I’ve been quietly working on a discussion draft for an OpenRaster file format specification. The goal is to create an file format that fits right in with OpenDocument for layered raster images with extras (think adjustment layers). Dave Neary discussed this issue yesterday, which was just the kick in the pants I needed to continue work.

Over the years, I've observed that for every favorable review written about the GIMP or other free graphics applications, there is another review denouncing it as useless because "it doesn't support Pantone." Although I've accepted this is how the universe works, it's worth noting that the unfavorable articles are generally accompanied by some misconceptions about what Pantone is and isn't used for, and the legality of supporting it.

Misconceptions about the purpose and usage of Pantone are to be expected, since very few graphic designers are regular Linux users (much less coders). The legal issues, on the other hand, are probably kept intentionally murky by Pantone to discourage others from competing. Let's take a look at both.