Photoshop - Processing multiple images all at once

I always like to keep a high resolution copy of my documents (usually in a .psd format) and then a lower quality file to share via email or on a website (.jpg format)
Here is a really slick way to edit the resolution of a file folder full of images all at the same time.
Go to File - Scripts and select "Image Processor".
Select the folder containing your images. Then select a destination folder for your processed images.
You'll have the option of specifying the quality, image size, location of finished files and more.
What a handy feature!

Photoshop - Creating a reflection

I've always admired a cool reflection but wondered how difficult it would be to do. Today we're going to see how easy it can be. Just follow the directions below to create a beautiful reflection of text or any object of your choice.

Copy your original object/text (Ctrl-J or Cmd-J or drag to new layer icon)

Flip item on new layer vertically (Edit>transform>Flip vertical)

Increase the size of your working canvas - Image – Canvas Size – double height

Position accordingly (You may have to use the warp tool for objects/texts with a non-horizontal edge on the bottom)

Fade your reflection (create a Layer Mask- see photo to leftt) use a white to black gradient. Make sure you click on the layer mask icon.

Drag gradient across the reflection layer and edit/re-drag as desired

If needed, lower the reflection layer opacity

Optional: Blur the reflection, depending on the material of the reflected ground you want to imitate.

Don't have Photoshop? You can have a lot of fun at the following sites creating reflections and more!

http://www.reflectionmaker.com/

http://www.funphotobox.com/upload.aspx?effect=sunglasses

And I thought my cat was weird.

More Undo's in Photoshop

It's hard to believe but I need more undo's in Photoshop. I think the History palette is the best thing since sliced bread but, there are times when the default of 20 undo's doesn't take me back to before I messed up.
Here is one way to fix this.
In Preferences select Performance. Use the slider or type in the number of History States you'd like to have.
Keep in mind that the more History States you add, the more memory you'll need for your computer. You can add up to 1,000 History States but I wouldn't go over 50 myself.
If you find your computer running slow, reconsider changing the number of undo's back to a smaller number.

FREE Mosiac maker

Do you like mosaics?

If so, here is a neat program that creates a mosaics from your favorite photos.
Just upload any photo and a really neat mosaic of little photos creates a new image for you.

In my example, I uploaded a picture of a watering can with flowers. The resulting image is the mosaic on the left. Thousands of little photographs to create one unique picture. This could be your answer to some really interesting artwork in your home with your favorite photographs. And of course, the best part is, it's FREE!



Here is a closeup of the spout on the watering can.




















Want to give it a try? Click the link below and enjoy!
http://click7.org/image-mosaic-generator/?create

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, National Geographic created an infinite mosaic photograph. To see what I mean check out this video.

Photoshop - How to Reset Preferences

I love Photoshop. But even Photoshop can start acting funny. Shortcuts stop working, problems with tools and how they display are a couple of strange examples.
A lot of the time it has to do with the Preference file. Deleting the corrupted Preference file will almost always fix the weirdness.
Here is all you have to do.
Hold down the Shift+Ctrl+Alt (Win) / Shift+Command+Option (Mac) and start up Photohsop. (Yes it can be done with one hand)
You'll get the following message.

Click Yes. The corrupted Photoshop file will be replaced by a brand new Preference file and all the weirdness should be gone.

Access the National Archives!

The National Archives were established in 1934 and were created to keep track of important government documents. The material is vast and contains letters, photos and stories from the past.

The most important documents are on display in Washington, but now you can explore and then print much of the material online.
The interactivity makes the searching fun too. Enjoy!

www.digitalvaults.org

And now, for my video of the month and my favorite quote!

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

Free online Post Card

Do you remember Apple's iCards?
Well I do and I miss it. I don't know why Apple no longer offers this great online postcard creator. I used to send these cute little electronic postcards for all occasions.
After some searching I found a close second. It's called PopCard.
It doesn't have all the features that Apple's iCard had but it's not bad.
Here is an example card I made. It looks a little like Apple iCard but I only have 5 fonts to choose from and I didn't see a way to edit the font sizes.
You just select a photo, add your text and supply the email address.
If you would like to check it out the website is http://popcard.me or click the
logo below.