Graphics Software

[tjozmin]

What software works the best for developing the graphics? I have heard people start with their CAD software and then convert it to a bitmap. I tried that but I have trouble getting the sizing right. I have tried Paint but that just seems be difficult to do any shading.

[dlewis]

I use CorelDraw.  It's a vector based graphic program.  Once I create the graphic in coreldraw, I export it as a bitmap to the exact size I require.

[240glt]

I use Inkscape. It's open source, and free. Vector-based. Should be similar to corel draw.
http://inkscape.org/

For bitmap editing, i use gimp. Also open source, free to use.
http://www.gimp.org/

For viewing pictures, and for simpler image manipulations, like changing size, compression, cropping etc. I use XNView.
Free for personal use. Very fast, and a lot nicer than windows integrated viewing utility.
http://www.xnview.com/