Software Tips Features

How To: Use the DATEDIF function in Microsoft Excel 2007

Looking for a primer on how to use the DATEDIF function in MS Excel 2007? You're in luck. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular digital spreadsheet application or a seasoned business professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Excel 2007 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Calculate volume and area in Revit

This video illustrate us how to calculate volume and area in Revit. Here are the following steps: Step 1: First of all open the programme Revit and then click on the volume and area on the left hand side, if in case its not there then right click in the gray bar and then various attributes appear, choose from here.

How To: Burn an ISO file to a blank CD using Burning Studio

Learn how to burn an ISO file to a blank DVD or CD using Ashampoo burning studio. What you will need: - Ashampoo burning studio- A blank CD/DVD- A CD/DVD drive which can burn CDs/DVDs 1. Open up Ashampoo Burning Studio and go to "create/burn disk images" then click the first option. 2. Browse for you ISO file. 3. Click on "next" and then insert a blank DVD or CD (use a CD for files less than 700mb). 4. Select the CD/DVD drive under "CD-writer". 5. When you see a green tick, click on options a...

How To: Move components the way you want in SketchUp

You may find when you are working in SketchUp that you can't get certain components to move the way you want - this is because when you first use them, by default they are automatically stuck to the surface you first put them on (glued). This video that accompanies Chapter 16 of the book Google SketchUp for Dummies will show you how to get around this.

How To: Reduce noise in RAW Therapee

In this tutorial, we learn how to reduce noise in RAW Therapee. First, open up your photo in the software that you want to reduce the noise on. Then, open up the detailed view of the photo and click on then click on the detail button. Through here, you can sharpen the image or you can change the noise reduction for the color and luminance. Click on the drop down menu for the luminance and then enable to checked section. Then, move the edge tolerance to its maximum to see the full effect on th...

How To: Delete your Skype call history and chat history

This is a tutorial on how to clear your Skype call history and chat history. The option for clearing call and chat history is difficult to find in Skype. To begin, click on Tools and select Options from the Menu. In the pop up box, click on the Privacy button. By showing Advanced Options, you will be able to access the button which enables you to clear your call and chat history. Please note that when you click the Clear History button, you will not only delete your call and chat history, but...

How To: Remove silence from an audio track in Audition 3.0

Learn how to remove silent bits from your audio tracks when using Adobe Audition 3. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular digital audio workstation (DAW) software or a seasoned professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the program and its various features and plugins, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video guide.

How To: Compress multiple files with WinRAR

In this video, we learn how to compress multiple files with WinRaR. First, select the files that you want to compress, then right click on them and click add to archive. After this, write the name for your files and press OK. Now, WinRaR will automatically start. When it's finished loading, you will see your new file that has all your files compress into it. When you open this file up, your other files will be inside. You can do this for several files or just do one, depending on how many you...

How To: Create lightning effects in GIMP

If Photoshop is too complex for your tastes - or just takes a little too long - then GIMP may be the solution. GIMP is a photo manipulation software with super easy controls and tools. Generally it's used for photo retouching, but like Photoshop, the program allows you to add in special effects.

How To: Rig a quadruped with the Auto Rig Tool in Houdini

This five part Houdini 9 video series covers an entire rigging workflow using the H9 Quadruped Auto Rig shelf tool. Take an in-depth look at setting up joint controls, creating proxy geometry, generating animation and deformation rigs, and painting weights. The concepts presented in this tutorial series will apply equally as well to a Biped Auto Rig set up.

How To: Burn YouTube Videos to DVD with Freemake Video Converter

Have you ever come across a cute YouTube video that you absolutely fell in love with, and wanted to share it with your friends on a big TV? Unfortunately, YouTube doesn't have a "Burn to DVD" button next to every video. But after following the steps below, you won't need one. You'll be able to rip any video from YouTube and burn it directly to DVD, just in two clicks.

How To: Hide your IP address using IP Hider 4.0

IP Hider masks the real IP of a user, allowing him to browse all kind of pages without ever worrying that the ISPs or any other marketing tool is monitoring your surfing habits or spammers are attacking your computer. The simplest way to do this is to have traffic redirected through anonymous proxies.

How To: Save your project in Pinnacle Studio

This tutorial explains how to save your work in Pinnacle Studio. The first step is to go to "File". Next is saving projects by using the drop down menu from the top left corner of the program. When you save your project it does not mean that all the video files will be saved. In fact, all the original files have to be stored in the exact same place so this will work. To save your new project you have to go to movie and make and output format like Vdix or VCL.

How To: Draw realistic graffiti on a wall in GIMP

This tutorial describes how to create a realistic graffiti effect in a program called GIMP. You must first make sure that you have the font "writers original" installed on your computer. If not, you must download it to create this graffiti effect. Simply open a brick background on GIMP and put whatever text you want to have. Enhance the text by creating multiple layers and create a multi-dimensional image by creating contrast among those layers. Lowering brightness opposite layers and changin...

How To: Use UV mapping in Houdini

This four-part series presents an introduction to some of the techniques for uv mapping in Houdini. This first part introduces the concept of UVs, and looks at UVProject as a way of adding UVs, and UVQuickShade as a way of visualising them. 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, i...

How To: Enhance the color of your lips & eyes with GIMP

In this tutorial, we learn how to enhance the color of your lips and eyes with GIMP. To change the eyes, use the ellipse tool to highlight each individual eye, then change the contrast of the eye as well as the color and highlights. Do this for both eyes, then save. To change the lips, use the lasso tool to highlight the outside and inside of the lips, then go to "select", "from path", and then change the color balance as you did on the eyes. Change it until it's the desired color you want, t...

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: 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: Model a basic sword in 3D using Metasequoia

The sword is a very oft-depicted item in video games and CGI-heavy movies, so making them in 3D is an important skill to have if you want to become a 3D artist. This video tutorial walks you through the process of modeling a basic sword using the 3D graphics suite Metasequoia. It moves pretty fast, but is also basic, so you should be able to follow along. You 3D models will be hacking and slashing in no time!

How To: Create a 3D model of an apple in Blender 2.5

This clip presents a thorough overview of how to model a realistic apple within Blender 2.5. 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. Create a 3D model of an apple in Blender 2.5.

How To: Redirect edge flow in Blender 2.5

This video offers a few quick tips on tricks on redirecting edge flow (or edgeflow) when working 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: Get started creating simple 3D models in Blender 2.5

Before you can work in Blender, you'll have to learn how to work with it. Fortunately, this guide will show you everything you'll need to know to get started creating your own models 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 from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, ...