Tools for the Trade

It never ceases to amaze me the tools and products which are available for free or nearly free on the web.

Here are four of my favorites and a quick review of each.

1. Google SketchUp – Download It.

Google Sketchup is one of my favorite free tools on the internet.  I first learned of SketchUp before Google purchased it.  SketchUp is a 3D rendering program which is very easy to use and learn.    I was very fond of SketchUp from the start, when Google purchased it and made the basic version free, I was in heaven.  By the way, unless you are a power user or an architect, the free version is going to serve you well.

I like to use SketchUp when testing elevations and making decisions about sight line issues.  You can also quickly mock-up a 3D design and with a little imagination you can use the various textures like roofing tin for a drape line.

Here is an example of a rendering I created for a client and the actual event picture.

Google SketchUp also has a huge online library of objects created and shared by SketchUp users like myself for others to use in their drawings. Google 3D Warehouse.

2. Eventbrite – Link to Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a free event registration system (when your tickets are free) which allows you to track and manage invites, registrations, print name tags and just about any report under the sun.  Eventbrite will charge you a small percentage if you want to charge for your tickets but works great as a registration systems for just about any kind of gathering.  I highly recommend it for associations and other groups who meet regularly and want to formalize the RSVP process.  As with any email based system be sure you follow good “etiquette” and Eventbrite will serve you well.

Eventbrite also has a toll free support line with a real person answering the phone.  They are very helpful even when using the free account.

3. Google Docs – Sign Up Here
You are going to need a Gmail account to get the full benefits of Google Docs but I recommend you get a Gmail account anyway.  Google Docs is a online version of Microsoft Office, but free. I will be honest it’s not a full replacement for Microsoft Word but it sure is convenient. Whenever I am doing a project which requires collaboration I use Google Docs because of its sharing features.  You can upload your Word Document or create it right on the web.  When you are ready you simply use the share feature, and enter the email of those you want to share the document with.  You can also allow for other collaborators to edit and revise the document with full backups of past versions.

Not that you want to bring work home but housing your documents online means as long as you have an internet connection you have access to your Google Docs.  This has saved me from bringing home my laptop a number of times.

4. Gimp Editor – Free Download

Gimp Editor is a free photo editor on par with Adobe PhotoShop.  I am not a graphic designer but working in audio visual productions provides me plenty of opportunity to make adjustments to digital photos.  Gimp Editor has never failed me.  As with Google Docs, Gimp Editor may not cover all the bases but can be a real life saver in a pinch.  If you ever find yourself without access to PhotoShop Gimp Editor is the way to go.  I have it loaded on my home computer since I do not own a license for Adobe PhotoShop, for the times when I leave the laptop at the office.

I hope you find these tools helpful.  Please post your favorites in the comments area.