Free programs
This section gives a set of links to programs and sites that are completely free to download.
MS Paint
GIMP
paint.NET
Inkscape
Krita
Realworld Cursor Editor (Portable version)
UnFREEz
Beneton Movie GIF
iaza.com
Pixlr.com
Firealpaca
Free trials
This sections gives a set of links to trials of programs that can be used to create emoticons. All links are to the program's official website.
Adobe Fireworks CS5
Photoshop CS5
PaintShop Pro X17 - For static only (no animation software)
ASEPRITE (Sprite editor)
GraphicsGale
Paint Tool SAI