tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79544365390096952962024-03-06T01:10:16.321-05:00Designing with TechnologyTechnology tips for the theatrical design professional.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-858321165035891762008-10-22T13:25:00.008-04:002008-10-23T20:39:54.046-04:00Photoshop: Digital Renderings with Photoshop and AutoCAD Part I<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Using AutoCAD and Photoshop together is a great way to produce high quality and easy to manipulate digital renderings and paint elevations. In part one of this two part series, I'll detail the process for getting AutoCAD drafting into Photoshop and applying simple textures to the drawing.
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='426' height='353' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxaZ_3yg9EDosIb57lMkXmzc_2M2OLKhFbHlXzHwkoAujgZTYcgWvWIl1KWQDkFJ-mg2s9uebsMVs4D-tP2' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
<div style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned for part two which details simple Photoshop techniques to impove the depth and dimension in Photoshop digital renderings.
</div></div>B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-9636594336578452162008-05-13T16:21:00.005-04:002008-05-13T16:31:10.340-04:00AutoCAD: New Student Editions Available<p>The <a href="http://students8.autodesk.com/">Autodesk Student Engineering & Design Community</a> recently released new versions of its educational edition products for download to users with a .edu e-mail address.</p>
<p>Included offerings:
<ul>
<li>Autodesk® Inventor® Professional</li>
<li>Autodesk® AutoStudio</li>
<li>Revit® Architecture</li>
<li>AutoCAD® Civil 3D®</li>
<li>Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design</li>
<li>Autodesk® Maya® Personal Learning Edition</li>
</ul></p>B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-2393318189557840462008-05-13T15:30:00.006-04:002008-05-13T18:03:01.168-04:00Photoshop: 3D Layers [CS3 Extended]<p>New in Photoshop CS3 Extended is the ability to import 3D objects in various formats (.u3d, .3ds, .obj, .kmz, and Collada file formats) as a Photoshop layer. While no substitute for true 3D rendering applications, this new feature adds a new dimension to collage rendering. For this example we'll be using this photo from <a href="http://www.everystockphoto.com/">everystockphoto.com</a> and a <a href="http://www.32bitcolor.com/models/mod1.html">3ds model of a patio table.</a></p>
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFrFsVdIMK2LV0Hc5nGIuQBiltF6Npz1cntcix3S9_8orN8J_-KAWlIgAKG6gUv2tbORKwDMdv0i41pf9fV4zxdOok8sJhQ06-Q-XKHoeLUR25aFRxo8g8WsmD1qo2uhK463FuXL4zZE/s1600-h/terrace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFrFsVdIMK2LV0Hc5nGIuQBiltF6Npz1cntcix3S9_8orN8J_-KAWlIgAKG6gUv2tbORKwDMdv0i41pf9fV4zxdOok8sJhQ06-Q-XKHoeLUR25aFRxo8g8WsmD1qo2uhK463FuXL4zZE/s320/terrace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199948244986049650" /></a></div>
<p>To import the 3ds model, select Layer->3D Layers->New Layer from 3D File... and select the .3ds file to import.</p>
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch() {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMoyf6J6sMKNdB9A8N2kUNucwjrY4URamEotekv_oInVgtEINtbPN8FYCwyXpaShQW0FUw8Q7cmTyx_I84lc0HJfW0Dp1E145008V4Hdl6ffp114Grn6AnQEhX1RQpdZMvPFZde6NtZE/s1600-h/SGrab-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMoyf6J6sMKNdB9A8N2kUNucwjrY4URamEotekv_oInVgtEINtbPN8FYCwyXpaShQW0FUw8Q7cmTyx_I84lc0HJfW0Dp1E145008V4Hdl6ffp114Grn6AnQEhX1RQpdZMvPFZde6NtZE/s320/SGrab-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199947811194352658" /></a></div>
<p>After importing the 3ds file, Photoshop creates a new 3d layer of the object. Double-clicking on the layer icon in the layers palette reveals the 3D layer transformation tools which allow for positioning, rotation and sizing of the imported object.</p>
<div align="center" class="postimage">
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHgadYmrcJiRkTEuUltWJGSLaM_mhGhy1kh70BB865-zUTX9__GZJmNc4p_16gTggW5HdGVkZaz8QmfTASN-VDYNNWMCPVfgr137KUFgbZJRbvJI9n8pvbh48Qp5xATNivRsrqR89dok/s1600-h/SGrab-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHgadYmrcJiRkTEuUltWJGSLaM_mhGhy1kh70BB865-zUTX9__GZJmNc4p_16gTggW5HdGVkZaz8QmfTASN-VDYNNWMCPVfgr137KUFgbZJRbvJI9n8pvbh48Qp5xATNivRsrqR89dok/s320/SGrab-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199947819784287266" /></a></div>
<p>Using the "Drag" and "Slide" tools to position the patio table in an appropriate perspective of the scene yields this finished image. (Press <enter> to accept the 3D transformation just like the Free Transform command.)</p>
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7DsSl0KifDquv0Aq7mPtFouUO9x3X4dUclRScM7egSyeo-DPnuWsipVupWUyeylJbtElT7akQY-If6tCOdwqkQdIDj_9AIXJlySK3vtajm_eIhe7RjBYRg2jHAe1bs6-8fzg3me_dAA/s1600-h/3dfinal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7DsSl0KifDquv0Aq7mPtFouUO9x3X4dUclRScM7egSyeo-DPnuWsipVupWUyeylJbtElT7akQY-If6tCOdwqkQdIDj_9AIXJlySK3vtajm_eIhe7RjBYRg2jHAe1bs6-8fzg3me_dAA/s320/3dfinal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199948240691082338" /></a></div>
<p>If the imported object includes any associated textures, these textures can be edited by double-clicking on them in the layers palette. New textures can't be created and existing texture mappings can't be modified, but the standard Layer Blending options will work with 3D layers (drop shadow, outer glow, satin, etc.). Additionally, modifying the structure of the model itself still requires the use of a bona-fide 3D editing application. (Why not give the open source alternative <a href="http://www.blender.org/">Blender</a> a try!)</p>B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-43782583421584803392008-03-24T14:19:00.000-04:002008-03-24T14:19:19.654-04:00After Effects: Digital HandwritingThis quick After Effects tip for creating animated handwriting like that shown in the video below comes to us courtesy of Kirk Domer.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-828689051390825924&hl=en" flashvars=""> </embed></div>
<h3>To import a Photoshop file:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Right Click in the gray area (to the left) under PROJECT to import file</li>
<li>Double click on the file</li>
</ol>
<h3>To make text reveal:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Click Effect->Generate->Stroke</li>
<li>Select the pen tool and trace the writing in the Composition Frame (Top Middle)</li>
<li>All in the lower left panel under STROKE:
<ul>
<li>Make sure path option starts with: “Mask 1”</li>
<li>Paint Style: Reveal Original Image</li>
<li>Place TWO “end” key frames – the first is 0.0 – the last is 100.00 (This will control how many seconds this will take to reveal).</li>
<li>Play with the brush size as well (based on the font).</li>
</ul>
<li>Functions: Turn off for next mask – or click in the left grey box to start the next mask.</li></ol>
<h3>NOTES:</h3>
<ul>
<li>All masks should be ON</li>
<li>The space bar and mouse – moves the image to zoom in to your work space (<a href="http://theacad.blogspot.com/2007/09/photoshop-image-navigation.html">works in PhotoShop too!</a>).</li>
<li>The “triple color ball” icon on TOP composition screen – make sure you are on RGB</li>
</ul>
<h3>TO SAVE:</h3>
<ul>
<li>ALWAYS go to: Composition: Make Movie – then click render in the “render Queue”.</li>
<li>Save to the correct OUTPUT file folder (so you know where to find the file)</li>
<li>Rendering Setting: Best Settings</li>
<li>Output Module: Lossless</li>
</ul>B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-88648696303217590562008-03-24T00:01:00.001-04:002008-03-24T14:21:00.441-04:00AutoCAD: Separate HatchesThe HATCHEDIT command (type 'HATCHEDIT<enter>' or double-click a hatch) allows for the addition of areas to an already defined hatch. This can be a quick an easy way to match hatches to a key. Doing this leaves both areas attached to one another as a single hatch object. Checking the 'Separate Hatches' option however, breaks those hatches into their individual areas, allowing each hatch to be modified and moved separately.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSGrR9XrzGPAUid6L0XqFBGJzKvUnzBDqvH4S1UsQ959onf4UadpJV0K28odyxHYbE3KZDaa5k3olcQfnZCjMatSiEAOhMV_XDGT9wIUtGmVRJooBnMNfk1hFAqZ4Ujso_qPYmgv0uKA/s1600-r/AC-Seperate+Layers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN1x-RJcThHQ17rlOow-lStIGn9ilJkGKkJrxeRI3YQX6TSAZy867-bPnczXUtLfGAqayUUqJkOrEParC9VhSs5M3uWNwPolzjEM7KMESrf0UUlTx8IN1sqoV3IjXfcU9riZWKPnV1AY/s320/AC-Seperate+Layers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139161554040146466" /></a></div>B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-61678040174531428932008-03-24T00:01:00.000-04:002008-03-24T14:20:32.599-04:00AutoCAD: Filter Command TutorialThe FILTER command is a powerful tool for modifying selection sets based on a set of criteria. For this tutorial I'll be using the collection of objects depicted below.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSNaaX4flEZgRySUIVhY86SbgCOe99in8zi_XV-B7SpsaJXosYqvTMVJeVgTlMX_d0NCa97Qts3E6rPIAqqWZ_WLMkmiudzSuDsu2EHuPmYqGUCU1pBnqbRyvcJ8RjCJdzUCA1vOI55c/s1600-r/AC-Filter+Command+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD4qlmm0j_kqyNS8CQQzXNm58zxlwv-qS0CWKUuKTXleQTM6SYm6pDI-EQuchlsFUQCxhgOhKzZbnwzA4JK1WS6NK5pjWy8G-ir91YD1G4gLhZv9FZEvdD2aAu4BJ_AOv7uU2uXNHMd0/s320/AC-Filter+Command+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139175465439218242" /></a></div>
First we'll start the FILTER command (type 'FILTER<enter>') and AutoCAD presents us will a dialog to define our selection criteria. In the 'Select Filter' dropdown I'll select 'Line' and click 'Add-to-List'.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqPmPsTD8XRNWQG_WhpwnizOl-trYIfHjkjfrjvvlNCKa51oamAMsWrXa3UKQQ2D7Nbp3LoOXytEQJGbQUEZF2yrzXIirJnPOY8jEmRsOfhoXTl_G47v_EeNv2SFkO33LsSi8kDPw7YY/s1600-r/AC-Filter+Command+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrL3A4hIf4SXwR8ajjFXhbGMH_eDV_8w3hj7BJsfwWSCKN_f1xp57XMBzKbb_ULpyEMlCpYdtilKJ0UgpKGonvmsFO08V1KjbD4qY51UWymuI5-FE3ZfCZiDpcadmLxKdsfpTSlC1YcA/s320/AC-Filter+Command+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139175469734185554" /></a></div>
At this point my selection set is limited to only objects of the 'Line' type. I'll further filter the selection to only select objects of the color 'Cyan' by selecting 'Color' from the 'Select Filter' dropdown and clicking on 'Select' to open the color selection dialog.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHBYmjkGe4JS3KpNUdz9wX8fx5_JBx9sg2oANQSEzK8L3YK_ZZ4Ib3oyKgq2IGHLAbGo2GbJOIfiTqnS8N8utkS6NUTN7hhMYmSTeG7gxtwBNuWPy_c-LBCkAXSdfr3FtXprjz1rsrvk/s1600-r/AC+Filter+Command+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKU0uCsvbKEBX4qxCd9giZu_HdoB8xTbBsX3e06VID2tnIbPqTIy3eDBjWLK7dLUvBYtAutVCyECUADD8oi2W2Y5usMlKj6iv3c7kaSDDYSc7_jbs0SwzcQWgwx9hLzZgVUZKcxfbgUc/s320/AC+Filter+Command+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139175474029152866" /></a></div>
After selecting the 'Cyan' color and clicking 'OK', I'll click 'Add to List' to add this criteria to my selection filter. Now my filter list will select only objects which are of the type 'Line' AND have the color 'Cyan'. After clicking 'OK', I'm returned to the select objects prompt.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDCrZQ5y5F39OMdC5EKBUHWOkbtMu4XKYInFD-_UTcInjTQA3VzkRalM2kH40d1fz2rK7j1N_CcKJUDGkhMFwqM-5AHMtM1MY0mznPERVZFicXJ9jh_84itOBycMKtKleKrYXYew7NQ0/s1600-r/AC-Filter+Command+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorLIpwv1CgVAffPcpmhBmiQ4pGamlG-9ZOY5b_IGFDAhGFD3wo-mISecWlskPBxTa-AbNn45Nffs9sUuwn_9DkUiP12OW0m1Y9J-IXJfhWvn-VWtWcRbqofXA596dQFCIGPU7-ZbIjro/s320/AC-Filter+Command+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139175474029152882" /></a></div>
Now, if I apply a crossing selection to this entire group of objects, only the Cyan line will be selected.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXHAPdzbkhfCwP1PQp7u730eTsmLFQGCRpqnF_9io6z2_SZpXz1ClSBFQBrQhNXposLk0jC5JbAixFFIFStNOQ-4P0FxmF3w51V1k9ZIDqt16FKz6kwVjsqFfw0MvyzT4w_Gb1xZ_990/s1600-r/AC-Filter+Command+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI30VoEmdUJC2ofK5AyA0lR6rmmmkSI8zugS6TNPcGJjiLFln4pXoJnkxXYdvseIEp8AbeH8TnEJSbGoP6zc2hGQYYc53NS1od7dyAKm1-VU-7USblUjK9waZY2hAL1dhtz1ayDXtyDc/s320/AC-Filter+Command+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139175478324120194" /></a></div>
Filter lists can be as complex or as simple as needed and offer yet another way to quickly refine a selection set for performing an action on a group of objects--without selecting each object individually.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-77640368260205565992007-09-09T22:45:00.000-04:002007-09-09T23:02:37.426-04:00Photoshop: Creative Use of the Measure Tool<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLuvGg_Iag7JZK7oGINZMQbBg2nuTivhTrAXUgiV3buAaBr2W_42V1eOzHw6tscxooOMgMGzSLkOardu2Mindm_UgNMHgbBQkZE_3_G4O_YK8s0hhQyj_0dEVobczAF_xcwHexTrFbNQ/s1600-h/measuretoolicon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLuvGg_Iag7JZK7oGINZMQbBg2nuTivhTrAXUgiV3buAaBr2W_42V1eOzHw6tscxooOMgMGzSLkOardu2Mindm_UgNMHgbBQkZE_3_G4O_YK8s0hhQyj_0dEVobczAF_xcwHexTrFbNQ/s320/measuretoolicon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108403591006671554" /></a></div>
Photoshop's 'Measure' tool, located on the Eyedropper toolbar fly-out (Keyboard Shortcut: 'I'), has more usefulness than first meets the eye. Drawing a measurement line not only provides the length of the line drawn, but also provides the angle of the line on the options palette.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSL2bgSJE1shB_4aKSkez_Sc1MS1EGbO7sIob5PIJAwPWUMs9CFK-eFM57tLvqgy5LReNWhlfz8uI8MjwN1RsC6kH_g2O9gAyK54UAEk1y5TODlJVOXUfyANTNnjHc4aXIdC1Lb6vkOM/s1600-h/measuretooloptions.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSL2bgSJE1shB_4aKSkez_Sc1MS1EGbO7sIob5PIJAwPWUMs9CFK-eFM57tLvqgy5LReNWhlfz8uI8MjwN1RsC6kH_g2O9gAyK54UAEk1y5TODlJVOXUfyANTNnjHc4aXIdC1Lb6vkOM/s320/measuretooloptions.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108404514424640210" /></a></div>
As an added bonus, Photoshop pre-enters this angle value into the 'Rotate Arbitrary' command (Image->Rotate Canvas->Arbitrary...), saving the added step of entering this value into the dialog when you need to straighten an image.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-46379472780697981832007-09-09T22:12:00.000-04:002007-09-09T22:45:31.680-04:00AutoCAD: FILLET / CHAMFER Multiple OptionThe default behavior of the FILLET / CHAMFER commands is to perform one operation and return to the command line. This can become tedious when one needs to repeatedly perform this action. AutoCAD provides the 'Multiple' option to handle this situation. Invoking the 'Multiple' option (type 'M <enter>' after starting the FILLET or CHAMFER command) instructs AutoCAD to restart the command after it finishes until pressing the Escape key to end the command.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-86868574156499094912007-09-07T21:59:00.000-04:002007-09-07T22:15:09.451-04:00AutoCAD: Popup OSNAP MenuAutoCAD's options for Object Snaps and Object Tracking are extremely far reaching, but keeping them all turned on can be madding when trying to get AutoCAD to understand what you're trying to do. Opening the OSNAP menu to turn on and off options as you need them is one way to handle this dilema, but there's another option.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2W-twiI90lmIVwaghixpSzvfslBMmvoy_n-Tb2ceOKcfDZjw6_dSO3m8iCQH6b4tgvVOhxYumG91WoIFy3VvuCKSH0ppaOqk2T7k8yxRspj8EprY07I4oJTuKh0EC9qMey5HKb9OU5g/s1600-h/osnapmenu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2W-twiI90lmIVwaghixpSzvfslBMmvoy_n-Tb2ceOKcfDZjw6_dSO3m8iCQH6b4tgvVOhxYumG91WoIFy3VvuCKSH0ppaOqk2T7k8yxRspj8EprY07I4oJTuKh0EC9qMey5HKb9OU5g/s320/osnapmenu.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107648656015118962" /></a></div>
'Shift+Right Click' pops up the OSNAP popup menu with a plethora of common and lesser used OSNAP and OTRACK options. Of particular note is the 'Mid Between 2 Points' option ('m2p') a very handy option which alleviates the need to draw guide lines to snap to a temporary midpoint.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-47008904464033210292007-09-07T21:54:00.001-04:002007-09-07T21:57:29.924-04:00Photoshop: Reset Dialog ValuesThe next time you're adjusting values in a Photoshop dialog, take a second to hold down the 'Alt' Key ('Option' on a Mac) and keep an eye on the 'Cancel' button in the dialog. You'll notice it changes from a 'Cancel' button to a 'Reset' button, allowing you to start over in the dialog without have to close and reopen it.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-54688373608088339352007-09-06T22:29:00.000-04:002007-09-07T08:40:21.944-04:00AutoCAD: Previous and Last Selection SetAutoCAD's options for defining a selection set are extremely varied. Over time, we'll cover the majority of the lesser used or understood options in other topics, but today we'll focus on the 'Previous' and 'Last' selection methods. These two selection methods are incredibly useful for quick editing, especially since they're so simple.
The 'Previous' selection method does exactly what it sounds like it would do. Choosing 'Previous' (type 'P <enter>') selects the last group of selected objects. Very useful for when you accidentally cancel a complicated selection set before you get to execute the command.
The 'Last' selection method works slightly differently and is equally powerful. Choosing 'Last' (type 'L <enter>') selects the most recently drawn objects. Very useful for performing a modify action on that object you just created.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-8041902262311842622007-09-06T21:10:00.001-04:002008-05-13T15:47:01.549-04:00Photoshop: Replace ColorEarlier, we covered using <a href="http://theacad.blogspot.com/2007/09/photoshop-match-color.html">'Match Color...'</a> to recolor a research image to represent a palette concept. A useful compliment to this tool is the 'Replace Color...' tool which we'll demonstrate here to recolor only a specific color in an image.
<div align="center" class="postimage">Here's the image we'll be working with:
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPtXby-BZ6staFF2VY_HYg-bQo3CUNJnucZvb202Eq28ZJeKfeYGWlecxc4yaP9MTfo-LAGdGfZk8ZkvlTew1Ke4gCEnHlSGliY_jbwEZ5qTiTFZTlR89A_cxdWJm2qmXW8I_TQvhm8M/s1600-h/replacecolorsample.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPtXby-BZ6staFF2VY_HYg-bQo3CUNJnucZvb202Eq28ZJeKfeYGWlecxc4yaP9MTfo-LAGdGfZk8ZkvlTew1Ke4gCEnHlSGliY_jbwEZ5qTiTFZTlR89A_cxdWJm2qmXW8I_TQvhm8M/s320/replacecolorsample.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107264995176501794" /></a></div>
In this image we're looking to replace the greenish color of the vessel with a more blue tone. After opening the image in Photoshop, we'll start the 'Replace Color...' command (Image->Adjustments->Replace Color...). The first thing you'll notice in this dialog is the selection preview in the middle of the dialog. This preview describes which portions of the image will be affected by the command -- white areas will be affected, while black areas will remain unchanged.
By default, the eyedropper tool is selected in the upper corner of the dialog. Clicking on the green color in the image modifies the selection area to include only the green areas of the image. Using the eyedropper tool with the plus (+) icon lets us add colors to the selection set, while the eyedropper tool with the minus (-) icon will subtract colors from the selection set. The fuzziness slider controls the tolerance of the selection set to include colors similar to the selected colors.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3kqU99dpu_Z4cx-2KOzjGslwElu-xJxQeFHFvdfkDpJbvPvg9Zi5GvKNJ5ziUhx5dQ8xrwlALnWcwagcbU_UJbhuIqiVYF7NNZF3Yl2LhjraWdRMx9Bglk1r4ACk5Vm5skchVpPNB2w/s1600-h/replacecolordialog1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3kqU99dpu_Z4cx-2KOzjGslwElu-xJxQeFHFvdfkDpJbvPvg9Zi5GvKNJ5ziUhx5dQ8xrwlALnWcwagcbU_UJbhuIqiVYF7NNZF3Yl2LhjraWdRMx9Bglk1r4ACk5Vm5skchVpPNB2w/s320/replacecolordialog1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107267288689037874" /></a></div>
Once we get the selection preview roughly selecting only the area we want to change (we're not going to be overly detailed here, as we're using this command as a visualization tool rather than for final output), we'll click on the target color swatch to pop-up the color picker. This color picker functions just like any other Photoshop color picker -- we can either choose a color directly, or if we want to match a color already in the image, clicking in the image functions just like the eyedropper tool.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDKxGxIjtlzX7V4YpHaJ-F8qoBgSxXKbAiaCTbSsV_1k-IlHKooj_9ERvTIgGWQ17nfp9a8FbAQ4WwC665ZtKEDjKcu371pc24fUgU8AzFItM4rrdtU6E_kSeTnZaaTOFgwusHRvq3bE/s1600-h/replacecolordialog2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDKxGxIjtlzX7V4YpHaJ-F8qoBgSxXKbAiaCTbSsV_1k-IlHKooj_9ERvTIgGWQ17nfp9a8FbAQ4WwC665ZtKEDjKcu371pc24fUgU8AzFItM4rrdtU6E_kSeTnZaaTOFgwusHRvq3bE/s320/replacecolordialog2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107268250761712194" /></a></div>
Once we're satisfied with the replacement color we've chosen, we'll click OK to produce the final result.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTugZQz4yF3GbB7nBHero3DQ2_ZvsBzH6jVwU35NPokNKJLQtJJXhjtJTjcSZu6wPljd4N0JZ_WbTFiWzPvih47U7lNhnMDeiFtkAv4uVQ0CIQgUYp3Ub4n4x8Azg32umsmLReLu8Azs/s1600-h/replacecolorafter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTugZQz4yF3GbB7nBHero3DQ2_ZvsBzH6jVwU35NPokNKJLQtJJXhjtJTjcSZu6wPljd4N0JZ_WbTFiWzPvih47U7lNhnMDeiFtkAv4uVQ0CIQgUYp3Ub4n4x8Azg32umsmLReLu8Azs/s320/replacecolorafter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107268534229553746" /></a></div>
Looking at this image, you can see that some colors were replaced in areas that we didn't particularly want to replace (top right corner). If we're looking to produce a final output, we may have to do some work with some other tools to create the precision we're looking for.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-52078961958596810282007-09-06T00:04:00.000-04:002007-09-06T00:23:39.440-04:00AutoCAD: OOPS CommandAutoCAD offers a wonderful compliment to the undo command: OOPS. (That's right.. OOPS). Unlike the UNDO command which steps back through the command history, OOPS undeletes the most recent set of deleted objects. Very useful for those times you find you've accidentally deleted objects, but don't want to step back through all the commands you've performed since then.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-56867704912984910942007-09-03T20:42:00.001-04:002007-09-03T21:13:01.467-04:00AutoCAD: SCALE Using a Reference LengthThe 'SCALE' command reference option simplifies the process of scaling objects. Here's how to use it:
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaRore9oqiLhE2G4os0HJXWQ1zDgszKGDJGQagfeadgghkwxLXmd6y_fM9euAmU8IJVHZ70CNPOF7YRPf9Nmt8jgnakvYh62Ui2cVSJnQE8Tng2AH7-NB5c-a1xgbXYOy5wdjz2pX3eI/s1600-h/RefScale.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaRore9oqiLhE2G4os0HJXWQ1zDgszKGDJGQagfeadgghkwxLXmd6y_fM9euAmU8IJVHZ70CNPOF7YRPf9Nmt8jgnakvYh62Ui2cVSJnQE8Tng2AH7-NB5c-a1xgbXYOy5wdjz2pX3eI/s320/RefScale.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106148411053724098" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>Start the 'SCALE' command ('SC' from acad.pgp)</li>
<li>Select the objects to scale</li>
<li>Specify the base point to scale from</li>
<li>At the 'Specify scale factor or [Copy/Reference]' prompt, type 'R <enter>'</li>
<li>Either enter a length to use as the base scale, or select two points to define the length. (TIP: Select the base point used to scale the object to simplify things)</li>
<li>Specify the new length to scale the selected object(s)</li>
</ol>
HINT: The 'SCALE' command also offers a 'Copy' open. Invoking this option instructs AutoCAD to scale a copy of the object(s).B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-41142314652995246752007-09-03T19:49:00.000-04:002007-09-03T21:16:11.855-04:00AutoCAD: Grip Editing OptionsAutoCAD offers several useful options when editing via grips to make this a more useful method of editing objects. When you select a grip to edit, you'll notice a few options on the command line:
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAd7HORHACZoWE9cBOvJec4CRnbGROZh23HUgt9sodn1H8-Pgg2QFV2SPPOSQ8dH0s62DTK4E4MJwXZKwB98NL2nfaCaY6kEcimZ2t_PbZUNZsyaOs8O1Yvu5LsVDKdrozDgL95EswPE/s1600-h/gripedit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAd7HORHACZoWE9cBOvJec4CRnbGROZh23HUgt9sodn1H8-Pgg2QFV2SPPOSQ8dH0s62DTK4E4MJwXZKwB98NL2nfaCaY6kEcimZ2t_PbZUNZsyaOs8O1Yvu5LsVDKdrozDgL95EswPE/s320/gripedit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106129590507033010" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Copy: Creates a copy of the object you're grip editing. This can be a useful and quick alternative to the 'OFFSET' command when editing the middle grip of an object.</li>
<li>Base Point: Allows for the definition of another base point for the grip edit action.</li>
</ul>
These two options add another level of editing power to an already intuitive method of modifying objects.
HINT: Using the copy option when editing a LEADER endpoint is a quick way to create multi-line leaders.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-36438546237660246072007-09-03T19:09:00.001-04:002007-09-03T19:22:01.467-04:00AutoCAD: LENGTHEN Command<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvgpRAvfzAzLG9KqlsDdUb4VcFI6MhqUIyck-MupvH5ikRDzJvOpACFrfYSarbP7wKlgtmqQq8mw6YEYqGshCn2-Ift_ndxNT7nq9A8_UgVyAaEkyVg7PiEu1ddo6efLpKBoQOr_LEbA/s1600-h/lengthen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvgpRAvfzAzLG9KqlsDdUb4VcFI6MhqUIyck-MupvH5ikRDzJvOpACFrfYSarbP7wKlgtmqQq8mw6YEYqGshCn2-Ift_ndxNT7nq9A8_UgVyAaEkyVg7PiEu1ddo6efLpKBoQOr_LEbA/s320/lengthen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106119110786830754" /></a></div>
The LENGTHEN command ('LEN' from acad.pgp) functions in a very similar way to the TRIM and EXTEND commands, while offering more precision control of the resulting values. Starting the LENGTHEN command prompts with these options:
<ul>
<li>DElta: Specifies the amount to lengthen an object. Can also accept an [Angle] argument when modifying arcs.</li>
<li>Percent: Specifies the percentage of the length that will remain after selecting an object. Values less than 100 will shorten an object, while values greater than 100 will lengthen an object.</li>
<li>Total: Specifies the total length of an object after completion of the command. Can also accept an [Angle] argument when modifying arcs.</li>
<li>DYnamic: Allows dynamic lengthening and shortening of a object.</li>
</ul>
The capital letters in each option indicate the letters needed to define a option (e.g. Entering: 'DY' at the prompt will select the dynamic option). After selecting the type of lengthen operation, selecting an object will apply the appropriate change to the object. The endpoint closet to where you select an object determines how the object is modified.
HINT: Negative values can be entered for DElta to shorten an object.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-86834673643301490112007-09-03T18:58:00.001-04:002007-09-03T19:28:06.063-04:00AutoCAD: BREAK at a Single Point<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALNr96XffCUgeTZv2ehsrdLzUjaY8KZnBinhLM0ZIk6_gJLuegTZ1GVkwdPgwmxUag-IDVtP0o248u_mzZ0YJd8VZa_R0S3p-pwyLVrhiHfDuYE6rSUalXk2sBVSia1MchErrnvBH6pM/s1600-h/breaksingle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALNr96XffCUgeTZv2ehsrdLzUjaY8KZnBinhLM0ZIk6_gJLuegTZ1GVkwdPgwmxUag-IDVtP0o248u_mzZ0YJd8VZa_R0S3p-pwyLVrhiHfDuYE6rSUalXk2sBVSia1MchErrnvBH6pM/s320/breaksingle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106116508036649362" /></a></div>
The default action of the 'BREAK' command ('BR' from acad.pgp) is to break an object on two points. The first point selected is based on where you select the object to break. The following procedure can be used to break an object in two at a single point.
<ol><li>Start the 'BREAK' command</li>
<li>Select the object to break</li>
<li>Type: 'F <enter>' and reselect the first break point</li>
<li>At the prompt for the second break point type: '@ <enter>'</li>
</ol>
HINT: To automate this process, create a macro in CUI with '^C^CBREAK;\F;\@;' and assign it to the shortcut key of your choosing.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-18865745303440808612007-09-03T18:44:00.000-04:002007-09-03T18:49:20.956-04:00Photoshop: Precision Cursor<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_3BEQVEQuJ0kxNuZy7Os6MmOfB6E4MehVQmwSBDoAIrYimr7P2IPSsAXAblxw-G1-9grSGa9HcI13TlvA9bSZZXq6mja3Pc3pW2AKox3778AhniI_Se2QC6Et1NY_8V8r8ndFvUsuEk/s1600-h/precisioncursor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_3BEQVEQuJ0kxNuZy7Os6MmOfB6E4MehVQmwSBDoAIrYimr7P2IPSsAXAblxw-G1-9grSGa9HcI13TlvA9bSZZXq6mja3Pc3pW2AKox3778AhniI_Se2QC6Et1NY_8V8r8ndFvUsuEk/s320/precisioncursor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106112745645298050" /></a></div>
Need to see exactly where the center of the active tool is? Pressing the 'CAPS LOCK' key toggles between 'Standard' and 'Precision' cursor mode.
HINT: Also helpful for those time you can't figure out where your normal brush cursor went.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-26926977252534122962007-09-03T18:34:00.000-04:002007-09-08T20:23:53.478-04:00Photoshop: Quick Access to Brush PropertiesFor quick access to brush properties such as 'Size' and 'Hardness', right click while using any tool that uses a brush ('Brush' and 'Erase' in particular) to display a popup dialog to modify the current brush. This, coupled with the brush opacity control on the toolbar, makes changing brush properties a breeze.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UnQ_rrofm244odSBy4ELR3s9hauIQ3Ov6RLh06gWwrfs7kb_GiSoRbbMI4HaXuKEn-6xNmFSJmjUj-JrJstKdTCExcRwIImSBBsE3ty-2qNH7pMDsc3T2RkFFoHEummYgnERxwD85Cw/s1600-h/brushproperties.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UnQ_rrofm244odSBy4ELR3s9hauIQ3Ov6RLh06gWwrfs7kb_GiSoRbbMI4HaXuKEn-6xNmFSJmjUj-JrJstKdTCExcRwIImSBBsE3ty-2qNH7pMDsc3T2RkFFoHEummYgnERxwD85Cw/s320/brushproperties.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106110606751584626" /></a></div>B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-12088796675149562912007-09-03T18:18:00.000-04:002007-09-03T18:25:35.407-04:00Photoshop: Image NavigationWhen zoomed in to an image beyond the available screen real-estate, pausing to use scroll bars or switch to the pan tool can be a pain. Photoshop provides a keyboard shortcut for just this occasion. Pressing and holding the spacebar switches the current tool to the pan tool, allowing grabbing the canvas and moving it as nessecary. Releasing the spacebar returns to the previous tool.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-62763921132301190432007-09-03T17:58:00.000-04:002007-09-03T18:16:34.752-04:00Photoshop: Fill vs. Opacity<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rysw_JGSJEfbvDZY5kWGo9MOQ4M3numpY_ATcdkSEHVYjpO9oKYvDgKHOvsBbnqc5cqxMQsyQA1t3t6w66ompwCocTA9RVtGYy8wL_xZEtfi7QmY4oK9dbpJMNZ-e4cq_XUPM-72VbI/s1600-h/fillvopacity.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rysw_JGSJEfbvDZY5kWGo9MOQ4M3numpY_ATcdkSEHVYjpO9oKYvDgKHOvsBbnqc5cqxMQsyQA1t3t6w66ompwCocTA9RVtGYy8wL_xZEtfi7QmY4oK9dbpJMNZ-e4cq_XUPM-72VbI/s320/fillvopacity.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106100998909743426" /></a></div>
Everyone understands the effect of the Opacity control in Photoshop, but directly below the Opacity control lies the fairly misunderstood Fill control. Stated in words, the Opacity control affects the overall opacity of all elements on a layer including layer effects, while the Fill control affects only elements on a layer, leaving layer effects untouched. Lets look at an example. The image above contains a simple layer with several layer effects applied. Lowering the value of the Opacity control produces an expected result:
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqpTSpzsQPTyYWGB19M6JELGELpQZ-5MloG7iPQ8y1I0nk3wSci_0Fl4NPWJTmaNL7p8dis5G0zfq-QbBplM-jKFcP3z7-UB2-7P_DqzFI12w7hRPMI0_1yQQazsxAOAC3W7Y_-HxHIg/s1600-h/fillvopacityopacitylow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqpTSpzsQPTyYWGB19M6JELGELpQZ-5MloG7iPQ8y1I0nk3wSci_0Fl4NPWJTmaNL7p8dis5G0zfq-QbBplM-jKFcP3z7-UB2-7P_DqzFI12w7hRPMI0_1yQQazsxAOAC3W7Y_-HxHIg/s320/fillvopacityopacitylow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106102828565811538" /></a></div>
However, if instead the Fill value is lowered, the layer contents are modified differently:
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4RUmhr9r_E6Im_95-vQe_O3jGt4QDErkMPwPsf0hdt7YuaZYB_57GUG2OVDUy7hQXyZO2_4NaZVwNx_SG5_nbfeiuBDrSUg2Z27mWYIAYt9A-6eGA07V9YGLFCh0KTHiRacNtit0T1A/s1600-h/fillvopacityfilllow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4RUmhr9r_E6Im_95-vQe_O3jGt4QDErkMPwPsf0hdt7YuaZYB_57GUG2OVDUy7hQXyZO2_4NaZVwNx_SG5_nbfeiuBDrSUg2Z27mWYIAYt9A-6eGA07V9YGLFCh0KTHiRacNtit0T1A/s320/fillvopacityfilllow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106103498580709730" /></a></div>
In this example, only the elliptical shape in the center is effected while the layer effects applied to the layer are unchanged.
Understanding Fill values provides another facet of layer control. Specifically it allows using layer contents to control the shape of layer effects; setting the fill value to 0% hides the layer contents while still leaving the layer effects fully visible.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-66956385429388773772007-09-03T17:14:00.001-04:002007-09-03T17:23:25.774-04:00Photoshop: Making the Most of the WorkspaceWhen working in Photoshop, two keyboard shortcuts can make it easier to work on smaller screens without all those distracting tool palettes and information windows.
<ul>
<li>The 'F' Key cycles between the various full screen modes ('Standard Screen Mode', 'Full Screen Mode with Menubar', 'Full Screen Mode'). These modes are also accessible via the three buttons at the bottom of the tool palette.
<div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG802V0v6_Ui62Re6PreEIPj_8fBdKLBFYECbqc9LcCktThXXclSo89jMecFoChYC7YVgX1Zny3ALyvh0awXKumm1kbpL2WhY4Y8tEhikZ2GT0kGiRGhVTGb3ctZejfmHFm4P-bzQyRM/s1600-h/Fullscreenmodes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG802V0v6_Ui62Re6PreEIPj_8fBdKLBFYECbqc9LcCktThXXclSo89jMecFoChYC7YVgX1Zny3ALyvh0awXKumm1kbpL2WhY4Y8tEhikZ2GT0kGiRGhVTGb3ctZejfmHFm4P-bzQyRM/s320/Fullscreenmodes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106090970161107250" /></a></div></li>
<li>Pressing the 'TAB' key hides and unhides all tool palettes and information windows, affording a clean workspace to manipulate your image.</li>
</ul>B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-53030490663194852462007-09-03T16:09:00.000-04:002007-09-03T17:39:32.539-04:00Photoshop: Quick and Dirty Depth of Field EffectCreating a shallow depth of field effect is a feature included in almost every 3D modeling and rendering program, but the effect can add valuable processing time to the rendering process. 3D rendering programs are excellent at recreating accurate depth of field effects based on distance from the POV. When effect is more important than accuracy, a quick Photoshop session can duplicate a shallow depth of field.
<div align="center" class="postimage">In this example we'll be working with this image:<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL8kIr0pxTvkY3JphGgRUwCcVV4g9HOM_YcP3T1XRQNRl-yMEF11ctmH32KHs0VZJPK-NH_n-Jrmy-W_hHtUkxv7hIlg6aQS87KdMCHUzbtkarkkhLyQFeam5nfAuTrTKj7pPZwb6wLk/s1600-h/depthoffieldbefore.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL8kIr0pxTvkY3JphGgRUwCcVV4g9HOM_YcP3T1XRQNRl-yMEF11ctmH32KHs0VZJPK-NH_n-Jrmy-W_hHtUkxv7hIlg6aQS87KdMCHUzbtkarkkhLyQFeam5nfAuTrTKj7pPZwb6wLk/s320/depthoffieldbefore.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106082642219520242" border="0" /></a></div>
We're looking to create a depth of field effect with the straw and the front edge of the glass in the sharpest focus. After opening the image in Photoshop, I'll switch to 'Quick Mask' mode (type 'Q') and using a brush with a very soft edge, paint a mask over the areas that should be sharpest in the final image. Varying the opacity of the mask as I get further away from the focus plane will improve the final version of the effect.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUcHihSA9h2M6jCA9iwMu_uqO5kc532XBD6G_hOtIuwG6f-sob9B4GGTRwRSFkn1FvAwg59hvK1LeUFY-NiA437wiBkfyAd7PfTDCs6OUohEk-2XNmQ8u5yXbM_4bUkmZ6kjSocdZdH8/s1600-h/depthoffieldmask.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUcHihSA9h2M6jCA9iwMu_uqO5kc532XBD6G_hOtIuwG6f-sob9B4GGTRwRSFkn1FvAwg59hvK1LeUFY-NiA437wiBkfyAd7PfTDCs6OUohEk-2XNmQ8u5yXbM_4bUkmZ6kjSocdZdH8/s320/depthoffieldmask.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106084081033564418" /></a></div>
Once I've painted the mask, I'll switch back to 'Standard Mode' (type 'Q') and execute the 'Lens Blur' command (Filter->Blur->Lens Blur...). Varying the 'Radius' value effects the amount of blur applied to the unmasked areas of the image.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMKziCdpJimzKihCMkSK0HJheGv84wUL5RejT-x5wG24nDki6qz1lKnsa4oMBnf_rczVZeLdXS4V_fIYBNit2csX56UGxSVlQwx7hJDFzKiTRoaD2As-KQwyOLEdj22IzADSSuq89VZA/s1600-h/depthoffieldblurdialog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMKziCdpJimzKihCMkSK0HJheGv84wUL5RejT-x5wG24nDki6qz1lKnsa4oMBnf_rczVZeLdXS4V_fIYBNit2csX56UGxSVlQwx7hJDFzKiTRoaD2As-KQwyOLEdj22IzADSSuq89VZA/s320/depthoffieldblurdialog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106085957934272786" /></a></div>
Clicking OK to accept the filter's action produces the final result.
<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjJeAoRCq1yRAXG6S_VH58hhyEbOknbD7Xygj2S2tsD6jnrte9gIWV1-PP-DNCKkF-NQ7oj8YWVmI4xK2Z_hg6aOTagCsAdpnwATRq_c-l1QYPVZPiCcdCBXKbAoQ3eSoW6DGJN3OENg/s1600-h/depthoffieldafter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjJeAoRCq1yRAXG6S_VH58hhyEbOknbD7Xygj2S2tsD6jnrte9gIWV1-PP-DNCKkF-NQ7oj8YWVmI4xK2Z_hg6aOTagCsAdpnwATRq_c-l1QYPVZPiCcdCBXKbAoQ3eSoW6DGJN3OENg/s320/depthoffieldafter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106086980136489250" /></a></div>B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-26638333318886940352007-09-02T22:43:00.000-04:002007-09-03T17:39:07.843-04:00AutoCAD: Exporting Images<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjOW4tuSYYbEMTr5Xbr0ltUbk4QN0D9-Ff1aW5X6CHwfeZikQ7UdJZ95qUq_AbvdZlhWWJP7bCHR5I3D0-jpeDalSrg4Cj0lwDUJ7gZkn5FGoPQAD01cx3_JMaUqMiFL2jy-s2A0nOkI/s1600-h/rasteroutput.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjOW4tuSYYbEMTr5Xbr0ltUbk4QN0D9-Ff1aW5X6CHwfeZikQ7UdJZ95qUq_AbvdZlhWWJP7bCHR5I3D0-jpeDalSrg4Cj0lwDUJ7gZkn5FGoPQAD01cx3_JMaUqMiFL2jy-s2A0nOkI/s320/rasteroutput.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105805152972460194" /></a></div>
From time to time, the need to export images from AutoCAD arrives. (To include in PowerPoint class lectures for example.) AutoCAD offers two commands to perform this action easily from within AutoCAD. 'PNGOUT' outputs a PNG file and 'JPGOUT' outputs a JPEG file. Invoking either command, AutoCAD prompts for a file name to use when saving the output file, followed by requesting the selection of the objects to be included in the file.
Neither command allows a great degree of control over the output result; colors and lineweights are based on the display settings rather than plot settings, so control over scale is also not possible. For more discerning users, the output of a PDF file which can be opened in Photoshop and resaved most likely remains the better option.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954436539009695296.post-12076066114639212252007-09-02T21:51:00.000-04:002007-09-03T21:21:40.718-04:00Windows: Show in Groups<div align="center" class="postimage"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jmXG0WhIDXUt9LPtb6LAzkrXu2CNuuXZi6KhpA4l2kuWTSOGjPO84oc34qWSH8DVnk5ogtBrKhcWEeEak9LRej8101xNE4To8g-01mNXdivj29Q3SzOwhO1UZS4aXRkOAuRovctxrwM/s1600-h/ArrangeinGroups.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jmXG0WhIDXUt9LPtb6LAzkrXu2CNuuXZi6KhpA4l2kuWTSOGjPO84oc34qWSH8DVnk5ogtBrKhcWEeEak9LRej8101xNE4To8g-01mNXdivj29Q3SzOwhO1UZS4aXRkOAuRovctxrwM/s320/ArrangeinGroups.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105789892953657490" /></a></div>
Most of us know that icons in Windows Explorer can be arranged according to size, name, file type, etc. Windows Explorer offers another option for arranging icons that can be helpful for quickly locating files. To access this option, select 'View->Details' to show files with details, then select 'View->Arrange icons by->Show in Groups'. Clicking the header of each detail column controls which property is used to group the options. For example, clicking the 'Size' header groups icons into groups such as 'Tiny', 'Small', 'Large', or 'Huge'. Clicking on the 'Date Modified' header groups icons according to modification date with groups such as 'Today', 'Yesterday', 'One Week Ago' etc.
Just another way to find those files more quickly and intuitively.B. Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634135779987615389noreply@blogger.com0