Hot Software Posts
How To: Create a 3D model of a tornado in Blender 2.5
Learn how to create a full 3D model of a tornado within Blender 2.5. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
How To: Work with parenting in Cinema 4D
This clip presents detailed introduction to the concept of parenting within Cinema 4D. 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 taking advantage of parenting in your own C4D projects, watch this 3D modeler's guide.
How To: Make a slideshow using Fireworks CS4
Adobe Fireworks is a powerful vector graphics editing tool for creating Flash websites. It has many powerful functions, just one of which you will learn how to use here. This video explains how to make slideshows (or image galleries for the web-savvy) that will display on your website. Making slideshows in Fireworks is easier than doing so in some other programs, so if you're lucky enough to have it watch this video and then get those photos organized!
How To: Download & install free brush patterns from Brusheezy
This clip offers instruction on how to find, download and install free brushes for Adobe Photoshop. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular graphics editor or a seasoned design professional looking to get better acquainted with the industry-standard app, you're sure to benefit from this free software tutorial. For more information, watch this designer's guide.
How To: Import objects from 3D Invigorator into Premiere Pro
Making different software suites work together properly is one of the big challenges involved in creating really good multimedia on the computer. This video will teach you how to import objects created using 3D Invigorator in After Effects to Premiere Pro, enabling you to add them to your film in the editing console. Easy, useful, and very cool-looking.
How To: Use the blur, smear & sharpen tools in SketchBook Pro
Learn how to use the blur, smear and sharpen tools in Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular raster graphics editor or a seasoned graphic artist merely looking to better acquaint yourself with SketchBook Pro 2010, you're sure to be well served by this free video software lesson from the folks at Lynda. For more information, take a look.
How To: Summarize budget data via PivotTable in MS Excel 2010
Learn how to create a summary of your budget data. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular digital spreadsheet application or a seasoned business professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Excel 2010 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started summarizing your own budget data, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create & manipulate shape lights in 3ds Max 2010
In this clip, you'll see how to create custom shaped light sources using simple meshes and adding an Arch&Design shader to it to render the scene with Mental Ray. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using shape lights in your own Max projects, take a look!
How To: Create a frosted glass shader in Mental Ray
Learn how to create an icy glass shader using Mental Ray in Autodesk 3ds Max 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started creating your own frosted glass shaders, take a look! Create a frosted glass shader in Mental Ray.
How To: Create blendshapes to animate faces in Zbrush
THis video from accredited 3D art instructor Andrew Klein covers how to create symmetrical and asymmetrical blendshapes using the 3D sculpting program Zbrush. This is a fairly complex process, utilizing transpose masking features, move brush, smart resym, and morph target tools to accomplish its goal of creating a really cool animated 3D mask.
How To: Drive a joint chain dynamically in 3D using Maya
This video from accredited Maya instructor Andrew Klein of the Art Institute of San Francisco will teach you how to use just one of the innumerable powerful features of Autodesk's Maya 3D modeling software. It covers how to use a spline IK and a dynamic hair curve to drive a joint chain and geometry for wiggly objects like hairs and antennae. Hair is a really tough thing to model well, so watch this video and master the art.
How To: Sculpt fabric in 3D using Zbrush
Fabric is challenging to depict in art because of its many folds and the complex ways that light plays off of it. This video from accredited 3D art instructor Andrew Klein will teach you how to sculpt fabric using the popular 3D sculpting program Zbrush. He outlines the forces that can be applied to fabric and how to model those forces digitally in your art.
How To: Model the topology of a human head in Blender
Arguably the single most important aspect to modeling is topology. This overview tutorial takes a look at the topology of the human head, examining each of the main edgeloops, poles, etc. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including s...
How To: Unwrap a head using UV enhancements in Maya
Maya 2009, when it was released in 2008, made the process of working with UVs a lot easier. This video will teach you how to use the UV enhancement tools in Maya to unwrap a model of a head, removing some of its distortion.
How To: Model interiors using Maya
Maya is one of the most powerful 3D asset creation programs in the world. It is also fantastically difficult to use. This seven-part video will teach you how to model an interior environment using Maya. All this video covers is modeling, nothing on lighting or any of the other features in Maya, but it is very detailed and should have you modeling like a pro!
How To: Model the topology of a human foot in Blender 2.5
Arguably the single most important aspect to modeling is topology. This Blender 2.5 overview tutorial takes a look at the topology of the human foot, examining each of the main edgeloops, poles, etc. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information,...
How To: Get started creating simple 3D models in Blender 2.5
Before you can work in Blender, you'll have to learn how to work with it. Fortunately, this guide will show you everything you'll need to know to get started creating your own models within Blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, ...
How To: Use the camera fly mode tool in Blender
See how to work with Blender's Camera Fly Mode tool. The tool is a great way to help navigate your 3D scene, and also for camera placement (or any object set to be a "camera", for example a Spotlight). Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more informatio...
How To: Create an advanced Cherry 7-Up animation in Cinema 4D
In this advanced three-part tutorial, learn how to create a beautiful, sweeping animation for Cherry 7-Up. This animation is made using Cinema 4D and will take a bunch of cherries, have them swim together and form the logo for 7-Up. This animation is gorgeous and looks so professional that you'd think it was an official ad for the brand.
How To: Use link constraints in 3D Studio Max
Link constraints are a simple and useful part of the toolset available to you in 3D Studio Max. They allow you to attach one object to another so that when one moves, it will only move in relation to some parameters governing its position relative to the other object. This video will teach you how to use link constraints to make a character toss a ball realistically.
How To: Use Stencil maps in Blender
Stencil maps can help push your model to the next level by allowing you to layer materials exactly as you see fit. This tutorial covers how to create a stencil map, applying it to your model in Blender and then using it to layer two different materials via the Material Nodes. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this fr...
How To: Model an entire human head within Blender
This seven-part tutorial series presents an overview of the techniques needed to model a human head using the Blender 3D modeling application. First, you'll set up the primary edgeloops and then move on piece by piece from there. Upon completion you should come away with some good strategies to model your own heads. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks,...
How To: Model a natural environment in 3D Studio Max 2010
See how to model a natural landscape within 3ds Max 2010 using the Displace modifier, a few simple primitives and some procedural maps nested in a precise way using the Composite map. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started making your own 3D landscapes, take a look! Model a natural environment ...
How To: Model a head in 3D Studio Max
Making a head is hard enough with pen and pencil or with clay. Doing it in a 3D graphics program can seem impossible. This video is here to prove that such is not the case. Its eleven parts feature incredibly detailed instructions for modeling a human head using 3D Studio Max, one of the most popular software suites for 3D modeling. Follow along at your own pace, and you should be making your own head in no time!
How To: Morph elements in Motion 4 with Optical Flow
Learn how to morph objects when working in Apple Motion 4. Whether you're new to the Apple's popular motion graphics editor/compositing application or simply wish to get a little bit better acquainted with Motion 4, you're sure to find value in this tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Create an HDR image in Adobe Photoshop CS5
If you want to take a boring photo and pump it full of life, Photoshop CS5's two methods for making a High Dynamic Range image will do just that. The first is a streamlined and improved merging tool, and the second is a new HDR tool that turns a single image into a trendy HDR masterpiece. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular image editing software or a seasoned graphic design professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the unique features of Photoshop CS5, you're sure to find ...
How To: Convert an MP3 file to a WAV file using Audacity
This video demonstrates how to convert a .mp3 to a .wav using Audacity. Whether you're new to computer recording, new to the Audacity DAW (digital audio workstation) or just looking to pick up a few new tricks, you're sure to benefit from this video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video Audacity lesson.
How To: Generate a CSS-based layout with Adobe Fireworks
See how to work with (and for) CSS when using Adobe Fireworks. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular bitmap and vector graphics editor (formerly known as Macromedia Fireworks) or are a seasoned web design professional simply looking to become better acquainted with the application, you're sure to benefit from this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed step-by-step instructions, take look.
How To: Work with numeric text in After Effects
In this episode of Red Giant TV, Aharon Rabinowitz gives you some cool tips for working with Numeric Text, for things like video game scores and other digital readouts. No third-party Plug-ins are used in this tutorial. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with After Effects, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-...
How To: Create a 1980s retro video game look in After Effects
In this clip, Aharon Rabinowitz walks you through the process of creating the look of a vector style arcade game from the early 1980's. He'll use PlaneSpace, Particular, & Text Anarchy, as well as expressions and other techniques. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video 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 ...
How To: Create a Sin City/Max Payne comic effect with a twist
In this clip, learn how to create an ultra cool Sin City/Max Payne comic book effect using Photoshop. This in depth tutorial will cover every basic step and show you how easy it is to make a great looking piece of art on your computer.
How To: Use the Soft Select feature in Autodesk Maya 2011
Want to know how to do proportional modeling when working in Maya 2011? This clip will you how to do just that using the program's Soft Select tool. 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 specifics, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create an email mailto link in Adobe Dreamweaver
Want to add an email link to your webpage? See how to create a simple email mailto hyperlink when working in Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 or CS4. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular WISYWIG HTML editor or a seasoned web development professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the CS4 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including a step-by-step overview, watch this free video guide.
How To: Apply clipping masks in Adobe Illustrator CS4
Learn how to interlace custom shapes in Adobe Illustrator CS4, an effect that's especially attractive when working with 3d perspective objects and shapes. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular vector graphics editor program or a seasoned graphic arts professional looking to better acquaint yourself with the new features and functions of this particular iteration of the application, you're sure to benefit from this free software tutorial. For more information, watch this designer's guide.
How To: Make a glossy candy stripe texture in Cinema 4D
In this video, learn how to make a cool glossy candy stripe texture using Cinema 4D. With this step by step you can change a bunch of plain white shapes into deliciously shiny candies in no time.
How To: Use the Slate material editor in 3ds Max 2011
Learn how to take use the Slate material editor in 3ds Max 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the 3ds Max 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the Slate tool in your own 3ds Max 2011 projects, watch this free video guide.
How To: Copy and move worksheets in Microsoft Excel 2007
Learn how to copy and move sheets in MS Excel 2007. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular spreadsheet application or a seasoned business professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the unique features of Excel 2007, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started manipulating your own Excel 2007 worksheets, watch this free video guide.
How To: Edit and cut video and audio separately in Camtasia
Screen recording should be easy, right? So why can't you figure out how to edit your video in Camtasia 7? Well, you probably know the basics, but just in case you need a little help learning the editing must-knows, this video will show you how… learn to edit and cut video and audio in Camtasia. One of the main things you'll probably want to know is can you cut the audio and video indecently, or will it always be a joint venture for the two? Yes, you can easily edit the audio and video separat...
How To: Use the new Manage Layouts window in FileMaker Pro 11
Take control of your FileMaker layouts with the Manage Layouts window. Whether you're new to the 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. Specifically, this software tutorial provides a complete overview of how to use FileMaker's Manage Layouts window.
How To: Convert hours to days & days to hours with Excel's MOD
New to Microsoft Excel? Looking for a tip? How about a tip so mind-blowingly useful as to qualify as a magic trick? You're in luck. In this MS Excel tutorial from ExcelIsFun, the 600th installment in their series of digital spreadsheet magic tricks, you'll learn how to convert between days and hours using Excel's MOD & INT functions.