Designs by Calvin Blog » shortcuts

Create Reflected Logos Online Without Photoshop

Calvin — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 23:57:03 +0000

For bloggers that do not have Adobe Photoshop, this image reflection generator is a slick online application that will let you create reflected images and logos. You can enter a url or browse your computer for an image, then select how much image will show in the reflection and what color to fade into. This is a screen shot from the site:

As you can see the best part of this generator is it has a download button. Clicking the button will save the image to your computer in .jpg form.

Share and Enjoy:

Converting Color Profiles with Adobe InDesign

Calvin — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:19:12 +0000

Converting color profiles can be done in 3 steps with Adobe InDesign. The top reason is usually when setting up a document to be printed by a print press.

Note:
Always consult with print companies regarding printer profiles, some may provide custom color profiles for you to use.

Selecting a color profile gives the designer almost full control of what the output of a project will look like. Images should be converted using Adobe Photoshop prior to importing.

The first step is choosing edit then convert to profile.

The next step is putting a check in the box to show the preview (if not already).

Next grab the RGB or CMYK drop down menu and select your desired color profile. Adobe RGB (1998) is a great RGB profile to design in as is U.S. Web Coated (Swop) v2 for CMYK.

Once that is done click ok to finish.

Note:
Depending on what color profile was chosen a shift in color may occur.

Share and Enjoy:

Selecting Pantone Libraries with Adobe Illustrator

Calvin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:38:33 +0000

Here is a quick tip to help new designers find Pantone color libraries in Adobe Illustrator. Pantone is a company that created the Pantone Matching System (PMS). This system allows designers and printers to be on the same page color wise.

For some reason Adobe hid this color library in Illustrator. This is how to find it.

Step 1: Select Window.
Step 2: Select Libraries.
Step 3: Select the color library you need.

After those 3 steps this window will pop up:

That swatch panel is a little difficult to navigate.

To switch views, click on the small arrow in the top right corner as shown in this image:

When a drop-down menu appears select List View that will change to a list with swatch color and name:

Share and Enjoy:

Changing Measurements Shortcut in InDesign

Calvin — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:34:48 +0000

Changing your measurement in InDesign is very easy with this 2 click shortcut eliminating the need to go into edit >> preferences. Even though this quick tutorial is for InDesign it should be noted this tip is useful across the board in most Adobe products that uses a ruler.

First Click:
Right click on the measurement ruler on the top or left as shown in the image below.

Second Click:
Choose your new measurement type from a menu of 7 measurements.

Note:
Your current measurement will have a check box next to it.

Anything you can do as a designer to reduce time spent in the menu is beneficial.

Share and Enjoy: