Software Tips Features
How To: Get Downloaded Music Playlist Files (M3U or M3U8) to Work with Your Media Player
A playlist is simply a list of songs which can be played in sequential or shuffled/random order. Many people tailor-make playlists to suit a particular style of music or atmosphere, so being able to share these between people is great.
How To: Remove objects from photos using paint.net
In this video from solvingtime we learn how to remove objects from photos using Paint. To get this program go to to install it. He uses the clone stamp tool to remove things. First he zooms in on the object he wants to remove using the magnifying glass. Then click the stamp which will switch to the clone stamp tool. Use the bracket keys near the letter P on the keyboard to adjust brush size. Then while holding the control key click once on an area near the object you wa...
How To: Make a fancy border in GIMP
Learn how to make a fancy border in GIMP with this GIMP tricks video tutorial. This border can be used to frame images for YouTube videos or other things. Take your image, and go to Image and Canvas Size. The size should be made larger to allow room for your border and then click Center. On Layers, select All Layers. Then, click Resize. This allows you to make room for your Layer. On the far left side, right click on your layer and select Alpha to Selection. Go to Select, To Path, Select, and...
How To: Use the interactive contour tool in Corel Draw X3
This Corel Draw X3 vector graphics drawing software tutorial shows you how to use the interactive contour tool. Learn how to use the interactive contour tool in Corel Draw X3 to create scroll saw patterns for your scroll saw woodworking projects.
How To: Create Che Guevara Pop art in GIMP
This is a variation on the Pop Art tutorial, looking specifically at how to make a Che Guevara inspired image using GIMP image editing software.
How To: Edit video in QuickTime Pro
While not an ideal video editor, QuickTime Pro can, in a pinch, be a flexible, powerful (and not to mention cheap) expedient. In this how-to, Gary Rosenzweig takes a look at the simple but powerful tool QuickTime Pro and how it can be used to edit and compile video.
How To: Texture with projection painting in Blender 2.5
This clip presents detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to texture 3D objects with projection painting in Blender 2.5. 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 look!
How To: Remove materials in Blender
Did you create a cool three-dimensional object in Blender then texture it, only to decide you hate the texture? Then check out this video and learn how to remove materials from objects in Blender 3D. software.
How To: Create an LCD screen effect in GIMP
This tutorial teaches you how to make an image look like an LCD screen in GIMP. He is using Gimp version 2.4.4
How To: Make 2-layer stencils in GIMP
In this tutorial, we learn how to make 2-layer stencils in GIMP. First, cut out the background before you begin. Now, right click on your main layer and then select "add alpha layer". After this, select the magic wand tool and delete all the white areas on the outside of the picture. Now duplicate the layer, then hide the top layer and select the bottom layer. Now, go back to threshold and move it all the way to the right to get an outline of the image. From here, go back up to the top layer ...
How To: Clone yourself in GIMP
In this tutorial, we learn how to clone yourself in GIMP. First, open up GIMP on your computer and then open the picture where you want to clone yourself. After this, open the other picture where you want to copy yourself and right click to copy it. Now, create a new background layer for your main picture. Use the lasso tool to cut out one of yourself inside of a picture, then transition it into the main picture. Exit out of the other image, then start to edit the colors and opacity in the fr...
How To: Break apart a picture frame in Google SketchUp
This 3D modeling software tutorial shows one approach to breaking a picture frame created through the follow-me tool into the actual pieces that would be used to build it in Google SketchUp.
How To: Model a dog house in SketchUp
This video series will help you get started learning SketchUp by showing you how to make a dog house. The videos correspond to chapter 3 of Google SketchUp for Dummies. In PART ONE you build the model, PART TWO you slap on some paint, and in PART THREE you switch on the sun (creating shadows).
How To: Control the Axiom 61 Keyboard MIDI with Enigma
In this tutorial, Jeff Dykhouse demonstrates how to use the powerful Enigma Editing Software to assign MIDI message to all the different controllers that the Axiom 61 keyboard has at its disposal. Jeff covers: Downloading Presets, Creating User Banks and Loading and Creating Presets. You can use the Axiom 61 with Reason, Ableton Live, Pro Tools and even GarageBand.
How To: Adjust project settings in Revit Architecture 2011
Need some help understand how project settings work within Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011? This clip provides some help. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular CAD building information modeling application or a seasoned professional merely looking to better acquaint yourself with the newest features and functions of Revit Architecture 2011, you're sure to bell well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch the v...
How To: Draw a dog in MS Paint
In this tutorial, we learn how to draw a dog in MS Paint. You will do this by using Paint and your mouse, not using a tablet or a pen on the PC. Start out by drawing the outline of the dog in the middle of the page. Next, fill in the nose, mouth, and eyes with black. Then, color the tongue and draw on the ridges of the teeth in the mouth. From here, you will spray paint the color of the dog onto the edges. Spray brown around the edges, then add in white, tan, black, and other colors to make t...
How To: Sculpt claymation-style 3D hair using the Blender software
When using the Blender software on your PC, you're able to employ a "zbrush technique," which is using curves and your sculpt tool to create a mesh hair effect. If you're looking for a way to give your figures claymation style hair, this is how you do it!
How To: Make rounded dots in GIMP
The first thing that you want to do is in a new image, create a new transparent layer. Then you want to use the oval shape tool and check "fixed" so that it forms a perfect circle. Draw the circle, fill it with any color that you want, and then duplicate the layer. Use the move tool to move the new circle underneath the one you just created, leaving some room. Merge this layer with the one you originally copied it from, and repeat this step until you have as many circles as you want. Then you...
How To: Use the Loop Cut tool in Blender
Meet the Blender Loop Cut tool! 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 on how to use the Loop Cut tool in your own Blender projects, take a look!
How To: Use KDE konsole bookmarks
In this tutorial, we learn how to use KDE konsole bookmarks. You can add a bookmark, then go to the home directory and then you will be able to go back to where you previously were. To do this, save the bookmark of the entry that you are in. Do this by clicking the bookmark tab, then add bookmark. After this, go back to the home entry and then click on your bookmarks tab again. Once you click this, you will see your new bookmark on the bottom, when you click that it will bring you back to you...
How To: Mount an ISO file with PowerISO
This video shows the method to mount an ISO file with PowerISO. The first step involves the opening of the Internet browser and Google. Type 'poweriso' in it and press 'search'. Click on the download link in the first search result and download PowerISO. This can be done by clicking on the 'download site 2' and clicking on 'Run' in the resultant window. Install the PowerISO and open it. Click on 'Mount'. Select 'Set Number of Drives' and choose one. Select the drive and select the ISO file yo...
How To: Use the Corel Draw X3 interface
If you have never used Corel Draw X3 vector graphics drawing software, then this tutorial will show you how to get started by walking you through the user interface. Once you can navigate the Corel Draw interface, then you can create drawings and scroll saw patterns.
How To: Use the camera fly mode tool in Blender
See how to work with Blender's Camera Fly Mode tool. The tool is a great way to help navigate your 3D scene, and also for camera placement (or any object set to be a "camera", for example a Spotlight). 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 informatio...
How To: Model a brick-wall rigid body collision in Houdini 10
A tutorial covering a classic rigid body simulation of ball crashing through a wall of bricks. The first two parts cover building a (procedural) brick wall, and the final two parts cover converting it into a RBD simulation. 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...
How To: Add custom buttons to a Thunderbird Toolbar
In order to add additional buttons to your Thunderbird Tool Bar, you will need an add-on called "Custom Buttons". It will allow you to add additional buttons to your tool bar. You will need to give instructions for the buttons, which you will use Java Script in order to set it up. Otherwise, the button will not have a function.
How To: Set up a basic cloth simulation in Blender 2.5
Learn how to create realistic cloth meshes 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!
How To: Model a human hand in Blender
Modeling a human hand is a challenging task. Both to create a natural-looking hand and to create one with good topology. This tutorial is an effort to address both of those issues. In this tutorial you will learn how to model a human hand with some box modeling techniques with clean topology in 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 ...
How To: Use Pidgin as an IRC client
This video shows how to enter an IRC chat with a program called Pidgin, which is normally an instant messaging client. First, you should open Pidgin and open the protocol IRC, selecting or creating a username and changing the server to irc.freenode.net in order to connect to the Linuxjournal channel. After connecting to the channel, wait until you are connected. At this point, you should still not be able to see anything, so you have to go to "Add Chat" and join a channel, in this case #Linux...
How To: Import a background into particleIllusion
ParticleIllusion (pIllusion for short) is a stand-alone computer graphics application which allows users to create animated graphic bases on the particle system technique. In this particleIllusion video tutorial you will learn to import a background. The background could be still images and AVI files. Import a background into particleIllusion.
How To: Import media from devices in Corel VideoStudio
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to import media from devices in Corel Video Studio. Begin by connecting your mobile device to the computer. It can be any device with a memory card or hard drive. Open the program and click on the Capture tab. Click on the option, Import from Mobile Device and select the device that you want. Select the file(s) that you wish to import and click OK. The program will then import the media to your selection window. This video will benefit those viewers w...
How To: Use cracks to play a DVD or CD without the disk
In this video, we learn how to use cracks to play a DVD or CD without the disk. First, go to Gameburnworld and download/install the patch to play your game. Then, open it up and go to the program files folder to find the files for the game. Drag this and drop it in, then you will not have to use the DVD for your movie or CD. Remember to only use this if you own the game or movie, not if you have downloaded it illegally. You can do this for all your discs, it's easy and just takes a few minutes!
How To: Create a login form using MS Access 2007
If you want to password restrict some of your data, or just want to know who is doing what in Microsoft Access 2007, you will want to set up a login form for MS Access 2007. This is an easy procedure, and you can create one yourself with just a basic understanding of the structure for MS Access. Watch this video, and Uncle Gizmo will show you how to do a login form and several other forms for MS Access.
How To: Create and mount ISO image files using UltraISO
In this video the instructor shows how to create and mount ISO's using Ultra ISO. You can user daemon tools to work with ISOs but this video shows you an alternative to it. Download the Ultra ISO software and install it. After installing it run the program. In the tool bar select the Tools button and in the drop down box you can select the various option like create a new image, mount an image to a drive or convert images between formats. Select the mount option and it prompts for the file. B...
How To: Create Animated GIF Image Files with MS Paint & Unfreez
This walks you through how to create an animated GIF image file that can be used in websites, as avatar's, as icons, etc. You'll be using Microsoft Paint to create each frame of the animation, and an application called Unfreez (found here) to animate them together.
How To: Make someone look fat with Photoshop
Well, usually people are looking to go from fat to thin, but sometimes it's fun to see what a person would look like if they were on a full Twinkie diet. Well, this tutorial shows how to use the liquify tool in Adobe Photoshop to add weight to someone to make them look pudgey, overyweight, fat or even downright obese. The tool is easy to use and the video shows clearly how to turn that beach babe into a Jenny Craig "before" photo! Check it out and YOU can make people look fat in photos.
How To: Use Style Builder in Google SketchUp
Style Builder is a companion application to Google SketchUp 6 Pro that allows you to create, mix, and modify your own unique style that you can use and share in SketchUp. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to use this new software. This tutorial covers loading and mixing strokes, creating custom strokes, and how to finish the style in Google SketchUp.
How To: Make a bootable ISO image or CD/DVD
Ali440134 demonstrates how to make a bootable ISO image or a CD / DVD disk. Making a bootable ISO disk is easy and requires just a few simple steps to complete. First, use the Magic ISO program to make the disk. Open Magic ISO and click your desired file. Then, click the open button. Your Magic ISO panel should then say Bootable which means that you can make a bootable disk. Next click tools and under the tools drop down menu click the burn CD / DVD with ISO option. Then, select your file and...
How To: Create a bootable CD with ImgBurn
Download the software from Imgburn. Choose mode, build, advanced, bootable disk. Go to allbootdisk to get a bootable image of your operating system. Choose from Windows 95 through Vista. Download the diskette image. Name and save to desktop. Choose volume and label. Click ok. Make the output burn to image file. Name the file and save it to the desktop. Download Sun Virtualbox. Test the image by choosing settings, storage, add device. Choose media manager. Select make primary slave. After test...
How To: Get iSerial Reader for Mac
In this Software video tutorial you will learn how to get iSerial Reader for Mac. With this program you can get the serial numbers to use for various programs. Almost all programs are listed. There is nothing complicated about this. Download the iSerial reader from Serial Box. Once it is downloaded, open the folder and install it. After you open the program, follow the ‘installing serial box’ instructions. The file to add when you click ‘install now’ is the ‘serial box’ file that came with th...
How To: Clone your head, face or anything, then print in 3D, with Anim8or & Pepakura
What could you do with two of you? Or, two cats, or two cars, or two of anything? Cloning, it's the way of the future and this tutorial shows you how to clone and print a 3D model of virtually anything. Using Anim8or and Pepakura Designer you can model your face and print it up to create a 3D mask. Two for the road I say! (Or would that be four?)