Posts Tagged ‘desktop publishing’

London Printer Gets Greener

Monday, September 27th, 2010

We’re proud to say we’re doing out bit for the environment. This week we have made the first steps in getting our carbon footprint calculated thus giving ourselves a target to beat annually. Having achieved ISO 140001 (proudly presented on our website) approximately seven years ago we’ll now soon also be the owners of the Carbon Smart 2010 accreditation. Partnered with these is our increasing use of recycled papers and vegetable inks. A bold step in the right direction towards becoming London’s greenest printer. Yes, Mother Nature can be rest assured Brightside Print & Design Ltd are doing their bit!

Unbeknownst to the majority of people when printing a document on a recycled stock the finished article is not always going to be compromised. There’s a huge range of green papers available now and the difference is impossible to spot against non-recycled, they don’t have to be flecked and coarse! Having said that, that type of stock is ideal for use if your marketing strategy is to emphasise your green credentials. If you need advice, then there is no harm in picking up the telephone and talking to a member of our team. We’ll help you to get environmentally friendly and have maximum impact all without blowing your budget.

Since we are also a graphic designers we are in a unique position to be able to advise and inspire. Our team of designers range from masters of the corporate world to urban fringe, London design has never been so simple. The process from concept to printing press has been tailored to be as smooth as possible for the client.

Printing either litho or digital is not always a simple task. We can be your guide and hold your hand throughout this process. People are often surprised at how complicated the work from computers to printing presses can get. Our goal is to keep this process simple because we’re an experienced London print company.

By possessing an in house design team, the complex communications between design houses and printers are automatically removed. Nothing is misunderstood, precious time is saved and the end of it all you are a lot less likely to have a heart attack when you see the invoice arrives in your inbox.

Sadly for everybody the summer is now over, it went by in a rather drizzly grey flash. The time has come for people to start knuckling down now and begin to focusing ahead for their big push before Christmas. We’ve already noticed a dramatic increase in ideas being mused within our walls. The marker pens are out and spider diagrams are being scribbled.

Some companies are looking ahead to their Christmas cards campaign and some their calendars, ultimately their planning ahead. They are wise to do so. To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail. If you have a project on the horizon, get it started, you’d be surprised at how much time you may need. We’re experts at reacting quickly and London print companies have got a lot learn from us!

Located in the heart of London couldn’t be more useful to us. Not only are we proud to be part of its multicultural makeup but we find it to be the inspiration for many of our projects. An example of this is our latest showcase animation proudly presented on our homepage.

Learn more about a London Print Company. Stop by Laurence Hobbs’s site where you can find out all about London Print Companies and what they can do for you.

categories: Design,Print,Printing,Designers,Illustration,Publishing,web design and Development,Publishing and Printing,Graphic Design,Desktop Publishing,Printing Industry,Environmental,Marketing Services,Business

A Guide To Online Printing And Uprinting Coupons

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

These days, getting printing done online is a very popular option. Despite this, some people are still not sure how to use the services of an Internet printer. For this reason, I will be reviewing step-by-step how to use an online printer. Also, I will share with you how to get Uprinting coupons so you can save cash when you choose to print online.

The first thing you must do before using an online printer is prepare your artwork. Most online printers accept all the major design files, including .eps, .psd, and .tiff, among many others. I like to use PDF myself. Next, you need to go to the printer’s website, and select the type of product you want, for example, brochures. You will also be asked to select the quantity.

Step 2 is uploading your artwork onto the site. If you have uploaded things online before, this step should be self-explanatory. Usually, there is a button you click, which will allow you to locate and select the file on your computer to upload. The time to upload is usually fairly quick, unless your file is very large, in which case it can take a minute or two. Should there be a problem with uploading, the website will inform you of the issues so you can fix it.

The final stage is reviewing the proof. At most online printers, the proof will be available immediately. View the proof carefully, and if everything looks okay, you can go ahead and approve it. Should you find any errors, don’t panic. All you need to do is edit your artwork, then upload it again to replace the file.

If the proof looks good to you, then you are prepared to take the leap and place your order. You will have the ability to select from various shipping options depending on how quickly you need the printed materials. Some printers will show you the expected delivery date as well.

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that I consider online printing to be much easier and convenient than other methods of getting printing done. One of may favorite printers is Uprinting, which I recommend highly. If you use coupons, you will get rock-bottom prices and other benefits such as free shipping.

Go to the following link to get a UPrinting Coupon, or visit Bold Coupons to find other online coupons.

Use Photoshop More Effectively With Photoshop Training

Friday, September 10th, 2010

We all have been to some wonderful and exciting places with our friends and loved ones and snapped pictures as keepsake memories. After we take those pictures we get them developed and then place them into an album or drawer and there they sit. There is so much more that can be done to those pictures with Photoshop but how is it useful? With Photoshop training you learn all the cool tricks and things that you can do with the Photoshop program.

At some point in our lives we have paid way too much for a picture that has been retouched taking out the red-eye, decorative border or neat little writings on it just as a keepsake photo. To get those pictures generally you can expect to pay between 8 and 20 dollars each for them and sometimes that is for a 3″x5″ photo. Imagine if you could save all that money and do it yourself at home.

With Photoshop you now can. With Photoshop you can download your pictures right from your camera and do anything you want to it, the new technology that they keep coming out with is amazing. For example you can take a child’s sport photo and give it a creative border, touch it up and give it awesome sayings such as, “Way to go slugger.”

Many of us that own a computer have some type of photo program already factory installed on our computers we just don’t know what it is or even how to use it well now you can learn with Photoshop training. There are many ways to learn how to use your Photoshop program such as with the online tutorial, online classes or a computer class the choices are endless. Amazingly you can even have a private tutor come to your house and show you the ropes on how to use the program.

Photoshop features are amazing and seem endless and can be so much fun to play with and experiment with. You can now get professional photography quality photos right from inside your home. It is quite simple actually you just connect your camera to your computer, download the pictures and select the one you want to change and play around with. Then play away!

You can take a photo that you have already had printed and scan it onto your computer and even redo it. You can add borders, slogans, touch it up and more!

Photoshop training can help you do many things such as learn the system and how it operates as to help you install it correctly. Majority of the Photoshop programs will come equipped with a tutorial program that helps you install it correctly and do a few basic things.

If you want more information Photoshop training courses, visit Macresource Computer Training, a UK IT training company offering Photoshop training courses in London and throughout the UK.

How To Find And Change Text With InDesign Scripting

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Adobe has long offered users the option of automating InDesign workflows through scripting. Although scripts may be writing in AppleScript (Macintosh only) or VBScript (Windows only), the most satisfactory scripting language is the cross-platform, and very widely used, JavaScript. One of the simplest and yet most useful operations that can be accomplished using scripting is the automation of Find/Change. InDesign’s Find/Change feature is one of the program’s most powerful features and it is one of those features which can be fully automated by scripting. In fact, you can achieve a lot more through scripting than you can by manually performing a Find/Change operation.

There are three commands in the InDesign scripting framework for performing Find/Change operations: findText(), findGrep() and findGlyph(). A good deal can be accomplished using the straightforward findText() command. However, if you need to make fairly complex changes, and if you have the time and patience to find the right regular expression, you can use the findGrep() command which is designed for performing searches for regular expressions.

Before performing a Find/Change operation, you need to set up the preferences that will be used. Firstly, you set the properties of the findChangeTextOptions object: parameters include caseSensitive, wholeWord, ignoreHiddenLayers and ignoreMasterPages. Next, you set up your findTextPreferences and changeTextPreferences parameters, the most important of which are findWhat and changeTo, respectively. It is also usually a good idea to clear out any preferences that may still be in play from a previous search. This is done by setting both the findTextPreferences and changeTextPreferences objects to nothing, using the commands: app.findTextPreferences = NothingEnum.nothing and app.changeTextPreferences = NothingEnum.nothing.

As well as this, the findTextPreferences and changeTextPreferences objects offer all of the formatting parameters normally available with text objects.

A popular exercise that we give to students attending our InDesign scripting courses is to create a script which searches for the name of a company within a document, changes the format of the text to look like a regular web hyperlink (blue, bold, underlined) and then makes it a hyperlink. To change the format of the text, we simply use the appropriate properties of the changeTextPreferences object, such as fillColor, fontStyle and underline.

You can find out more about InDesign training courses, visit Macresource Computer Training, an independent computer training company offering InDesign Classes in London and throughout the UK.

Graphic File Formats And Adobe Photoshop

Monday, April 26th, 2010

The native file format of Adobe Photoshop documents is “.psd”. This is the only format which supports all of Photoshop’s features: layers, layer masks, layer comps, etc. If you have used these features in creating your final artwork, it is always a good idea to retain the “.psd” version and use File – Save As to export your work in any other format.

Photoshop allows you to export images either for print (by choosing File – Save As) or for the web (by choosing File – Save for Web & Devices). Print graphics are saved in the CMYK colour space while web graphics remain in Photoshop’s native colour space: RGB. With print graphics the focus is on quality, while the main talent of web graphics formats is file compression.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) and the CMYK colour space are the standard when exporting work for print. Although the TIFF format is capable of preserving layers, best practice is to make sure that you flatten the image by choosing Layers – Flatten Image before exporting. EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) is another option for exporting files for print. However, this option is now normally reserved for files that contain one or more spot colours.

The two main formats used for exporting web graphics are GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). The GIF format compresses files by reducing the number of colours in an image. This makes the format ideal for exporting images that contain flat colour such as logos, charts and symbols. If photographs or images containing smooth transitions of colour are saved in GIF format, posterization and banding will normally occur. This is where, instead of seeing all the colours that were in the image, we see simplified clumps or bands of colour.

The JPEG format reduces file size by dividing the image into blocks of 8 x 8 pixels and locating redundant information within these blocks and rewriting the information in a simplified manner which requires less data storage. The fact that the human eye does not detect slight changes in colour means that pixels which have very similar colour values can be treated as being identical. When saving an image in the JPEG format, Photoshop allows you to specify the degree of compression. Naturally, there is always some loss of quality, so it is never a good idea to open a JPEG, make changes to it and then resave it. It is always better to fall back on the original PSD file if changes need to be made.

If you would like to learn more about Adobe Photoshop training courses, visit Training Company . Com, an independent IT training web site offering Photoshop training courses in London and throughout the UK.

Photoshop Training Can Help You Revamp Your Career

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Photoshop is the industry standard for image manipulation and editing in every professional field where graphics are used. Adobe Photoshop has revolutionized the design potential of graphic artists, engineers, and architects across the planet. As Lachmi Khemlani said in AECbytes, “I haven’t come across a single architectural practice in the U.S. that doesn’t use Adobe Photoshop … Photoshop literally rules the roost when it comes to image editing and compositing in architectural firms.” Sign up for Photoshop training today and find out how the power of Photoshop can help you achieve your full potential.

Photoshop’s interface hasn’t changed too much since the earliest versions, so users can easily upgrade to Photoshop CS4 from any previous version. Photoshop CS4 has powerful new features that will aid designers in all fields. You can literally use Photoshop CS4 to create any visual effect that you can image-if you can dream it, you can create it with Photoshop. Like previous versions of Photoshop, CS4 is available for both Macintosh and Windows. And the best thing about the new version is the price: Photoshop CS4 costs less than previous versions of Photoshop.

New features in Photoshop CS4 make it easier to composite images in multiple layers. In earlier versions it was necessary to select a required layer in the Layers palette. But now it’s possible to select multiple layers by using a marquee tool. The Show Transform Controls feature allows objects to be reshaped faster than ever before, and it works across multiple layers. Smart Guides is another innovation that makes it easier to align objects, even if they’re on different layers.

What Photoshop training can do for you Photoshop is the industry leader for professional image creation, compositing, and editing. The first time you sit down to check out Photoshop, you’re amazed by how much it can do. Photoshop CS4 has tools and filters that let you create any kind of visual effect imaginable. Adobe Photoshop lets you create everything from simple effects for your own line of greeting cards to breathtaking effects for a feature-length film.

Photoshop training is an ongoing part of the career development of many film and video professionals make. Photoshop is the film and video industry standard for design, creation, and editing of digital images. Adobe Photoshop is the No. 1 tool for image editing, storyboarding, frame editing, compositing, painting, title design, and still photography imaging. As filmmaker Scott Billups said, “Photoshop is the single most commonly used application in motion picture and high-end TV production. Everybody uses it, whether they’re in pre-visualization, production, post-production, or distribution.”

Recent versions of Photoshop now make it easier than ever to integrate film images with computer-generated images and still photographs. If you work in the film or video industry, you already rely on Photoshop CS4 in all stages of the production process. And if you’re considering a career as a graphic designer or visual effects artist, Photoshop training is one of the best ways to achieve your career goals.

Author runs Adobe Photoshop CS4 training courses and InDesign training in London and all over the United Kingdom.

Finding The Right Adobe Photoshop Tuition Could Be Easier Than You Expect

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Learning is something that a lot of people do throughout the course of their lives. It is a never ending process for many especially with computers being such a high priority these days. Becoming proficient at using programs on them is imperative, no matter what type of program it is. This is one reason why adobe photoshop training has been seen to be so high in demand.

There are a lot of ways that people can learn the skills to run the programs that they need. One option is to look for tutoriaols that are offered on the internet. Many of these are free for people to use. Take a bit of time to see what kind of tutorials are available and you will surely find something that will fulfill your needs.

Other people find that using a book has been a big help for them when it comes to adobe photoshop training. There are a lot of books on this subject that can help you develop the skills that you need. Many of these books have tutorials that can be followed that allow you to use hands on techniques when applying the changes to a certain project

The school atmosphere is a way a lot of people find that they learn the most from. Looking into what schools offer this particular course is the first place to start looking. You will see that there are no longer just young people that are learning these things as there are more and more people returning to school to enrich their skills for employability.

If a classroom is not for you, consider the option of using a tutor to help you with your adobe photoshop training. You can find many tutors by searching online, or looking at resources that are in the area that you live. This can be a way for you to get one on one training.

Knowing exactly what you want to learn is the first thing you need to know bef9ore seeking adobe photoshop training. Everybody has different needs and this has been proven time and time again with the many different ways that people learn.

The author is a trainer and developer with a UK IT training company offering Adobe Photoshop classes as well as Adobe Acrobat training in London and throughout the UK.

Benefits Of Learning Through Adobe Photoshop Training

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Adobe Photoshop training can make all the difference between spending hours fiddling with images and becoming frustrated and you being able to produce professional and creative images for your website and all your other graphic design needs.

The Adobe Photoshop software program is a very useful tool that allows you to manipulate images and create amazing results that will help your website to stand apart from all the others online. The downside to the program is that unless you have Adobe Photoshop training you will not get the best out of it.

There are many online Adobe Photoshop training sites that can teach you how to use the program from the basics to advanced tips and tricks. Photoshop is a complex piece of software and without the proper training you will not be able to utilize all the tools to their full extent.

With Adobe Photoshop training you can learn to digitally touch up images and create your very own graphics. Beginner’s skills included in a training program might include learning how to work with layers to manipulate images and produce different effects, how to change a person’s hair color or eye color and blending tools.

Once you have the basics down pat, intermediate and advanced training can teach you how to enhance digital photography, advanced layer techniques, creating links with an image, compositing and typographic design.

When you know your way around the software and have completed some Adobe Photoshop training then you can begin to enhance your websites to give them a truly creative, unique and professional appearance. You may also be able to freelance your skills and pick up lucrative side projects. There are many people who successfully do Photoshop work for others from the comfort of their own homes.

By doing your own Adobe Photoshop training you can get yourself an extra income; shave time off how long it takes you to complete projects; get the most out of the program by using the program efficiently and utilizing all its tools and impress people with your professional images.

The writer’s company runs Adobe Photoshop training classes as well as Adobe Acrobat training in London and throughout the UK.

Automating Find And Change With InDesign Scripting

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Adobe InDesign has long offered users the option of automating their workflows through scripting. Although scripts may be writing in AppleScript (Macintosh only) or VBScript (Windows only), the most satisfactory scripting language is the cross-platform, and very widely used, JavaScript. One of the simplest and yet most useful operations that can be accomplished using scripting is the automation of Find/Change. InDesign’s Find/Change feature is one of the program’s most powerful features and it is one of those features which can be fully automated by scripting. In fact, you can achieve a lot more through scripting than you can by manually performing a Find/Change operation.

There are three commands in the InDesign scripting framework for performing Find/Change operations: findText(), findGrep() and findGlyph(). A good deal can be accomplished using the straightforward findText() command. However, if you need to make fairly complex changes, and if you have the time and patience to find the right regular expression, you can use the findGrep() command which is designed for performing searches for regular expressions.

Before your actually perform a Find/Change operation, you need to set up the preferences that will be used. Firstly, you set the properties of the findChangeTextOptions object: parameters include caseSensitive, wholeWord, ignoreHiddenLayers and ignoreMasterPages. Next, you set up your findTextPreferences and changeTextPreferences parameters, the most important of which are findWhat and changeTo, respectively. It is also usually a good idea to clear out any preferences that may still be in play from a previous search. This is done by setting both the findTextPreferences and changeTextPreferences objects to nothing, using the commands: app.findTextPreferences = NothingEnum.nothing and app.changeTextPreferences = NothingEnum.nothing.

Just as when performing Find/Change manually, the findTextPreferences and changeTextPreferences objects offer all of the formatting parameters normally available with text objects.

A popular exercise that we give to students attending our InDesign scripting courses is to create a script which searches for the name of a company within a document, changes the format of the text to look like a regular web hyperlink (blue, bold, underlined) and then makes it a hyperlink. To change the format of the text, we simply use the appropriate properties of the changeTextPreferences object, such as fillColor, fontStyle and underline.

If you would like to learn more about InDesign training courses, visit Macresource Computer Training, a UK IT training company offering InDesign training courses in London and throughout the UK.

categories: InDesign training,graphic design,page layout,desktop publishing,dtp,computers and the internet,computer software