Hot Software Tips How-Tos
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: Create a Matrix-style ripple effect in SideFX Houdini
Interested in recreating the famous ripple effect from The Matrix? This clip will show you how it's done. 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 low-poly flashlight in Houdini
Interested in creating a flashlight in Houdini? This clip will show you how it's done. 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 simple 3D chair in Houdini
Interested in making a chair within Houdini? Pull one up and see how it's done. 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 materials and lighting to make 3D models
Materials and lighting are two of the more basic elements of making good 3D models on the computer. This video teaches you how to use and manage these two important facets of a 3D model using Cheetah3D, Apple's popular free 3D editing suite.
How To: Use modeling tools to make 3D animations in Cheetah3D
This video is for people relatively new to the art of 3D modeling. It details how to use modeling tools to make 3D animations using the popular Apple 3D modeling software Cheetah 3D. You may not be able to create a Master Chief yet, but you have to master these steps first, so watch the video and start practicing!
How To: Use 3D materials and lighting in Cheetah 3D for Mac
There are a lot of different software options for modeling 3D. A lot. This video uses Cheetah 3D for Macs, and outlines the use of materials and lighting in 3D modeling. It only covers the basic use of each, so once you've watched this video, check out some of our other, more advanced tutorials to start making some seriously cool models.
How To: Model a basic sword in 3D using Metasequoia
The sword is a very oft-depicted item in video games and CGI-heavy movies, so making them in 3D is an important skill to have if you want to become a 3D artist. This video tutorial walks you through the process of modeling a basic sword using the 3D graphics suite Metasequoia. It moves pretty fast, but is also basic, so you should be able to follow along. You 3D models will be hacking and slashing in no time!
How To: Model a Protoss leg from Starcraft in 3D
Modeling a 3D image successfully requires proper workflow, or moving from one task to the next in the proper order. This video is a demonstration of the workflow process for modeling the leg of a Protoss, the alien race of Starcraft fame. It does not include instructions, so newbies may have trouble following along, but for those looking for more advanced help in modeling one of these very cool-looking legs, watch on.
How To: Create a 3D model of an X-Wing in Blender
The X-Wing might be the single most famous spacecraft ever depicted on screen. This two-part video explains, in great detail, how to make a 3D model of the iconic starfighter using the 3D modeling software Blender. If you've ever wanted to make a digital recreation of the epic space battles from the Star Wars films, watching this video is one important step on your path to success.
How To: Create a 3D Lightsaber in Blender
Everyone who has ever seen Star Wars wants their own Lightsaber. Now you can have one! Or at least a 3D digital rendering of one. This video will show you how to create a 3D model of a Lightsaber using the Blender 3D modeling software. The force is with you.
How To: Animate a 3D Lightsaber in Blender
Creating a 3D object in Blender is just a small part of the 3D graphics process. Now it has to move! This video will show you how to animate a 3D object in Blender, in this case a Star Wars Lightsaber. Without the benefit of having Mark Hamill to swing the thing around, you'll have to make your digital Lightsaber move all on its own, which shouldn't be too hard after watching this video.
How To: Create wind using Blender 3D modeling software
The wind is one of the most dynamic of all natural forces, and rendering it properly in a digital environment is important and challenging. This video will show you how to create and animate wind in the 3D graphics suite Blender by showing you how to make a flag, then make it wave realistically. Unless you want to make a replica of the flag planted on the moon, you're going to need some wind in your 3D flag model, and this video will show you how to make it so.
How To: Use shape keys to do 3D graphics in Blender
Shape keys are one of the most basic and important parts of making 3D graphics. This video will teach you how to use them in one popular 3D modeling suite: Blender. Also covered are how to apply your shape keys in animations and in the game engine that your graphics will be running in.
How To: Make 3D materials and textures in Blender
Designing 3D graphics is one of the most challenging and lucrative fields of computer design. This video for beginning 3D graphics artists features a tutorial on how to make materials and textures in Blender, one popular 3D modeling software suite. Making this pair of pants will have you well on your way to making more elaborate images.
How To: Use isocurve & mesh surfaces in Rhinoceros (Rhino) 3D
Learn how to work with both isocurve and mesh surfaces in Rhino 3D. Whether you're new to Rober McNeel & Associates' popular NURBS-based modeling application or a 3D arts professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with Rhino 4'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: Draw an 80's rockstar character in Toon Boom Animate
Check out this tutorial for a detailed tutorial for how to draw a rockstar type cartoon character using the program, Toon Boom Animate. These days, all animation is drawn on a computer and with this video, you can get started and join the digital revolution. This clip is well over an hour in length, so you will get everything you need to know here, for sure.
How To: Get started cartooning in 3D with Blender
In this tutorial, you will get a basic rundown of the 3D animation program, Blender. This video will help you get used to your new application and get started with its many features. Follow along and pretty soon you will be ready to start animating like a pro.
How To: Create a realistic snow scene using Blender
In this tutorial, learn how to turn an ordinary sunny day into a snowy scene in using Blender. You will get a step by step on adding white snow to your photo or drawing, as well as other realistic aspects like tire tracks and footprints. Follow along and get started. Even if you live in the middle of the dessert, you will be able to see what your neighborhood would look like under a blanket of winter.
How To: Use MagiCal on your Mac OS X
If you are unhappy with your Mac's built in date and time and need something a little easier to access, check out this clip. In this tutorial, learn how to install, set up and use a free app called MagiCal on OS X to streamline your calendar and clock.
How To: Create transparent glass lettering in GIMP
Learn how to achieve a stunning glass text effect. 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 creating glass-like text headers in GIMP yourself, take a look!
How To: Create custom gradients within the GIMP image editor
Wondering how to make a custom gradient in GIMP? This clip will show you how it's done. 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 making your own custom gradients, take a look!
How To: Create a simple outer-space background in GIMP
Want to create a quick and easy space backdrop using GIMP? This clip will show you how. 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 making your own outer-space backgrounds in GIMP.
How To: Edit photos for printing in the GIMP image editor
See how to ensure you have cropped your images properly for printing and how to check that the resolution is high enough for printing when working in the GIMP image editor. 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 printing ...
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: 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: Make a splatter brush with the GIMP image editor
See how to create a splatter brush within the GIMP image editor. 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 making your own custom splatter brushes, take a look.
How To: Make a custom favorites icon (favicon) in GIMP
Create a custom favicon for your website for free with GIMP! 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 making your own favorite icons, take a look!
How To: Generate a map with markers in Adobe ColdFusion 9
Need some help figuring out how to create maps with markers when working in ColdFusion 9? This clip will show you what to do. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular rapid Internet application development platform or simply wish to become better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find benefit in this free video software tutorial. For more information, including specific, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Sort and group data with data grids in ColdFusion 9
Quickly and intelligently organize your information through use of ColdFusion 9's ever-useful data grid feature. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular rapid Internet application development platform or simply wish to become better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find benefit in this free video software tutorial. For more information, including specific, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use the cfprogressbar tag in ColdFusion 9
Need some help how to use the cfprogressbar tag when working with progress bars in ColdFusion 9? This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular rapid Internet application development platform or simply wish to become better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find benefit in this free video software tutorial. For more information, including specific, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Create dynamic forms with accordions in ColdFusion 9
Need some help figuring out how to create accordions for form design when working in ColdFusion 9? This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular rapid Internet application development platform or simply wish to become better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find benefit in this free video software tutorial. For more information, including specific, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Do wire and rig removal in Apple Motion 3
Need to get rid of a rig for a scene you're compositing? With Apple's Motion 3, it's easy. See how it's done with this free video tutorial. Whether you're new to the Apple's popular motion graphics editor/compositing application or simply wish to get better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find value in this tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Set and adjust Contexts in OmniFocus
Need some help figuring out how to work with Contexts in OmniFocus? Learn how with this free video guide. Whether you're new to the Omni Group's popular task management application or simply wish to get better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find value in this tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Create lists to organize your thoughts in OmniFocus
Unload your brain into OmniGraffle. See how it's done with this free video guide. Whether you're new to the Omni Group's popular task management application or simply wish to get better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find value in this software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use Projects, Actions and Contexts in OmniFocus
Need a primer on how to use Projects, Actions and Contexts when organizing your thoughts and objectives in OmniFocus? Learn how with this free video guide. Whether you're new to the Omni Group's popular task management application or simply wish to get better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find value in this tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Start an Action list in OmniFocus
Want to create an Action list in OmniFocus? See how it's done with this free video guide. Whether you're new to the Omni Group's popular task management application or simply wish to get better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find value in this free tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Enable closed-captioning in Apple QuickTime Player 7
Need help figuring out how to enable closed-captioning in QuickTime Player 7? In Mac OS X, it's easy! So easy, in fact, that this Apple accessibility guide can present a complete walkthrough of the process in just over a minute and a half. For details, and to get started viewing CC content in QuickTime 7 yourself, watch this helpful how-to.
How To: Burn a DVD disc on an OS X Mac for free with Burn
Looking better (but equally free) way to burn DVDs from within Apple's Mac OS X? See how to use Burn, the open-source optical media authoring tool, acheive just that with this home-computing how-to. For details, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started burning your own discs with Burn, watch this home-computing how-to.
How To: Recover lost passwords with Acer's eRecovery Manager
If you have not used your eRecovery system in a long time and have forgotten the password, have no fear. This video is here to help you retrieve your details and use your program again. In this clip, learn how to recover any lost passwords with Acer's eRecovery Manager for Linux.