Hot Software Posts
How To: Make stencils in GIMP
In this tutorial, we learn how to make stencils in GIMP. Start with heads or faces if you are new to this. Then, use the rectangle tool to select the head. Then, go to image and fir canvas to selection. Now, remove the background by using the background tool. Once finished, go to colors, then threshold. The image should turn black and white. Turn the dial to the right, then turn it to the left to make it lighter and darker. Find the spot to where it shows detail but it's not distorted, then h...
How To: Use the Auto-Blend Layers tool in Adobe Photoshop CS5
In this video tutorial, we learn how to to use the Auto-Blend Layers tool in Adobe Photoshop CS5. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular raster graphics editor or a seasoned designer looking to better acquaint yourself with the new features and functions of the latest iteration of the application, you're sure to benefit from this free software tutorial. For more information, watch this video guide.
How To: Use the mia_material material shader in Maya 2011
In this tutorial, we learn how to work with the mia_material shader tool in Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Create a bootable CD with ImgBurn
Download the software from Imgburn. Choose mode, build, advanced, bootable disk. Go to allbootdisk to get a bootable image of your operating system. Choose from Windows 95 through Vista. Download the diskette image. Name and save to desktop. Choose volume and label. Click ok. Make the output burn to image file. Name the file and save it to the desktop. Download Sun Virtualbox. Test the image by choosing settings, storage, add device. Choose media manager. Select make primary slave. After test...
How To: Draw a female vector cartoon character in CorelDRAW X4
In this tutorial, we learn how to draw a female vector cartoon character in CorelDraw X4. Start out by drawing the head of the character with lines that are curved. Then, add in the pupil and color of the eye. Don't forget to add in the lines underneath and on top of the eye, as well as the creases above them. Copy and paste this to create the other eye, then add in eyelashes and eyebrows. Then, draw in a nose and shape the face. add in additional details to the face, then add in the colors t...
How To: Create your own fully Flash-based website in Adobe Flash CS3 with ActionScript
This tutorial is for anyone who wants to create their own Flash-based website, even those with little to no coding experience. You're shown how to incorporate animations, loader bars, and other interactive content into your website; as well as how to manage it all from the admin side.
How To: Create a toggle button using Action Script 3 for your website
A toggle button can let visitors to your website hide or reveal content (such as a product description or explanation attached to an image). This tutorial shows you how to make your own content toggle buttons for your Flash-based website.
How To: Load an external image into your Flash CS4 animations
This tutorial shows you how to import an external image into your Adobe Flash CS4 animation project using Action Script. Choose any image you like and incorporate it into your current project using the steps outlined in this tutorial.
How To: Create 3-D perspective boxes in Adobe Fireworks
This tutorial shows you a very basic process in Adobe Fireworks - how to make a 3-D perspective box. The steps to complete this simple procedure are clearly outlined in this tutorial. Once rendered, you can even animate your little box and have it dance across the screen!
How To: Use the Manual Trace tool in Adobe Illustrator CS5
In this clip, you'll learn how to use the Manual Trace tool when, for example, desiging a book cover in Illustrator CS5. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular vector graphics editor or just looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to enjoy this free video software tutorial. Take a look.
How To: Create a simple letter for Mail Merge in Microsoft Word 2007
In this quick clip, you'll learn how to go about creating a basic letter for Mail Merge within MS Word 2007. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular word processing application or a seasoned professional merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to benefit from this video tutorial. For complete instructions, take a look.
How To: Smooth and straighten lines in Adobe Flash
First select the pencil tool then click on pencil mode which is located at the bottom of the toolbar, select straighten and draw a line as in the video. Now you can see that the line is automatically adjusted, it will make the round and straight shape in the line depending on how you drew it. Now delete your shapes and select the smooth in pencil mode and draw a line as in the video. Now you can see that the line is automatically smoothed. And finally select the ink in pencil mode and draw a ...
How To: Use Pidgin as an IRC client
This video shows how to enter an IRC chat with a program called Pidgin, which is normally an instant messaging client. First, you should open Pidgin and open the protocol IRC, selecting or creating a username and changing the server to irc.freenode.net in order to connect to the Linuxjournal channel. After connecting to the channel, wait until you are connected. At this point, you should still not be able to see anything, so you have to go to "Add Chat" and join a channel, in this case #Linux...
How To: Use the Blend tool in Adobe Illustrator CS4 or CS5
Need a quick primer on how to use the Blend tool within Adobe Illustrator CS4 or CS5? This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular vector graphics editing software or a seasoned professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Use conditional formatting for a student grading report in Microsoft Excel
If you're looking for a way to create a student report, Microsoft Excel makes it easy to create a wonderful spreadsheet with tons of information. This video shows an example of a student report being created, which has three simple items in the columns of the sheet, which are the names of the students, the marks obtained and the grades.
How To: Add custom buttons to a Thunderbird Toolbar
In order to add additional buttons to your Thunderbird Tool Bar, you will need an add-on called "Custom Buttons". It will allow you to add additional buttons to your tool bar. You will need to give instructions for the buttons, which you will use Java Script in order to set it up. Otherwise, the button will not have a function.
How To: Install and configure the Stack Docklet on RocketDock
RocketDock is a sweet and infinitely customizable program for controlling your PC desktop environment. If you want to get the most out of it, the Stack Docklet is a great add-on that makes it even easier to organize your desktop icons. This video will show you how to install and configure it.
How To: Use the Auto Trace tool in Adobe Illustrator CS4 or CS5
Looking for a quick guide on how to use the Auto Trace tool when working in Adobe Illustrator CS4 or CS5? This clip will teach you what you need to know. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular vector graphics editing software or a seasoned professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create a pictorialist-style photo effect in Adobe Photoshop CS4 or CS5
Love pictorialism? Want to create a pictorialist effect after the fact with Photoshop? It's easy. And this clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular raster graphics editor or a seasoned designer looking to better acquaint yourself with the new features and functions of the latest iteration of the application, you're sure to benefit from this free software tutorial. For more information, watch this video guide.
How To: Install Windows Movie Maker on Windows 7
This video tutorial belongs to the software category which is going to show you how to install Windows Movie Maker on Windows 7. Windows 7 RC does not come with Windows Movie Maker. However, you can download the movie maker from Microsoft site that will work with Windows 7 RC. Go to Microsoft Downloads, find the link for the Windows Movie Maker download and download it. Then run the exe file and follow through the steps to set up and install the program. After installation, the program can be...
How To: Create sepia-tone images in Adobe Photoshop CS5
Want to convert a color or black-and-white image to sepia? With Photoshop CS5, it's easy. And this clip will teach you what you need to know. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular raster graphics editing software or a seasoned professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and filters, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free CS5 video guide.
How To: Wrap text around an image in Apple iWork Pages
Need a primer on how to turn on text wrapping in Apple's Pages? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Fade video and audio in and out in Sony Vegas
In this clip, you'll learn how to create fade-ins and fade-outs using Sony Vegas Movie Studio or Pro. Whether you're completely new to Sony's popular nonlinear editor (NLE) or are a seasoned digital video professional simply looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Create a glowing particle dust effect in Photoshop
Photoshop might be the best software out there for creating effects on text and other still images. This video will show you how to create one really cool effect in Photoshop on a title. The creator calls this a glowing particles dust effect, and that sounds about right. The end result is words that are surrounded by a unique cloud of glowing particle dust. It looks really cool, and should really spice up your website or film titles.
How To: Create custom particles in After Effects
Are you getting better at using After Effects and finding that you want to create your own custom particles instead of using the default ones? Then this video is for you. It will show you how to create custom animated particles which can be used to create all manner of cool effects like the one created as an example for this video. Don't keep using clublets of particles, make them do what you want them to do.
How To: Make a pulse or pulsating wave effect in After Effects
Making really attractive titles for your films is just one of the way that you can dramatically improve them using After Effects. This video will help you make them by showing you how to create a pulse or pulsating wave effect from whence your titles can emerge. They look great, and will make your movie (especially horror or sci-fi movie) look much more professional right from the beginning.
How To: Enter formulas in Excel with a macro
In order to enter formulas in Excels with a macro, you will need to open your spreadsheet. Formulas are used to do calculations. Go to the field, where you want to enter a formula. Type in the formula. Then, highlight the formula. Press Control + C to copy the formula. Next, delete the contents of the cell. Press Alt + F11.
Install & use CDBurnerXP: Free CD/DVD burning software
In this Software video tutorial you will learn how to install & use CDBurnerXP: Free CD/DVD burning software. It is compatible with Windows XP and Vista. Open up a browser and go to CDBurner. Click on downloads, download and install the file. Open it up and select your language. Then the main menu will pop up. Here you can choose exactly what you want to do. After you select your action, say Data disc, click OK. On the next screen you get to select the files. Just drag and drop them in to the...
How To: Disable quick fill handle & drag-drop Excel features
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to disable the quick fill handle and drag and drop option in Microsoft Excel. This task is very easy, simple and fast to do. Begin by clicking on the Office button and click on Excel Options at the bottom. Then click on the Advanced tab and deselect "Enable fill handle and cell drag and drop" option under Editing Options. Finish by clicking on OK. This video will benefit those viewers who use Microsoft Excel for their work, and would like to learn how...
How To: Create and use Xrefs when working in MAXON Cinema 4D
This tutorial looks at streamlining your C4D workflow, organizing your assets and working with groups. Xrefs can be incredibly useful and as well as helping you to stay organized can also hugely reduce hard drive space used. Whether you're new to MAXON's popular 3D modeling application or are just looking to get better acquainted with Cinema 4D and its various features and functions, you're sure to enjoy this free video software tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this tr...
How To: Make use of the 3D environment in Apple Motion 3
This clip covers the basics of creating and working with 3D models within Apple Motion 3, discussing a number of useful keyboard shortcuts. Whether you're new to the Apple's popular motion graphics editor/compositing application or are a seasoned digital video professional simply wishing to get better acquainted with Motion 4, you're sure to find value in this tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick yourself, take a look.
How To: Create a basic hand rig within MAXON Cinema 4D
This tutorial covers the C4D rigging system, applying it a model of a hand. It goes from start to finish covering all the different aspects of the technique. Whether you're new to MAXON's popular 3D modeling application or are just looking to get better acquainted with Cinema 4D and its various features and functions, you're sure to enjoy this free video software tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick in your own Cinema 4D projects, watch this 3D modeler's guide.
How To: Add a title in Pinnacle Studio
In this tutorial, we learn how to add a title in Pinnacle Studio. First, click drag and drop your movie into the movie screen and then click on the "edit" tab. Now go to the left hand side and click on the "text" button. Go for a standard title, or whichever you prefer and click and drag that into the video screen. It will now be in front of your video. Double click the video screen and then edit the text to say what you would like. Next, click out of this and add a transition from the right ...
How To: Model a 3D human head using 3D Studio MAX
An image of a human head can consist of a single penstroke or a thousand polygons. The head model that you will be learning to create in this three-video series leans very much towards the latter. The videos will teach you how to create a 3D model of the human head using 3D Studio MAX from a photo. It assumes some knowledge of 3DS MAX, but not too much, so don't be scared! Watch this baby and start modeling!
How To: Use garment maker in 3D Studio MAX to model clothes
Clothing a 3D model properly is almost as hard as making the model in the first place. Fortunately, 3D Studio MAX and this video are here to help. Watching this you will learn how to create splines, simulate cloth animation, and use good smoothing techniques, among other things. Now your 3D models can be as stylish as you! If not more so.
How To: Get started using FileMaker Pro 11
This clip presents a general introduction to FileMaker Pro 11, providing special emphasis upon the application's new features. Whether you're new to FileMaker Pro database management program or just want to learn how to take advantage of FileMaker Pro 11's new features, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial from the folks at Lynda. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this handy FileMaker Pro user's guide.
How To: Import WoW models into 3DS MAX with textures intact
If you want to make a hybrid machinima movie using WoW characters, you are probably going to have to import them into 3DS MAX at some point. Unfortunately, you cannot just do this straight away. This video will teach you how to use a program called Milkshape 3D to prepare a character for importing and then import them into 3DS MAX, where they are ready for animating!
How To: Morph targets in 3DS MAX with WoW characters
The silent film era ended long before anyone had conceived of something like machinima, so your machinima movie had better have some talking! This movie will teach you how to use morph target in 3DS MAX to give your imported World of Warcraft characters facial expressions and animate their mouths to make them appear to be talking. You'll also learn how to make your model sneer, smile, and perform other facial actions.
How To: Add 3D objects to digital video in Blender 2.4 or 2.5
In this video, I match move a 3D virtual object on top of a movie which is set as the background image. This tutorial will show you how to integrate your CG objects into a real-world video. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look!
How To: Redirect edge flow in Blender 2.5
This video offers a few quick tips on tricks on redirecting edge flow (or edgeflow) when working within Blender 2.5. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look.