Hot Software Tips Posts — Page 2 of 54 « Software Tips

How To: Use the DATEDIF function in Microsoft Excel 2007

Looking for a primer on how to use the DATEDIF function in MS Excel 2007? You're in luck. 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 2007 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Shade with point clouds in Houdini 10

This tutorial offers a look at using point clouds in shading, and the pcopen, pciterate, and pcimport nodes in VOPs. It also gives a further example of a POP network. Whether you're new to Side Effects Software's popular 3D production 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: Model a 3D character from start to finish in Blender

Learn how to create and rig a 3D model of a 3D character in 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. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!

How To: Create a realistic 3D model of a human head in Blender

In this four-part tutorial, you'll learn how to create a full human head with Blender's 3D modeling tools. 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. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started modeling your own 3D heads in Blender, take a look!

How To: Create threaded models with Blender's screw modifier

In this quick Blender 2.5 video tip, you'll see how you can use the Screw modifier to quickly create threaded objects or springs. This method is non-destructive and very quick to use. 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-...

How To: Slice up images for HTML image maps in GIMP

See how to use GIMP to generate a HTML image map in minutes. This mimics the slice function from Photoshop. Whether you're new to the GNU Image Manipulation Program, GNU's popular free graphics editor, or a seasoned designer just looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to enjoy this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started chopping up digital images yourself, take a look.

How To: Make rounded dots in GIMP

The first thing that you want to do is in a new image, create a new transparent layer. Then you want to use the oval shape tool and check "fixed" so that it forms a perfect circle. Draw the circle, fill it with any color that you want, and then duplicate the layer. Use the move tool to move the new circle underneath the one you just created, leaving some room. Merge this layer with the one you originally copied it from, and repeat this step until you have as many circles as you want. Then you...

How To: Make a business card design in GIMP

This video is about how to make a business card design in GIMP. First of all, download some GIMP labels plug-in. Create a business card of required size by entering dimensions going to on “Toolbox”, then Xtns, then Misc, then Labels, then Rect Label. Now create image and text on business cards. The image should compliment it without overwhelming the text. Now add borders and accents. Select “Image”, then “Filters”, then “Combine”, then “Make Label Page” and insert the image. Check your contac...

How To: Create an island terrain in Unity 3D game engine

In this software tutorial you will learn how to create an island terrain in Unity 3D game engine. PART 1 covers creating a new project and exploring the interface.

How To: Schedule curtain panels in Revit conditional statement

This Revit Architecture 2009 video tutorial covers how to use conditional statement when scheduling curtain panels. The techniques put forward in this intermediate Revit tutorial are done in an effort to avoid making different families for one curtain system. By using techniques like these, one can manage variable parts within one Revit Family while making it easier ti manage a schedule. This video is part of a series David Fano is working on, in which he hopes to show ways Revit can be used ...

How To: Use Rhino’s implicit history tool in parametric design

This 3D software tutorial shows how one can start to use Rhino’s implicit history tool for parametric design. The commands used in Rhino are Loft, and FlowAlongSurface. Using the implicit history tool in Rhino 4 allows you to update models by changing earlier steps or parts of the model and having those changes follow through to the end result. This procedural approach to modeling in Rhino means you can make changes quickly without starting over. Use Rhino’s implicit history tool in parametri...

How To: Use CoffeeCup Web Form Builder 7.5

If you want to submit information to a user, you build a website; if you want to receive information from that user, you use a web form. As such, it's crucial that your web forms be well designed. One easy way to design web forms is with CoffeeCup's Web Form Builder.

How To: Use the zoom tool in Aperture

Aperture's zoom tool makes it easy to view and edit your images up close and in great detail.

How To: Create easy copies or arrays in Google SketchUp

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to create quick and easy copies as well as repeated copies, or arrays. As arrays are so easy to create, don't worry if you make a mistake. Simply undo the array and recreate it. This tutorial covers how to make one copy, creating multiple copies or arrays, changing the number of copies, the difference between external and internal array, and how to Create circular arrays.

How To: Use the AutoCAD 2008 interface

AutoCAD 2008 Tutorial covers the Autocad interface, toolbars, pull-down menus, command line, and accessing commands.

How To: Use the earth cave tileset in RPG Maker XP (RMXP)

In this 3-part mapping tutorial you will learn how to create a map with the cave of earth tileset in RPG Maker XP (RMXP).

How To: Fix Z fighting in SketchUp

Overlapping objects or surfaces (faces) can cause a flickering/flashing effect when you move around the object. This is a result of Z fighting. Z fighting is when two faces occupy the exact same space. This video from Chapter 16 of the book "Google SketchUp for Dummies" explains how to get around the problem.

How To: Draw vector art using the path tool in GIMP

This video will introduce you to the basics of creating vector art in GIMP by teaching you to draw using the path tool.

How To: Create Halloween text in GIMP

This video shows the viewers how to create a simple but well done Halloween text in GIMP. Starting from a simple white background you will end up creating a creepy text perfect to use every year on the 31st of October . The video is actually a easy to learn walk through , showing your each and every step you need to make . Advance users but also beginners can benefit from this short clip . At the end of the video you will surely create the type of text you usually see only in horror movies su...

How To: Install ISO game files with the use of Daemon Tools

In this video, the poster is teaching YouTube users how to use Daemon Tools mount games image files. That’s very useful to many people that cannot burn ISOS or any other image files into a blank media (CD, DVD). With the tips provided by this video, anyone can use Daemon Tools to mount the image in a virtual CD/DVD drive. Daemon Tools is a Freeware program and you can download it at many websites on the internet.

How To: Mount ISO, BIN, or CUE files using Daemon Tools

In this video tutorial, you will learn how to mount and unmount an .ISO, .bin and .cue image with daemon tools. This is useful because when you download a game, movie or an application, you usually get an .ISO, .bin or .cue file.

How To: Convert PDF Files to Text in Mac OS X

Automator is a built-in Mac utility found in Mac 10.4+ and can be used to convert a PDF file to text format.

How To: Make someone look fat with Photoshop

Well, usually people are looking to go from fat to thin, but sometimes it's fun to see what a person would look like if they were on a full Twinkie diet. Well, this tutorial shows how to use the liquify tool in Adobe Photoshop to add weight to someone to make them look pudgey, overyweight, fat or even downright obese. The tool is easy to use and the video shows clearly how to turn that beach babe into a Jenny Craig "before" photo! Check it out and YOU can make people look fat in photos.

How To: Add fonts to Photoscape

Photoscape is a pretty sweet, free photo editing software. However, it comes with a limited number of fonts installed and you'll likely want to add more yourself. This how to video shows you step by step what to do to get additional fonts and then how to install them in Photoscape. This is an excellent video designed to expand a great piece of software by letting you add more fonts. You'll need an unzip prog like winzip or winrar to help you get it done.

How To: Make a perfect IMVU avatar

IMVU is a 3D avatar chat, instant messenger, and dress up game. Get help with all of your IMVU avatar needs with these IMVU tips and tricks! Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a perfect IMVU avatar.

How To: Embed subtitles into videos with VirtualDub

This video will show you how to embed subtitles into video files using the free softwares VirtualDub and dvXLand. Embedding subtitles with VirtualDub and dvxland allows you to add subtitles to your videos without having to keep two separate files.

How To: Turn someone from thin to fat with Photoshop

Everyone wants to be thinner, BUT, what if you'd like to put on a little weight? Or, how about a LOT of weight? Even in a photo? Well this video shows how to use Photoshop and its liquify tool to expand someone from their svelt self to a bigger, beautiful person.

How To: Clone your head, face or anything, then print in 3D, with Anim8or & Pepakura

What could you do with two of you? Or, two cats, or two cars, or two of anything? Cloning, it's the way of the future and this tutorial shows you how to clone and print a 3D model of virtually anything. Using Anim8or and Pepakura Designer you can model your face and print it up to create a 3D mask. Two for the road I say! (Or would that be four?)

How To: Create advanced shadows in GIMP

In this video we learn how to create advanced shadows in GIMP. First, create a new image that's 500x400. After this, create different layers on the page and use the shadow and gradient to create different colors. As you do this, you can you can add in a layer mask to create a deeper shadow inside the image. Use a larger brush to make the shadowing fuzzy and then use the shape tool to drag it out and make it larger. Practice playing with the different brushes and gradients and have fun creatin...

Use FastStone Image Viewer: the basics

In this video, we learn how to use FastStone Image Viewer: the basics. After you have downloaded and installed this software, open it up. Now, go to the settings section of the software and move between the tabs to change and explore the different settings. When you select an image, it will automatically zoom in, you can move between different images, then you can set it as wallpaper, edit it, save it, and much more. You can upload picture and images by going through the file menu, then editi...

How To: Rotate and spin images in Blender

See how to spin images using Blender. First, you'll see how to use the UV-Textured plane rig and physically rotate the mesh. Next, you'll see how to use Nodes, and then the Sequencer. This clip discusses Orthographic camera scaling, animation, and considerations about clipping. 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 vi...

How To: Create a 3D page flip animation with Blender

This clip offers detailed, step-by-step instructions how to create a flip page effect animation by manipulating simple deform modifier parameters. 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. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!

How To: Make a fancy border in GIMP

Learn how to make a fancy border in GIMP with this GIMP tricks video tutorial. This border can be used to frame images for YouTube videos or other things. Take your image, and go to Image and Canvas Size. The size should be made larger to allow room for your border and then click Center. On Layers, select All Layers. Then, click Resize. This allows you to make room for your Layer. On the far left side, right click on your layer and select Alpha to Selection. Go to Select, To Path, Select, and...

How To: Draw a house on Microsoft Paint

In this video, Lance Sisiolo draws a beautiful house using Microsoft Paint. He uses line tool to draw most part of the house. He uses different types of lines. He also uses curve tool to draw sky and the entrance of the house. The unwanted part of the picture is erased using erase tool. Then he uses fill with color tool and airbrush tool to paint the picture. He uses different colors to increase the beauty of sky and the house. Then some trees are added. Using airbrush tool he increases the b...

How To: Give your images a widescreen border in GIMP

Hulldo teaches you how to give your images a widescreen border using GIMP. Open up a picture and the click new layer. Next go to select - border and make it 3 pixels. Go to tool options and use black for foreground fill. Select none and create a new layer. Go to view and make sure snap to canvas edges is ticked. Go to rectangle select tool and go to its menu. Then select 640x30 pixels. Fill that layer with black and select none. Duplicate this layer. You place this one on the bottom and you a...

How To: Model a full cartoon character in Blender 3D

Writer, Director and Producer Johnathan Williamson shows you how to model a simple cartoon character in Blender 3D from start to finish. This is just a simple character but demonstrates the principles of character modeling in Blender 3D. Once you know these basics you can move on to your own complex creations. It will help if you know your way around the Blender 3D interface.