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**EGame** · 02-20-2008, 06:23 PM

New GFX FAQ /Resource/Tutorials thread since the old ones need updating and since we no longer have a GFX resource section. This thread will be used for everything that will help you with graphics, whether it be questions, resources, or tutorials, they should all be posted in this thread.

FAQ

Which programs are used to make graphics?
The most common and best program for making banners is Adobe Photoshop, which is available in the File Exchange section. There are other programs such as GIMP, or some Corel programs, but Photoshop is the top choice for making graphics.

File Formats:
PSD(Photoshop Document)- This format allows you to save your work in layers, and edit anything about the graphic when needed.
JPEG-Common file type to save banners, it's small, but may reduce graphic quality.
PNG-Another common file type to save banners, it has a larger file size than JPEG but the quality is superior.
GIF-Formats used for animated/video gifs that people often use in signatures.

What is the WF background color?
F1F1F1

How do I make a border?
Make a new empty layer> Ctrl A > Edit > Stroke

How do I install fonts?
Download the font, copy or extract it to the 'Font' Folder in the Adobe folder. To access this folder go to My Computer> Program Files> Common Files > Adobe > Fonts. The font will automatically load into photoshop once placed in this folder.

How so I install brushes?
Download the brushes and put them into a folder. Press on the brush tool, and look at the top. Bring down the brush selection menu, and click on that small arrow pointing to the right enclosed in a circle. Press "Load Brushes" and select the brushes from the directory that you saved them in.

How can I find out what the file size of my signature is?
Right click on the image and select properties to view the size and dimensions of the graphic.

What is blending?
Blending is used to mix layers together, there are various types of blending options. To access them simply right click on a layer and select blending options.

What are filters?
Filters are also used for effect and are standard in the photoshop program. To access the filters, just click "Filters" on the menu bar.

What is a Stock Photo?
A stock photo is just basically an image, you use them for blending and effects.

What is a Premade?
A Premade is also an image, however it is one that has already been made in photoshop. Premades are prohibited in GFX battles/competitions most of the time.

How do I take screen shots?
Press "Prnt Scrn" key on your keyboard to take a screen shot of your screen. Open up photoshop and go to File> New the dimensions should be that of your screen resolution, click ok and hit "Ctrl V" to paste the screen shot you took into photoshop. Using the eyedropper tool(press "I") can be used to figure out the colors of the screen shot so you can incorporate it into the graphic.

How do I Reset Photoshop back to Default settings?
Hold Ctrl+Shift+Alt down before opening Photoshop. While holding those keys down open photoshop and you should get a message that says "would you like to delete settings?" and you click yes and the setting will be reset.

What is the GFX Help Team?
The GFX help team is a small group consisting of Skittles, J_MeRCe and Hawt Es. They’re here for one reason, and that is to help whoever needs help with GFX related issues. Can't get PS working, something went wrong when saving a banner, help on using various techniques et cetera et cetera... these are all examples of what They’re here to help you with.

Why A Help Team?
The Help Team is a direct way to get a problem solved. It may take longer through this thread. Need a fast answer? whenever a GFX Help Team member is logged, they're ready to help you out.

*FAQ will be edited if I find there are more common questions being asked*

RESOURCES

Stock Image/Texture Sites

Bancodeimagem ( Brazilian)
Big Foto
Burningwell
Ceart
Essendemme
Fontplay Free Photos
Free Foto
Free Media Goo
freephotosbank
Foto Impact (English Version)
Logodesignweb
Creativity103
Fotodatenbank (German)
Geek Philosopher
Hybrid Genesis
Dales GFX
Dexhaus
Deviant Art]
DHD Multimedia Gallery
A Digital Dreamer
Afflict
Amazing Textures (Regester Free for Hi Resolution images)
Dieblen (German)
Diwiesign
Aarin Free Photo
stock.xchng - the leading free stock photography site

Fonts

DaFont

Brushes

Resources on deviantART e c h o i c a
vbrush.tmp.layout
Photoshop Brushes
Dubtastic :: A Rebel Without Applause
500ml Brushes - Original and Free Photoshop Brushes and Stock Photography
Timo2000.de vol. 4.zero - :: Brushes for Photoshop :: Photoshop Brushes, Photoshop Actions, Photoshop Shapes, Photoshop Layerstyles, Gradients, Plugins, Free Downloads, Wallpapers, Fonts, Adobe Photoshop Addons for free, Hip Hop Music, 2step, garage,
studio brushes - photoshop brushes by nikki jeske ||
SIREN > LIVEJOURNAL ICONS AND MORE!
MetroStation: Download
Annika von Holdt .Com
Aethereality.net
Alterform - Digital artwork, thoughtful enterprise, and more wasted time than you can shake a stick at
Obsidian Dawn: FREE Photoshop Brushes - by Stephanie Shimerdla
t r a s h i o n A r t __ art + designs + brushes + more...
Arte de Késsia Nina - Brushes

PSD Sites
ItalianPSD
PSDProtocol.com V2.0 - 6,867 PSDs
digital mafia .... - Home
PSDSpy.com - 2563 PSDs
Main Suite
Surreal Designz
PSDCentral Version 4
OfficialPSDs v2 | Your Number One Source For Urban PSD Image Downloads
PSDelightful

Tutorials
Photoshop Tutorials
Photoshop Tutorials, Flash Tutorials and More! P2L Tutorial Search
Good-Tutorials / Photoshop Tutorials + Flash Tutorials
deviantART

Image Hosting Sites
ImageShack
Tinypic
Photobucket

**Hawt Es** · 02-20-2008, 07:18 PM

how do i put a white border on my banner, HELP PLZ!!!!1111

Nice job (Y)

**WWF** · 02-20-2008, 07:44 PM

Can someone tell me how to do good lighting effects plz...

**J_MeRCe** · 02-20-2008, 07:47 PM

Just an FYI, the SportsDome PSD site appears to have closed. Link goes to an unregistered domain, and has for atleast a month or so.

**EGame** · 02-20-2008, 07:54 PM

Yeah, I missed that one, other should be fine though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WWF™

Can someone tell me how to do good lighting effects plz...

What I do is play around with Lighting Filters and Outer/Inner glow blending options to do a good lighting effect on cuts, I will occasionally do some brushing as well to darken or lighten and image.

**WWF** · 02-20-2008, 08:08 PM

Thanks EGame, was just wondering because my banners are usually dark and i need some light.

**J_MeRCe** · 02-20-2008, 10:00 PM

any idea what the colour of the side bar is? For the purpose of making avatars with no background.

**Richie™** · 02-20-2008, 10:48 PM

How do you put a black and white border?

Like on gifs

**j0ns** · 02-20-2008, 10:54 PM

Monster post there EGame

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richie

How do you put a black and white border?

Like on gifs

http://jonesy-cr7.deviantart.com/art...orial-66989249

**Richie™** · 02-20-2008, 11:20 PM

Wow, that was quick! Thanks Twinksy