Software Tips

Learn about the software that we have installed for all our members at Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM).

Use of software installed on PPM computers does not require any additional required training (Level 1).

 

Commercial (licensed) software used at PPM

Adobe Creative Cloud:

Adobe Bridge Tips — view & manage files

Adobe Dreamweaver Tips — design web sites

Adobe Illustrator Tips — draw vector graphics

Adobe InDesign Tips — create page layouts

Adobe Lightroom Tips — edit graphics and photos

Adobe Photoshop Tips — edit raster graphics and photos

Adobe Premiere Tips — create videos

Canva Tips — online graphic design software

CorelDRAW X6 Tips — create and print vector graphics

LightBurn Tips — create artwork then control your laser cutter settings

VCarve Tips — for makers designing for CNC (Computer Numerical Control)

Free and open source software (FOSS) used at PPM

Blender Tips — create 3D models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, AR and VR models

Inkscape Tips — multi-platform vector graphics software application

MediaWiki Tips — edit and publish wiki pages

PrusaSlicer Tips — prepare ("slice") 3D models for FDM (filament) printers

Visual Studio Code Tips — multi-platform editor used by programmers of all levels

List of free and open-source software packages — on Wikipedia

Other software used at PPM

Autodesk Fusion Tips — parametric CAD, electrical drawings, simulation, rendering and CAM

Cutting Master 3 Tips — send files to a vinyl cutter

Lychee Slicer Tips — prepare ("slice") 3D models for SLA (resin) printers

Mach4 Tips — send G-code to a CNC router table

File format info

STL File Format Tips — stereolithography, a method to approximate the surface geometry of a 3D model

SVG File Format Tips — Scalable Vector Graphics, a document format to reproduce 2D graphics

USDZ File Format Tips — Universal Scene Description, a "ecosystem" for 3D objects and 3D worlds

on Wikipedia:

3MF — XML-based data format designed specifically for additive manufacturing

G-code — "control automated machine tools, as well as for 3D-printer slicers"

JSON — JavaScript Object Notation, human readable format for exchanging data

PDF — Portable Document Format, for document publishing based on Adobe's PostScript language

PNG — Portable Network Graphics, raster format for images with or without transparency

YAML — human readable language commonly used for configuration files

Interface Guidelines

Consistency benefits both users and developers.

Adobe

Spectrum, Adobe's design system — Principles / Resources / Implementations

Android

Develop for Android — code samples, guides, and API reference

Apple

Designing for visionOS

Apple Human Interface Guidelines — (all 6) Platforms

Microsoft

Microsoft Fluent Design System — on Wikipedia

Surface devices documentation — Get started

Differences Between Linux's Human Interface Guidelines

Human interface guidelines — on Wikipedia

Classes

PPM announces its Upcoming events, including classes, on Meetup

Training

Links to member-recommended external sites:

Related Pages

Links to related PPM Wiki pages:

Linux Tools

GitHub Tips

Procreate app Tips

QR Codes

How To Slack

  Computers — Windows  

  Computers — Mac and Apple  

  Infrastructure at PPM  

  Ubuntu  

  Arduino  

  Raspberry Pi  

  PPM Library  

For Additional Help

Use the PPM Slack channel #computing

List of all PPM Slack channels

Note that we have a Slack channel (#job-board) for members to post, discuss, or accept job opportunities either within PPM or from the community.

Search the PPM Wiki — include Content pages as well as Multimedia.

Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.

Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) is dedicated to supporting our maker community in their creative processes by providing shared space, shared tools, materials, software, and a knowledge base to turn their ideas into reality.