If purchasing from steam...

[Agranite (Luong)]

I actually have 3 questions.

1. if we purchase the software from steam, are we still able to download the and use standalone version from the website? I know games can works the other way around by using our serial key from the product into steam, plus I'm concern about issue that arises. On the plus side with steam, I can still use the *cough* software on a different computer.

2. Do they provide free resources such as copic swatches (or it can open adobe swatch files from <https://www.copicmarker.com/resources>)? or a community that create resources?

3. How adequate is it in terms of editing photos/images?

I've been mainly using Sketchbook Pro on my nexus 7 tablets to seldom draw since it's simple. All I know how to do is pick size of brush, color, and let the stylus sensitivity handle the thickness (if available.) I'm curious about this software as a hobbyist. The last time I ever drew on a PC was with *cough* PS 7.0 years, and it wasn't what I called pleasant.

[Fontes]

I'm curious, even if we purchase the software from steam, are we still able to download the and use standalone version from the website? I know games can works the other way around by using our serial key from the product into steam, plus I'm concern about issue that arises. On the plus side with steam, I can still use the *cough* software on a different computer.

If you get it on Steam, it's key won't work on the standalone version, and vice-versa, if that's what you mean.

I'd recommend you get it straight from their website: http://www.portalgraphics.net/en/

At first glance there might not be much of an advantage, but why depend on a third party to get your software when you can get it straight from the source? Besides, there's really nothing stopping you from installing openCanvas on more than one computer, even on the standalone version.

Do they provide free resources such as copic swatches (or it can open adobe swatch files from <https://www.copicmarker.com/resources>)? or a community that create resources?

There's not much in terms of resources, since unfortunately this software still has a rather small community. But adobe swatches should work, yes. I never actually tried, but the option's there, at least. XD

Also, you might find this brush pack beneficial: http://fav.me/d86cahe

Sufice to say that OC's default brushes are a tad lackluster. Those should give you a few extra options to work with.

I've been mainly using Sketchbook Pro on my nexus 7 tablets to seldom draw since it's simple. All I know how to do is pick size of brush, color, and let the stylus sensitivity handle the thickness (if available.) I'm curious about this software as a hobbyist. The last time I ever drew on a PC was with *cough* PS 7.0 years, and it wasn't what I called pleasant.

Well, I use this on a professional level, and the main reason why I picked it was how easy I personally got the hang of the software. Make of that what you will.

[Agranite (Luong)]

Originally posted by Fontes:

Besides, there's really nothing stopping you from installing openCanvas on more than one computer, even on the standalone version.

My experience with most stand-alone software is that they only allow installation of the software with a single serial key on one computer only, and invalidate it or mark it as pirate if you move to another computer. Even invalidating both the first and later serial key.

The licensing or drm works the other way around with steam. The license follows you around, as long as you're the only one using the product on your steam account on a single computer, which I find as an advantage.

That's why I'm asking.

[Fontes]

Well, technically you're SUPPOSED to only install it on a single computer at a time... but they really have no way to enforce it. There's a limit of times you can insert the key, after which it'll be locked (I dunno the exact number, though), but you can just email them to have it unlocked. It happened to my girlfriend, and they handled that pretty quickly.

I've activated my key both on my PC, my girlfriend's PC before she got a key of her own, AND on my tablet, so I can tell from self-experience that it works in multiple machines. So go for it!

[Agranite (Luong)]

That's good to know.

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On a side note, there's different types of licensing services. The one serial key on one device is the most basic license method.

These are the different type of license methods:
- License per computer (most basic and often default method.)
- License per name (cloud application uses this method)
- License per client (client on a network. most business/organization/institute uses this method.)

Well there are more types, but they are more specific. For example, Royalties per item sold method is what game engine developers use to make their profit.

[Fontes]

Personally I wouldn't mind if PGN implemented having to login with our PG ID to activate the software. You gotta make one to buy OC from their website anyway.

[Agranite (Luong)]

Well I'm testing the trail version for how.

Is there any way to customize the file presets when creating new documents?
Is there a way to hide the windows instead of having a floating docks covering my workspace? I know I can hide the window by clicking on the 'x' button, but the shortcuts only minimizes the windows. The windows don't like to play nice with each other.

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OFF-TOPIC:
I should get a usb numpad keyboard and remap the keys for shortcuts. You got any keybinding app recommendation?

My gaming keyboard is just large and in the way of my tablet, and getting a Logitech G13 will me a waste of money to use with my tablet. Surprisingly, I use my gaming keyboard macros more for school/work related activities than I do with gaming, lol.

[Fontes]

Is there any way to customize the file presets when creating new documents?

If you mean file sizes and the like, the first 5 (after Custom) are customizable. Select one of those settings, create a new file with whatever setup you want, and done, the setting will be saved on that slot.

Is there a way to hide the windows instead of having a floating docks covering my workspace? I know I can hide the window by clicking on the 'x' button, but the shortcuts only minimizes the windows. The windows don't like to play nice with each other.

Well, you can drag them to the borders of the screen. Unfortunately the software doesn't support proper docking as of yet. You can, however, drag tabs in-between windows.

This is how I got my workspace set up, maybe it'll give you some ideas: http://prntscr.com/5inlq5

You can save workspace configs as well on the "Window" menu.

I should get a usb numpad keyboard and remap the keys for shortcuts. You got any keybinding app recommendation?

My gaming keyboard is just large and in the way of my tablet, and getting a Logitech G13 will me a waste of money to use with my tablet. Surprisingly, I use my gaming keyboard macros more for school/work related activities than I do with gaming, lol.

I don't thing USB numpads are meant to be customizable, hence their low price. The system treats them as a regular numpad on a full-size keyboard, so if you do keybindings on it, you're also messing with your main keyboard.

I do recommend getting a Keypad like a G13. I happen to have an old-ish Saitek Cyborg, and it works wonders. Though, if you're only looking for a hobby, getting any kind of extra equipment might be excessive. But that's just me.

[Agranite (Luong)]

heh, I personally don't mind purchasing a G13 if I do use it for gaming often, but most of my mmorpg friends do not use voice chat so I require a keyboard to communicate with them. My rl friend on the other hand do use voice chat, but go silent mode if it's a public game and fall into the same situation... lol

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I'm trying to setup some of the brushes / nips, but it's really a pain in OpenCanvas. The preset manager is really of no help =p If anything, they are very frustrating to use.

How do you get your brushes to show up as previews thumbnails? the trail has it as some icon instead.

*** Nevermind, figure out how you did it.

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As for swatches, I'm trying to use an photoshop swatches, but all I get is err=37 error message.

[Fontes]

I'm trying to setup some of the brushes / nips, but it's really a pain in OpenCanvas. The preset manager is really of no help =p If anything, they are very frustrating to use.

Yeah, I don't use the preset manager either. I simply use the respective window (brushes, nibs, swatches, etc.) for each thing I wanna edit, instead.

How do you get your brushes to show up as previews thumbnails? the trail has it as some icon instead.

If you mean showing a preview stroke on the brush list, currently there's no such support. That's why I've put that as the icons for my personal brush set. As-Is, you get a preview on the "Option" window as you select a brush. Not ideal, true, but it's something.

As for swatches, I'm trying to use an photoshop swatches, but all I get is err=37 error message.

Strange, I tried opening a "*.aco" swatch file, and it worked just fine on my end. Unless Adobe started using a different file format as of late, which OC doesn't open.

I made a set of my own, see if you like them: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e4dri5dh9db5lfk/RWswatches003.opl?dl=0

Those are made to look like that screenshot I've put on my previous post.

[Agranite (Luong)]

Thanks! You're helping me a lot with my first time experience with the software. Without your assistance, I would probably skip out on OpenCanvas and check out other affordable alternatives.

I personally like how my Sketchbook Pro on my nexus has all the Copic swatches all set for me. I also got the free express addition from my Wacom I purchase a few month ago.

[Fontes]

Hmm, by Copic swatches, do you mean like these? http://www.copicmarker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/358_Color_Family_Chart-2.jpg

If so, those can be easily replicated in openCanvas. What I find to be the biggest problem with openCanvas isn't so much what it can do, but what it comes included with.

[Agranite (Luong)]

Yea, they also provide the Adobe Photoshop swatch (*.ase) free, so I use adobe photoshop cs6 to convert it to another format (*.aco) for OpenCanvas to import, but kept getting those error message.

I like the copic colors. A bunch of nice preset color that I'm comfortable with using because I have no taste when it comes to picking colors =p

Going to take me a while to get use to drawing on the pc without looking at the tablet. It's been years since I did it that way. Back in the Wacon Graphire days.

A bit disappointed that Wacom only made the pressure sensitivity stylus for the Mac Tablets, and not for Android Tablets. I so predicted Wacom creating that stylus ever since the first Mac Tablet and Android Tablet first came out. It's a cheap alternative to the PC monitor tablet, which is create for art students and hobbyist alike =)

[Fontes]

So... will these do? https://www.dropbox.com/s/slt5vaqe014c5rn/COPICswatches001.opl?dl=0

I just took that image I showed before and converted it. I'm sure other OC users will find a use for that swatch set, and... well, someone had to do it. :P

As for Tablets... yeah, that's why I got myself a Windows 8.1 tablet instead of Android (iOS isn't even worth considering, in my opinion). They're not too expensive if you look hard enough, and you can plug any Wacom (or Huion in my case) that would work on a PC.

[Agranite (Luong)]

Ah, thank you again XD

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I initially purchase my Nexus 7 for the purpose of reading digital books, and as and agenda, but I started to use it for many other things as well.

When I purchase Sketchbook Pro, I instantly purchase a Dagi Stylus for it. Although it had no pressure sensitivity, it gave me the precision I needed, along with how the app stimulate pressure at the start and end of the line that was drawn. I also have the newer app version and purchase the tools for it too. The way you can select colors using the copic chart is what I loved about it, < http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y224/luong02/MISC/Sketchbook_Android_zpsb8afdede.png >. Of course they have the other methods of selecting color, such as using hsb or rgb.

The app was simple and elegant. The newer Sketchbook android app also has the option to hides the UI. Honestly, I find the $4.50 android app better than the free express version that came with my Wacom, lol.

[Fontes]

Yeah, I got Sketchbook on my android too... but drawing on a 4' screen doesn't feel all that nice for me, so I uninstalled it eventually. XD