Hot Software Tips How-Tos
How To: Model a strand of Christmas Lights in Blender 2.5
This clip demonstrates the process of creating a model of a strand of Christmas lights in Blender 2.5. The tutorials covers modeling and how to use array and curve modifiers to create a strand of lights that will automatically lengthen as needed. 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 fro...
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 with curve, sweep & skin nodes in Houdini
See how to build a simple coil spring using the curve, sweep, and skin nodes in Houdini. 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: Use GIMP & the render flame tool to create backgrounds
In this tutorial on GIMP, the render-flame tool is looked over in detail. GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free software raster graphics editor. It is primarily employed as an image re-touch and edit tool. It not only offers freeform drawing, but can also accomplish essential image workflow steps such as resizing, editing, & cropping photos, combining multiple images, & converting between different image formats.
How To: Set key frames in the Nuke 5 node compositor
Learn how to use set key frames (or keyframes) working in Nuke 5. Whether you're new to the Foundry's popular node-based compositing application or a seasoned post-production professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with Nuke 5's new features, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including a detailed overview, watch this free video guide.
How To: Connect and disconnect node trees in Nuke 5
Learn how to edit node trees when working in Nuke 5. Whether you're new to the Foundry's popular node-based compositing application or a seasoned post-production professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with Nuke 5's new features, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Change eye color in Corel PhotoPaint X3 with masking
In this Software video tutorial you are going to learn how to change eye color in Corel Photo Paint X3 with masking. Select your picture and the 1st thing you will do is to create a mask around the eyes. Select the standard paint brush tool. Adjust the picture so that it is large enough and both the eyes are visible. Now press Alt and hold down to select the entire eye. Do the same for the other eye also. Then go to subtractive mode and fix the outer edges of the iris of the eyes. Now select ...
How To: Mount ISO image files in Ubuntu using AcetoneISO2
gotbletu teaches you how to mount an ISO image file in Ubuntu using AcetoneISO2. You can see what's inside a regular ISO image in Ubuntu, but not when it's 'mdf'. The program you need for this is AcetoneISO2. Start the program and at the bottom of the main window you'll see a button called mount. Click on that and choose your 'mdf' file. The program also opens and mounts 'ISO', 'nrg' 'bin' 'img' files. After you've mounted your file you go at the top of the main Ubuntu screen to Places and yo...
How To: Add .wav samples to Fruity Loops Studio
In this Fruity Loops tutorial by PAVMusicProduction you learn how to add the Fruity Loops sample that you downloaded into your Fruity Loops studio. First go to the folder with the kit (use the program Winrar to extract from the compressed download file) and open Fruity Loops and drop the downloaded kit into the Fruity Loops library as demonstrated. If the pitch sounds funny in the sample, click on the sample and reset the pitch using the reset button in the misc settings once that's done the ...
How To: Draw a male cartoon vector character in CorelDRAW X4
Have some fun with your CorelDRAW software and learn how to actually draw with it. Believe it or not, most people who own software like this never use it, so don't fall into this staple. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to draw a male cartoon vector character in CorelDRAW X4.
How To: Use Style Builder in Google SketchUp
Style Builder is a companion application to Google SketchUp 6 Pro that allows you to create, mix, and modify your own unique style that you can use and share in SketchUp. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to use this new software. This tutorial covers loading and mixing strokes, creating custom strokes, and how to finish the style in Google SketchUp.
How To: Create a web 2.0 style button in Inkscape
In this Inkscape software tutorial you will see how to create a shiny web 2.0 style button or icon. There is no sound but the picture and mouse movements are clear enough to follow along visually. So watch and learn how to create a crisp reflective web 2.0 style button in Inkscape.
How To: Create a scroll saw basket pattern in Corel Draw X3
In this woodworking video workshop you will learn how to create a scroll saw pattern for a mini basket in Corel Draw X3 software. If you work on a scroll saw and are at all interested in making baskets, watch and learn how to draw this pattern in Corel Draw X3 and get started making baskets!
How To: Use the intelligent scissors in GIMP
If you use GIMP image editing software you may be having trouble using the intelligent scissors tool. There are a few reasons, one being the version of GIMP you are using, and they are all covered in this tutorial. So watch and learn how to solve some of your problems with the intelligent scissors in GIMP.
How To: Create vector art with Selection and Paths in GIMP
This tutorial takes looks at the selection tool as a drawing tool and also covers how to convert paths to selections and vice-versa when creating vector art in GIMP.
How To: Use the curve tools in Blender
If you've never heard of Blender, maybe you should get it and watch this video tutorial on how to use the curve tools in it. Great for 3D modeling and animating.
How To: Use Corel Ulead Video Studio 11 Plus
While we personally like to learn a new software program by playing around with its buttons and various functions, sometimes it's a nice primer to actually read the instruction manual. And when it comes to video editing, knowing the particularities of each and every function is crucial to producing professional-quality results.
How To: Install Quartz Composer on Mac OS X v.10.4 Tiger
Quartz Composer is a free video processing application from Apple for Mac OS X v10.4 "Tiger". This video shows you how to install it.
How To: Create reflective/refractive water in Blender
In this Blender tutorial you will learn how to create reflective/refractive water
How To: Create "to do" lists using iCal on your mac
Learn how to create a to-do list using the iCal application that comes standard on all Macs.
How To: Use the x-ray effect on GIMP
In this little video tutorial, kaje01 demonstrates both the basic edit and advanced techniques for applying the "x-ray" effect using GIMP. Now, what is there to x-ray? Hmm...
How To: Get the CD Product Key or Serial Off of Any CD
This will allow you to find the CD product key or serial if you have lost it so you dont have to buy another CD.
How To: Remove body fat or stretch marks in GIMP
In this video, we learn how to remove body fat or stretch marks in GIMP. First, go to filters, then distort, then warp. When you are in this window, you will be able to see all the different distortions that you can do. To help you remove the fat, use the "move" tool and a proper sized brush. Now, press on the stomach and slowly press down on it until you see the part of the body start to become smaller. Don't do it too quickly, or the picture will look fake. When finished, save your new pict...
How To: Create a face where you want it in SketchUp
Sometimes SketchUp won't create a face where you want it. This troubleshooting video that accompanies Chapter 16 of the book "Google SketchUp for Dummies" will help you solve the problem and get on with your modeling!
How To: Install additional fonts in Photoscape
Photoscape is a piece of free, photo editing software to use instead of more costly programs such as Photoshop. The program is pretty cool but you may want to install more fonts than what it comes with. If so, check out this video and you'll find out how to get it done. You'll need a zip program like winzip or winrar and you'll of course need Photoscape which you can get here.
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: Create a realistic winter snow effect using two techniques in GIMP
GIMP is a useful and versatile graphics editing program. If it's wintertime, Christmas is coming up, or you just want to add snow to your GIMP image, here are two separate layering techniques you can use to create a very realistic snow effect.
How To: Create an ISO image with Ashampoo Burning Studio 6
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to create an ISO image. Users will need to download the program, Ashampoo Burning Studio 6. Begin by going to the Google search engine and search for the program. Select the result from download.com. Click on Download Now and save the file. Double-click on the file and follow the instructions to install it. Then open the program and select Create/Burn Disc Images. Select the type of disc image that you would like. Then click on Add and select the file...
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: Set-up Record in Reason for de-essing
This how-to video shows you how to reduce the "s" sound in a certain recording software program. They play a line a music where the singer emphasizes on her "s" sounds. The tutorial shows you how to reduce the "s" sound so that it clear and sharp. It also shows you how to change the frequency and the compression of the "s" sounds. The video explained that if you make the compression too high, than the "s" sounds will sound like a lisp.
How To: Create a splashscreen in Microsoft Office Access 2007
The Microsoft Office Access 2007 relational database manager enables information workers to quickly track and report information with ease thanks to its interactive design capabilities that do not require deep database knowledge. In this Microsoft Access video tutorial, you'll learn about using Access to add a splashscreen to your database that runs when the file is opened. For more on using custom splashscreens within Access, watch this MS Office how-to.
How To: Make scaling circular patterns in Rhino & Grasshopper
In this Rhino 3D software tutorial covers how to make scaling circular patterns based on the distance between points. You will be using the Grasshopper (Explicit History) plug-in for Rhino in this tutorial.
How To: Use the Unsharp Mask in Paint Shop Pro
Unsharp mask in Paint Shop Pro is the preferred method in sharpening. What this tool does, is increase the contrast between light and dark. In other words, it makes lines darker, giving the illusion of being sharpened. This tutorial shows you how to use it.
How To: Use CamStudio to record your PC screen
Would you like to record your PC screen? Download CamStudio and watch this video to learn how to capture video of your PC, perfect for making tutorials and let's plays. This video explains all you need to know about CamStudio: what to download and how to use it.
How To: Download Videos with One Click in Freemake Video Downloader
Looking for the fastest and easiest way to download videos from YouTube, Facebook, MTV, Vevo, and other sites? If so, read this guide. Freemake Video Downloader 2.1 offers a brand new mode to get web videos offline in a single click!
How To: Add a snowy effect to your pictures in GIMP
This tutorial for GIMP users shows you how to take a basic image (preferably an outdoor one!), and then use a few effects like the dissolve layer mode, gaussian blur and motion blur to make it look like snow is falling.
How To: Make an image strip using FastStone Image Viewer
In this tutorial, we learn how to make an image strip using FastStone Image Viewer. First, open up the images that you want to have inside the strip. Then, open up Fastone Image viewer and find the location of the images. From here, go to "create", then "image strip builder". This will bring up the builder window where you can add in the images you want to see on the strip. When finished, click on the "create" button. Now, the strip will come up on your computer in a new image and you will be...
How To: Reduce noise in RAW Therapee
In this tutorial, we learn how to reduce noise in RAW Therapee. First, open up your photo in the software that you want to reduce the noise on. Then, open up the detailed view of the photo and click on then click on the detail button. Through here, you can sharpen the image or you can change the noise reduction for the color and luminance. Click on the drop down menu for the luminance and then enable to checked section. Then, move the edge tolerance to its maximum to see the full effect on th...
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: Compress multiple files with WinRAR
In this video, we learn how to compress multiple files with WinRaR. First, select the files that you want to compress, then right click on them and click add to archive. After this, write the name for your files and press OK. Now, WinRaR will automatically start. When it's finished loading, you will see your new file that has all your files compress into it. When you open this file up, your other files will be inside. You can do this for several files or just do one, depending on how many you...