Software Tips Features
How To: Make prints and contact sheets using Aperture
Aperture's full-featured printing system lets you create high-quality prints or contact sheets.
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.
How To: Orient objects to a curve (sweep) in Houdini 9
This Houdini 9 tutorial teaches how to sweep an object along a curve while orienting the object to the curve's direction. Learn how to apply a sweep sop to orient objects on curves in Houdini.
How To: Light a house with ambient occlusion in Blender
This Blender 3D tutorial teaches you how to light a scene (in this case a house) from scratch using Ambient Occlusion, one lamp for the Sun and a hemi in the interior to fake radiosity. Ambient occlusion is a great way to light things, so if you need to learn 3D ray-trace lighting, this Blender tutorial will help.
How To: Burn a DVD with Nero 8 Ultra
Nero 8 Ultra is a complex program, but it doesn't have to be confusing if you follow these steps for burning a video DVD.
How To: Model a bottle in Blender with the spin option
This tutorial shows you how to model a bottle in Blender 3D using the Spin option.
How To: Draw a house on your computer
1) Choose green from the color palette and draw a squiggly line across the bottom of your screen. 2) Select the paint bucket and press below the squiggly line to fill that section in green.
How To: Use chroma key in Wax 2.0
This software tutorial shows you how to use chroma key, the method of using green or blue screen footage, in Wax 2.0. Use the free video editing software Wax 2.0 to chroma key and create cool effects for your video footage.
How To: Create a 3D house in Google SketchUp
Watch and learn how to create your own 3D house with Google SketchUp.
How To: Play DVD movies on your computer's media player
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to play DVD movies on the computer for free. Usually, users will need to purchase expensive codes or plug-ins for a media player in order to play a DVD movie. This video introduces the VLC Media Player. This media player is able to play any DVD movie and is a free program. To download it, open your the Google website. Then search for the media player and select the first result. Then click on Download and install the program. This video will benefit h...
How To: Use SketchUp to model for Google Earth
This 3D software modeling tutorial series shows you step by step how to create a suitable model for Google Earth within SketchUp. The series will start by showing you how to export data from Google Earth to use for reference, how to build and optimize the modle, texture it in Photoshop or Picasa and export and load it to Google Earth.
How To: Create explosions in Blender with the explode modifier
This clip offers a few quick tips on using the explode modifier in Blender 2.49b or 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.
How To: Remove DRM from WMP videos and music
This video shows you how to take off the DRM (which is kind of like copy protection) from music and videos that you bought from a Windows Media Player online store like Urge or Napster.
How To: Insert a movie from iTunes into your Keynote project
The Media Manager that comes with Keynote is a useful tool for adding in all sorts of media to your slideshow or project; and videos can add an extra level of depth and information to your project. Take any movie or clip from your iTunes library and then use the Media Manager tool to insert it into Keynote. It's a very simple process - the whole video showing you how to do it takes barely a minute!
How To: Mount an ISO with Daemon Tools in Ubuntu
Askabouttech shows how to mount an ISO with Daemon tools using Ubuntu. Right click on Daemon Tools in the tool bar and select "virtual CD rom". This will bring up a side window in which you will click "device". This will open another side window where you will click "mount image". This will open a new window. Make sure you're looking in desktop and open the Ubuntu ISO file. This should open up a new window where you have the option of running it or viewing the files. When you're finished, fol...
How To: Use the text and 3D text tools in Google SketchUp
Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to use the text and 3d text tools in Google SketchUp. There are several ways to create text and annotations in SketchUp. This tutorial covers how to create on-screen text and annotations, how to change text settings, the differences between pixel and real world text siz, and how to create 3d text.
How To: Create tileable textures in imageSynth & SketchUp
Mike demonstrates how to quickly and easily create custom tileable textures for your SketchUp models using a Photoshop plug-in called imageSynth. You will be using Photoshop and imageSynth to create the textures but the end goal is to be able to apply those seamless textures to a model in SketchUp.
How To: Create a modern bokeh effect in GIMP
In this video, we learn how to create a modern bokeh effect in GIMP. First, start a new image and then change it to the size that you want. From here, click on the paint can and then fill your box up with a color. Then, create a new layer and name it "bokeh background". Click on this layer and then use the paintbrush tool to paint a small brush with color onto it. Start to paint on small dots and you will see that there are small tiny star like dots that start to appear. Then, fade these out ...
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: 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: Apply sepia tones in GIMP
This image editing software tutorial shows you how to create sepia toned images in the freeware GIMP. Learn four methods of applying a sepia tone inside GIMP: color balance, colorize, gradient map and solid color/color blend mode.
How To: Make a YouTube channel logo using Photoscape
If you don't have a thousand dollars to buy the latest version of Photoshop, you will need to explore other options for making your logos. In this tutorial, learn how to save money without sacrificing quality and use Photoscape. This clip will walk you through the process step by step so you can make your channel really stand out.
How To: Create 3D cartoon cumulus clouds in Blender
This clip offers a look at how to create non-photorealistic cumulus clouds in Blender. These techniques are taken from a Siggraph 2009 paper titled “Painting with Objects,” created by Isaac Botkin. 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, i...
How To: Manage your photo library 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: Connect Microsoft Access and OpenOffice Base databases
While you cannot directly open a Microsoft Access database file in OpenOffice Base, it is possible to connect Base to an Access database, and manipulate the data contained within it.
How To: Use the arc tool in Google SketchUp
Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to use the arc tool in Google SketchUp. Using the arc tool is a three step process based on defining the two endpoints of the arc first and then pulling out the radius of the arc. This tutorial covers how to draw arcs, drawing tangent arcs, continuous smooth arcs, and defining the number of arc segments.
How To: Use the Corel Draw bezier tool for scroll saw patterns
The bezier tool in Corel Draw allows you to create a certain type of curve. In this tutorial you will learn how to work with and control the bezier tool in Corel Draw as you create scroll saw patterns.
How To: Draw circles and rectangles in AutoCAD 2008
This AutoCAD 2008 tutorial covers Drawing Rectangles, Drawing Circles using all 6 ways to define a circle.
How To: Create slideshow transitions in OpenOffice Impress
To add a professional, multimedia quality to your slide show presentation, OpenOffice Impress, allows you to add transitions between each of the slides in your presentation.
How To: Turn a CAD blueprint into a Google Sketchup project
Use a CAD plan as a reference for your Google SketchUp project. This tutorial shows you how to use the rectangle tool to create building walls and outline your building for SketchUp. Use the eraser tool afterwards so you can erase unneeded lines.
How To: Use Screenflow to export 1080p HD video on a Mac
Watch this video to learn how you can use Screenflow to record and edit videos in 1080p HD on your Mac. If you are making software tutorial videos, video game walkthroughs or let's plays, Screenflow has everything you need.
How To: Creating UML Use Case Diagrams
Learn how to create Use Case UML diagrams using with the user-friendly Altova UModel UML modeling tool. In this video tutorial, you'll explore some of the UModel diagramming features in a Use Case diagram.
How To: Add virtual CD and DVD drives to your PC with Alcohol
Alcohol 120% is an application that you can use to add virtual CD and DVD drives to your computer. You can then use these drives to play Disc Images, stored on your computer's hard disc drive, without having to burn them onto a CD or DVD.
How To: Use PreSonus StudioLive at a concert or live performance
In this video tutorial, we learn how to set up and use StudioLive during a performance. Whether you're new to PreSonus' DAW or new to digital recording more generally, you're sure to find much to take away from this free video software tutorial. Take a look.
How To: Adjust date and time in Aperture
All digital cameras automatically record the date and time each photo was taken and store this time stamp as metadata within each image file. In Aperture 2, you can change these time stamps. This is particularly useful if the clock in your camera is set incorrectly or if you're trying to synchronize photos taken by multiple cameras at a single event.
How To: Combine two rigs into one in Blender
This clip offers a trick for combining two rigs into one and demonstrates how to adjust the settings in the new rig to conform to the settings in the original rig. 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...
How To: Create 3D realistic rain within Blender
Learn how to create realistic rain for animation or stills, how to add droplets to the camera lens, reduce your render time and create a glowing sky with this clip. from Blender Guru. 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, including step-by-step instructions, take a...
How To: Get the broken glass effect on your wallpapers
In order to get the broken glass effect on all of your wallpapers, you will need the following: the program called Broken Desktop Final by Somrat.
How To: Get YouTube videos on your iPod and iPhone with Tooble
In this video tutorial, you will see how to use Tooble, free from tooble.tv, to get videos from YouTube into iTunes, then onto your iPod, iTouch, or iPhone. Unfortunately, there's no Windows version for you, it's just for Mac. But don't let that discourage you, there developing one as we speak. So soon you too will be able to get YouTube movies on your iPod.
How To: Create a slow-motion effect when working in RealFlow
Learn how to achieve a slo-mo effect within RealFlow with this video guide. Whether you're new to RealFlow's popular fluids and body modeling software or are just looking to get better acquainted with the application its various features and functions, you're sure to enjoy this free video software tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick in your own RealFlow projects, watch this 3D modeler's guide.