Best image editing software for making decals?

I have the Coral Draw suite, which is rather pricey, but I've heard of people using the shareware version of Paintshop Pro.
I'll do the fine work in Coral, then just port it into the testers program for printing.
I do that because scaling to the size I want is easier in Testors , which adds a measured ruler the the curser when you grab an object and resize it.
In' Coral you can set it to the size you need, but finding the menu, doing the math from inches to pixels or visa versa, or even chasing down the option to convert to inches or metric is more trouble than just pulling into testors and grabbing a corner.

Id look around for a free graphics program to use..
one that allows you to work in layers is the nicest.

Thanks Iroc, I appreciate the advice and will look into the Coral (Corel?) suite, and the Testors program too.

Corel Suite...
*cough*
Expect that one to run around $400.00
I have a copy from a work resource. or I'd never be able to afford it either.
But you can get a 30day free trial here:
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Trials/Login&pid=1047022690654&cid=1047022725614

I know very little about decals or modelling - I loved it as a kid. I do know a little about graphic design (It's my job) and I recommend any leading vector based program over pixel based ones: http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_vector_based_and_pixel_based_image_production

I like Adobe Illustrator, myself, but the cost is prohibitive.

The reason I suggest vectors over pixels is that if you create an imgae for one scale, it will be easily transfered to another scale without losing image quality which would normally occur in a pixel based image.

Cheers,

David

Thats good to know...
but price is such a factor you just about have to use what you can afford.
I got mine free...so if you want to send me a free copy I'll be happy to verify its superiour qualities.




and just to clearify, free does not mean pirated...
it means licensed software rotated out of use and registration passed on with the software.

Thanks for the clarification.

As far as costs, I agree. If it weren't for work, I probably wouldn't touch half of the software I do. By the way Corel Draw is vector based, but isn't the only option besides illustrator. You could also try Macromedia FreeHand.

Here are some better links for vector/pixel comparison: http://www.sketchpad.net/basics1.htm and http://www.eastbywest.com/pub/vectorbitmap/

I have had a hard time finding other options out there. I think all 3 mentioned so far are pricy.

Learn something new everyday,
And I thought I was doing good just figuring out layers and objects....
Graphics arn't my specialty :)