Tip of the Week

As you all know, we have an earlier version of Office, so if someone sends you a Word document (.docx) you need the converter to open it. Not a problem, but I recently learned something interesting I'd like to share. The .docx file is actually Microsoft's version of a zip file. So, if you download a .docx file and then rename it to a .zip file, you can double click on the file and open it. Not only that, but you will see all the files separated. For example, if there is an image in the document. It will be saved in it's original format (ex: .jpg). That way, you can edit it in Photoshop. If you save it and rename it as a zip file, you do not need the converter.

InDesign Magazine Tip

TIP: OOPS! I HAD THE CAPS LOCK KEY ON

Inspired, you're blindly typing your compelling copy at incredible speed. But you look up to realize that -- doh! --the Caps Lock key has been on for quite some time.
That's OK: InDesign offers a quick fix. Select the text, choose Type > Change Case, and select the correct approach from the submenu that appears. You can pick from UPPERCASE, lowercase, Title Case, and Sentence case.

- Claudia McCue

I love InDesign Magazine and subscribe to it. You should check it out if you haven't already done so.  You might also want to follow InDesign on Twitter, but you need a Twitter account to do so.

Great Tip from Planet Photoshop

Light depth with layer blending

Studio lighting can be quickly and easily dramatized by blending multiple layers. Duplicate a layer with a subject by pressing Command-J (PC: Ctrl-J). Desaturate (Choose Image > Adjustments > Desaturate)the new layer, then adjust the Levels dialog (Command-L [PC: Ctrl-L]) to create a strong contrast. Now, apply a Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) to the new layer and set its blend mode to Overlay, which amplifies the saturation of the base colors, while retaining the tonal contrast of the new layer. This effect can provide a strikingly more provocative sense of depth with very little effort.

Here's an example using a photo I took of my niece Syd for her acting resume. Click on the image for a larger display. Find more great tips at Planet Photoshop.

Tip of the Week

If you've never seen the website Creative Pro, you should check it out. Better yet, you should join! It's free and has a lot of great information on a large variety of subjects including print, design and layout, fonts, graphics and photography.

 It's easy to sign up - a few minutes at best and you'll have access to lots of helpful information. Give it a try today!

Tip of the Week

Hi Everyone -
Do you ever experiment with brushes in Photoshop? You should give it a try. The following websites will give you some information and free brushes and backgrounds to try out:

• Brusheezy
• GetBrushes.com
• My Photoshop Brushes
• PSBrushes

These are just a few, but it will give you a good start. Try some out and let us know how you do. 

Faye

Important Points from Yesterday's Photoshop Webinar

I wanted to add a few points from yesterday's webinar to the blog that I think are important. First, for the web, the image mode must be RGB and 8 bits. Otherwise you will get a box with an x through it or a broken link image. To change the mode:

1. Click image
2. Click Mode
3. Click RGB 
4. Click 8 bits per channel (if needed)

The other thing I want to mention is changing the logo. You should:

1. Get a copy of the logo in eps format (once you have it, save it as a PSD file for future use). 
2. Open the layers panel (windows/layers) if not already opened. Double click to the right of the image layer. 
3. Check the color overlay option.
4. Click to the right of the overlay option in grey area.
5. The overlay options will appear. Double click on the red box (default color) and change to color you would like. (EX: white or #FFFFFF to change the UNHCE logo to white). 
6. Save for future use as a PSD file and then save as a png (to keep transparency) for the web. 

Tip of the Week

Summer is over and it's time to get back to work! For those of you who use Adobe Captivate - and who wouldn't - there are some really nice widgets to spice up your presentation. Some cost (under $50), but some are free. Check them out on the Adobe Captivate Exchange and see if any work for you.