Software Tips Features
How To: Create bubbles in Blender 3D
This tutorial shows you how to create bubbles emitting from a point or object in Blender 3D. Perfect for any underwater scene you may want to create.
New Bronze Audio Format: Never Play a Song the Same Way Twice
Thanks to digital media, music lovers can listen to the newest tune from their favorite band whenever they want, however they want. Audio files can be played in many different formats on many different devices, from iTunes on your computer to Pandora on your cell phone. The music you love will always be instantly available to you, note for note, word for word—just how you like it. But as a result of today's software-driven world, you now have another, less static option for listening to your ...
How To: Animate lines &grids with iterators in Quartz Composer
A somewhat advanced tutorial on how iterators (for loops) work, and how you can use them to make animated lines and grids.
How To: Model the feathery wings of a bird in Blender 2.5
This Blender 2.5 Video tutorial presents an overview of using the particle hair system to create downey feathers, then using the duplifaces technique to add the longer feathers, as well as their texturing and a quick rig setup. 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 C...
How To: Make animated pet dialogue using Crazy Talk software
In this video, we learn how to make an animated dialogue in CrazyTalk6. Once you are in CrazyTalk6, face fit your character then click on "script". You can re-name your characters as you wish. Once you have their names picked out, you can create a script for them. Press the red record button and record what you want the character to say and press "load". Then, choose what you want the facial features to look like. Load another script for the other animal and once you press play, you can see b...
How To: Burn a disc image & make a bootable CD/DVD (Windows 7)
In this video, our author, Windows7User, shows us how to burn an iso file as a bootable image onto a dvd. First, please open your internet browser going to google. Next, please enter “empower iso” into the search bar.
How To: Make vector graphics with CorelDRAW X4
Want you create infinitely-scalable vector graphics? With CorelDraw X4, it's a cinch. It's so easy, in fact, that this free video software tutorial can present a thorough, step-by-step walkthrough of the process in just under five minutes' time. For detailed instructions, and to get started creating your own custom vector graphics, watch this graphic designer's guide.
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: Use Poser 6 to import animations into Second Life
This tutorial shows you how to work in Poser to create animations that you can import directly into Second Life.
How To: Model with photographs in Google SketchUp
This video series shows you everything you need to know about completing a model from photographs in SketchUp. It follows Chapter 7 of the book Google SketchUp for Dummies. PART 1 shows you how to add photos to faces. PART 2 explains how to move, scale, rotate, shear and distort your texture. PART 3 shows you how to stretch a photo over a face (of your object that is)! PART 4 shows you how to stretch or scale the model until the photo texture looks right. PART 5 covers how to map photos to fa...
How To: Attract particles to a curve in Houdini 9
This Houdini 9 particle effects tutorial establishs a means to attract particles to follow a curve faithfully. POPS is one of the most powerful effects generating parts of Houdini and getting particles to follow or be attracted to a curve will be extremely useful to any Houdini effects artist. So watch and learn how to attract particles to a curve in Houdini 9.
How To: Draw a smiley face in CorelDRAW X4
This is a Corel Draw video tutorial aimed specifically at beginners. If you're new to Corel Draw, this is a great place to start. Watch to see how to make a smiley face in Corel Draw. Any version of this application will work. You won't believe how easy it is to draw a smiley face. this is a very basic icon, very common.
How To: Design scroll saw patterns with Corel Draw
This scroll saw pattern tutorial shows you how to work with Corel Draw vector graphics drawing software to create your woodworking patterns. If you love cutting, but haven't tried designing, this video will give you some ideas on how to get started creating your own scroll saw patterns using Corel Draw.
How To: Create 3D faces out of photographs in Poser
Do you want to turn yourself or someone into a 3D character? In this Poser video tutorial you will learn how to create faces from existing pictures. Learn how to create a model's facial features from a front and side photo, and render the face with photographic textures. Make sure to hit "play tutorial" in the top left corner of the video to start the video. There is no sound, so you'll need to watch the pop-up directions. Create 3D faces out of photographs in Poser.
How To: Customize your GIMP layout to look like Photoshop
GIMP is a fantastic free image editing software, but if you've got the Photoshop blues and really miss the layout, this video has your answer! You'll be taken through each step in great detail showing you how to resize, and edit everything to get your GIMP user interface pretty close to Photoshop!
How To: Export versions, masters, and projects using Aperture
When you've finished editing your images, Aperture lets you export your photos in a number of formats.
How To: Use Pyro FX fire and smoke tools in Houdini 10
Want to know how to use the Pyro FX tools in Houdini 10? This masterclass will tell you everything you need to know about using Pyro FX fire and smoke tools in Houdini 10. The discussion covers the addition of exciting new fire and smoke tools. Topics covered include a powerful new fluid up-resing technique, advanced noise and turbulence control, and a highly tweakable custom fire and smoke shader.
How To: Use the Thor Step Sequencer in Reason 5
The less time you spend aimlessly futzing with Reason's controls, the more time you can spend making music. Learn how to master the Thor Step Sequencer with this official video guide from James Bernard of Propellerhead. Whether you're new to Propellerhead's virtual music studio application, Reason, or their newer DAW app, Record, you're sure to find much to take away from this brief, official video software tutorial.
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: Extract .RAR files without using winRAR
A lot of people use winRAR when they need to work with archives. However, if winRAR is not the best option for you, you can try other programs that extract .RAR files.
How To: Use Corel Draw envelope tool in scroll saw patterns
In this scroll saw pattern creation tutorial you will learn how to work with another tool in Corel Draw. Watch and learn how to use the envelope tool in Corel Draw to aid in your scroll saw pattern design.
How To: Add a photo album in iWeb '09
Check out this informative video tutorial from Apple on how to add a photo album in iWeb '09.
How To: Model in SketchUp and Google 3D Warehouse
This tutorial is on using SketchUp to draw a simple 3D model with textures and using Google's 3D Warehouse. In addition, the potential for use with Ppervision3D is discussed through SketchUp's 3D collada export.
How To: Edit with Canon's Digital Photo Professional software
Edit your photos with ease with Canon's free software, Digital Photo Professional (DPP). It's primarily for editing and processing Canon RAW files. See everything there is to know about this comprehensive photo editing software bundled with most of your Canon Digital SLR cameras.
How To: Use Aperture and iPhoto together
Aperture 2 and iPhoto '08 are designed to work together so you can bring your iPhoto images into your Aperture library to work on them. Conversely, you can use images from your Aperture library to create iPhoto cards, calendars, and projects.
How To: Use LayOut in SketchUp 6 Pro
Have you seen the new 'program-within-a-program' in Google Sketchup 6? It's called LayOut, and it provides SketchUp users a cool way to present their 3D models in a 2D paper-space environment. Mike Tadros shows you how to use the new program LayOut available in SketchUp 6 Pro in this 4-part tutorial series.
How To: Sharpen images in Aperture
Aperture provides two sophisticated sharpening tools, edge sharpen and sharpen. Both help you improve the fine details in your images. Most images from digital cameras need a little sharpening, especially RAW files.
How To: Use FastStone Image Viewer 3.5 with RAW images
This tutorial shows you how to use FastStone Image viewer 3.5 for Windows to edit RAW photos. Learn how to use the free software FastStone Image Viewer 3.5 to view, handle and sort RAW images, and convert RAW images. FastStone Image Viewer 3.5 is a great free alternative to Adobe's Camera RAW.
How To: Cut Meshes in Blender 3D
This video tutorial shows you how to cut holes in mesh objects when using Blender 3D. This is important to know when building complex models from basic shapes. Cut Meshes in Blender 3D.
How To: Create a custom designed photo book in Aperture
Instead of using Photoshop, why not give Apple's Aperture a try? Aperture is designed more for post-production work for professional photographers, letting you cull through shoots, enhance images, manage massive libraries, and deliver stunning photos.
How To: Use VLC free media player
Learn the basics of VLC player - a free media player that plays almost all video formats (including Flash .flv) as well as DVDs. Learn how to use VLC player to play videos and DVDs as well as how to adjust the aspect ratio, filter videos, or adjust audio quality.
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: Model & animate a realistic 3D planet in Blender 2.5
This video guide presents detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to create a realistic 3D model of a planet within 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, as well as to get started modeling your own planets, take a look!
How To: Integrate a 3D object into a photo in Blender
This tutorial shows you how to integrate a 3D object into a photo or image using Blender software.
How To: Install Skype in Puppy Linux
A tutorial video that demonstrates how to install Skype on Puppy Lynux 4. It is a very simple and short video at roughly just over 2 minutes. The narrator does a good job illustrating how to install Skype. In just a few easy steps, the video shows how fast and easy Skype can be installed.
How To: Model realistic hair in Blender
This Blender user's guide discusses techniques for creating hair and giving them textures and materials. The first is Mesh hair using Bezier Curves, and the second is Particle Hair. 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-by...
How To: Repair invalid DVD navigation and structure with FixVT
See how to repair invalid DVD navigation and structure with FixVTS. With FixVTS, you can easily repair the internal structure of a DVD. This is good for DVD menu correction, invalid DVD file structure and invalid navigation error messages.
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: Make a signature with an image in Windows Live Mail
Whether you own a business or work for a company, you probably send out millions of emails every day corresponding with clients, PR, and whoever else you have to deal with. It's hard enough making sure you get around to all of them, but what's more is that even after you've finished composing the message you have to add your name, company name, phone, etc.
How To: Box model a spaceship in Rhino 3D
This tutorial shows you how to box model (polygonal modeling) a spaceship in Rhino 3D. Take a standard box and explode it, then turn on control points and rebuild it -- and THEN drag shapes out of the box! It's cool -- and pretty fun. Definitely a beginners tutorial.