Hot Software Tips How-Tos
How To: Extract content or split videos into smaller segments with free Virtual Dub
If you only want to take a clip a few minutes long from a larger movie, or split a movie into smaller segments, you can use the freeware Virtual Dub video editing program to accomplish this task (just make sure the file you're working with is already in .avi format).
How To: Update your version of HDRI Light Kit Pro and take a visual tour
Light Kit Pro just updated to version 1.5, and this video takes you on a visual tour of the new updates, such as a bounce card to use when adjusting light, so you can get the most out of your Light Kit photo editing software.
How To: Become a pirate TV producer and broadcast your own station
Start with a UHF or wireless TV transmitter (which you can easily get cheaply off Ebay or an electronics store), then pick what channel you want to broadcast to. Make your own news station, music show or anything else and start broadcasting!
How To: Create an in-depth composited image using Eyeon Fusion
Take a look at a single film shot, from start to finish, and watch this tutorial which teaches you some in-depth advanced compositing and special effects to use on your film clips and movies. This tutorial is aimed at users of Eyreon Fusion video editing and sfx software.
How To: Replicate the camera shake effect using video editing software
Create your own realistic looking custom camera shake effect! Camera shake makes the film look like the cameraman is unsteady, an effect which can be used to create a documentary or a more "in the moment" feel for your film project. Rather than using the premade node in Eyreon Fusion, this tutorial shows you how to create your own.
How To: Modify the mesh interactivity of your projects in Away 3D
Set up your Flash-based meshes in Away 3D to be responsive to user clicks. This particular tutorial will display the name of the image when the user clicks on it, and you're also taught how to use the ctrl+rollover command to navigate the program.
How To: Get started using Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition
In this clip, you'll learn how to get started using Symantec's Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition on your Microsoft Windows PC. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this helpful how-to can present a complete overview of the app in just over five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use a stylus pen and graphics tablet when working with Mudbox 2009
This tutorial shows you how a stylus pen and graphics tablet (such as the Wacom tablet) can be used to interface with the various features and functions of Mudbox 2009. Use your pen and tablet to create 3-D imagery and models in Mudbox 2009!
How To: Create and import custom 3-D mesh models using Mudbox 2009
There are a variety of programs you can use to create any sort of 3-D image. As long as you can export as an .obj file, you can create and import custom mesh models from programs like Maya or SketchUp using Mudbox 2009.
How To: Make use of the advanced video editing and special effects feature in Wax 2.0
This tutorial goes over a few of the advanced features offered in the special effects and video editing software WAX 2.0. Specifically, you'll learn how to add particle effects (like snow) and create a picture warp for transitions to add to your films and projects.
How To: Manage your professional photography business using Canon Studio Solutions
For a professional photographer in the market for good business management software, Canon offers the Studio solutions package. This tutorial series outlines all the various functions and features of Studio Solutions, such as order processing, client files and managing your various photos for each product. Manage your professional photography business using Canon Studio Solutions - Part 1 of 8.
How To: Download alternatives to Adobe Photoshop completely free and legal
Looking for freeware alternatives to Photoshop? If you don't need all the bells and whistles of a huge program like Photoshop, this video shows you where to get free photo editing software with good developer support, like Paint.net, FotoFlexer or the GIMP.
How To: Make your own suite of Adobe Creative Suite alternatives
Adobe Creative Suite is an expansive (and expensive!) array of programs for graphic artists of all kinds. However, you can assemble your own suite of completely free programs, like the GIMP, paint.net, Synfig, Komposer, PrimoPDF, InkScape, Scribus and Jahshaka - all freeware alternatives to Adobe programs.
How To: Create a company file in QuickBooks Pro 2010
In this clip, you'll learn how to create and set up a company file QuickBooks Pro 2010. Whether you're new to Intuit's popular business accounting application or just looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to enjoy this free video software tutorial. Take a look.
How To: Export your film from iMovie and start a soundtrack in Garageband on Mac OSX
So now that you've finished editing your movie together, it's time to put a sound track together for it. One option is creating a soundtrack in Garageband. In this video you will learn how to export your film from iMovie in the correct format, start up Garageband and insert it into the right type of session in Garageband to start creating your soundtrack for your film.
How To: Create hip hop samples using FL Studio
Be your own DJ or MC! This tutorial starts with a clip of Jay-Z, and demonstrates how you can create a hip hop sample with this clip using the music editing software FL Studio. An advanced tutorial for users already familiar with the software!
How To: Make your text follow a path when using GIMP
Ever wanted to replicate the effect of writing text in a circle or other shape? You can set up a path for your text to follow using the GIMP free image software. This tutorial shows you a straightforward technique to achieve this effect.
How To: Create the StarCraft II logo from scratch in Blender 2.5
Create your own version of the logo for your favorite RTS game! Starting from a new, blank document, this tutorial walks you through the processes and techniques which go into replicating the logo for the fastest selling strategy game in the world!
How To: Create a polar panorama effect using the GIMP image editor
Polar panorama has images radiating out from the center of the picture. Starting with a regular panoramic image, this tutorial shows you how to use the free GIMP image editing software to create this 'polar panorama' effect for your next project.
How To: How to use ramp parameters and profile curves using Houdini
This tutorial aimed at users of the Houdini software demonstrates several techniques - it shows the user how to use ramp parameters, how to work with profile curves and the proper way to apply texture coordinates to a polygon or nurbs curve. How to use ramp parameters and profile curves using Houdini.
How To: Work with zdepth, create a depth of field and add a fog effect in Houdini
This tutorial for the Houdini user shows you the correct method for creating a zdepth pass in your project, as well as a few techniques you can use to create a fake depth of field effect and use the compositor to add fog. Work with zdepth, create a depth of field and add a fog effect in Houdini.
How To: Mantra micropolygon works when rendering with Houdini software
Perfect your mantra with this tutorial. Going over one of the functions available with the Houdini software program, this delves into the intricacies of using the Mantra micropolygon renderer. There are various controls you can use when working with Mantra, and this tutorial also goes over all of them. Mantra micropolygon works when rendering with Houdini software.
How To: Work with smoke and liquid effects in the Houdini software
It can be difficult to get smoke and liquid just right when working with 3-D imaging software. This tutorial shows you the various ways you can use Houdini to make smoke come from a moving object, and work with the various permutations of fluids in your project. Work with smoke and liquid effects in the Houdini software.
How To: Model and texture a car tire using the Blender software
Starting from a blank document, this tutorial shows you how to design a car tire using the Blender 3-D modeling program. It details mimicking the exact texture of the treads you'd find on a commercial tire, as well as a few useful animation techniques.
How To: Animate textures using offset parameters when working in Blender
Using an animated movie strip as an example, this tutorial for Blender shows you how to properly animate textures. You can achieve this effect by making use of the offset parameter function within Blender, and this tutorial demonstrates how.
How To: Hulk out any image using the GIMP photo editing software
Turn a photograph of a regular person into an image of everyone's favorite muscular green psychopath! Using the hue slider, saturation tool and the Iwarp function, you can distort your picture in GIMP to make it look like a picture of Hulk instead.
How To: Create a lomograph effect on your digitial image using GIMP
The lomograph technique in photography involves letting light bleed into the shot. Fortunately, you don't need expensive camera equipment to get this same effect. You can use the free GIMP software to create a lomo effect on any digital image which includes a lot of sky.
How To: Get a screen grab easily using the GOM Media Player
Want to capture frames from your movies? GOM Media Player has a built in screen capture feature for the video files it plays. You can even zoom in and out, adjust the brightness and contrast, and even turn your new screengrab into your computer desktop wallpaper!
How To: Use the Handbrake program to back up your DVDs and watch them on your iPod
Handbrake is a free software program you can use to take video files off a DVD or CD and rip it into a format you can use to watch it on iTunes, your iPod.. or even watch them on your XBox 360! Make sure you're not trying this on an encrypted DVD, though.
How To: Work with the dynamic components feature in Google SketchUp 7
Dynamic components, such as a staircase that knows it's a staircase, can add a bit of intelligence to your Google SketchUp 7 project. Add pickets to a fence or shelves to a bookshelf when using SketchUp by making use of the 'interact' tool.
How To: Work with dynamic components in Google SketchUp 7
Google SketchUp offers a new feature in the most recent version of their program - dynamic components. Dynamic components add a certain intelligence to objects within your project, as well as make interactivity easier. This series shows you how to alter your component and take full advantage of the dynamic component feature.
How To: Work with the advanced sections tool in Google SketchUp
This tutorial goes into a few more advanced uses of the sections tool in Google SketchUp. You can use this tool to control the display of section cuts, change the width and color of section planes and even create section animations.
How To: Use Google SketchUp if you've never used 3-D modeling software before
SketchUp is a free 3-D model you can download from the Google website. This tutorial introduces new users to the basic tools, features and functions in order to get started using SketchUp. This also explains a few concepts useful for 3-D modelers.
How To: Create a Google SketchUp image that you can upload to Google Earth
Import a satellite snapshot from Google Earth to Google SketchUp, then use the 3-D editing techniques and a few 2-D photograph as outlined in this tutorial so you can create your own unique image of a landscape that you then re-upload back up to Google Earth!
How To: Bake a Ptex texture onto a mesh with existing UV maps in 3-D Coat
A useful tutorial for those who like using the software program 3-D coat. If you have a Ptex file and want to keep your texture format, or use an existing UV map so you can work with your figure in Photoshop, this tutorial will demonstrate how you can 'bake' your texture.
How To: Develop a mobile application which makes use of the device's accelerometer
An accelerometer is capable of detecting how the device is being moved by the user, a feature which can add an extra level of functionality for an application which knows how to take advantage of it. This video explains several different methods for incorporating the presence of an accelerometer into your mobile content.
How To: Use free MediaMonkey software to organize your music collection
MediaMonkey is a freely available app you can download onto your music that will help you organize all your music files. No matter where they're hiding, MediaMonkey will find them and make them avaiable for organizing (and you can use MediaMonkey to listen to your music, too!)
How To: Set up a rain system in Particle Flow in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010
Whether you're new to Autodesk'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 video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Set up a rain system in Particle Flow in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010.
How To: Create and apply an ice shader in Luxology Modo
In this clip, you'll learn how to generate and apply a realistic ice shader in modo. Whether you're new to Luxology'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 video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look.
How To: Generate and loop a basic walk cycle in Blender 2.5
In this clip, you'll learn how to create a and loop a simple walk cycle within Blender 3D. 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 video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Generate and loop a basic walk cycle in Blender 2.5.