Software Tips Features

How To: Draw a sphere in Google SketchUp

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to draw a sphere in Google SketchUp. First you'll want to draw a circle, then orbit to a side view. Draw a second circle from the center and perpendicular to the first, then select the first circle. Pick the follow me tool and click on the second circle. Erase the first circle and you'll have your sphere!

How To: Use the Stacks Docklet addon for RocketDock

RocketDock is a cool program that allows you to set up your Windows PC desktop in a fashion similar to the desktops made by a certain other major OS maker. It's very intuitive and a great download for most PC users. This video talks about the Stacks docklet (addon) for RocketDock that makes it organize your tabs even more effectively.

How To: Create multiple UV maps & clone paint projected textures in Blender 2.5

In this video tutorial, we learn how to use multiple UV maps and clone paint projected textures within Blender 2.5. 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. Create multiple UV maps & clone paint projected textures in Blender 2.5.

How To: Draw vector clouds in CorelDRAW X4

In this video, we learn how to draw vector clouds in CorelDraw X4. First, open the program and make a circle using "ctrl+shift". Make these circles touching and overlapping each other on the top of the page. After this, select all and then weld it. Next, press "ctrl+k" to break the curves apart, then erase the parts inside of the clouds. When this is done, select all, then copy and paste for additional clouds. Trim the bottom to make the clouds sit on a mountain or straight edge, then you are...

How To: Create fire and smoke using Pyro FX in Houdini 10

The new Pyro FX in Houdini 10 are very impressive with improved workflow. The Pyro FX are great for creating 3D fire and smoke effects. And in this video tutorial series, you will learn the Pyro FX workflow in-depth and the parameters used to create fire and smoke effects. You will also see how volumetric data is created and recorded, and how to visualize it.

How To: Print multi-page stencils in MS Paint

Have need for a giant stencil (and use Microsoft's popular MS Paint software)? Then you've need for this free video tutorial, which explains how to change the page setup settings in Microsoft Paint to print multiple-page stencils. For more information, including a step-by-step walkthrough of the process, watch this how-to.

How To: Make a 3D model of a teddy bear in Blender

See how to create a 3D model of a cuddly teddy bear within Blender 2.5 with this detailed, comprehensive guide. 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-step instructions, take a look!

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 menus in Encore CS4

This Adobe CS4 tutorial shows you how to create menus in Encore CS4. Learn how to use predesigned menus or the assets that come with the Library to create menus in Encore CS4. You will also learn how to import menus from Photoshop. Make menus in Encore CS4.

How To: Create and use garbage mattes in Nuke 6

In this quick clip, you'll learn how to generate a new garbage matte when working in Nuke 6. 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 6'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: Use the scale tool as a mirror in Google SketchUp

Although there isn't an actual mirror tool in SketchUp, it is easy to mirror anything with the scale tool. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to use the scale tool for mirroring purposes in SketchUp. This tutorial covers, how to mirror objects using the scale tool, how to use modifier keys, and mirroring symmetrical components or shapes for efficiency.

How To: Remix a song with Voice Changer Software

Voice Changer Software works well with many different Media Players. It is able to capture the audio stream, morph the voice of the songs, change the Equalizer of the songs, add audio effects to enrich the color of the song, and much more. This tutorial shows you how to remix a song in Voice Changer Software Diamond 6.0. Start by playing and morphing the song, then record the song in morphed effects to get your remix.

How To: Correct for a lens distortion in Blender

In this tutorial, you'll see how to do perspective correction for an image or video clip within Blender. 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!

How To: Create a full body rig for a 3D character in Blender

This clip provides a complete guide on creating a full body rig for a 3D model within Blender. It demonstrates how to do a full setup on the left half (creating and placing bones, and also applying constraints), and copy it over to the right side for a perfectly symmetrical rig. Most of the features in 2.5 are the same, however, the keyboard shortcuts and a few menu items have been moved around. Create a full body rig for a 3D character in Blender.

How To: Create a face rig in Blender

This tutorials covers how to create a more advanced type of facial rig, showing you how to use the "stretch to" constraint to give the face a more fluid way of animating. The "stretch to" is great for things like lips and eyelids (which is shown in this tutorial); in addition, you'll see how to make the eyelids "stick" to the eyeball surface, so there's no unwanted gap between the two while animating. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics appl...