tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65618479969174574992024-03-05T08:25:22.446-08:00ArchiZ Tips & TutorialsTips, tutorial, and free materials for architecture designersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-91338770169684265042007-05-09T22:39:00.000-07:002008-05-02T23:20:03.645-07:00Automate annotation in AutoCAD 2008<p>A new feature of AutoCAD 2008 is the ability to automate the sizing of annotation, such as text and dimensions, in viewports with varying scales.<br /></p> <p>The following objects can be <em>annotative</em>, meaning that they can size automatically:</p> <ul><li>Text (single-line text) </li><li>Mtext (multi-line text) </li><li>Dimensions </li><li>Multileaders (which are new for AutoCAD 2008) </li><li>Tolerances (in frames) </li><li>Hatches </li><li>Blocks </li><li>Block attributes </li></ul> <p>Note that objects that use styles -- text, dimensions, and multileaders -- require an annotative style.</p><p>For more info, see http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com/AutoCAD_tips_automate_annotation_2008.html<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-49076658386346369922007-04-02T18:38:00.000-07:002007-04-02T18:41:06.281-07:00Add MS Excel functionality to AutoCAD tablePlease download this plugin <a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/TableBar241forAutoCAD2006.rar">here</a><br />Enjoy it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-61235461125315536872007-04-02T18:17:00.000-07:002007-04-02T18:26:47.206-07:00AutoCAD 2008 new features and benefitsAnnotation Overview<br />AutoCAD® software provides powerful tools for the creation, management, and sharing of design documentation. Companies around the world use these documents and drawings to create buildings, landscapes, sheet metal parts, and much more. When we typically think of a set of drawings, the focus is usually on the actual lines, arcs, and circles that define the geometry of the design. There is another key component to any drawing, and that is what is referred to as the annotation. Annotation consists of the dimensions, text, tables, hatch patterns, and so forth that annotate or describe the information shown in the drawing itself. Annotation is crucial to the clear and accurate definition of a design. Customer-requested enhancements to annotation have driven the creation of AutoCAD 2008. AutoCAD 2008 makes the creation, editing, and management of annotation scale, tables, text, and leaders simple and intuitive. This means that drawings are easier to create and maintain to the standards required in your business. These new and enhanced tools avoid duplication of information so that errors caused by design revisions are kept to a minimum and time spent on workarounds is significantly reduced.<br /><br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation Scaling<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Problem</span><br />The scale at which a drawing is plotted has a direct correlation to the size and placement of annotation within that drawing. For example, a note with a leader may need to be repositioned and nearby text moved to plot at a scale that is different from that of the base drawing. Currently, designers must handle this change in scale by placing multiple notes on multiple layers that are then turned on or off depending on what scale the drawing is plotted at. This requires work to set up and maintain as the drawing is created and represents a potiential source of error as the geometry is revised over time.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Solution </span><br />AutoCAD 2008 introduces the concept of annotation scale as an object property. A new control on the status bar enables designers to set the current scale of a viewport or model space view. Designers can then apply that scale to each object and specify its size, placement, and appearance based on the scale set for the viewport. In other words, annotation is now automated.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Benefit </span><br />The addition of annotation scale in AutoCAD helps users avoid the creation and management of multiple text, leaders, hatch patterns, blocks, linetypes and multi-line leaders across multiple layers. It avoids<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Layer Properties per Viewport<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Problem</span><br />Viewports are frequently used to illustrate a particular portion of a design, for example, the the heating and ventilation system in a building. To highlight that aspect of the design, designers can choose to use a different line thickness or color for the walls in that viewport. Currently, that requires a duplicate version of the floorplan geometry in the viewport, because a change to line thickness or color is reflected in the entire drawing, not just in the specifc viewport used to highlight that aspect of the design.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Solution </span><br />In AutoCAD 2008 the layer manager has been enhanced to allow users to specify color, line weight, linetype, or plot style as an override for an individual viewport. These overrides can be easily turned on or off as viewports are added or removed.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Benefit </span><br />Setting layer properties in a viewport enables users to present a design anyway you choose. Avoiding geometry duplication minimizes not only the work of creating and editing the duplicate geometry, but also a potential source of error as the geometry is modified.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enhanced Tables</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Problem </span><br />Much of the tabular information in AutoCAD software (parts lists, schedules, bills of materials, and so forth) is created from information that comes from information in the drawing as well as from external files. For instance, a window schedule could contain window quantity, size, and manufacturer information extracted from blocks in the drawing and the cost information contained in an external Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet. Currently, it is difficult to combine this information into a single table and then to update the information as information in either the drawing or Excel spreadsheet changes.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Solution </span><br />Enhanced tables now give users the option to combine AutoCAD and Excel tabular information into a single AutoCAD table. This table can be dynamically linked so that notifications appear in both AutoCAD and Excel as data is updated. Users can then select these notifications, allowing instant updating of information in either source document.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Benefit </span><br />Lack of data synchronization is a key source of error in AutoCAD tables. By making it a more automated process, users can help to decrease costs caused by errors and omissions in the final set of drawings.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Text Formatting<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Problem </span><br />Many of the standard notes in AutoCAD software are created and stored in external word processing formats, and then cut and pasted into AutoCAD on an as-needed basis. This process allows reuse of standard content. Currently, pasting large blocks of text into AutoCAD can cause formatting problems. The text can flow off the bottom of the drawing in one large block, requiring users to break it manually into chunks that fit in that particular drawing. These “chunks” are difficult to edit and maintain as the notes change over time.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Solution </span><br />The enhanced Mtext editor now provides the ability to specify the number of columns users require and flows new text between those columns as users edit the text. Specify the space set between each column of text and the edge of the paper. All of these variables can be adjusted to specific values in the dialog box, or adjusted interactively using the new multicolumn text grips.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Benefit</span><br />The new text editing tools enhance the use of standardized notes, making both their creation and editing faster and easier.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Multiple Leader Creation<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Problem </span><br />To create multiple leaders from a single note requires that the leaders be added as individual lines with arrowheads. Frequently, a single note can point at two or three design elements, with the angles and locations of the leaders changing depending on where the elements are in relationship to the original note. Creating, editing, or adding notes requires large amounts of hand editing to ensure that the position of notes and leaders is clear and unambiguous.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Solution </span><br />The new multiple leader panel on the dashboard has enhanced tools that automate the creation of multiple leaders and the orientation of the leaders (tail or content first) with the notes.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Benefit </span><br />By having more flexibility in the creation of multiple leaders, users can avoid the use of hand-drawn leaders. Using a standard dashboard tool makes the creation and editing of multiline leaders much easier and more efficient.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Multiple Leader Alignment<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Problem </span><br />Creating and editing multiple notes in AutoCAD had to be done on an individual basis. Once the notes had been added to the drawing, users had to align them manually. If notes were added at a later design revision, the entire note had to be realigned.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Solution</span><br />AutoCAD 2008 introduces the new Multiple Leader Align tool. This tool enables users to work with a set of notes and their leaders as a group, setting their type of alignment and spacing quickly and easily.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Benefit</span><br />Alignment of existing or new notes is dramatically faster. The new Mleader command provides a new level of aesthetic accuracy and ultimately gives users the tools to make notes with leaders look the way they want them to look.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-82410878835873022952007-02-20T00:22:00.000-08:002007-02-20T00:38:26.087-08:00Using Photoshop to create scanline effect<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sZvghkiyNYbmEuMY1tWLhuWM2BZi62At6QwQ7zjwJ-PNvCpyLUzxp1fl2o4ChCPnO2slTbKjZQRJMd4deZh1ZhJ28wWXV95KCocEfZQTAHVWlyz59LG33fwvy-Dlwb3bjwA_tJ4Ozu7q/s1600-h/meinv2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sZvghkiyNYbmEuMY1tWLhuWM2BZi62At6QwQ7zjwJ-PNvCpyLUzxp1fl2o4ChCPnO2slTbKjZQRJMd4deZh1ZhJ28wWXV95KCocEfZQTAHVWlyz59LG33fwvy-Dlwb3bjwA_tJ4Ozu7q/s320/meinv2.jpg" alt="scanline_effect" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033529587416199202" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the final result of scanline effect created by photoshop.<br />It's a amazing effect which is used everywhere on internet nowadays. It's cool to apply this to your website or your signature. The coolest thing is that it's very easy to create by photoshop<br />So let's start.<br />1. create a transparent file 1x3 and putt a black dot in the middle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV_GEVh8r7SqwKfTnm5wTeingUjDHsIg2i5EHGIHl3GzWdyOnPirHP5f3tjF2F-g52zrwnvlo8pF8V0Du73CXCpCxFPs0tdfvEvimedXeETDECdEHmC9hdAVQBB2AIbvoQHPL2xS2YIq-/s1600-h/scanline1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV_GEVh8r7SqwKfTnm5wTeingUjDHsIg2i5EHGIHl3GzWdyOnPirHP5f3tjF2F-g52zrwnvlo8pF8V0Du73CXCpCxFPs0tdfvEvimedXeETDECdEHmC9hdAVQBB2AIbvoQHPL2xS2YIq-/s320/scanline1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033529308243324914" border="0" /></a><br />2. Click <span class="tool2">Edit>Define Pattern</span> and save your pattern.<br />3. Open the image you want to apply the effect.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7k0By_i0lBL3mscprK19MJ8rjWeotbthyqA2gjGNu_Tq3uThKQlOPq8l1TMBQdOVAPY6ijGxBSdXzGMkjBeNnb1eoJI-8oHZC8nOnb6xJLSxjXN4OHz8Zx3KL_GNhwhafB86TxUA7hl8/s1600-h/meinv.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7k0By_i0lBL3mscprK19MJ8rjWeotbthyqA2gjGNu_Tq3uThKQlOPq8l1TMBQdOVAPY6ijGxBSdXzGMkjBeNnb1eoJI-8oHZC8nOnb6xJLSxjXN4OHz8Zx3KL_GNhwhafB86TxUA7hl8/s320/meinv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033529445682278402" border="0" /></a><br />4. Click Edit>Fill and choose "pattern" which you just created.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQXb6gIa2L5UovcIHfAEPPXn_hb9zfYKAgZy_Gil9-FpQnkf7NAbfq02aIbfKUTBzIxJBpEi6VOK41O0N2TW3ixZ3SvQXzizEYUVQdTKkGcnZhBvYWAbYlDDHEhbbiMTM2etcM0kaaz2J/s1600-h/meinv1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQXb6gIa2L5UovcIHfAEPPXn_hb9zfYKAgZy_Gil9-FpQnkf7NAbfq02aIbfKUTBzIxJBpEi6VOK41O0N2TW3ixZ3SvQXzizEYUVQdTKkGcnZhBvYWAbYlDDHEhbbiMTM2etcM0kaaz2J/s320/meinv1.jpg" alt="scanline_effect1" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033529505811820562" border="0" /></a><br />5. Not good? ok, adjust the opacity to 70%, 50%, and 30%.... Which one you like? The following is 30%<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sZvghkiyNYbmEuMY1tWLhuWM2BZi62At6QwQ7zjwJ-PNvCpyLUzxp1fl2o4ChCPnO2slTbKjZQRJMd4deZh1ZhJ28wWXV95KCocEfZQTAHVWlyz59LG33fwvy-Dlwb3bjwA_tJ4Ozu7q/s1600-h/meinv2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sZvghkiyNYbmEuMY1tWLhuWM2BZi62At6QwQ7zjwJ-PNvCpyLUzxp1fl2o4ChCPnO2slTbKjZQRJMd4deZh1ZhJ28wWXV95KCocEfZQTAHVWlyz59LG33fwvy-Dlwb3bjwA_tJ4Ozu7q/s320/meinv2.jpg" alt="scanline_effect" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033529587416199202" border="0" /></a><br />So simple? Yes. Photoshop always makes thing simple.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-69965226441327270262007-02-17T18:07:00.000-08:002007-02-17T18:08:52.192-08:00active the claim for technorati<a href="http://technorati.com/claim/2q8ep2vmhw" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-6149606884213708112007-02-12T21:36:00.000-08:002007-02-25T12:31:01.798-08:00AutoCAD Tips - updating<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">1. Using keyboard as much as you can.</span><br />If you only use mouse, you just use one hand, if you use keyboard, you can use two hands. So check the ACAD.PGP and get familiar to those alias of command. Also you can edit it to your favorite letters. A simple way to find the file "acad.pgp" is to search in windows explore.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">2. Using up-arrow and down-arrow</span><br />In addition to being able to repeat a command by simply pressing return or the space bar, you can scroll through your previous commands by using the up-arrow and down-arrow keys, thus eliminating the need to re-type long commands and system variables.<br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">3. Using Fillet to join lines to polyline</span><br />When you fillet a polyline to a line, the result is a polyline.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">4. Align hatch patterns</span><br />With AutoCAD 2006, it's easier than ever before to align the hatch pattern of multiple hatches to use one common hatch origin:<br />- When creating the first hatch entity, choose "Specify origin" in the BHATCH dialog, and click to select the new origin. Activate the "Store as default origin" checkbox before committing the BHATCH command with OK.<br />- When creating succeeding hatch entities, specify "use current origin". This way, the succeeding hatch entities will share the same hatch origin with the first hatch entity.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">5. using mouse to zoom in and zoom out.</span><br />If you have a wheel mouse, you can use the mid wheel to zoom in and zoom out. The location of your cursor determines what part of your drawing remains stationary.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">6. Using Find and replace to change text.</span><br />If you want to change lots of same text. Try find and replace.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">7. Using filter to select quickly.</span><br />Try using filter when you need to select objects with same character such as dimension, arc, red line, etc. Type filter and to see what you will get. You will love it.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">8. Finding the area of hatch entities</span><br />AutoCAD 2006 helps you to calculate the area of hatch entities; the Property Palette has a new field "Area". You can even select multiple hatch entities and see their cumulative area<br />displayed in the Property Palette. Of course, hatch islands and overlapping and intersecting areas are considered when calculating the area. This especially holds true for the cumulative area of multiple selected hatch entities; for example, a hatch entity that's fully contained within another hatch entity will not increase the "cumulative area" property when adding it to a selection that already contains the "outer" hatch.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-69225234450012102962007-02-11T14:43:00.000-08:002007-02-11T12:32:42.325-08:00make a logo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAuRe9h-a8pHlVWSedSprbFuWxTuF501HLc1Q-C_RMEww1BKQFytjk8_ONukp-jiYsH1WhELFC7ANWbHTR-OLl_AYGT4SW_siAvqM8QJFC591Xtv5HXPwG4N2f56pFD9AVhrgkkVxmkKb/s1600-h/logo7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAuRe9h-a8pHlVWSedSprbFuWxTuF501HLc1Q-C_RMEww1BKQFytjk8_ONukp-jiYsH1WhELFC7ANWbHTR-OLl_AYGT4SW_siAvqM8QJFC591Xtv5HXPwG4N2f56pFD9AVhrgkkVxmkKb/s320/logo7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030410947238064002" border="0" /></a><br />1. Create Text<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Q91coq1BDwX9DikM-G1R-wYeYUUpqAYa7S6ybtoXsbb1-RaFZhXQWwWnsWWJnJidCJQffdsWoMV6Va-yJJVALETFOusYywfivhVDgHHCPui8-eyR-SYM9RJbRw2IDmSu-HHRWjjD-FQ/s1600-h/logo1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Q91coq1BDwX9DikM-G1R-wYeYUUpqAYa7S6ybtoXsbb1-RaFZhXQWwWnsWWJnJidCJQffdsWoMV6Va-yJJVALETFOusYywfivhVDgHHCPui8-eyR-SYM9RJbRw2IDmSu-HHRWjjD-FQ/s320/logo1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030411393914662882" border="0" /></a><br />2. layer style<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cASqZWgenU2JKebk56jQAriDpRu4YwUL_tHllv-6bQNSMw59fPL73ZkN8psrV7NMa6_mGqsIRwLOKGLC9NmkRzZRNEKXKJZDImIXHMckh2C0AxSxLv8leXEb5QZ6eLCnK0KHhKMvBaLz/s1600-h/logo3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cASqZWgenU2JKebk56jQAriDpRu4YwUL_tHllv-6bQNSMw59fPL73ZkN8psrV7NMa6_mGqsIRwLOKGLC9NmkRzZRNEKXKJZDImIXHMckh2C0AxSxLv8leXEb5QZ6eLCnK0KHhKMvBaLz/s320/logo3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030411247885774786" border="0" /></a><br />3. create a gradient<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjMiGOxBt_Joj1mkdNUDJbm3fdmULeB2HemDDtE2nImV8-Y-cbInC3I6kdIdvZuKyfjG_K7fJUAscS1ObmbOMiewS8Cu0gdEdG7KxhTChJBuq3BVO4PxKzfWVcU6XkVXa50PrcJIgjWws/s1600-h/logo4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjMiGOxBt_Joj1mkdNUDJbm3fdmULeB2HemDDtE2nImV8-Y-cbInC3I6kdIdvZuKyfjG_K7fJUAscS1ObmbOMiewS8Cu0gdEdG7KxhTChJBuq3BVO4PxKzfWVcU6XkVXa50PrcJIgjWws/s320/logo4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030411179166298034" border="0" /></a><br />4. soft layer blend<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNxUjlusSZtNTgsPZPBCSqW3vHMc1o0zXheAplNHioSd0Hsx7KB_I2dzS9w0-cnYcJYjY9HsiOepOgAumOXXf5v00m8aYUUovdSUYkbrEcFcpF5xTRMxjUtP9utFlEJ_9GBM2sV_6OKK2/s1600-h/logo5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNxUjlusSZtNTgsPZPBCSqW3vHMc1o0zXheAplNHioSd0Hsx7KB_I2dzS9w0-cnYcJYjY9HsiOepOgAumOXXf5v00m8aYUUovdSUYkbrEcFcpF5xTRMxjUtP9utFlEJ_9GBM2sV_6OKK2/s320/logo5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030411114741788578" border="0" /></a><br />5. copy amd flip vertically<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J9OePuyrgoT53SR6SCFo_PmF8Ito-lyvSlxsaFCpvvc5W08sxR0vrniHMoPg4OiItZKLRUM31OfRaJ0wBrRMprDmoMFdPnqEsfzWGSxLT4bJ8MirhwBDiw-wHi6E8kAGPFeC69MbM6-I/s1600-h/logo6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J9OePuyrgoT53SR6SCFo_PmF8Ito-lyvSlxsaFCpvvc5W08sxR0vrniHMoPg4OiItZKLRUM31OfRaJ0wBrRMprDmoMFdPnqEsfzWGSxLT4bJ8MirhwBDiw-wHi6E8kAGPFeC69MbM6-I/s320/logo6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030411015957540754" border="0" /></a><br />6. mask, delete<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAuRe9h-a8pHlVWSedSprbFuWxTuF501HLc1Q-C_RMEww1BKQFytjk8_ONukp-jiYsH1WhELFC7ANWbHTR-OLl_AYGT4SW_siAvqM8QJFC591Xtv5HXPwG4N2f56pFD9AVhrgkkVxmkKb/s1600-h/logo7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAuRe9h-a8pHlVWSedSprbFuWxTuF501HLc1Q-C_RMEww1BKQFytjk8_ONukp-jiYsH1WhELFC7ANWbHTR-OLl_AYGT4SW_siAvqM8QJFC591Xtv5HXPwG4N2f56pFD9AVhrgkkVxmkKb/s320/logo7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030410947238064002" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-32977090717776163652007-02-08T22:58:00.000-08:002007-02-08T23:00:48.757-08:00Tips of creating better PDFs<p>By Creative Guy<br /></p><p>Acrobat PDFs were created a long time ago with the idea of creating a file format that was universally readable by any operating system with a PDF reader, regardless of whether or not you had the original program and fonts that created the PDF file. The idea was fantastic.</p> <p>Over time though, different versions of the PDF file format started popping up in Adobe programs, allowing great control over the creation of the PDF, as well as the ability to edit the PDF files – something not originally intended for the format.</p> <p>Today we have no less than five main versions of the PDF format to choose from, and even more standards when creating PDF files. It’s just gotten too confusing, in my opinion.</p> <p>Nevertheless, PDF is here to stay, and you had better know how to work with them if you want a smooth workflow and less problems when sending PDF files of your ads and collateral to publications and printers.</p> <p>Below is a very brief breakdown of the various PDF formats and standards used in the design and printing industry.</p> <p><strong>Acrobat 8 (PDF 1.7)<br /></strong>The baby of the bunch. Acrobat 8 just started shipping a short while ago, so not many applications can create an Acrobat 8 PDF, and even less can use them. Avoid this format for a while.</p> <p><strong>Acrobat 7 (PDF 1.6)<br /></strong>Not much changed from version 6 in this release. Some techno-geekery and that’s about it. I would guess that most people completely skipped this release, and it’s probably best if you skip using this format as well.</p> <p><strong>Acrobat 6 (PDF 1.5)<br /></strong>This is probably the version you should use for most screen resolution proofs, internal PDFs and for output with commercial printers. Lots of people have this version and it’s a proven winner. This version introduced layers to the PDF format and allows for JPEG2000 compression, a new JPEG format that uses better compression methods. This version also properly supports transparency in the PDF file.</p> <p><strong>Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4)<br /></strong>This was the first version of PDF to support transparency and metadata support. While this version is also the first version (that I’m aware of) that is not a “flattened” format. There’s not much reason to use this version when creating a PDF file, as most commercial printers have moved on to newer versions.</p> <p><strong>Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3)<br /></strong>This is the most widely accepted version of a PDF. Virtually everyone can open a PDF 1.3 file. It predates transparency and unflattened formats, but includes support for CMYK and Spot colors, so it’s probably the “safest” format to use when sending PDF files to smaller printers and publications for output since it offers the least amount of things to go wrong.</p> <p>Acrobat also offers pre-defined output settings called “standards” which aid you in creating better PDFs. These are not special formats, just ways of creating normal PDFs for specific uses.</p> <p><strong>PDF/X-1a<br /></strong>This is the absolute best way to send a PDF for output, in my opinion. It is the standard used by the vast majority of the printing industry. By requiring the PDF to have all fonts embedded, any transparency flattened, and the colorspace to be either CMYK or Spot color, the PDF/X-1a format (which is a 1.3 version file) is all but guaranteed to output correctly.</p> <p><strong>PDF/X-2<br /></strong>Not a viable format except in special cases. This version of PDF was designed for specific workflows such as OPI. If you aren’t sure what that is, then you shouldn’t use this format.</p> <p><strong>PDF/X-3<br /></strong>PDF/X-3 is basically the same as PDF/X-1a except that it allows RGB data in the files. The advantage to this is that it gives you the ability to maintain the most amount of color in your images, and the printer the most control over the file when they convert it to CMYK - resulting in better color conversion. Unfortunately, most printers don’t want that responsibility or flat-out don’t support it. It’s probably best to avoid this format standard as well.</p> <p><strong>PDF/A<br /></strong>The “A” probably short for “archive.” This standard was basically created to “future proof” your current PDFs. Files saved with this standard are more likely to work perfectly 10 years from now with any application that can read a PDF. This format is perfect for archiving old work when you know you aren’t going to change it or output it commercially.</p> <p>In closing, I’ll leave you with a bit of advice. To keep things simple, use PDF/X-1a for ads. This is the most universally accepted method and will yield the best results when you’re uncertain as to the capabilities and experience of the publication or printer who will be outputting the file. Use Acrobat 6 (PDF 1.5) when creating your PDFs when you’re confident that the printer knows what they’re doing and their RIP supports it properly. It allows for greater flexibility on their end. If you’re in doubt, fall back to the PDF/X-1a format.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-28034230505725623862007-02-08T22:37:00.001-08:002007-02-08T19:20:08.732-08:00Colorize a Black and White Photo<span>In this tutorial I will teach you how to add some color to a black and white image. You can view the example and the changes we will be making to it below:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.adobetutorialz.com/content_images/AdobePhotoshop/ColorManagement/bw/1.jpg" border="0" /><img src="http://www.adobetutorialz.com/content_images/AdobePhotoshop/ColorManagement/bw/2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Open in Adobe Photoshop the document you would like to colorize. Next, go to Image / Mode and tick CMYK Color. This is very important - if you don't tick CMYK Color, it won't work.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.adobetutorialz.com/content_images/AdobePhotoshop/ColorManagement/bw/cmyk.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />We will add color to the man's face first. Using the lasso tool, roughly select the area of his skin you would like to colorize.<br /><br />Then enter quick mask mode found on the tool bar and mask around his face in greater detail.<br /><img src="http://www.adobetutorialz.com/content_images/AdobePhotoshop/ColorManagement/bw/masktool.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />You should have something that looks like this:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.adobetutorialz.com/content_images/AdobePhotoshop/ColorManagement/bw/quickmask.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Hit Q (or leave the Quick Mask mode), and you should have the man's fice nicely selected and feathered. Next, go to Layer / New Adjustment Layer, and click on Curves. Play around with the curve levels until you get something satisfactory, such as below:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.adobetutorialz.com/content_images/AdobePhotoshop/ColorManagement/bw/curves.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Repeat this same process with all different colored areas of the man until you have fully colorized him. Remeber, you have to use your imagination and be creative when it comes to guessing the colors, but you'll get the hang of it eventually!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.adobetutorialz.com/content_images/AdobePhotoshop/ColorManagement/bw/2.jpg" border="0" /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-24156902336655068052007-02-07T20:21:00.001-08:002007-02-07T20:21:12.616-08:0025 Photoshop Tips for Type - By Trevor MorrisFormatting<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />1. Here is a very useful tip for achieving added control over the rendering of small type. Double-click on an existing type layer ( Type Layer ) to enter type / edit mode. Move the type in the image window (by holding down the Ctrl key) to cause the anti-aliasing to shift / rerender. Once you are pleased with the anti-aliasing, commit / accept the type changes (by pressing Ctrl+Enter). Finally, you may reposition the type as desired without affecting the anti-aliasing.<br /><br />Tip: Also try different anti-aliasing methods for the above tip.<br /><br />Note: You may adjust the anti-aliasing as often as you like by entering edit mode and moving the type. Once out of edit mode, you may move the type without affecting the anti-aliasing.<br /><br />2. Anti-aliased type may be rendered inconsistently at small sizes (or low resolutions). To reduce this inconsistency, turn off the Fractional Widths option, in the Character palette menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br />3. Paragraph Text Size Hold the Alt key as you click or drag a text box to display a Paragraph Text Size dialog box. The dialog box will display the current text box dimensions: enter the desired values for the Width and Height.<br /><br />Note: Another alternative is to simply watch the Width (W) and Height (H) values in the Info palette [F8] (Window » Show Info) as you draw the text box.<br /><br />Note: If you continue to hold Alt key down after the mouse button has been depressed (and you begin to drag), the text box will be drawn from the center. Upon releasing the mouse button, the Text Box Size dialog box will appear.<br /><br />4. To convert point text to paragraph text (or vice versa), right-click with the Type tool [ T ] and choose Convert to Paragraph Text (or choose Layer » Type » Convert to Paragraph Text from the menus).<br /><br />5. To modify the properties of several type layers simultaneously (i.e. font, color, size, etc.), link the desired type layers together and hold the Shift key while changing the type properties.<br /><br />Note: This feature applies to changes performed in the Options palette (Window » Show Options), the Character palette (Window » Show Character), and / or Paragraph palette (Window » Show Paragraph).<br /><br />6. Despite the fact that both the Edit » Fill command and the Paint Bucket tool [G] are disabled for type layers, Alt+Backspace (fill with foreground color) and Ctrl+Backspace (fill with background color) still work!<br /><br />7. Using the Type tool [ T ], right-click on type layers (in the image window) to display a context menu with many useful formatting options.<br /><br />Note: The right-click menu that appears in ImageReady has many more options available than the one that appears in Photoshop.<br /><br />8. For fonts that do not have associated bold or italic equivalents, try using the Faux Bold and Faux Italic options in the Character palette menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br />Tip: You may also access the Faux Bold and Faux Italic options by right-clicking on a type layer with the Type tool [ T ].<br /><br />9. New! Hold down both the Shift and Ctrl keys while scaling type / paragraph layers to change the size and leading simultaneously.<br /><br /> <br />Enhanced Functionality<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />10. While in type / edit mode, use the View » Show Extras [Ctrl+H] command to hide a text selection.<br /><br />11. To restrict the use of certain fonts to Adobe applications, place them in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Fonts\<br /><br />12. Use the following click (and drag) features for enhanced type-selection capabilities:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Double-click (and drag) select word (and then select one word at a time)<br />Triple-click (and drag) select line (and then select one line at a time)<br />Quadruple-click (and drag) select paragraph (then select a paragraph at a time)<br />Quintuple-click select all characters in a bounding box<br /><br />13. If you are experiencing problems (or even crashes) when Photoshop attempts to load, try deleting the adobefnt.lst file (in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Fonts\ ). Deleting this file forces Photoshop to recreate its font list and possibly fix the problem.<br /><br />14. Photoshop's font family field (in the Type tool Options palette) has an auto-complete feature; so, instead of searching through the font list, simply type the first few characters of the desired font and Photoshop will complete the name.<br /><br />15. While in type mode, press Ctrl+T to display the Character and Paragraph palettes (or press the Palettes button in the Options palette).<br /><br />16. New! To create a text selection with the standard Type tool [ T ], turn on Quick Mask mode [Q] ( Edit in Quick Mask Mode ), and then enter the desired text. After committing the text, it will automatically turn into a selection.<br /><br />17. New! To quickly change the font while using the Type tool [ T ], press the Enter key to highlight the font family field and then press the up / down arrow keys (or use the mouse wheel) to choose a font.<br /><br />18. New! Double-click on the thumbnail associated with a type layer (in the Layers palette) to highlight all the text on the current layer. This is equivalent to choosing Select All [Ctrl+A] from the context menu in edit mode.<br /><br />19. New! If you want to change the attributes for all text on the current type layer, it is not necessary to select the text: simply make the desired changes in the Character and / or Paragraph palette(s) and the type layer will be updated to reflect the changes.<br /><br /> <br />Keyboard Shortcuts (HotKeys)<br /><br /> Previous Section<br />20. Use the Enter key on the numeric keypad (on the right side of the keyboard), or Ctrl+Enter (on the main keyboard) to commit text changes. Press Esc to cancel / discard changes.<br /><br />Note: You may also use the Commit Changes button ( Commit Changes ) in the Options palette (Window » Show Options) to accept any type changes. Use the Cancel Changes button ( Cancel Changes ) to discard any changes.<br /><br /> <br />Quote Alt Code<br /> 0145<br /> 0146<br /> 0147<br /> 0148<br />21. Use the following Alt codes to add smart quotes to your text:<br /><br />Note: To enter Alt codes, hold down the Alt key and enter the number shown using the keypad (on the right side of the keyboard).<br /> <br />22. New! Use the Alt key sequences below to add the indicated special characters to your type layers:<br /><br />Alt Code Symbol Name<br />Alt+0153 TM trademark<br />Alt+0169 © copyright<br />Alt+0174 ® registered<br />Alt+0176 ° degree<br />Alt+0149 • bullet<br />Alt+0183 · mid dot<br />Alt+0133 … ellipse<br />Alt+0177 ± plus / minus<br />Alt+0247 ÷ division<br /> <br />Alt Code Symbol Name<br />Alt+0171 « left guillemet<br />Alt+0187 » right guillemet<br />Alt+0186 º superscript 0<br />Alt+0185 ¹ superscript 1<br />Alt+0178 ² superscript 2<br />Alt+0179 ³ superscript 3<br />Alt+0188 ¼ quarter<br />Alt+0189 ½ half<br />Alt+0190 ¾ three quarters<br /><br />Note: To enter Alt codes, hold down the Alt key and enter the number shown using the keypad (on the right side of the keyboard).<br /><br />23. The table below provides the navigation and selection hotkeys that are available while in edit mode (working with type):<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Ctrl+H hide selection<br />Ctrl+A select all type<br />Home / End move cursor to beginning / end of line<br />Shift+ Home / End select type to beginning / end of line<br />Ctrl+ Home / End move cursor to beginning / end of story<br />Ctrl+Shift+ Home / End select type to beginning / end of story<br />/ move cursor to previous / next character<br />Shift+ / select previous / next character<br />Ctrl+ / move cursor to previous / next word<br />Ctrl+Shift+ / select previous / next word<br />/ move cursor one line up / down<br />Ctrl+ / cursor to previous / next paragraph<br />Shift+ / select one line up / down<br />Ctrl+Shift+ / select one line up / down to end of line<br /><br />24. Updated! Below is a table of hotkeys for controlling the relative positioning of type:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Alt+ / * decrease / increase tracking by 20/1000em<br />Ctrl+Alt+ / decrease / increase kerning by 100/1000em<br />Ctrl+Shift+ < / > decrease / increase type size by 2px (pt)<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+ < / > decrease / increase type size by 10px (pt)<br />Alt+ / decrease / increase leading by 2px (pt)<br />Ctrl+Alt+ / decrease / increase leading by 10px (pt)<br />Alt+Shift+ / raise / lower baseline by 2px (pt)<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+ / raise / lower baseline by 10px (pt)<br /><br />* If a text selection exists, these keys will adjust the tracking instead of the kerning.<br />25. The table below provides hotkeys for controlling type / paragraph characteristics:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Ctrl+Shift+C center-align type<br />Ctrl+Shift+L left-align type<br />Ctrl+Shift+R right-align type<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+A set leading to auto<br />Ctrl+Shift+Q set tracking to 0px (pt)<br />Ctrl+Shift+U toggle underlining on / off<br />Ctrl+Shift+K toggle all caps on / off<br />Ctrl+Shift+H toggle small caps on / off<br />Ctrl+Shift+ / toggle strikethrough on / off<br />Ctrl+Shift++ toggle superscript on / off<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift++ toggle subscript on / off<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+H toggle hyphenation on / off<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+T toggle every-line composer on / off<br />Ctrl+Shift+X set horizontal scaling to 100%<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+X set vertical scaling to 100%<br />Ctrl+Shift+F justify paragraph (force last line)<br />Ctrl+Shift+J justify paragraph (left-align last line)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-32695501844986275792007-02-07T20:20:00.000-08:002007-02-07T20:20:24.707-08:0016 Photoshop Tips for Configuration - By Trevor MorrisPreferences<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />1. In the Edit » Preferences » Saving Files [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+2] you can set the number of recent files to display in the File » Open Recent submenu to a number between 0 and 30. Don't tell anyone, but Photoshop secretly keeps track of the last 30 files regardless of the number you specify: it just displays the number of entries that you specify. In fact, you can increase the number of recent files to be displayed and see the results immediately (in the File » Open Recent menu).<br /><br />2. Photoshop requires a scratch disk that is at least three to five times the size of the largest image that you intend to work on – regardless of the amount of RAM you have.<br /><br />Example: If you are working on a 5MB image, you should have at least 15MB to 25MB of hard drive space and RAM available.<br /><br />3. If you do not allocate enough scratch disk space, Photoshop's performance could suffer. The amount of RAM used Photoshop is limited by the available scratch disk space. So, if you have 1GB of RAM and tell Photoshop to use 75% of that (or 750MB), but only have 200MB available on the designated scratch disk, then the most RAM that Photoshop will use is 200MB.<br /><br />Note: To get optimum performance from Photoshop, set your Physical Memory Usage [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+8] (Edit » Preferences » Memory & Image Cache) between 50%-75%.<br /><br />Note: You should never assign Photoshop's Scratch Disk [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+7] (Edit » Preferences » Plug-Ins & Scratch Disks) to same drive as your Operating System (e.g. C:\), since your this will force Photoshop and your OS to compete for the available resources – thereby decreasing performance.<br /><br />4. Holding the Ctrl and Alt keys while launching Photoshop will allow you to change Photoshop's Scratch Disk Preferences before it loads.<br /><br />5. To reset all preferences to their defaults, press (and hold) Ctrl+Alt+Shift immediately after launching Photoshop (or ImageReady). A dialog box will appear to ask for confirmation.<br /><br />6. Normally, when you select a history state and then change the image, all states below the active state are deleted (or, more accurately, replaced by the current state). However, if you enable the Allow Non-Linear History option (from the History Options in the History palette menu), you may select a state, make a change to the image, and the change will be appended to the bottom of the History palette (instead of replacing all the states below the active state). You can even delete a state without losing any of the states below it!<br /><br />Note: The color of the horizontal lines between history states indicate their linearity. White dividers indicate linear states and black dividers indicate non-linear states.<br /><br />Note: Not only is a non-linear history very memory intensive, it can also be very confusing!<br /><br />7. New! Use the following Image Preview options [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+2] (Edit » Preferences » Saving Files) to save custom icons and preview images with your Photoshop documents:<br /><br />Always Save: saves a custom icon and an image preview (on the Photoshop Image tab of the image's Properties dialog box) with your image.<br /><br />Note: Enabling Image Previews typically increases the file size by about 2KB.<br /><br />Ask When Saving: allows you to manually toggle the Thumbnail option in the Save As dialog box.<br /><br />Note: This option does not really "ask when saving",; it simply makes the Thumbnail option available when saving your image(s).<br /><br />Never Save: disables image previews and custom icons. This option also disables the Thumbnail option in the Save As dialog box.<br /><br />Tip: You can also toggle the creation of image previews via the Generate Thumbnail option located on the Photoshop Image tab of the image's Properties dialog box.<br /><br /> <br />Customization<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />8. An alternative to deleting unwanted plug-ins (.8be), filters (.8bf), file formats (.8bi), etc., is to prefix their filenames (or containing folders) with a tilde ( ~ ). Photoshop will ignore any files or folders beginning with a tilde ( ~ ).<br /><br />Example: To disable all "Digimarc" plug-ins, rename the folder to "~Digimarc".<br /><br />9. You may customize the "File » Jump To" and "File » Preview In" menus with Photoshop / ImageReady by creating shortcuts to your favorite applications within the Helpers folder:<br /><br />C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop 6.0\Helpers\<br /><br />Note: The above path assumes a default installation (for Windows).<br /><br />Add your favorite graphics application(s) to Photoshop's "File » Jump To" submenu by creating a shortcut in the "Jump To Graphics Editor" folder.<br /><br />To add your own HTML editor(s) to ImageReady's "File » Jump To" submenu, create a shortcut to the desired application(s) within the "Jump To HTML Editor" folder.<br /><br />To include your preferred browser(s) in ImageReady's "File » Preview In" submenu (or Preview In button – in the toolbar), create a shortcut within the "Preview In" folder.<br /><br />Note: You may need to restart Photoshop / ImageReady for the applications to be displayed in their respective menus.<br /><br />Preview In Tip: Choosing a browser from the "File » Preview In" submenu (or Preview In button), assigns that browser as the default [Ctrl+Alt+P]. The designated browser takes effect immediately and persists the next time you launch ImageReady.<br /><br />Note: Although you may include additional graphic applications in the "File » Jump To" submenu for both Photoshop and ImageReady, you cannot reassign their default graphic applications. ImageReady's default graphics application [Ctrl+Shift+M] ( Jump to... ) is Photoshop, and Photoshop's default graphics application [Ctrl+Shift+M] ( Jump to... ) is ImageReady.<br /><br />10. To force Windows (especially for 95 / NT) to use a specific monitor profile, do the following:<br /><br /> 1. Remove Adobe Gamma Loader from Start Menu » Startup<br /> 2. Establish the Path\Name of the ICM profile to be used (most likely in C:\WinNT\System32\Color\)<br /> 3. Run RegEdit (using Start Menu » Run) and navigate to the following entry:<br /> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE » Software » Adobe » Color » Monitor » Monitor0<br /> 4. Create a New Key called Monitor Profile<br /> 5. Enter the Path\Name of the profile (from step 2) into the Monitor Profile key<br /><br />RegEdit Screenshot<br /><br />Note: After installing this profile, do not run Adobe Gamma again since it will reinstall the Adobe Gamma Loader (into Start Menu » Startup).<br /><br /> <br />Miscellanious<br /><br /> Previous Section<br />11. To free up memory you may choose Edit » Purge » Histories, but be warned that this will clear the history states of all open documents.<br /><br />Note: To purge the history states of the active document (only), hold the Alt key and choose Clear History from the History palette menu (Palette Menu). This will purge all history states without changing the image.<br /><br />Warning! The above commands cannot be undone.<br /><br />12. To calculate the file size of an image, use the following equation:<br /><br /> File Size = Resolution 2 x Width x Height x Depth / 8192 (bits/KB)<br /><br />For 24-bit images at screen resolution (i.e. 72dpi) use:<br /><br /> File Size = Width x Height x 3 / 1024<br /><br />Tip: Divide by 1024 (KB/MB) to determine the file size in Megabytes.<br /><br />13. New! To ensure accurate histograms in the Levels dialog box, turn off the "Use cache for histograms" option in Edit » Preferences » Memory & Image Cache [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+8].<br /><br />14. New! To create a Web-safe color, ensure that the R, G, and B components of the color are multiples of 33 hexadecimal (or 51 decimal). For example, any of the following values are acceptable: 00 (0), 33 (51), 66 (102), 99 (153), CC (204), FF (255).<br /><br />15. New! Since the compression algorithms used for both JPEG and PNG work on blocks of 8 square pixels (i.e. 8 pixels wide by 8 pixels high), the file size of the image could be reduced by a few percent if the overall dimensions are divisible by 8.<br /><br />16. New! When reducing (or enlarging – although you should avoid up-sampling unless absolutely necessary) the size of an image, reducing in steps will preserve more of the image detail. This technique is often referred to as "Step Interpolation". Use the following formula to figure out the required step size:<br /><br />Step Size = x 100%<br /><br />Example: To scale an image by 25% (0.25) in 5 steps, the calculation would be:<br /><br />Step Size = = 0.758 x 100% = 75.8%<br /><br />Therefore, you would need to scale the image five times at 75.8% to end up with an image that is 25% of its original size.<br /><br />Tip: Actions, scripts and batch processes can be used to simplify and expedite the step interpolation process, especially where many steps or large numbers of images are involved.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-31553462445937052592007-02-07T20:19:00.000-08:002007-02-07T20:19:27.946-08:0016 Photoshop Tips for Action & Batch - By Trevor MorrisActions<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />1. To play just one step within an action, choose the step and Ctrl-click on the Play button ( Play current selection ), at the bottom of the Actions palette [F9] (Window » Show Actions).<br /><br />Note: To change the parameters of a particular command step, double-click on the step to reveal the associated dialog box: any new values entered will automatically be recorded.<br /><br />2. To begin playback from a specific step of an action, simply choose the desired step and press the Play button ( Play current selection ), at the bottom of the Actions palette [F9] (Window » Show Actions).<br /><br />3. If you are recording an action that might be used on different canvas sizes, be sure to switch your ruler units to percentage. This will ensure that all commands and brush strokes are recorded relative to the canvas size – and not based specific pixel coordinates.<br /><br />Tip: To quickly change the ruler units, right-click on the Rulers [Ctrl+R] (View » Show Rulers) and select the desired unit of measurement. You may also access the ruler settings by double-clicking on the rulers, or by choosing Edit » Preferences » Units & Rulers [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+5] from the menus.<br /><br />4. While recording / editing an action, you may insert a menu command (which might otherwise be unavailable), by choosing Insert Menu Item from the Actions palette menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br />Tip: This is also a great way to keep action steps generic (i.e. the menu commands will not be recorded with predefined parameters).<br /><br />5. Press Ctrl+Alt and choose Save Actions from the Actions palette menu (Palette Menu) to save all actions to a text file. This is very useful for reviewing or printing the contents of an action.<br /><br />Note: The text file cannot be reloaded into Photoshop.<br /><br />6. One really powerful aspect of actions is the ability to have them play other actions (even from different action sets). This feature is ideal for actions that contain repetitive command segments that could be segregated into action "subroutines" (thereby making the action easier to edit and maintain). While recording an action, choose another action and press the play button ( Play Action ): the play command is recorded as an action step (Play action "Name" of Set "Name" ) in the current action.<br /><br />7. Use the File » Automate » Create Droplet command to save an action as a droplet. A droplet is a small executable file that will automatically launch Photoshop and apply the designated action to any images that you drop onto it.<br /><br />8. Organize your actions by creating subfolders within the default Photoshop Actions folder (C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop 6.0\Presets\Photoshop Actions\ – assuming a default install on a PC). Photoshop will still find these actions and even make them available from the Action palette menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br />Note: Prefix actions subfolders (or even individual actions) with a tilde (~) to disable them.<br /><br />9. If you run an action but do not like the results, you have to undo all the steps that the action performed. Instead, create a snapshot (via the New Snapshot button ( New Snapshot ) in the History palette) before running an action; you may then click on the snapshot to revert the image back to state it was in before the action was executed.<br /><br />Tip: ImageReady treats actions as single steps in its History palette so you can undo actions in one step.<br /><br />10. Alt-drag an action step within the Actions palette [F9] (Window » Show Actions) to duplicate it.<br /><br />11. New! To include the creation of a path within an action, first create the path (before recording the action): then, with the path selected, begin recording and choose Insert Path from the Actions palette menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br />12. New! Select non-contiguous action steps using the Shift key. Use the Ctrl key to range select contiguous action steps. You may then move, copy, duplicate, delete, or even play the selected steps!<br /><br />Note: You may only select multiple steps within a single action.<br /><br /> <br />Batch Processing<br /><br /> Previous Section<br />13. To improve the performance of batch processes (File » Automate » Batch), reduce the number of saved history states, in the General Preferences [Ctrl+K] (Edit » Preferences » General), and deselect the Automatically Create First Snapshot option in the History Options (History palette menu » History Options).<br /><br />14. To batch-process multiple folders in a single batch, enable the Include All Subfolders option, and create shortcuts within the source folder to all folders you would like to have processed.<br /><br />15. To batch-process multiple actions, create a new action and record the batch for each action that you would like to process. Then run a batch-process using the newly created action.<br /><br />Tip: You may also use this technique in conjunction with tip 14, above.<br /><br />16. To change the default Web Contact Sheets (File » Automate » Web Photo Gallery), edit the HTML files located in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop 6.0\Presets\WebContactSheet\. You may even create your own HTML files and place them in their own folders. Your template will then appear in the Web Photo Gallery dialog box (without having to restart Photoshop).<br /><br />Note: It is always a good idea to make a backup of any files that you are going to change: however, you can always restore them from the Photoshop installation CD.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-37204440571590880462007-02-07T20:18:00.002-08:002007-02-07T20:18:41.794-08:0011 Photoshop Tips for Guids & Rules - By Trevor MorrisGuides<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />1. While dragging guides, hold down the Alt key to switch between vertical and horizontal guides. Alt-click on an existing vertical guide to change it into a horizontal guide, and vice versa.<br /><br />Note: Guides are created by dragging them out from the document rulers, so ensure that the rulers are turned on [Ctrl+R] (View » Show Rulers).<br /><br />2. Dragging guides with the Shift key held down will force them to snap to the ruler increments / markings.<br /><br />3. To prevent guides from snapping to canvas boundaries and layers objects, hold down the Ctrl key while dragging them.<br /><br />4. Double-click on guides to open the Guides & Grid Preferences [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+6] (Edit » Preferences » Guides & Grid).<br /><br />5. Use paths to create curved or diagonal guides. Simply draw a path using the Pen tool [P] and use it as a guide while drawing or painting (the path will remain visible).<br />Tip: Use the Show Target Path command [Ctrl+Shift+H] (View » Show » Target Path) to toggle the visibility of a path.<br /><br />6. Guides snap not only to the edges (left, right, top and bottom) of the active layer or selection, but also to the vertical and horizontal centers of the current layer or selection. The opposite is also true: you may snap a selection or layer to an existing guide (either by edge or center).<br /><br />Note: Guides do not snap to the Background layer. Also, be sure that Snap [Ctrl+ ; ] (View » Snap) and Snap To Guides (View » Snap To » Guides) are turned on for the above tip to work.<br /><br />Tip: Find the center of the canvas by filling a new layer and snapping a guide to the vertical and horizontal centers.<br /><br />7. To add guides at a specific location on the canvas, use the View » New Guide command. This is especially useful for placing guides from within an action.<br /><br />Example: Click here to download an action that finds the canvas center by placing guides at positions 50% horizontal and 50% vertical.<br /><br />8. Use the View » Show » Show Extras Options dialog box to set which screen objects are toggled on / off when you choose View » Show Extras [Ctrl+H].<br /><br />9. New! Use the View » Lock Guides command [Ctrl+Alt+;] to stop guides from flipping with the canvas when you choose Image » Rotate Canvas » Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical.<br /><br /> <br />Rulers<br /><br /> Previous Section<br /> Choose Unit of Measurement<br />10. Double-click on the Rulers [Ctrl+R] (View » Show Rulers) to open the Units & Rulers Preferences [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+5] (Edit » Preferences » Units & Rulers).<br /><br />Tip: You can also select a new unit of measurement from the Cursor Coordinates pop-up menu on the Info palette [F8] (Window » Show Info).<br /> <br /> Move Ruler Origin<br />11. Center the ruler origin anywhere on the canvas by dragging from the top-left corner (where the rulers meet). Reset the origin to its default position by double-clicking on the top-left corner.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-90719558362413718392007-02-07T20:18:00.001-08:002007-02-07T20:17:48.027-08:0042 Photoshop Tips for Layer - By Trevor MorrisLayers<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br /><br />1. Hide / reveal all layers by Alt-clicking on the visibility icon ( Visibility Icon ) of the desired layer.<br /><br />2. Unlink all layers from the current layer by Alt-clicking on the current layer's paintbrush icon ( Paint Icon ).<br /><br />3. Change the opacity of the currently active tool or layer by using the number keys (on the keyboard or on the number pad). Press "1" for 10% opacity, "5" for 50%, and so on: use "0" for 100% opacity. Numbers pressed in succession, such as "85", will result in an opacity of 85%.<br /><br />Note: The above hotkeys also affect the opacity of the currently active paint tool, so if you wish to change the opacity of the active layer, be sure to switch to the Move tool [V] or one of the selection tools first.<br /><br />4. Alt-click on the Trash icon ( Delete Current Layer ), at the bottom of the Layers palette, to quickly delete layers (without confirmation): this also works with channels and paths.<br /><br />Tip: This technique also works for layer masks and clipping paths: click on an appropriate thumbnail and then Alt-click on the Trash icon ( Delete Current Layer ) to delete the mask or path without confirmation.<br /><br />5. New! Ctrl-click the Delete Layer icon ( Delete Layer ), at the bottom of the Layers palette, to simultaneously delete all linked layers.<br /><br />Tip: Ctrl+Alt-click the Delete layer icon ( Delete Layer ), to delete all linked layers without confirmation.<br /><br />Note: This tip will not work if all layers are linked together, because it is not possible to delete every layer in an image (i.e. at least one layer is required in any given image).<br /><br />6. Updated! With the Move tool [V] as the current tool (or while holding down the Ctrl key), right-click anywhere on the canvas for a list of the layers under the mouse pointer (ordered from top-most to bottom-most): select a layer-name from the list to make it the active layer.<br /><br />Naming Layers and Sets Tip: If you get into the habit of naming layers in lower case and sets in upper case (or vice versa), you'll be able to easily distinguish the two when selecting layers or sets via the right-context menu.<br /><br />Tip: Add the Alt key (Alt-right-click) to automatically choose the top-most layer under the pointer. Alternatively, you may turn on the Auto Select Layer option in the Options palette (while the Move tool [V] is selected).<br /><br />Tip: Add the Shift key (Alt+Shift-right-click) to link / unlink the top-most layer that intersects with the current layer.<br /><br />7. Ctrl-click (or drag) with the Move tool [V] to automatically select (or move) the top-most layer under the mouse pointer. Ctrl+Shift-click (or drag) with Move tool [V] to link (or move) the top-most layer with the current active layer.<br /><br />8. Updated! Ctrl-click on the New Layer button ( New Layer ) or New Set button ( New Layer Set ), at the bottom of the Layers palette, to have the new layer or set inserted below the current layer or set. Ctrl+Alt-click to reveal the dialog box for the new layer or set to be added.<br /><br />9. Alt-double-click on a layer-name (in the Layers palette) to display the Layer Properties dialog box (i.e. to rename a layer).<br /><br />Tip: Alt-double-click on a Background layer to turn it into a regular layer (named "Layer 0") without confirmation.<br /><br />10. To lower the opacity for just a portion of a layer, make a selection, and press Shift+Backspace (or choose Edit » Fill from the menus) to access the Fill dialog box: set the blending mode to Clear, and set to the opacity as desired for the selected region.<br /><br />Another approach is to clear [Backspace] (Edit » Clear) the selected region, establish the desired history state, and then restore the contents of the selected region using the Fill command [Shift+Backspace] (Edit » Fill) with the Contents set to History and the opacity set as desired.<br /><br />11. By default, shapes are accompanied by a Color Fill layer. To change this, choose a new fill / adjustment layer from the Layer » Change Layer Contents submenu.<br /><br />12. Use the following keyboard shortcuts for moving and navigating through layers:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Alt+ [ / ] activate previous / next (visible) layer<br />Alt+Shift+ [ / ] activate bottom / top-most (visible) layer<br />Ctrl+ [ / ] move layer down (backward) / up (forward)<br />Ctrl+Shift+ [ / ] move layer to bottom (back) / top (front)<br /><br />13. To drag multiple layers between documents, first link them together, then use the Move tool [V] to drag them from one document window into the other.<br /><br />Note: You cannot drag multiple layers from the Layers palette into another document – even if they are linked together – this will only move the selected layer.<br />14. Duplicate a layer by dragging it onto the New Layer button ( New Snapshot ) at the bottom of the Layers palette; or choose Duplicate Layer from the Layers palette menu (Palette menu).<br /><br />15. Here is a neat trick: use Ctrl+J (Layer » New » Layer via Copy) to duplicate the current layer (when there is no active selection).<br /><br />16. New! Alt-drag a layer onto the New Layer icon ( Create a new layer ) at the bottom of the Layers palette to duplicate the layer into a new document.<br /><br /> <br />Layer Sets<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />17. Changing the blending mode and / or opacity of a layer set affects all layers within the set (effectively treating all layers inside as a single layer).<br /><br />18. To simultaneously place multiple layers into a Layer Set, first link the layers and then choose New Set From Linked from the Layer palette menu (Palette Menu); or choose Layer » New » Layer Set From Linked from the menus.<br /><br />Tip: Hold down the Alt key while choosing New Set From Linked to skip the dialog box (and use the Layer Set's default name and properties).<br /><br />19. Updated! To lock the transparency ( Transparency ), image / pixels ( Pixels ), position ( Position ), or all of these ( Lock All ), for all layers within a set, choose Layer » Lock All Layers in Set.<br /><br />Tip: Press the foward slash key ( / ) to toggle the current lock settings on or off.<br /><br />20. To release all layers from a set (i.e. delete the set without deleting the layers inside), activate the layer set and Ctrl+Alt-click on the trash icon ( Delete Current Layer ) or Ctrl-drag the layer set onto the trash icon ( Delete Current Layer ). Alternatively, click the trash icon ( Delete Current Layer ) and choose Set Only from the resulting confirmation dialog box.<br /><br />21. Duplicate a layer set (including all the layers inside) by dragging it onto the New Layer Set button ( New Layer Set ) at the bottom of the Layers palette; or choose Duplicate Layer Set from the Layers palette menu (Palette menu).<br /><br />22. To create a new document from a layer set, Alt-drag the set onto the New Layer Set icon ( New Layer Set ) at the bottom of the Layers palette; then, in the dialog box that appears, choose New from the Document drop-down menu.<br /><br />23. New! To remove the bottom-most layer(s) from a layer set, drag the layer thumbnail (in the Layers palette) to the left.<br /><br /> Remove Layer from Set<br />24. New! To duplicate multiple sets (and / or groups), first link the desired sets together. Then, duplicate the document and use the Move tool [V] to drag the desired sets back into the original document. You may then discard the duplicate document.<br /><br />25. New! You can add clipping paths (vector masks) and / or traditional layer masks to a layer set. Set masks affect all layers within the set. This allows you to have up to four masks affecting any given layer: a layer mask and a clipping path applied via both the layer and the set.<br /><br /> <br />(Clipping) Groups<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />26. A fast way to combine several layers into a group is to first link them together, then select Group Linked [Ctrl+G] (Layer » Group Linked). You may then unlink the layers if you wish.<br /><br />Note: You can also Merge [Ctrl+E] (Layer » Merge Down) multiple visible layers using the same technique (because, the Merge Down command becomes Merge Linked when the current layer is linked to other layers).<br /><br /> Group Layers<br />27. Alt-click between layers (in the Layers palette) to group them together. This is handy when several layers are linked together, and you only want to group specific layers together (since the Group with Previous command changes to Group Linked when the current layer is linked to other layers).<br /> <br />28. Here is a slick way to rearrange / reorder multiple layers, simultaneously (within the Layers palette): Group [Ctrl+G] (Layer » Group with Previous) the desired layers together, drag the group (up or down) into its new position within the Layers palette, and then Ungroup [Ctrl+Shift+G] (Layer » Ungroup) them again.<br /><br />Tip: Alternatively, you could combine the desired layers into a layer set and then move the entire set (up or down) within the Layers palette.<br /><br /> <br />Masks & Channels<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />29. Click the Add Mask button ( Add Mask ), at the bottom of the Layers palette, to add a mask that reveals the current selection (Layer » Add Layer Mask » Reveal All). Alt-click on the Add Mask button ( Add Mask ) to add a mask that hides the current selection (Layer » Add Layer Mask » Hide All).<br /><br />30. To create a mask for the current layer that represents the contents of the current layer, drag-and-drop the layer onto the Add Mask button ( Add Layer Mask ) at the bottom of Layers palette. Alt-drag-and-drop the layer onto the Add Mask button ( Add Layer Mask ) to add a mask that hides the contents of the current layer (i.e. the mask is the inverse of the current layer).<br /><br />31. To copy a layer mask from one layer to another, first select the layer that you want to apply the mask to (and ensure that it does not already have a layer mask); then drag the layer mask thumbnail from another layer onto the Layer Mask icon ( Add Layer Mask ) at the bottom of the Layers palette.<br /><br />Tip: The above technique also works for copying a layer clipping path for one layer to another.<br /><br />32. Below is a table of hotkeys for working with layer masks:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Alt-click layer mask thumbnail edit / reveal layer mask<br />Shift-click layer mask thumnail toggle layer mask on / off<br />Ctrl-click mask (or press Ctrl+Alt+ \ ) load layer mask as selection<br />Ctrl+Shift-click layer mask thumbnail add to current selection<br />Ctrl+Alt-click layer mask thumbnail subtract from current selection<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift-click thumbnail intersect with current selection<br />Alt+Shift-click (or press Backslash [ \ ] ) view layer mask in rubylith mode (color)<br />Ctrl+Backslash ( \ ) switch focus from layer to layer mask<br />Ctrl+Tilde ( ~ ) switch focus to layer<br /><br />33. By default, (the first nine) channels have hotkeys associated with them. You may use these hotkeys (see the table below) to load the selection of a channel. Here are the hotkeys corresponding to some common color modes:<br /><br />RGB Mode: CYMK Mode: Index Mode:<br />Ctrl+Tilde ( ~ ) = RGB<br />Ctrl+1 = Red<br />Ctrl+2 = Green<br />Ctrl+3 = Blue<br />Ctrl+4 = Other Channel<br /><br />Ctrl+9 = Other Channel Ctrl+Tilde ( ~ ) = CYMK<br />Ctrl+1 = Cyan<br />Ctrl+2 = Yellow<br />Ctrl+3 = Magenta<br />Ctrl+4 = Black<br />Ctrl+5 = Other Channel<br /><br />Ctrl+9 = Other Channel Ctrl+1 = Index<br />Ctrl+2 = Other Channel<br /><br />Ctrl+9 = Other Channel<br /><br />34. New! While in Quick Mask mode [Q] ( Edit in Quick Mask Mode ), use the Tilde key (~) to toggle the view between rubylith and channel mode (grayscale).<br /><br />35. New! Alt+Ctrl-click the New Channel button ( New Channel ), at the bottom of the Channels palette (Window » Show Channels), to add a new Spot Color channel (based on the current selection).<br /><br />36. New! To save a copy of the Quick Mask as an alpha channel, duplicate the Quick Mask layer by dragging it onto the New Channel button ( Create new channel ) at the bottom of the Channels palette (Window » Show Channels).<br /><br /> <br />Paths<br /><br /> Previous Section<br />37. Turn off all paths easily by clicking on the empty area of the Paths palette (under the path layers).<br /><br />Tip: Toggle paths on / off by pressing Ctrl+Shift+H (View » Show » Target Path).<br /><br />38. Alt-click on the Fill Path ( Fill Path ), Stroke Path ( Stroke Path ), Load Path as Selection ( Load Path as Selection ) and Make Path from Selection ( Make Path from Selection ) icons (bottom of the Paths palette) to see a list of available tools and / or options.<br /><br />39. To convert the active path into a layer clipping path, Ctrl-click the Layer Mask icon ( Add Layer Mask ) at the bottom of the Layers palette; or choose Layer » Add Layer Clipping Path » Current Path.<br /><br />Ctrl+Alt-click the Layer Mask icon ( Add Layer Mask ) to add a layer clipping path which hides the contents of the active path; or choose Layer » Add Layer Clipping Path » Hide All.<br /><br />Note: If the current layer already contains a layer mask, the Ctrl key is not required to add a layer clipping path.<br /><br />40. Here are several hotkeys associated with layer clipping paths:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Click layer clipping path thumbnail edit / reveal layer clipping path<br />Shift-click layer clipping path thumbnail toggle layer clipping path on / off<br />Ctrl-click layer clipping path thumbnail load layer clipping path as selection<br />Ctrl+Shift-click clipping layer thumbnail add to current selection<br />Ctrl+Alt-click clipping layer thumbnail subtract from current selection<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift-click thumbnail intersect with current selection<br /><br />41. To add a shape as a clipping path for an existing layer, Ctrl-click on the Add Mask icon ( Add Mask ), at the bottom of the Layers palette, and then draw the desired shape using the Shape tool [U].<br /><br />42. New! Hover over the thumbnail for a layer clipping path (in the Layers palette) to temporarily display the associated path in the document window. The path will disappear again after you move your mouse off the thumbnail.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-19928949388364117422007-02-07T20:16:00.000-08:002007-02-07T20:16:28.455-08:0034 Photoshop Tips for Filter & Style - By Trevor MorrisBlending Modes<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />1. You can cycle through layer blending modes by using Shift+Plus ( + ) (cycle forward) and Shift+Minus ( - ) (cycle backward). Also try Alt+Shift+Letter (where Letter is one of the letters listed below) to quickly change the blending mode.<br />N = Normal K = Darken Q = Behind 1<br />I = Dissolve G = Lighten L = Threshold 2<br />M = Multiply E = Difference R = Clear 3<br />S = Screen X = Exclusion W = Shadows 4<br />O = Overlay U = Hue V = Midtones 4<br />F = Soft Light T = Saturation Z = Highlights 4<br />H = Hard Light C = Color A = Saturate 5<br />D = Color Dodge Y = Luminosity J = Desaturate 5<br />B = Color Burn P = Pass Through 6<br /><br />Only applicable to: 1. Paint tools, 2. Indexed mode, 3. Dodge and Burn tools,<br />4. Line and Bucket tools in multi-layered images, 5. Sponge tool, 6. Layer sets<br />Note: The above hotkeys also affect the blending mode of the currently active paint tool, so if you wish to change the blending mode of the active layer, be sure to switch to the Move tool [V] or one of the selection tools first.<br /> <br />Adjustment Layers<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />2. By default the Curves dialog box [Ctrl+M] (Image » Adjust » Curves) is only 171 pixels wide: however, you can click on the maximize ( Maximize ) / minimize ( Minimize ) button to toggle the grid size between 256 pixels and 171 pixels wide. For greater accuracy, use the larger grid, since you have control over all 256 shades of gray in the image (compared to 171 shades by using the small grid).<br /><br />Tip: Hold down the Alt key to change Auto button into an Options button (and the Cancel button into a Reset button).<br /><br />3. Updated! The table below details some of the features and equivalent hotkeys available in the Curves dialog box [Ctrl+M] (Image » Adjust » Curves):<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Alt-click on grid toggle grid between 10% and 25% gradations<br />Ctrl+Z undo last change<br />Ctrl-click delete selected point(s)<br />Ctrl+D deselect all points<br />Shift-click select multiple points<br />Ctrl+Tab / Ctrl+Shift+Tab activate next / previous point<br />Arrow keys ( , , , ) move curve point(s) by 1%<br />Shift+Arrow keys ( , , , ) move curve point(s) by 4%<br />Ctrl-click on image add color point to the composite curve<br />Ctrl+Shift-click on image add color point to all curves<br />P toggle preview on / off<br />L load curve<br />S save curve<br />M smooth curve<br />C activate channel menu<br />Ctrl+Tilde ( ~ ) select composite curve<br />Ctrl+Number select individual curve (e.g. Red, Magenta, etc.)<br /><br />4. In the Levels dialog box, hold down Alt while you drag the black (left) or white (right) Input Levels sliders to adjust the levels in Threshold mode. This is also referred to as a "clipping display", since it visually demonstrates which colors will be clipped.<br /><br />5. Here is a real time-saver for adding adjustment layers (Layer » New Adjustment Layer » Adjustment Layer): simply click on the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon menu ( New Fill or Adjustment Layer ), at the bottom of the Layers palette, and select the type of adjustment layer you wish to add.<br /><br />Tip: Hold down the Alt key when choosing a fill or adjustment layer to display the Layer Properties dialog box.<br /><br />Tip: You can shave a few bytes off the size of a PSD by deleting any unused channels associated with Fill / Adjustment Layers – which are added by default.<br /><br />6. New! In the Hue/Saturation dialog box [Ctrl+U] (Image » Adjust » Hue/Saturation), you may:<br /><br /> * Move the current range to a new location by Ctrl-dragging the color bar in the dialog box.<br /> * Add colors to the current range by Shift-clicking or dragging in the image window.<br /> * Subtract colors from the current range by Alt-clicking or dragging in the image window.<br /> * Edit all colors by pressing Ctrl+~ (tilde).<br /> * Press Ctrl + 1 6 to edit a predefined color range.<br /><br /><br />7. To limit the influence of an adjustment layer, place it (and any associated layers) into a set and change the set's blending mode from Pass Through [Alt+Shift+P] to Normal [Alt+Shift+N]. The adjustment layer will only apply to the layers within the set.<br /><br />8. New! Adjustment layers may be used to emulate a duplicate layer. Choose an adjustment layer to add, and when the dialog box appears, accept the default values by pressing OK. Then, change the blending mode of the adjustment layer for the desired effect: Multiply [Alt+Shift+M] to darken, Screen [Alt+Shift+S] to lighten, or Hard Light [Alt+Shift+H] to increase contrast. If the effect is too extreme, simply lower the opacity of the adjustment layer.<br /><br />Note: To add an adjustment layer, use the New Fill / Adjustment Layer button ( Add new fill or adjustment layer ) at the bottom of the Layers palette, or choose Layer » New Adjustment Layer » Adjustment Layer from the menus.<br /><br />Note: Emulating duplicate layers with adjustment layers produces a file that is approximately 30% smaller than one that contains a "real" duplicate layer!<br /><br />9. New! In the Curves dialog box, you can use the Pencil tool ( Draw freehand curve ) at the bottom of the dialog box to draw a freehand curve. Shift click with the Pencil tool to draw straight lines. Use the Smooth button [M] to remove any abrupt changes in the curve.<br /><br />10. New! Click on the double arrow ( Toggle percentage / intensity ) in the Curves dialog box to toggle between percentage (0-100%) and intensity (0-255).<br /><br /> <br />Filters<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />11. To reapply the last filter, use Filter » Last Filter [Ctrl+F]. To reapply a filter with new settings, add the Alt key (Ctrl+Alt+F or Alt + Filter » Last Filter).<br /><br />Tip: Fade the effects (and change the blending mode) of the last filter (or adjustment), by pressing Ctrl+Shift+F (Edit » Fade Last Filter).<br /><br />12. To achieve better results with the Unsharp Mask filter (Filter » Sharpen » Unsharp Mask), try applying it twice using a smaller Amount (%) setting.<br /><br />Example: Instead of applying Unsharp Mask once at an amount of 150%, use an amount of 60% twice.<br /><br />13. A common sharpening technique is to convert an image to Lab mode and then sharpen the Lightness channel. Instead, try the following technique to achieve nearly identical results without the image degradation associated with mode conversion. Apply Filter » Sharpen » Unsharp Mask and then choose Edit » Undo [Ctrl+Z]. Then, choose Edit » Fade Unsharp Mask [Ctrl+Shift+F] and choose Mode: Luminosity to reapply the filter.<br /><br />Note: You may also wish to check out Robert Barnett's Ultra Sharpen Pro plug-in.<br /><br />14. Unfortunately, if you try to apply the Lens Flare filter (Filter » Render » Lens Flare) to a new (empty) layer, you will get an error. So, instead of duplicating or flattening your image, try the following technique:<br /><br /> 1. Add a New Layer [Ctrl+Shift+N] (Layer » New » Layer)<br /> 2. Fill [Shift+Backspace] (Edit » Fill) the layer with black (by choosing Use: Black in the Fill dialog box)<br /> 3. Set the blending mode of the layer to Screen (at the top of the Layers palette)<br /> 4. Render the lens flare on the new layer (Filter » Render » Lens Flare)<br /><br />Note: The above technique also works when applied to a layer filled with 50% gray (R128,G128,B128) and a blending mode of Hard Light.<br /><br />Precise Flare Center Tip: To specify the exact origin of the Lens Flare (in pixels), Alt-click anywhere in the Lens Flare dialog box to display the Precise Flare Center dialog box.<br /><br />Tip: If you increase the canvas size, apply the above technique, and then return the canvas to its original size, you will be able to move the lens flare layer around on the canvas.<br /><br />Tip: To render a lens flare at a specific location (or size) on the canvas, draw a selection before applying the filter.<br /><br />15. Hold down the Alt key when choosing Filter » Render » Clouds to increase the contrast of the clouds.<br /><br />16. While applying a filter, you can click on the proxy view (preview window) in the filter dialog box to toggle between the before and after views.<br /><br />Tip: Ctrl-click in the proxy view to zoom in, or Alt-click to zoom out.<br /><br />Note: Unfortunately, the above tips do not work in all filter dialog boxes.<br /><br />17. Use the following tips for enhanced control within the Lighting Effects dialog box (Filter » Render » Lighting Effects):<br /><br /> * Alt-drag a light to duplicate it<br /> * Press Delete to quickly delete a light<br /> * Shift-drag a node (on the light's perimeter) to change the area of influence without changing the lighting angle<br /> * Ctrl-drag a node (on the light's perimeter) to change the lighting angle without affecting the area of influence<br /><br /><br />18. New! Like so many other filters, the Lighting Effects filter only applies to the active layer. To have the filter affect the entire document, Alt-click on the New Layer icon ( Create a new layer ) [Ctrl+Shift+N], choose Hard Light from the Mode drop-down and turn on the option labelled "Fill with Hard-Light neutral color (50% gray)". Finally, choose Filter » Render » Lighting Effects and the filter will appear as though it is affecting all the underlying layers.<br /><br />Note: This technique also work well with other filters (e.g. Lens Flare).<br /><br />19. New! Use Filter » Other » Maximum to decrease the width and height of an object on the current layer. Similarly, use Filter » Other » Minimum to increase the width and height of an object.<br /><br /> <br />Styles & Effects<br /><br /> Previous Section<br />20. With the Layer Style dialog box open, drag in the image window to visually adjust the distance and angle of the layer style.<br /><br />Note: Hold down the Shift key while dragging to constraint the distance and angle to 45º increments.<br /><br />21. Effect Light Source Angle Hold down the Shift key while rotating the Angle wheel (in the Layer Style dialog box) to constraint the light source angle to 15º increments.<br /><br />22. Image operations such as scaling and rotating the canvas have no effect on any associated layer styles. Either flatten the image prior to performing these operations, or manually adjust the styles afterward.<br /><br />23. New! If you scale your image using the Image » Image Size command, your styles will not be scaled (i.e. all numerical values will remain constant). To scale the styles in your image, choose Layer » Layer Style » Scale Effects and enter the percentage by which you scaled your image.<br /><br />Note: You may scale your image and styles simultaneously by changing the image's resolution in the Image » Image Size dialog box.<br /><br />24. To remove all layer effects from a layer, hold the Alt key and double-click on the layer's effect icon ( Effects ); or, from the menus, choose Layer » Layer Style » Clear Layer Style.<br /><br />Tip: To disable an individual effect, do one of the following:<br /><br /> * hold down the Alt key and select the style by name from the Layer » Layer Style submenu<br /> * hold down the Alt key and select the style by name from the Layer Style icon menu ( Add Layer Style ), at the bottom of the Layers palette<br /> * uncheck the style's Apply flag in the Layer Style dialog box<br /><br /><br />25. Use the following technique to apply the same layer style (effect) to multiple layers simultaneously:<br /><br /> 1. Link all layers to which the layer style is to be applied<br /> 2. Define (or choose an existing) layer style for one of the linked layers<br /> 3. Right-click on the layer's style symbol ( Layer Style ) and choose Copy Layer Style from the context menu<br /> 4. Right-click again (on any of the linked layers) and choose Paste Layer Style to Linked<br /><br /><br />26. Drag-and-drop effects to quickly copy them from one layer to another. To copy all effects from one layer to another, drag the topmost "layer" (labelled Effects) and drop it onto the desired layer. To copy an individual effect, drag-and-drop only the appropriately named effect (e.g. Drop Shadow, Outer Glow, etc.).<br /><br />Note: Dragging-and-dropping all effects (via the Effects "layer") will replace any existing effects on the destination layer. Dragging effects individually (by name) will add them to any existing effects on the destination layer.<br /><br />Note: You may also delete effects (individually or all together) by dragging them onto the delete icon ( Delete Current Layer ) at the bottom of the Layers palette.<br /><br />27. New! To adjust the fuzziness for the layer blending options (on the Blending Options page of the Layer Styles dialog box), Alt-drag the Blend If slider triangle(s). Once a triangle has been split, the Alt key is no longer required to move the fuzziness sliders.<br /><br />28. New! To save only specific styles (or brushes, gradients, etc.), choose Edit » Preset Manager, then select Styles from the Preset Type menu. Select a style (use the Shift key to select more than one), then click the Save Set button to save the selected style(s) as a preset.<br /><br />29. New! Use Fill Opacity (accessed from the Advanced Blending options in the Layer Styles dialog box) to change the opacity of the pixels on the current layer without changing the opacity of the actual layer. This useful for controlling the opacity of the pixels on the current layer independent of any applied styles.<br /><br />30. New! The link status of a layer mask (or clipping path) may be used to influence the behaviour of layer styles. When a layer mask is linked to the current layer, the associated style is only applied to the visible pixels (i.e. the layer mask affects both the layer and the style). Alternatively, when the mask is unlinked, the style affects the entire layer (i.e. the mask has no influence on the layer style and, as a result, some of the style may appear "clipped" by the mask).<br /><br />31. New! Press Ctrl+Z in the Styles dialog box to undo the last change made using a slider (e.g. Opacity, Size, etc.).<br /><br />32. New! Drag a layer style (Effects) from one layer and drop it onto another to replace the style of the destination layer. Drag and drop an individual effect to add it to the destination layer.<br /><br /> Drag-and-drop styles<br />33. New! To add multiple styles to the active layer, Shift-click on the desired styles in the Styles palette.<br /><br />34. New! The default behaviour of the Paste Layer Style command is to replace the current Style. However, if you wish to add a previously copied layer style to the current layer, hold the Alt key and choose Layer » Layer Style » Paste Layer Style from the menus.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-73321595902580556872007-02-07T20:15:00.000-08:002007-02-07T20:15:33.727-08:0021 Photoshop Tips for Command - By Trevor MorrisKeyboard Shortcuts (HotKeys)<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />1. Use Ctrl+Alt+Z (Edit » Step Backward) and Ctrl+Shift+Z (Edit » Step Forward) to step backward and forward though the history states (or use the History palette menu (Palette Menu) to access the step commands). Use these commands in conjunction with Undo [Ctrl+Z] (Edit » Undo) to cycle between a specific history state and the current state.<br /><br />2. The table below provides some very useful hotkeys for performing the Fill command (Edit » Fill) on the current layer / selection:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Shift+Backspace open Fill dialog box (Edit » Fill)<br />Alt+Backspace fill with foreground color<br />Alt+Shift+Backspace fill with foreground color and preserve transparency<br />Ctrl+Backspace fill with background color<br />Ctrl+Shift+Backspace fill with background color and preserve transparency<br />Ctrl+Alt+Backspace fill from current history state<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Backspace fill from current history state and preserve transparency<br /><br />3. Use the hotkeys provided in the table below to quickly transform the current selection or layer:<br /><br />HotKey Menu Command Result<br />Ctrl+T Edit » Free Transform free transform selection / layer<br />Ctrl+Alt+T Alt + Edit » Free Transform free transform with duplicate<br />Ctrl+Shift+T Edit » Transform » Again repeat previous transformation<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+T Alt + Edit » Transform » Again repeat transformation with duplicate<br /><br />4. Use Window » Close All [Ctrl+Shift+W] to quickly close all open documents. A save confirmation dialog will appear for any files that have not been saved.<br /><br />5. Use the Revert command [F12] (File » Revert) to restore the current document to its previously saved state.<br /><br />6. New! Prior to version 6, Photoshop had a command called Save a Copy, that would save a duplicate, flattened version of the current document. Although the command is gone (in a way), the associated hotkey still works. Press Ctrl+Alt+S to display the familiar Save As dialog box, but note that the Save a Copy flag has been automatically checked.<br /><br />7. New! Use the following keyboard shortcuts to extend the functionality of the Layer » Merge command:<br /><br />Command HotKey Result<br />Merge Ctrl+E merge the current layer with the layer below<br />Stamp Down Ctrl+Alt+E merge a copy of the current layer with the layer below<br />Stamp Visible Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E merge a copy of all visible layers into the current layer<br />Merge Visible Ctrl+Shift+E merge all visible layers into the current layer<br /><br />For linked layers, the following keys are different:<br /><br />Command HotKey Result<br />Merge Linked Ctrl+E merge all linked layers into the current layer<br />Stamp Linked Ctrl+Alt+E merge a copy of all linked layers into the current layer<br /><br /> <br />Enhanced Functionality<br /><br /> Previous Section<br />8. If you have recently copied an image to the Clipboard, Photoshop will automatically insert the dimensions of the Clipboard image when you create a New Document [Ctrl+N] (File » New). To bypass this feature and recall the last settings, hold down the Alt key [Ctrl+Alt+N] (Alt + File » New).<br /><br />Tip: To insert the dimensions (as well as resolution and color mode) of any open document into the New Document dialog box, choose its name from the bottom of the Window menu.<br /><br />9. To straighten a crooked image, use the Measure tool [Shift+I ] to draw a line along what should be a horizontal or vertical line (the edge of the image, a doorframe, across the eyes of a person in a portrait, etc.), and then choose Image » Rotate Canvas » Arbitrary: the correct Angle and Direction will appear. Press the OK button to apply the rotation.<br /><br />Tip: The angle of the Measure tool [Shift+I ] is also used (for the current layer / selection) automatically when you choose Edit » Transform » Rotate.<br /><br />Note: You can also use the Crop tool [C] to rotate and crop an image in one step. Select the Crop tool [C] and draw a rectangular region. Use the crop handles to scale the marquee, and drag outside the marquee to rotate it: press Enter to crop the image.<br /><br />10. Use Layer » New » Layer via Copy [Ctrl+J] (or Cut [Ctrl+Shift+J]) command to perform a copy (or cut) and paste in one operation, and have the copied (or cut) elements pasted into the same position from which they were copied.<br /><br />Tip: Add the Alt key to display the Layer Properties dialog box for the Layer via Copy [Ctrl+Alt+J] (Alt + Layer » New » Layer via Copy) and Cut [Ctrl+Alt+Shift+J] (Alt + Layer » New » Layer via Cut) commands.<br /><br />11. If you crop your image using Image » Crop, you will lose all pixels outside the crop boundaries. To crop your image without losing any data, use the Crop tool [C] with Cropped Area set to Hide (in the Options palette).<br /><br />Tip: You may also use Image » Canvas Size to crop the image without losing any data (unless you are in Indexed mode). Photoshop will warn you that some clipping will occur, but for some reason it does not: all "cropped" data will be preserved outside the canvas boundaries!<br /><br />Tip: Use the Image » Reveal All command to increase the canvas size and reveal the entire image.<br /><br />12. Stamp Down a copy of the current layer into the layer below by pressing Ctrl+Alt+E (Alt + Layer » Merge Down).<br /><br />Merge a copy of all visible layers into the current layer (or Stamp Visible) by holding down the Alt key while selecting Merge Visible [Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E] (Alt + Layer » Merge Visible).<br /><br />13. In the Liquify dialog box [Ctrl+Shift+X] (Image » Liquify), hold the Shift key while clicking the OK button to temporarily save the current mesh (to a file called C:\Temp\Liquify.tmp). To (re)load the mesh file (with your image), hold the Shift key while launching the Liquify command.<br /><br />Note: The C:\Temp\ folder must already exist on your system to take advantage of this feature.<br /><br />14. To print the current document using the default print settings (without confirmation), press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+P (Alt + File » Print One).<br /><br />15. Use the Trim command (Image » Trim) to remove any redundant background pixels from graphics that are destined for the Web.<br /><br />16. Allowing Photoshop to merge all layers (flatten) when converting between modes (e.g. from RGB to CMYK) will produce better results than without merging.<br /><br />Tip: For the best results, use the Convert to Profile command (Image » Mode » Convert to Profile) for all mode conversions.<br /><br />17. To duplicate the current document without being prompted for a name (and have "copy" automatically appended to the filename), hold the Alt key and choose Image » Duplicate.<br /><br />18. New! Use the Edit » Fade command [Ctrl+Shift+F] to change the opacity of a floating selection or a selection that you have recently filled (with the Edit » Fill command [Shift+Backspace] or Paint Bucket tool [G]).<br /><br />19. New! To rasterize all vector layers in the current document simultaneously, choose Layer » Rasterize » All Layers from the menus.<br /><br />20. New! To change the resolution of an image without changing the dimensions, turn off the Resample Image option in the Image Size dialog box (Image » Image Size).<br /><br />21. New! Use the View » New View command for additional views of the current canvas. Each view may be independently magnified, scrolled, and even soft-proofed. All changes made in one view will automatically appear in the other views.<br /><br />This command is especially useful for small / detailed work, like icons. You can draw in one view at 1600% magnification while seeing the actual size of the image in a separate view – without having to constantly zoom in and out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-55393456371406352252007-02-07T20:14:00.001-08:002007-02-07T20:14:47.193-08:0058 photoshop tips for paint tools - By Trevor MorrisPaint Tools<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />1. To draw a straight line with any paint tool, click on the image, move the mouse, and then Shift-click – Photoshop will join the two points with a straight line using the current tool.<br /><br />2. While using any of the paint tools, press Enter to display / dismiss the Preset Picker (at the current mouse location). To access a list of available brush modes while painting, Shift-right-click on the image. To change the current brush / preset options, click directly on the brush / preset preview in the Options palette (or choose Edit Brush from the Shift-right-click menu).<br /><br />3. Use the Caps Lock key to turn Precise Cursors on / off.<br /><br />Note: This does not work if Precise Cursors are already enabled in the Preferences [Ctrl+K, Ctrl+3] (Edit » Preferences » Display & Cursors).<br /><br />4. Use the hotkeys in the following table to vary the brush for the current paint tool:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />[ / ] decrease / increase brush size<br />Shift+ [ / ] decrease / increase brush hardness by 25%<br />< / > previous / next brush<br />Shift+ < / > first / last brush<br />Enter display Preset Picker (press Enter to dismiss)<br /><br />5. Use the options available in the Brush Dynamics button menu ( Brush Dynamics ), on the Options palette, to fade the size, opacity, and color of the various brush tools.<br /><br />Note: For people who use tablets, the above options may also be configured to recognize a stylus.<br /><br />6. With the Auto Erase options enabled for the Pencil tool [B], if you begin painting on an area that contains the foreground color, the background color will be used instead, and vice versa. This is really useful for cleaning up line art, since it alleviates the need to continuously switch between the Pencil [B] and Erase [E] tools.<br /><br />7. While using the Eraser tool [E], hold the Alt key to erase back to the source history state – similar to the behaviour of the History Brush tool [Y].<br /><br />Note: You must establish a source history state in the History palette in order for this to work.<br /><br />8. When using the Smudge tool [R], hold the Alt key down to include the foreground color in the smudge.<br /><br />9. New! Use the Paint Bucket tool [G] to delete (instead of filling) by changing its blending mode to Clear [Alt+Shift+R] (in the Options palette).<br /><br />10. New! To fill the transparent regions of an image, choose Edit » Fill [Shift+Backspace] and choose Behind from the Mode drop-down.<br /><br />11. Duplicate Gradient Stops New! Alt-drag color stops, in the Gradient Editor, to duplicate them.<br /><br />12. New! Hold down the Alt key while using the Blur tool [R] to sharpen, or to blur while using the Sharpen tool [R].<br /><br />13. New! Hold down the Alt key while using the Dodge tool [O] to darken, or to lighten with the Burn tool [O].<br /><br /> <br />Selection Tools<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />14. When using the Marquee tools [M], use the Shift key to create perfect circles or squares: use the Alt key to draw them from their centers.<br /><br />15. Use the Reselect command [Ctrl+Shift+D] (Select » Reselect) to restore your last selection.<br /><br />16. You may alternate between Polygonal and Freehand Lasso [L], while you are creating a selection, by holding down the Alt key.<br /><br />Example: See Selection Secrets 2 (Polygonal / Freehand Lasso) for a comprehensive description.<br /><br />17. Use the Space Bar to move a selection while drawing it.<br /><br />Example: See Selection Secrets (Moving Selections) for a comprehensive description.<br /><br />18. Hold the Shift or Alt keys to add or subtract selections, respectively. Hold down both Shift and Alt together to intersect two selections.<br /><br />Tip: Ctrl-click on a layer thumbnail (in the Layers palette) to load its transparency mask, and then Ctrl+Alt+Shift-click a second layer to intersect the two layers‘ transparency masks.<br /><br />Example: See Selection Secrets (Intersecting Selections) for a comprehensive description.<br /><br />19. Retain your selections while scaling or duplicating an image by first switching to Quick Mask mode [Q] (or click on the Quick Mask icon ( Quick Mask Mode ) near the bottom of the toolbar).<br /><br />20. Alt-click the Quick Mask button to toggle between masked ( Quick Mask ) and selected areas ( Quick Mask ).<br /><br />21. After editing a selection in Quick Mask mode, Alt-click the Standard mode (Quick Mask off) button ( Standard Mask ) to invert the current selection.<br /><br />22. Ctrl-clicking on a layer thumbnail in the Layers palette is a convenient way to load the transparency mask for the active layer: however, if the contents of the layer extend beyond the edges of the canvas, so too will the resulting selection. To restrict the selection to the document bounds, invert the selection [Ctrl+Shift+I ] (Select » Invert) twice.<br /><br />23. By default the Select » Color Range command dialog box displays the entire image in the preview area. For a more accurate preview and greater control, create an approximate selection around the area of interest. The selected area will be displayed in the preview area.<br /><br />Tip: Hold the Shift key while choosing Select » Color Range to add the resulting selection to the current selection. Hold down Alt to subtract the results from the current selection.<br /><br />Tip: Hold down the Ctrl key to toggle between Selection and Image previews in the Color Range dialog box. Use the Shift key to add colors and the Alt key to subtract colors from the selection.<br /><br />Tip: Hold down Alt when choosing Quick Mask from the Selection Preview drop-down in the Color Range dialog box to adjust your Quick Mask Options without leaving the dialog.<br /><br />24. Use a selection to stroke only a portion of a path.<br /><br />25. When transforming a selection / layer, use the following buttons in the Options palette for added control:<br /><br /> * use the "Reference point location" image ( Reference Point Location ) to position the reference / pivot point<br /> * press the "Relative positioning" button ( Relative Positioning ) to switch from absolute (canvas) positioning to relative positioning<br /> * press the "Maintain aspect ratio" button ( Maintain Aspect Ratio ) to maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio while transforming<br /><br /><br />26. You can use the Marquee tool [M] (or Lasso tools [L]) to drag a selection outline from one document into another.<br /><br />Tip: Hold the Shift key down (after initiating the drag – after clicking with the left mouse button) to have the selection centered in the destination document.<br /><br />27. When dragging selections or layers from one document to another, hold down the Shift to have them centered on the destination canvas.<br /><br />Note: If the source and destination documents are the same size (dimensions), the dragged elements are placed in the same relative position as they were in the original document (instead of being placed in the center of the canvas).<br /><br />Note: If the destination canvas contains a selection, the dragged item will be placed into the center of the selection.<br /><br />28. New! Here are some useful shortcuts for use with the Magnetic Selection tool [L] and Magnetic Pen tool [P]:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />[ / ] decrease / increase the Width<br />< / > decrease / increase Edge Contrast<br />Shift+[ / ] minimize / maximize the Width<br />Shift+< / > minimum (1%) / maximum (100%) Edge Contrast<br />Alt-drag Freeform tool<br />Alt-click draw straight lines<br />Alt+Shift-click draw straight lines at 45° increments<br />Alt-double-click close selection<br />Alt-double-click close selection with a straight line<br /><br />29. New! When using the Lasso tool [L], hold the Alt key to draw a selection beyond the canvas boundaries.<br /><br />30. New! To quickly change the Tolerance setting for the Magic Wand tool [W], press Enter, type the desired tolerance (or use the up and down arrow keys) and then press Enter again.<br /><br /> <br />Color Tools<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />31. Hold down the Alt key while using any paint tool to temporarily access the Eyedropper tool [ I ].<br /><br />32. Hold down the Alt key when selecting a color with the Eyedropper tool [ I ] to define a background color.<br /><br />33. Color Sampler Info Use the Color Sampler tool [Shift+I ] with the help of the Info palette [F8] (Window » Show Info) to monitor color changes in the current image. The before / after color values are displayed next to their respective color sampler number (e.g. # 1). Specify the sampler color mode via the Color Mode Pop-up Menu pop-up menu on the Info palette.<br /><br />To add a new color sampler simply click anywhere on the canvas (with the Color Sampler tool). Remove a sampler by Alt-clicking on it.<br /><br />Note: You may only have a maximum of four color samplers per image.<br /><br />Tip: To use the Color Sampler tool from within a dialog box (such as Levels, Curves, etc.), hold down the Shift key. Alt+Shift-click on a sampler to delete it.<br /><br />34. New! Place a color sampler with the Eyedropper tool [ I ] by Shift-clicking on the canvas.<br /><br />35. Access the Color Sampler while using any paint tool by holding down both Alt and Shift.<br /><br />36. The Eyedropper tool [ I ] allows you to copy the hexadecimal value of a color to the Clipboard. Simply right-click over the desired color (in the image window) and choose Copy Color as HTML from the context menu. You may then paste the color value into your favorite editor.<br /><br />Note: You may also copy the current color as HTML (e.g. COLOR="#448CCB") by choosing Copy Color as HTML from the Color palette menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br /> <br />Path & Shape Tools<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />37. The table below provides several hotkeys that are useful for working with paths:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Enter stroke a visible path with current paint tool and options 1<br />Ctrl+Enter turn a path into a selection 2<br />Ctrl+Shift+Enter add the current path's selection to the existing selection 3<br />Ctrl+Alt+Enter subtract the current path's selection from the existing selection 3<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Enter intersect the current path's selection with the existing selection 3<br /><br />1 Equivalent to clicking the Stroke Path button ( Stroke Path ) at the bottom of the Paths palette.<br /><br />2 Equivalent to clicking the Path to Selection button ( Load Path as Selection ) at the bottom of the Paths palette.<br /><br />3 These keys (omitting Ctrl and Enter) also work when clicking on the Path to Selection button ( Load Path as Selection ) at the bottom of the Channels palette.<br /><br />38. While using the Pen [P], Path Selection [A], or Shape [U] tool, you can press Enter or Esc to hide the current path.<br /><br />39. Enable the Magnetic Pen tool by turning on the Magnetic option in the Freeform Pen tool's [Shift+P] Options palette. Configure its behaviour via the Magnetic Pen Options drop-down button menu ( Magnetic Pen Tool Options ).<br /><br />Tip: Toggle between the Magnetic and Freeform Pen tools by holding down the Alt key.<br /><br />40. Add arrowheads to the Line tool [U] (Shape tool) using the Geometry Options button (menu) in the Options palette.<br /><br /> Arrowheads<br />41. Use paths as tracing guides for the Rubber Stamp tool [S] to remove such things as wires and power lines from images.<br /><br />42. New! Use the Add [ + ] ( Add Shape ) or Subtract [ - ] ( Subtract Shape ) buttons in the Options palette to invert a path (i.e. to turn a Reveal All (clipping) path into a Hide All (clipping) path and vice versa).<br /><br />Note: You must first select the path(s) using the Path Component Selection Tool [A].<br /><br />43. New! Here are some useful shortcuts for use with the Pen [P] and Path Selection [A] tools:<br /><br />Pen Tool [P] Result<br />Alt-click and drag node handle * redirect second handle before placing next point<br />Ctrl-click and drag node handle * redirect both handles before placing next point<br />Alt-click and drag create combination point (and redirect handle before placing next point)<br />Ctrl access Direct Selection tool<br />Ctrl+Alt access Path Component Selection tool<br />Alt-click on end point close path with corner point<br /><br />Freeform Pen Tool [P] Result<br />Alt-click draw straight line / add a corner point<br />Ctrl-release close shape with straight line<br />Ctrl access Direct Selection tool<br />Ctrl+Alt access Path Component Selection tool<br /><br />Direct Selection Tool Result<br />Ctrl+Alt-drag anchor point * access Convert tool<br />Ctrl access Path Component Selection tool<br />Alt-drag * duplicate selected sub-path<br /><br />Path Component Selection Tool [A] Result<br />Ctrl+Alt-drag * duplicate selected sub-path<br />Alt-drag * duplicate selected path<br /><br />Add Pen Tool Result<br />Alt access Remove Pen tool<br />Ctrl access Direct Selection tool<br />Alt-drag * duplicate selected sub-path<br />Ctrl+Alt access Path Component Selection tool<br /><br />Remove Pen Tool Result<br />Alt access Add Pen tool<br />Ctrl access Direct Selection tool<br />Alt-drag * duplicate selected sub-path<br />Ctrl+Alt access Path Component Selection tool<br /><br />Convert Point Tool Result<br />Alt-click convert to combination point<br />Alt-drag * convert to corner point and redirect handle<br />Ctrl access Direct Selection tool<br />Ctrl+Alt-drag * duplicate selection sub-path<br />Ctrl+Alt-drag * duplicate selection sub-path<br /><br />* Add the Shift key to constrain motion to 45° increments.<br /><br />44. New! To avoid anti-aliasing along horizontal and vertical edges of the Rectangle and Rounded Rectangle Shape tools [U], turn on the Snap to Pixels option in the Geometry Options drop-down (in the Options palette).<br /><br />45. New! To combine two or more shapes into a single path, select the shapes with the Path Component Selection tool [A]. Then, select the desired shape blending options (in the Options palette) and press the Combine button.<br /><br />Use the shape blending options to add ( Add to shape area ) [ + ], subtract ( Subtract from shape area ) [ - ], intersect ( Intersect shape areas ) or exclude ( Exclude overlapping shape areas ) two or more overlapping shapes.<br /><br />46. New! To extract a simple object, try creating a path and then stroke the path with the Magic Eraser tool [E]. The nice thing about this technique is that you can continually refine and stroke the path until you are happy with the results – plus, you can save the path with your image.<br /><br />Note: The results of this technique are often unpredictable and typically not as good as those obtained by other, more conventional methods of extraction, such as using the Extract command [Ctrl+Alt+X].<br /><br /> <br />Visualization Tools<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />47. Press the Space Bar to access the Hand tool [H] at any time.<br /><br />48. Updated! Access the Zoom tool [Z] at any time by holding Ctrl+Space to zoom in, and Alt+Space to zoom out. You can even drag out a region to magnify while holding down Ctrl+Space.<br /><br />49. Zoom in and out by using Ctrl+Plus ( + ) and Ctrl+Minus ( - ), respectively: have the window resize to fit by also holding down the Alt key (Ctrl+Alt+Plus and Ctrl+Alt+Minus).<br /><br />Note: You may also have the document window zoom to fit while using the Zoom tool [Z] by enabling "Resize Windows to Fit" in the Options palette.<br /><br />50. Measure Angles While the Measure tool [Shift+I ] is pretty handy for measuring distances (especially on a diagonal), you can also use it to measure angles (like a protractor). Make sure the Info palette [F8] (Window » Show Info) is visible; then use the Measure tool [Shift+I ] to drag / draw a line. Hold down the Alt key and drag a second line out from one of the end nodes (note the angle and length of the two lines in the Info palette).<br /><br />Tip: Move a measure line (or protractor) by dragging it with the Measure tool (you may even reposition the endpoints independently). Delete a measure line (or protractor) by dragging it off the canvas.<br /><br /> <br />Miscellanious<br /><br /> Previous Section<br />51. Alt-click on tool icons (in the toolbar) to cycle through the available tools. This is a little faster than holding the left mouse button down to wait for the tool list to pop up.<br /><br />Note: You may also right-click on a tool (in the toolbar) to see a list of the hidden tools (as well as their associated hotkeys).<br /><br />52. Press Enter (or double-click on a tool icon in the toolbar) to reveal the Options palette for the currently active tool. Alternatively, you may choose Window » Show Options from the menus to reveal the Options palette.<br /><br />Tip: Pressing Enter also highlights the first field in the Options palette (regardless of whether or not the Options palette is already visible) so that you may immediately enter a value or choose an option.<br /><br />53. To restore the default settings for one (or all) of the tools click on its icon on the left side of the Options palette (Window » Show Options) and choose Reset Tool (or Reset All Tools). A dialog box will appear to confirm that you wish to reset the tool(s).<br /><br />Tip: You may also restore all tools to their defaults via the Reset All Tools button in the General Preferences dialog box [Ctrl+K] (Edit » Preferences » General). A dialog box will appear to confirm that you wish to reset all tools.<br /><br />54. Updated! Use the following keys while using any of the paint or selection tools:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Ctrl access the Move tool [V]<br />Ctrl+Alt-drag * create duplicate of the current layer or selection<br />Ctrl+Alt+right-click select the top-most layer under the mouse pointer<br />Ctrl+Alt+Shift-right-click (un)link the selected layer to the active layer<br />Shift constrain movement to 45º increments<br /><br />* Add the Shift key to constrain motion to 45° increments.<br /><br />55. New! Using the Move tool [V], Ctrl-click to select the layer under the mouse. Add the Shift key to (un)link the selected layer to the active layer.<br /><br />56. Updated! Hold down the Ctrl key to temporarily invert the behaviour of the View » Snap [Ctrl+; ] option. For example, if the View » Snap option is turned on, hold down the Ctrl key to disable it and vice versa.<br /><br />Example: Hold down the Ctrl key to stop the Crop tool [C] from snapping to the image borders. Alternatively, you may stop the Crop tool from snapping by turning off View » Snap To » Document Bounds (or None); or turn off snapping altogether [Ctrl+ ; ] (View » Snap).<br /><br />57. You can use the Crop tool [C] to enlarge, rotate and even to add perspective to the current document! To increase the canvas size, choose full screen mode [F] (using one of the Full Screen Mode buttons ( Full Screen Mode ) near the bottom of the toolbar), and then drag any side / node of the crop marquee beyond the canvas boundaries. Rotate the image by dragging anywhere outside the crop marquee. Add perspective to the cropped region by first enabling the Perspective option in the Options palette and then dragging any corner node.<br /><br />Note: To accept the crop results you may double-click inside the crop region, press Enter, right-click on the image window and choose Crop, or click the Commit button ( Commit Changes ) in the Options palette. To cancel the crop, press Esc, right-click on the image window and choose Cancel, or click the Cancel button ( Cancel Changes ) in Options palette.<br /><br />58. When specifying dimensions for the Marquee [M], Crop [C], Shape [U], and Type [ T ] tools, you may use a variety of different units including: px = pixels, in = inches, cm = centimeters, pt = points, pica = picas, and % = percentages. Simply type the number followed by one of the above abbreviations (e.g. 5cm, 50%, 2 pt, etc.)<br /><br />Note: Photoshop will also accept the full name of the above units (e.g. 5 centimeters), but it is much simpler to use the abbreviations!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-25497249147667001332007-02-07T19:38:00.000-08:002007-01-26T23:09:08.898-08:0042 Photoshop Tips for interface - By Trevor MorrisApplication Window<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />1. Use the Zoom field ( Zoom Field in the bottom-left of the Photoshop window or Navigator palette) to enter an exact zoom level.<br /><br />Tip: Press Shift+Enter after entering a value to have the field remain active.<br /><br />2. To change the information displayed in the status bar (which, by default shows document sizes), click on the Status Display Options button and choose an option from the pop-up menu. You can also click on the status bar (to the left of the Status Display Options button) to display the print size of the current document. Alt-click to see the image dimensions and resolution, or Ctrl-click for tile information.<br /><br />Tip: Choosing Document Profile from the status bar menu ( Status Display Options ) will allow you to monitor the color space of any / all documents opened in Photoshop.<br /><br />3. Double-clicking on Photoshop's background (the gray background) will summon the Open command [Ctrl+O] (File » Open).<br /><br /> <br />Document Window<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />4. Change Canvas Border Color You can fill the (gray) canvas borders with the foreground color by Shift-clicking on it with the Paint Bucket tool [G].<br /><br />Note: To replace the default color, change the foreground color to 25% gray (R192,G192,B192) and Shift-click on the canvas border again.<br /><br />5. Press "F" to cycle between three different full screen modes (or use the Full Screen Modes buttons near the bottom of the toolbar).<br /><br />Tip: Press Shift+F to toggle the menus in full screen mode.<br /><br />Tip: Shift-click on one of the screen mode buttons ( Full Screen Modes ) in the toolbar to display all open documents in the selected mode.<br /><br />6. Right-click on an image window's titlebar to quickly access features like Canvas Size, Image Size, Duplicate and File Info.<br /><br />7. Pausing the mouse pointer over an image window's titlebar will reveal (via a tool tip) the full path of the current document.<br /><br />Path Information<br /><br />8. To mark your image as copyrighted, choose File » File Info and in Copyright & URL [Ctrl+6]. Check the Mark as Copyrighted option and enter any relevant information in the fields provided. Press the OK button and note the copyright symbol ( © ) that appears in front of the image title in the document title bar.<br /><br />Tip: You can even save this information and load (or append) it later for inclusion in another image.<br /><br />Tip: Right-click on a document titlebar to quickly access the File Info command.<br /><br />9. Sometimes it is quicker to navigate with the keyboard than to reach for the mouse. Here are some useful navigation keys:<br /><br />HotKey Result<br />Home / End go to top-left / bottom-right corner of the canvas<br />PageUp / PageDown scroll canvas up / down one page<br />Shift+PageUp / PageDown scroll canvas up / down 10 pixels<br />Ctrl+PageUp / PageDown scroll canvas left / right one page<br />Ctrl+Shift+PageUp / PageDown scroll canvas left / right 10 pixels<br /><br />10. Use Ctrl+Tab (or Ctrl+F6) and Ctrl+Shift+Tab (or Ctrl+Shift+F6) to activate the next and previous documents, respectively. Alternatively, you may choose a document, by name, from the (bottom of the) Window menu.<br /><br />11. <br /><br />New! The title bar of a Photoshop document contains a wealth of information about the image, but not all of it is self-explanatory. Here is a sample title bar:<br /><br />Titlebar<br /><br />1. If the current image is copyrighted, a copyright symbol ( © ) precedes the document name. See File » File Info: Copyright & URL [Ctrl+6] to see more information about the copyright.<br /><br />2. Next is the name of the document (e.g. Untitled-1.psd, MyImage.gif, etc.).<br /><br />3. Immediately following the document name is the magnification (viewing size) for the current image (e.g. @ 100%, @ 66.7%, etc.).<br /><br />4. After that, beginning in brackets, is the current layer name (e.g. Layer 1).<br /><br />Note: If the current document is a flattened image containing only a Background layer, no layer name is displayed in the title bar.<br /><br />5. The color mode of the document follows (e.g. RGB, CMYK, etc.).<br /><br />Note: the color mode will be preceded by a comma ( , ) if a layer name is present (see previous).<br /><br />6. If a pound symbol ( # ) appears after the color mode, it means that the document is untagged (i.e. it is not color-managed). An asterisk ( * ) after the color mode implies that the document colorspace is different from the working colorspace. The absence of these symbols means that the colorspace of the document matches the working colorspace.<br /><br />7. After that (and preceded by a slash [ / ]) is the soft-proofing mode (e.g. CMYK, Monitor, etc.) – if soft-proofing is enabled [Ctrl+Y] (View » Proof Colors).<br /><br />Note: When converting profiles (Image » Mode » Convert to Profile) this area will display the word Preview – provided that Preview is enabled in the Convert to Profile dialog box.<br />12. New! Use the Mouse Wheel over the canvas to zoom in (up) and out (down).<br /> <br />Palettes<br /><br /> Next Section Previous Section<br />13. To reset all palettes to their default locations, choose Window » Reset Palette Locations.<br /><br />14. New! To reset the contents of an individual palette, choose the Reset command from the respective palette's menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br />Note: The reset command is not available for all palettes.<br /><br />15. Updated! Press the Tab key to hide the toolbar and all palettes. Press Shift+Tab to hide only the palettes (and leave the toolbar visible).<br /><br />Tip: To reveal the Options palette (Window » Show Options), even when all other palettes are hidden, simply press the Enter key.<br /><br />16. Updated! Snap your palettes to the nearest screen edge by Shift-dragging them or Shift-clicking on their titlebars.<br /><br />17. For palettes that contain thumbnails, right-click on an empty area of the palette to reveal a context menu that allows you to choose from the following thumbnail sizes: None (which is not always available), Small, Medium and Large.<br /><br />Note: This applies for the Layers, Paths, and Channels palettes in Photoshop and the Layers, Rollover, and Animation palettes in ImageReady.<br /><br />18. Opacity Slider Bar Increase / decrease slider bars by 1% using the left / right arrow keys. Add Shift to increase / decrease by 10% increments.<br /><br />19. Right-click on thumbnails in the Layers palette [F7] (Window » Show Layers) to display a context menu of available commands – this is especially useful for layer masks and layer clipping paths.<br /><br />20. Minimize palettes by double-clicking on their associated palette tabs. Use the minimize button ( Minimize ) on the palette titlebars to cycle between compact mode (minimum number of options / contents visible) and contents mode (view all palette options / contents).<br /><br />Note: You can also double-click the toolbar's titlebar to minimize it.<br /><br />21. Press Shift+Enter in palette fields to apply the current value but have the field remain active. This is a quick way to experiment with different values.<br /><br />22. Alt-click on a triangle icon ( Arrow Icon ) to expand or collapse all child elements of an action, layer style, or layer set.<br /><br />23. You may "stack" palettes (example) by dragging one palette tab onto the top or bottom of another palette: a highlight appears to indicate where the palette will be placed.<br /><br />Tip: You may also group palettes together by dropping one palette onto the middle of another.<br /><br />24. Click on the background color well on the Color palette (not the toolbar) to have any color changes affect the background color. A black outline indicates the active color well.<br /><br />Tip: With the Eyedropper tool [ I ], press the Alt key to choose a color for the opposite color well. For example, if the foreground color is the active color well, press the Alt key to select a color for the background, and vice versa.<br /><br />25. Shift-click on the color ramp, in the Color palette [F6] (Window » Show Color), to change the spectrum. Alternatively, you may either right-click on the color ramp or open the Color palette menu (Palette Menu) to select an alternate color mode.<br /><br />26. Add a custom color to the Swatches palette (Window » Show Swatches) by clicking on any empty (gray) area. Remove a color by Ctrl-clicking on it. Replace a color by Shift-clicking on it.<br /><br />Tip: Choose a background color from the Swatch palette by Alt-clicking on the desired color.<br /><br />27. Define View Area Ctrl-drag inside of the proxy preview area, in the Navigation palette (Window » Show Navigator), to specify a new view area within the current document.<br /><br />Tip: Shift-drag within the proxy preview area to move the highlight vertically and horizontally.<br /><br />Tip: Change the color of the proxy view highlight by selecting Palette Options from the Navigation palette menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br />28. Assume that you want to see the dimensions of the current cropping marquee, but the Info palette is hidden beneath another palette. You cannot click on the Info palette tab (or press F8) to bring it to the foreground: however, you can choose Window » Show Info to bring the palette to the foreground!<br /><br />Tip: To bring a palette to the foreground (of a palette group) while a dialog box is open (such as Curves, Levels, etc.), choose the palette name from the Window menu (e.g. Window » Show Info), or press its associated hotkey.<br /><br />29. To create a duplicate image of the currently selected history state or snapshot in the History palette (Window » Show History):<br /><br /> * click the New Document button ( New Document from History State )<br /> * choose New Document from the History palette menu (Palette Menu)<br /> * drag-and-drop the current state (or snapshot) onto the New Document button ( New Document from History State )<br /> * right-click on the desired state (or snapshot) and select New Document from the context menu<br /><br /><br />30. Drag a history state from the History palette (Window » Show History) of the current image into any other image window to replace the contents of the destination image.<br /><br />31. Alt-click on any history state (other than the current state), to duplicate it. The duplicated state becomes the current (most recent) state.<br /><br />32. Alt-click on the New Snapshot button ( New Snapshot ), at the bottom of the History palette, to display a dialog box that allows you to duplicate the current image as a Full Document, Merged Layers, or Current Layer.<br /><br />33. New! Use the up and down arrow (cursor) keys to change the values in entry fields and drop-downs. Add the Shift key to change the values by a larger increment.<br /><br />Tip: You can also use the Mouse Wheel to change values. Use Shift-Mouse Wheel to change the values by larger increments.<br /><br />34. New! To replace the current preset (i.e. brushes, swatches and shapes, etc.) without being prompted for confirmation, hold down the Alt key while choosing a preset from the Preset Manager or a palette menu (Palette Menu).<br /><br />35. New! When the Color palette [F6] is in Web-safe mode, Alt-drag the sliders to prevent them from snapping to the Web-safe tick marks.<br /><br />36. Highlight palette fields New! Click on palette field titles to highlight / select the contents within the field (or to turn checkboxes on / off).<br /><br /> <br />Dialog Boxes<br /><br /> Previous Section<br />37. Hold down the Alt key to change any Cancel button into a Reset button (in any dialog box); this allows you to easily restore values without having to cancel and come back.<br /><br />38. For dialog boxes that contain multiple pages (e.g. Edit » Preferences » General), use Ctrl+N and Ctrl+P to go to the next and previous pages, respectively.<br /><br />39. Favorites Menu Use the Favorites button ( Favorites ) in Open dialog box [Ctrl+O] (File » Open) to store folders that you visit on a regular basis.<br /><br />40. Use the hexadecimal color field ( # ) in the Color Picker dialog box to copy and paste color values from one place in Photoshop to another (or even to another application that supports hexadecimal color values).<br /><br />41. When selecting colors in the Color Picker dialog box or Color Palette [F6] (Window » Show Color), click on the Web-safe icon ( Choose Web-safe Color ) to force the selected color to the nearest Web-safe equivalent. Click on the Out of Gamut icon ( Choose Print Safe Color ) to force the selected color to the nearest print safe color.<br /><br />42. New! While using the Save for Web dialog box [Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S] (File » Save for Web), hold down the Alt key to change the OK button into a "Remember" button. Press this button to assign the current settings to the active document. These optimization settings will be remembered, even if you press Cancel. In addition, if you save the document, the assigned settings will be saved with as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-82476523152975820652007-01-21T23:26:00.000-08:002007-01-21T23:41:28.298-08:00Photoshop Tips - growingCollected from internet.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Quickly Select A Layer Without Accessing the Layer Palette</b> </span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on WinXP Pro<br /><b>TIP/TRICK</b> : With the document focused, you can hold down CTRL and RIGHT CLICK on the document in order to bring up a list of layers which contain content in the area selected. You can then select that layer from the context menu to automatically focus the layer palette to that layer.<br /><br />You can optionally ALT and RIGHT CLICK instread to bypass the context menu and automatically focus the top-most layer which contains content in the area you clicked on.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Automatically Name A New Layer</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : If you hold down ALT while you drag a layer in the layer palette to the CREATE NEW LAYER button, a dialogue window will open, prompting you for the name of the layer. This keeps you from having to double click the name of the default new layer and re-typing it in.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Quickly Create a Clipping Layer</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : If you move your cursor in between 2 layers on the layer's palette, and then ALT + CLICK, it will function as a toggle to create a clipping mask of the adjacent layers.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Quickly Adjust the Kerning (Space Between Letters) of Text</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : On a text layer, select the entire contents of the text and then press ALT + LEFT/RIGHT ARROW to INCREASE/DECREASE the Kerning by 1. Optionally, you can press ALT + SHIFT + LEFT/RIGHT ARROW to INCREASE/DECREASE the Kerning by 10.<br /><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b><!-- / message --><!-- sig --> : If you select the MEASURE TOOL, you can draw out a line with it along any imaginary (or actual) line in the photo that you know should be either straight up or straight down. After you've made this line along this edge, goto IMAGE > ROTATE CANVAS > ARBITRARY and Photoshop will automatically populate the rotate value with the amount needed to rotate the image to a perfect horizontal or vertical which is parallel to the line you drew. In effect, this will "straighten" your image.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Automatically Link Layers without accessing the Layer Palette</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : If you have the MOVE TOOL selected and CTRL + SHIFT CLICK on layers which contain content, you will automatically link that layer with the currently selected one.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Quickly resize image to fit the window</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : To quickly resize your image to fit the available space Photoshop is using, simply double-click the HAND TOOL.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Quickly access the MOVE TOOL</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : During many times (but not all), you can quickly access the MOVE TOOL by simply holding down CTRL.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Quickly access the HAND TOOL</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : During many times (but not all), you can quickly access the HAND TOOL by holding down the SPACE BAR. This is exceptionally helpful when you are using the F key in order to view in different screen modes.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Quickly change the master opacity</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : Many times, as long as you have no other inputs focused, and the layer is simply focused, you can press 0 - 9 in order to change the current layer's opacity from 10% (1) to 100% (0). If you press 2 number successively, you can set the layer's exact opacity. ie, "4" then "2" will set the layer opacity to 42%.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Re-Use the last values in dialogue boxes</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : Many times if you've performed an action in order to get an effect, you can use the values that were last supplied by going to that same menu through the menu at the top of Photoshop, but by holding the ALT key down before selecting the first menu option.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Reset the changes you made</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : If you want to reset the values in a dialogue box you have altered but have not yet pressed OK, you can hold down ALT and the CANCEL button will temporarily turn into a RESET button.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Constrain object movement</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : With the MOVE TOOL selected, you can constrain objects to 90 degree movement by depressing the SHIFT key.<br /><br /><span style="color:RoyalBlue;"><b>TITLE : Perform nudges on objects</b></span><br /><b>VERSION </b> : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK </b> : With the MOVE TOOL selected, you can nudge objects by pressing the ARROW KEYS. If you hold SHIFT and press an ARROW KEY, you can nudge the object by 10 pixels at a time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" >TITLE : Quickly select a custom color</span><br />VERSION : Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br />TIP/TRICK : in the custom color palate, type in the number/word name of the color to go directly to it.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalblue;">TITLE : Scroll around quickly at huge magnifications</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> I've been using this since PS5<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> This is particularly good for scrolling around in full screen mode (hit F a couple of times) I use it a lot when spotting with the clone tool at very large magnifications in full screen mode with the whole screen devoid of any clutter. You can find a dead pixel easily in the biggest of images. Works just as well in a small window as full screen.<br /><br />What is good about it is that it moves the image in whole screen/window sized chunks that butt up to each other so you can scan a whole print methodically for spots.<br /><br />The "page up" and page down" keys do just what they say on the box.<br />To move left and right hold down Command/Control+"page down" to scroll right and Command/Control+"page up" to move left. The "home" key takes you to the top left corner.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Constrain Selection Dimensions</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> When Using the marquee tool hold shift to select a perfect square or circle. Pressing Alt will allow you to draw a selection from the inside (center) out.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly Center an object</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> To center any object in the middle of the image. Press ctrl+a to select the canvas of the layer (with the to be centered object). Press ctrl+x to cut the content. Press ctrl+v to paste the content back again perfectly centered.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Selecting visible with marquee</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> To move (using the marquee tool) only the part of the selection (so not the object itself) that is visible on the layer press ctrl+alt and move your selection after placing a(ny) selection around it.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Merging (multiple) layers</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> To merge one layer with the layer underneath press ctrl+e to merge down. To merge multiple layers, link them together and press ctrl+e to merge linked. To merge all visible layers, press ctrl+shift+e.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Easy image navigation using scroll wheel</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> To navigate an image in all directions using your mouses scroll wheel.<br />-vertical movement: just use the scroll wheel<br />-horizontal movement: use the scroll wheel while holding ctrl<br />-zooming in/out: use the scroll wheel while holding alt<br />This works with every tool.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Invert (selection)</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> To invert the colors of a selection or layer, press ctrl+i. To invert a selection, press ctrl+shift+i.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly adjust the color of an object or selection</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> Press ctrl+u and check the colorize box. Adjust the hue handle to adjust the color, the lightness handle and saturation handle can be adjusted to control those variables. (note that to colorize a black object you should make it lighter and to colorize a white object you should make it darker by adjusting the lightness handle in the correct direction).<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Selecting visible and copying layer masks</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> To select the visible part of any layer hold ctrl and click on that layer. To convert this selection into a mask press the add layer mask button (in the bottom of your layer palette). To copy a layer mask, ctrl click on the layer mask, go to the layer you want masked and press the add layer mask button.<br /><br />(For optimum effeciency use it in combination with the invert selection tip.)<br /><br />Use ctrl+alt and click a layer to substract that layers visibility from your selection. Use ctrl+shift and click a layer to add that layers visibility to your selection.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Repeat transformation</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> After having transformed an object by using ctrl+t you can repeat the last transformation (on any object) by pressing ctrl+shift+t. To keep the original object the way it is and transform a copy of the object press ctrl+shift+alt+t (particularily handy to create certain text effects). (This option is also exceptionally usefull when creating a rotating image in Image ready).<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly set view ratio to 1:1</span></b><br /><b>VERSION :</b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK :</b> To quickly view your image at a 1:1 ratio, double click the ZOOM TOOL icon on the TOOL PALETTE.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Additional plug-ins folder</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> Go to edit/preferences and check the box 'additional plug-ins folder' and select a folder.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Transparent Mask</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> While working with a mask press the \ key to work with a transparent mask, kinda like the quick mask. Press \ again to return to the regular mask.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Edit mask inside document window</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> If you want a larger preview of your mask; ALT + Click on the mask and you'll be able to edit the mask in the document window.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Change color of gray background around document window</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> Select a foreground color, select the paint bucket tool (G) and now click on the gray background while holding down the shift key.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Easy duplicate</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> We can duplicate an image by going to image/duplicate, but a quicker way is to right click the top of you document window. A window will pop up in which you can select 'duplicate'.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Photoshop behaving odd (resetting preference file)</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> We can delete the preference file by holding down Ctrl+Shift+Alt when we start Photoshop. Be aware that all your previous Photoshop settings and preferences will be lost.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Saving image to the WEB</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> Go to 'edit/color settings' and make sure that you have selected 'Web Graphics Default' and SRGB, otherwise your image might look too dark.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Difference between MAC & Windows shortcuts</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Mac & Windows versions of Photoshop<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> Not actually a trick, but important to know (especially in a thread like this)<br /><br /><b>PC MAC</b><br />Alt Option<br />Ctrl Command<br />Right Click Control<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Closing all documents with one mouse click</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> Hold down the Shift key and click on the close button of any open Document window; this will close all other documents too.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Merge all visible layers</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b> Sometimes you want to merge all visible layers (what you're actually seeing in your document window) on a new layer; create a new layer and then press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E (Windows) or Command+Ctrl+Shift+E (MAC)<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Making screenshots and marking areas</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b><br /><br /><b>Screenshots</b>: Press the PrintScreen key on your keyboard to make a screenshot. Create a new document and you'll notice that it's automatically set to the resolution of your screen. Go to edit/paste or press Ctrl+V to paste the screenshot.<br />Press ALT+PrintScreen to make a copy of the <b>active window</b> only. Be aware; sometimes Windows will copy the complete screen when you think you've selected only a single window. A good example is the layers palette. In case you want to make a screenshot of the layers palette only; make sure that you click on one of the tabs first, otherwise you might end up with a full screenshot instead of a one of the layers palette only.<br /><br />Save screenshots of menus in GIF 32 colors to save bandwidth, unless you have an image that contains a document window with pixel data.<br /><br /><b>Marking</b><br />Select the area that you want to mark with one of the selection tools. Now go to edit/stroke, select a width of 2, color red (or any other color, I prefer red) and click OK.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Altering your current selection</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>If you want to ADD TO YOUR SELECTION, hold SHIFT and create another selection. If you want to SUBTRACT FROM YOUR SELECTION, hold ALT and create another selection.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly select EYEDROPPER from Painting tools</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>When you have many painting tools selected (such as the BRUSH and FILL BUCKET, you can temporarily change to the EYEDROPPER by holding down the ALT key.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Merlin the Magician (Easter Egg/Trick)</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>If you want to see Merlin the magician, a little easter egg the Adobe team put into PS:CS, then goto the LAYER PALETTE and hold ALT which clicking on the small arrow located at the top right of the palette. With ALT still held, choose the bottommost option (LAYER OPTIONS...). Now Begone!<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Understanding your menu options</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>Little known fact, but any command listed in Photoshop's menu's that ends with (...) will bring up a dialogue window. Commands without it will not. ie, "Save As...", "Inverse"<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly get Black/White as Fore/Background Colors</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>Press D (by default) to reset your current foreground and background color to black and white. This is especially useful when you want to edit a mask. You can use the X key to swap the colors of the foreground and background.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly remove a layer from a linked set</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>If you ALT + CLICK on the Brush icon next to the eyeball on the layer which is currently part of a linked set of layers, it will remove it from that link set.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Determine multiple measurements </span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>After creating a line with the RULER TOOL, you can hold ALT and drag from either end of the first line to create a second one that is attached to the first. This line's information, as well as the angle it is in contrast to the first line, will be displayed in the INFORMATION PALETTE.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Delete Multiple Layers at one time</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>Link the layers you want to be delted, and simply hold CTRL + ALT + Click the DELETE LAYER icon to remove them all without prompt.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly maximize File Browser</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>If you notice, there is an icon to the left of the palette well which, when clicked on, will open the File Browser. If you want to automatically open the File Browser maximized, hold CTRL when you click the button.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly Flag/Unflag files in the File Browser</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>You can quickly mark (or toggle and unmark) files for flagging in the file browser by pressing CTRL + ' (apostrophe).<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Sample color outside document window</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b><br />There are situations that you want to sample a color that is outside your document window or even outside Photoshop.<br /><br />Select the eyedropper tool (I) and click inside the document window but hold down the mouse button. The move your eye dropper tool to any area of your screen and release the mouse button when you want to sample a particlar color. Of course you have to make sure that the object which color you want to sample is visible before you start sampling.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Fast switching between burn and dodge tool</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b><br />You can quicky switch between burn and dodge tool by holding down the Alt key (or option key on the Mac). It doesn't matter which of the two, dodge or burn tool, is active.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Understanding Mask Icon Colors</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>Little known fact, but when you have a layer which has a mask, you can quickly determine the mask type (Vector vs Raster) by looking at the darkest color of the Layer's Mask "Preview". If it is pure black, the mask is RASTER. If it is a lighter mid-tone gray, then it is a vector mask.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Altering the CURVES viewing options</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>With the CURVES dialogue window up, you can ALT + CLICK in the grid to change it from a default 4x4 grid to a 10x10 grid. Don't forget the icon in the bottom right of the window is used to increase the dialogue size.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Tip for CURVES adjustments</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>As a general rule of thumb, the steeper you make the curve, the more contrast, and the more flat you make the curve, the less contrast there'll be. In color based curve adjustments, steeper curves increase saturation, while flat line curves decrease color saturation.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:royalBlue;">TITLE : Quickly fill with FORE/BACKGROUND Color</span></b><br /><b>VERSION : </b> Photoshop CS on Windows XP<br /><b>TIP/TRICK : </b>Pressing ALT + DELTE will fill with the Foreground color, while pressing CTRL + DELETE fill will with the Background color.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Multiple color modes in one document</span><br /></strong>Photoshop CS 2.<br />With the great thing Smart Object you can hold a pictures in any color mode in one document. It's very useful when you are in CMYK mode, because some of filters don't work on composite CMYK channel and some filters don't work on separation channel too - like Lens Flare or Lighting Effects. Instead of working in Proof Colors mode this method combined benefits of RGB (or Lab) with its wide editing ability and pure CMYK colors like 100% black for tiny text and drop shadows and color trapping also.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Clipping masks and Smart Objects</span><br /></strong>Photoshop CS2<br /><br />As you know clipping masks disappears when creating Smart Object. There is workaround to resolve it: save selected layers (sets) in a psd file and then place one to current document: File > Place...<br /><br />At that way smart object will have canvas size by its original document size.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Want to try all the blend modes on a layer quickly?</span><br /></strong>Both mac and peecee - All versions after 5<br /><br />Hold down SHIFT and press the + and - keys to toggle all the modes in sequence<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Curves - to place multiple points on color channels</span><br /></strong>Mac and peecee. All versions<br /><br />To put a point on each curve corresponding to the point in the image where you click - hold down Shift/Control while clicking in the image area. Adding shift places a point on the curve for each channel rather than a single point on a single curve. This is useful for "anchoring" areas of the image that you dont want to change, allowing you to then alter each color channel to make very localised adjustments. The mac shortcut is Command/Shift<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Shortcut - View a layer mask as a greyscale channel</span><br /></strong>Mac - not sure what the PC shortcut for this is sorry<br /><br />Its already been pointed out that the backslash key allows you to view your layer mask as a "quick mask" rubylith.... follow this with the tilde ~ key and the mask will now display as a greyscale channel, obscuring the image completely. This is useful for very accurate masking where precise work is needed.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Luminosity - the best tool in my box</span><br /></strong>Mac and PC - any version in the last 10 years<br /><br />This is a golden color correction tip. First change the blend mode of your Curves layer to Luminosity - in this way you can alter the weights of items within your image <b> without affecting the color cast </b>. You can even do amazingly powerful tonal enhancement by selecting your color channels separately enhancing the contrast on each curve in the areas where it needs it most. Boosting the channels separately in this way, still wont affect (much) the color balance.<br /><br />Now make another curve with the blend mode set to "Color" - this will allow you to change color values only and will not affect (too much) the weight of items in your image.<br /><br />These techniques allow you to view color and tone seperately - making controlling the true quality of a print much easier. More can be achieved this way than with a "Normal" Curve alone. Only one warning - watch your blues because in CMYK Luminosity blend does cause these to shift slightlyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-67245876087174825002007-01-21T16:40:00.000-08:002007-01-21T16:51:15.448-08:00Material texture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHt1oXqyz8OhqOYeSMZdGzID5rRAhAvd-RTRwNYhWhgtcAUIoZcd8hIcd8VYdrC6ifnrj6kFzGEiqi4NzR0DtJWVD7gvSetxQimmun5wyduVpCMgzCpZtSTCJhpSwG-yoPFZ982NsP7xA/s1600-h/8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHt1oXqyz8OhqOYeSMZdGzID5rRAhAvd-RTRwNYhWhgtcAUIoZcd8hIcd8VYdrC6ifnrj6kFzGEiqi4NzR0DtJWVD7gvSetxQimmun5wyduVpCMgzCpZtSTCJhpSwG-yoPFZ982NsP7xA/s320/8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022650971745483970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcohxas0e3XefEY3KKBcTlz8BLlBXkHA7RGTCBirFVDwaq9NePgKq9Blrw20_diIGLWpwaS0lJuWEJo0rPKrRNYDpC98S3whKpwgpM5eH3RvdyAb_wO1DzkaWJx9Lsqs0hroGLf3dCS-y/s1600-h/2002112710113931267.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcohxas0e3XefEY3KKBcTlz8BLlBXkHA7RGTCBirFVDwaq9NePgKq9Blrw20_diIGLWpwaS0lJuWEJo0rPKrRNYDpC98S3whKpwgpM5eH3RvdyAb_wO1DzkaWJx9Lsqs0hroGLf3dCS-y/s320/2002112710113931267.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022650748407184562" border="0" /></a><br />Here some material texture. Feel free to download. Want more? subscribe by email. I will inform you when ready.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/matlib1.zip">volume 1</a><br /><a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/matlib2.zip">volume 2</a><br /><a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/matlib3.zip">volume 3</a><br /><a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/matlib4.zip">volume 4</a><br /><a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/matlib5.zip">volume 5</a><br /><a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/matlib6.zip">volume 6</a><br /><a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/matlib7.zip">volume 7</a><br /><a href="http://essentialart001.googlepages.com/matlib8.zip">volume 8</a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-75113570296427772892007-01-21T15:27:00.000-08:002007-01-21T16:14:02.656-08:00Matte Painting: winterHere I wanted to change the season of a scene from summer to winter. Specific device used: Wacom Intuos² A4<br />First of all, find a good res picture. I chose to use a picture of a house I found on the web. You can find very nice pics for free, just look around!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/original.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/original.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Alright, first let's modify the colors. Using Image > Adjust > Hue / Saturation, try to get softer colors with less contrasts and saturation. Make it look cold !<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/01.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Create a new layer<br /></strong>Now we can begin painting the snow. Use a rough brush to create irregular shapes. In the tools window, set the foreground color to pure white, and the background color to a blue-tinted white which will be used to add shadows on the snow. All steps involve working alternatively with these two colors. Begin by adding snow on the edges of the house where the snow would naturally fall onto.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/02.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/02.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With the blueish white, paint the inferior part of the snow (the shadows). This will add depth and will simulate the way snow reacts to light.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/03.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/03.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><strong>Create a new layer</strong><br />With the same brush and same white, paint the windows to give them a frosted look. Set this layer's transfer mode to Overlay to make it match.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/04.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/04.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Create a new layer</strong><br />Same principle, on the roof this time. Make sure you stay true to the original lighting. Parts where the sun directly hits the roof should be a lot brighter than the darker spots, which will blueish. This is important especially on the cone shaped parts. When everything will be painted, you can then use the Blur tool and make a smooth transition between pure white and blueish white. After that, use the Burn and Dodge tools to increase or decrease contrasts. If you use Burn on the blue-tinted whites, it will give you an ice look, which can be interesting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/05.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/05.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Create a new layer</strong><br />Now we are going to paint the ground. I used an irregular brush so that the grass wasn't entirely covered. Then using the blueish color I added nuances to simulate an undulating look. I also left a clean way that goes to the door. Same principle to add snow applies to the trees and bushes in the garden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/06.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/06.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now let's do something to avoid boredom from only adding snow ! Using the Dodge tool, on the house layer, brighten spots here and there to add frosted parts, as well as to lighten up the dark parts of the house (like the inside of the porch). Do not forget that snow is a reflective surface, it will bounce light off pretty much everywhere. Using the same method, brighten up the rest of the scene like the trees and sky. Subtle, but necessary since it adds the important detail that sells the overall effect and makes the image look natural.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/07.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/07.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Create a new layer</span><br />Now on to the extremely boring step : powder snow over the trees. Powder is subtle, so don't overdo it ! Still using the same method, add snow accumulations on branches, the most difficult part being to actually see where those branches are. It depends on the quality of your picture. If you have chosen a picture without trees you are a cheater !!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/08.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/08.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For the big branches in the foreground, we can see leaves. I chose to add snow on groups of leaves, which can be time consuming, but you should not choose the shortest way over quality work.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/09.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/09.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Create a new adjustment layer : Brightness/Contrast<br />This step is optional, but I created a layer and have applied a linear gradient from top to bottom to increase the contrast at the bottom of the pic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/10.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here it is! You can compare the original image and the matte painting!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">Original from </span><a style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" href="http://www.3dm3.com/tutorials/photoshop/winter/">here</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-13622483311261072612007-01-20T14:47:00.000-08:002007-01-20T15:05:05.732-08:006 tips to draw CAD faster1. First is the most important. Spend some time to set properly. It worth to think before you leap. Well pre-organized drawing will save you lots of time.<br />2. Try to use keyboard instead of clicking icons. For doing so, you can edit your alias files for your preference. How to do it? click <a href="http://www.archiz-tips.blogspot.com/">here.</a> It also let you look like a real professional.<br />3. Get familiar to the updates your version provided. Those updates are usually for other users feedbacks. In order to sell a new version, they have to put some cool features. Am I right?<br />4. Share the tips with others. We both benefit from each other.<br />5. Read "help" as much as you can. You will find it is the most important resource you have. And you and your company have already paid for it.<br />6. Enjoy it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-31944069210121217232007-01-20T14:43:00.000-08:002007-01-20T14:47:09.702-08:003ds max modeling tutorial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw40rxzrHNrFyfO-ZJqvcxt6Cp7KrOG56sS9JqMyTfrN8e_DZAOKoS487onMbbLKyfVfHpKlUQfzrLDnP1JfFFmu3XkIkrB48RlUYTf5lSczLlh2SRbe_uagG7iYahyphenhyphene9sqEUx_33ZzzRj/s1600-h/1125202808.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw40rxzrHNrFyfO-ZJqvcxt6Cp7KrOG56sS9JqMyTfrN8e_DZAOKoS487onMbbLKyfVfHpKlUQfzrLDnP1JfFFmu3XkIkrB48RlUYTf5lSczLlh2SRbe_uagG7iYahyphenhyphene9sqEUx_33ZzzRj/s320/1125202808.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022247541172403362" border="0" /></a><br />3ds max e-book for modeling. Easy to follow. All images.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-70767670476006518312007-01-20T14:37:00.000-08:002007-01-20T14:40:57.864-08:00Tools to help you work efficiently.Check back for helpful tools to enhance your drawing and programming. Or subscribe my newsletter for future updates.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561847996917457499.post-49707266108364316262007-01-20T14:32:00.000-08:002007-01-20T14:36:11.974-08:00CAD libraryPlease Email me for free CAD library including 2D or 3D car, door, window, furniture, lighting fixture, people, tree, and some useful hatch pattern, line type and so on.<br />Or you can check back. I will upload later on. I am working on it now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1