Hot Software How-Tos

How To: Use iMovie on your iPad 2

The iPad 2 had two cameras built in, put them to use! You can film video with your iPad's camera and then edit it using the iMovie app from Apple's app store. This video will show you how to use iMovie for video editing.

How To: Disintegrate Objects at Super Speed (You Will Need: Sandpaper & After Effects)

Largely self-taught, Ryan John Kothe is an animator working out of Auckland, New Zealand. After picking up some rudimentary After Effects skills, he went on to create an impressive portfolio of beautifully rendered stop-motion animations with a distinctly tactile feel. Curious about the process behind Worn Out—Ryan's depiction of objects disintegrating in fast-forward (shown below)—we contacted him for a brief Q&A on the techniques behind his work.

How To: UV map a human head in Autodesk Maya

These videos will show you how to create a UV map in Autodesk Maya. Using the proper software and this human head model you will be able to follow the step-by-step instructions in this series of three videos and learn what UV mapping is and how it works.

How To: Photoshop the Universe (Just Like NASA Does)

NASA just released this beautiful image of what's leftover from a supernova explosion. The red cloud is expanding cosmic debris, the blue is a blast wave of electrons, and the stripes at the edge tell of a high energy burst of x-rays that may be bound for earth. This image was enhanced—Photoshopped—so that scientists can have an easier time interpreting the picture and so that the public can have an easier time appreciating the beauty of nature.

How To: Make a scroll bar in Dreamweaver

Down, down, down! Yep, what you want is lower on the page and you want to get there faster. SO, why not scroll baby scroll! Ever wanted your website to have a scroll bar? Well, now you can by watch the following video. This how-to will show you how to use Dreamweaver to insert a scroll bar to allow for easy navigation for your or your client's website. It's not too hard, so follow the bouncing ball and learn what to do.

How To: Get a virtual six pack in Photoshop

I want to pump. You up. OK, even better, why not pump yourself up. No, not through hard work and dilligence, what fun would that be!? No, do it the simple way, by firing up your Photoshop and touching up the photo. What you'll do in this process is "grab" the abs from someone who actually DID work out, and you'll 'borrow' them for your photo. Then, you'll simply graph them onto your own pathetic frame. Voila! Body builder.

How To: Use Photoshop to create six pack abs

Who has time to go to the gym any more? Not to mention the money. And then there's all that heavy lifting if you do get there. Why not just fire up Photoshop and turn that 96 lb weakling into a gym monkey beefcake? This Photoshop editing technique for giving a similar look dodging and burning only a lot quicker. This is a technique was developed by Photoshop Guru Calvin Hollywood. This tutorial will show you how it's done. In no time at all you'll be faking out people with your touched up pho...

How To: Add auto page numbering in indesign CS3 & CS4

This video is a simple guide about adding automatic page numbering to your document in Adobe's InDesign. It can be a tricky task, but there's no need to fear, this how-to will get you up and numbering in no time. Whether you're making your own document or presentation, or you're working for a huge client and it's got to be right - learn how to set up auto pagination and rest easy, knowing your 1 precedes your 2 and your three then comes next.

How To: Create pagination in Adobe InDesign

If you're creating a document and with Adobe's InDesign and would like to learn how to number your pages, look no further. This video will show you what to do to make sure you get the numbers you want, where you want them. Though this seems like a simple task, it can prove frustrating to someone unfamiliar with the program. This how-to clears up some of the mystery and lets you get your 1,2,3 on. Adobe InDesign can be an impressive document or presentation tool and this tip will help you get ...

How To: Create a flashing lightning effect in Apple iMovie

If you're a fan of "Avatar" - the animated Nickelodeon series, not the M. Night Shayamalan epic fail of the movie - or any sort of supernatural action series, then you've probably witnessed the awesome flash of lightning effect before. Whether emanating from the hands of a superhero - or supervillain - or shooting out of a mutant's eyes, the lightning effect is super cool and also super doable at home using Apple iMovie.

How To: Download WinRAR and unpack audio media files

When the amount of memory on your computer sucks, you either have two options: Buy more RAM, or make use of the storage space you've got by compressing your files. One program that will become your new BFF should you choose to do the latter is WinRAR. WinRAR is a compression and packaging software that makes it way easier to store large files on your computer.

How To: Model a realistic house using Maya

Whether you're a Maya (AKA Autodesk Maya) beginner or seasoned veteran, modeling a realistic house using the 3D graphic design software is a great course on how to use your vectors and a variety of Maya tools. Whether you are an interior designer, architect or are just trying to get ahead in the game, this Maya tutorial will show you the way.

How To: Model a basic polygonal house in Maya

New to Maya (AKA Autodesk Maya)? Not to worry. This tutorial will save your day! Not only will you learn how to use all the basic tools in the graphic design software, but you will also create your first impressive 3D model - a house made from polygon shapes.

How To: Produce a 3D house/building model using Maya

Autodesk Maya, affectionately known as just Maya to its users, is a 3D computer graphics software that makes it easy to create impressive, realistic models of real-life - or imagined - objects. Super useful for graphic designers, film makers and web designers, the program is one that you should study if you're looking to go into one of the fields above.

How To: How to Clone (Duplicate) Yourself Using iMovie 11or 09 (no downloads) Green Sc

Are you an iMovie user looking to double down on yourself? Well, if so, watch this video and see how to clone yourself, quickly and easily. I mean, who wouldn't want to make two of themselves? It could be so helpful for so many situations! Though cloning may be far in the future, we can still clone ourselves in Videos. Apple's new iMovies, have changed from being small easy video processors to a more complex higher quality Video editing software. This video will use the Green Screen Function ...

How To: Clone yourself using iMovie '09

Do you wish there were more of you? Well, at least two? At least in a video? This sweet video will show you how to do just that with Apple's iMovie. You'll also need a sturdy tripod that you DO NOT move. This is essential to creating the effect. If you move the tripod, this effect will NOT work, or come off as convincing. Also, of course, you will need a video camera. This technique is also possible by using other video editing software tools as long as they are capable of doing blue screenin...

How To: Clone yourself with iMovie

One is the loneliest number there is. Well, unless you clone yourself! This sweet video will show you how to do just that with Apple's iMovie. You'll need iMovie 11, or iMovie 09. This technique is also possible by using other video editing software tools as long as they are capable of doing blue screening or green screening. In addition, you'll need a sturdy tripod that you DO NOT move. This is essential to creating the effect. If you move the tripod, this effect will NOT work, or come off a...