The following is a list of Open Source Software useful to those in the design and planning industry. Keep in mind there is no such thing as a direct replacement of proprietary software. The open source alternative listed here are similar to, but not exact copies of their proprietary counterparts. Each program has its advantages and disadvantages. The important thing is to find what works best for your needs.

In addition, you may notice multiple programs listed in each catagory. Choice and variety are a good thing. In fact, that's one of the strengths of the open source software community. Again, the important thing to do is look at each option and decide what best fits your need.

One thing to keep in mind is that because most open source software is not created by a parent company, it often lacks professional support. However, almost every open source software platform has some sort of internet forums, email list, or chat room where you can get help. If you are looking for assistance, check out the sotware's website.

Of course, also check the licensing of each software before using it commercially.

Office/Project Management

OpenOffice.org - A suite of software that provides word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database capabilities. Similar to Microsoft Office.

• OpenOffice.org Extensions - This article lists extensions for OpenOffice that you may find useful.

Planner - An open source project management program. Simple interace and lots of features, its a valuable resource for any project manager.

KPlato - Another open source project management program.

Internet/Connectivity

Firefox - Full featured web browser that includes tabbed browsing, pop up blocker, and live bookmarks. Generally considered one of the more stable and secure web browsers available and while very usable straight out of the box, there are many plugins available that allow for an extremely rich user experience.

Filezilla - FTP download client. Intuitive user interface, and many handy features including: supports resume of transfers, a very handy Site Manager for storing locations, user names and passwords for multiple sites plus much more.

Graphics

Xara - Very fast and powerful general graphics program

Pencil - Animation and drawing software

Rastor

GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program is comparable to Photoshop. 

If you are interested in some GIMP tutorials and resources, check out this article.

If you want to add some Photoshop functionality to GIMP, check out this article.

GimPhoto - A GIMP modification that closely mimics the Photoshop Interface. If you'd like to give GIMP a try, but are worried about trying to learn new software, you might want to try this. GimPhoto is based on GIMP 2.4.3.

GIMPshop - Another GIMP modification that closely mimics the Photoshop interface. If you'd like to give GIMP a try, but are worried about trying to learn new software, you might want to try this. GIMPshop is based on GIMP 2.2.x (Depending on which operating system you are using)

GIMP Plugin Registry - The official registry of plugins for the GIMP. This is a huge repository of plugins that add functionality to The GIMP.

Vector

 Inkscape - Vector graphics program similar to Adobe's Illustrator.

3d Modeling

Blender - One of the more popular and feature rich open source modeling programs.

Art of Illusion

Crystal Space - A 3d modeling program with a focus on real time 3d graphics, in particular games.

FreeWRL - for VRML2 and X3D modeling.

K3DSurf - For mathmatical modeling in 3, 4, 5, and 6 dimensions and Parametric equations.

POV-Ray - Powerful 3D modeler for creating high quality scenes.

Wings 3D - Focuses more on modeling. Limited material and texturing capabilities. No animation capabilities at this time.

Video Editors

Avidemux - Supports most widely used file formats and codecs.

CinePaint - A very powerful image and animation manipulation program that offers many features other open source alternatives don't.

Cinelerra - Billed as a "movie studio in a box".

Jahshaka - Powerful video editing and special effects.

LiVES - Simple to use, yet containing many advanced features.

Kdenlive - Like LiVES, easy to use and feature rich.

Page Layout/Publishing

Scribus - Desktop Publishing similar to the Adobe program InDesign.

General Graphics/Miscellaneous

hugin - An easy to use panoramic image stitcher used to assemble a mosaic of photographs into an immersive panorama.

Qtpfsgui - Create stunning HDR images for presentations, marketing, awards, etc.

GIS

GRASS - Probably the most powerful open source GIS software program available. The learning curve is a little steep, but that can be said about any GIS program.

opensourcegis.org - more information about open source gis than you ever wanted to know

Misc.

FreeMind - free mind mapping software. Great for meetings, brainstorming, idea generation, or any type of nonlinear notetaking.

Semantik - another free mind mapping program.