. But you’re right, the interface is totally utilitarian, not easy to figure out, and many features are buried in the preferences.