Software Tips
Learn about the software that we have installed for all Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) members.
Use of software installed on PPM computers does not require any additional required training (Level 1).
Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.
Commercial (licensed) software used at PPM
- Adobe Creative Cloud (alphabetical order):
- Adobe After Effects Tips — animate both still images and illustrations
- Adobe Bridge Tips — view and manage files
- Adobe Dreamweaver Tips — build sites for any browser or device
- 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
- Sonic Pi Tips — code-based music creation and live performance tool
- 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 formats
- Links to related PPM Wiki pages:
- JSON File Format Tips — JavaScript Object Notation
- a human-readable document format for storing and exchanging data
- 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
- an "ecosystem" for 3D objects and 3D worlds
- JSON File Format Tips — JavaScript Object Notation
- Links on Wikipedia:
- 3MF — XML-based data format designed specifically for additive manufacturing
- ASCII art — "computer art form using text characters"
- DXF — Drawing Exchange Format, a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk
- G-code — "control automated machine tools, as well as for 3D-printer slicers"
- GIF — Graphics Interchange Format, bitmap format that is also used for animation
- PDF — Portable Document Format, for publishing documents with text, graphics, and multimedia
- plist — Property list files are often used to store a user's settings
- PNG — Portable Network Graphics, raster format for images with or without transparency
- PostScript — page description language, and corresponding language interpreter from Adobe
- WebP — developed by Google as a replacement for other raster formats (faster)
- YAML — human readable language commonly used for configuration files
Interface Guidelines
- Consistency benefits both users and developers:
- Human interface guidelines — on Wikipedia
- Jakob's Law of User Experience — Jakob Nielson on Wikipedia
- Adobe
- Spectrum, Adobe's design system — Principles / Resources / Implementations
- Android
- Develop for Android — code samples, guides, and API reference
- Apple
- Designing for visionOS — Apple.com
- Apple Human Interface Guidelines — all 6 platforms
- Microsoft
- Surface devices documentation — Get started
- Microsoft Fluent Design System — on Wikipedia
Related Pages
Links to related PPM Wiki pages:
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.