Photoshop cafe Newsletter

As promised, this month I'm sending you an "All Tips" Newsletter. I'm in the final stages of wrapping up my new book, so time is limited. I decided to give you a really nice dose of tips this month. Enjoy these and next month, the newsletter will be back to it's usual format with news, tips, info, discounts and a new tutorial. If you are near San Diego this weekend, I will be presenting at the San Diego County Fair, Saturday - 1-3pm.

Is it possible to get quality Royalty free stock photos for $3? Sure is, check out istockphoto - They also have Flash movies and Illustrator files.

Crop without selections

Have you ever tried to make pixel perfect selections to crop an image? If the image is on a transparent background or solid color, you can do it in a single command. Choose Image>Trim and then select either Transparent Pixels or the Pixel Color option, depending on the type of image. Click ok and the image will be trimmed to the pixel.

I know how much you love these Videos by the emails I receive almost everyday! Here is a letter I received last week from someone who ordered the entire collection:

"I'm already viewing the first video "Photoshop
and Dreamweaver integration" and have learnt more in 15 minutes than I have by pouring over books for the last three months, there is nothing like seeing it being done firsthand to learn quickly. Thank you again from a very happy customer!" Derek

CDs and DVD's, get them here

Save an addition 10% off Disks and Downloads for the month of July. Use CODE: PSNL7

WIN A FREE DVD
I want to hear from you!
Let me know what training you would like to see on video. I want to hear what you think would make a great title for a video. What would you like to learn and what do you think others would like to learn? The best suggestion will win a free DVD or CD - send your suggestions to gallery at photoshopcafe dot com (writen out to avoid spambots)

Release Us

Did you know that you can convert all the effects of a layer style to pixels on separate layers? This is useful for such things as creating cast shadows.
Choose Layer>Layer Style >Create Layers

Another tip that goes with this one is rasterizing text. You cannot apply certain filters or effects to a text layer. Choose the layer that contains the text and right click on its name. (Command click if your Mac still has a lame one button mouse). Choose thee option that says “Rasterize Layer”. The text will now be converted to a regular layer. (The text will no longer be editable, so run a spell check first)

When layer comps are not enough.

This tip will allow you to create a layered Photoshop file from any state in its history. The cool things is that even the hidden layers, blending modes and masks will be intact. Simply choose the desired state from the history palette and click the New Document from Current State button. A brand new window will open with a full resolution layered Photoshop document. This is a great time saver for creating multilayered versions for experimentation when you need something a bit stronger than layer comps (If you change the actual pixels of a layer in the comp, it will alter the versions).

The sound of it is terrifying, “clipping group”. But its nothing really, just sounds scary.

The Challenge: We have some text and want to place an image inside the confines of the letters.
Create the text and place it on the layer directly under the image
Move your mouse between the 2 layers and hold down the Option Key (Alt on PC) You will see a figure of eight shape.
Click and the picture will be clipped to the shape of the text.
The text will remain editable and you can even apply layer styles to it.
To remove the image from the text, just repeat steps 2 and 3.

Thanks for tuning into the CAFE Cup and remember: Create don't Steal! See you at the cafe