Free/Affordable Skinning Tool?

[trebean]

While technically not a skin request, I'm thinking of delving into skinning, can anyone suggest other programs other than Photoshop? or something less costly?

[abenavides]

GIMP is free.
http://www.gimp.org/

[Cyber Burn]

In addition to "GIMP", "Paint.Net" is also free.

http://www.getpaint.net/

When I had gotten my Windows Vista way back when, it wouldn't let me install my "Paint Shop Pro" Program (It was a really old Program), so I tried both of these free Programs.

"GIMP": This Program is more versatile, it's much more similar to "Paint Shop Pro" than the other one is. There are a lot more tools available in the basic download, plus there are "Plug-Ins" that allow for extra features. This is probably the better choice for Skinning.

"Paint.Net": This is a simpler Program all around, it doesn't have as many tools in the initial download, but there are "Plug-Ins" that increase it's versatility. This Program seemed (At least for me) to be a little more user friendly, and would probably be a better choice as an "Introductory", or "Learning" Program.

If I remember correctly, and someone please correct me it I am wrong, both Programs initially do allow you to edit (.TGA) Files, which  uses. For "Paint.Net", I was able to find and install "Plug-Ins" that allow me to Edit (.DDS) Files which are the preferred format for  .

I don't believe that either Program was a "Resource Hog", so I would actually recommend trying both to decide which you prefer.