Artrage 4.5 review mac os x#
Artrage 4.5 review upgrade#
Artrage 4.5 review software#
Artrage 4.5 review windows#

You can pin reference images to your canvas © Ambient DesignĪrtRages native file type is Painting (PTG), but its import and export options are versatile: it can load Photoshop files while retaining layers and blending modes, and export flattened pictures to all the major image types you might need, so can easily fit into a more complex digital pipeline. With the 4.5 upgrade, you can drag your Toolboxs contents around to arrange them as you please, which makes it even handier. To save accessing different panels and menus while working on your painting, you can simply pluck all your essentials from the open Toolbox. These might just be brush settings or color swatches that you dont want to forget, but you can also save reference images or frequently used layers to your Toolbox. It allows you to save almost anything related to your current canvas for easy reference. The Toolbox feature is another helpful utility thats been upgraded with the release of 4.5. The Scrap and Toolbox functions © Ambient Design It isnt just for freehand drawing, either, but has a 'Snap to Grid' setting if you want to follow the lines and make more accurate geometry. The grid size can be set in pixels, or in entire squares if you prefer. You can apply grids both to your painting and your reference material, which is ideal for measuring proportions and composition, and even customize the opacity, scale, and color of a grid to maximize its usefulness. The grid makes it easy to work from photos and reference images.

Artrage 4.5 review software#

The new canvas grid is another welcome feature, furthering ArtRages range as a digital art software with analogue principles. The Symmetry option allows you to make complex symmetrical designs © Ambient Design

Though 64-bit support is one of 4.5s big advantages, the improvements in responsiveness and general performance are across the board and should be felt by 32-bit users too.

Artrage 4.5 review windows#

It doesnt take much effort to get the desired results from your tools.ĭespite the programs impression of lightness, I found it easily handled large, layered files at print resolution on my 64-bit Windows system, running stably and smoothly. I was happy to be proven otherwise: beyond the default settings theres plenty of scope to modify each tool, adjusting their effects and behaviors, and creating your own custom brushes, pens, pencils, and stencils. But one reason I like Photoshop so much is the amount of control it affords over your brush settings, even if it takes more effort to contrive a 'traditional'-looking result I dont like tools that feel too out of my control, with fun getting in the way of function, and initially I was concerned that ArtRages brushes would fall into this category. The tools and colors act and interact much as their real-life counterparts do, and theres a lot of joy to be had out of smudging and scraping your digital paint around. One of ArtRages selling points has always been its capacity for emulating traditional media, and with 4.5 this continues to be its major appeal. Overview of the ArtRage interface © Ambient Design They also helpfully dock out of your way when the brush approaches such a simple thing, but it makes me wish all other art software did the same! The menus and toolbars are mobile, resizable, and can even be re-colored.

Right off the mark, ArtRage makes a good impression: the user interface is visually appealing and intuitive, with self-explanatory tools that are easy to pick up. 'The user interface is visually appealing and intuitive, with self-explanatory tools that are easy to pick up'

Artrage 4.5 review upgrade#

I admit to preferring Photoshop over most art software, but still jumped at the chance to try Ambient Designs latest version: ArtRage 4.5, an upgrade which offers enhanced performance and new 64-bit support.

Artrage 4.5 review mac os x#

© Ambient Design Product: ArtRage 4.5 Company: Ambient Design Website: Key features:Ħ4-bit support for Windows and Mac OS X increased performance for larger projects multi-touch support for tablets and touch-screens canvas grid overlay improved and updated interface pencil tilt (if stylus is compatible) Star Rating: 4.5 / 5ĪrtRage has long been an accessible, affordable choice for digital artists who enjoy the look and feel of traditional media. 3dtotal's Marisa Lewis takes a look at the latest release of Ambient Designs painting software, ArtRage 4.5, available now as an upgrade.