Pretty much

 any Graphic Designer these days will tell you that if you want to go anywhere in the “graphics field” then you need to have and know Adobe branded software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver). I agree Adobe makes the industry standard  software but what are the cost benefits?

The most cost effective and legal way I can get my own copy of Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign is an Adobe package package called Design Standard. It has all the tools I need to get the job done and then some. All these resources come at a premium that many up and coming designers can’t quite afford yet.

Here is a list of alternative programs that can help you reach your goals:

1) Pixelmator
 (Alternitive to Photoshop)

This program has a lot of power for the price. I guess that’s why it was voted the top paid app in the Mac App Store for 2011. It doesn’t do every photoshop feature, but it does many if not most of them. Pixelmator is indeed available in the Mac App Store however it is not available for windows machines. Just like Photoshop, you can try it out for a trial period before you decide to buy.

Only 29.99 in the Mac App Store

2) Vector Designer
(alternative to Illustrator)

If all you need to do is create stunning vector graphics then why pay for all the other features you may never  use or need to use? There are a few Applications out there that are also good for this purpose, but I like the interface of this one over the rest. As their website states:

Only 49.99 - 229.00 depending on the version

3) Freeway express or Pro
(alternative to Dreamweaver)

I am sure this program doesn’t do everything that dreamweaver does but I imagine that the pro version gets pretty close. If you want a  powerful tool that has been well thought out and can get the job done I would research Softpress’ web design program “Freeway”. Starting with the express version your investment is minimal for the amount of resources that is put at your fingertips.

Adobe Design Standard (Photoshop + Illustrator + Dreamweaver)
$1299.00 ( 80% off if you are a student or teacher – 259.80)

all 3 Alternatives listed above – 110.00