Is Photoshop Work Considered Art?

Is Photoshop Work Considered Art?

For a long time, the only art available was in a traditional medium. Painting, sculpting, and drawing dominated the art world. Then, along came technology to stir up the pot. Photoshop is one of the most common tools to alter images into a unique creation. You might wonder – is Photoshop work considered art?

Photoshop is considered art. Although there is room to disagree, the evidence in the art world points to one answer – digital art in all forms is an artwork.

If you’re interested in diving further into this argument, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about why Photoshop is art, how it differs from traditional mediums and more. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started right away.

Why is Photoshop Considered Art?

There are several reasons why most people consider Photoshop work to be art. Whether you disagree or agree, it’s vital to understand why people see these products as virtual paintings.

Photoshop is art because:

  • It happens for an aesthetic purpose: Those who utilize Photoshop to make art do so for an aesthetic purpose, to make something that appeals to the eye or clashes with it wildly.
  • It’s an expression: Photoshop artists utilize the medium to express an opinion, feeling, or something they find beautiful. That’s what art is all about.
  • It is formed by a creator: These pieces are formed by an artist, just like a painting or a drawing.

These are the reasons for giving Photoshop products an ‘art’ label.

Photoshop is an art form, unlike anything the world has ever seen before. It might seem like an abrupt transition from mediums like sculpting to digital work, but it’s where the world is going. The sentiment behind Photoshop creations is the same as someone forming an oil painting.

How Does Photoshop Differ from Traditional Mediums?

That said, there are many ways Photoshop differs from traditional mediums. There are more differences than there are similarities. These separations are what has set the art world on edge.

The differences between the two include:

  • The material: Rather than paints or pencils, photoshop takes advantage of pixels to form pieces.
  • The audience: Although people of all ages can appreciate Photoshop art, the majority of the current audience is younger people. 

One is new, while the other relies on ancient traditions and knowledge.

How can Photoshop be art if it’s different from traditional mediums? Let’s dive into a few of the similarities between the formats next.

How is Photoshop Similar to Traditional Mediums

There are plenty of ways that Photoshop work is better than traditional mediums. These help solidify the program’s stance as an artistic platform.

The similarities between the two include:

  • The work: Both forms of art require hard work to complete. Artists can spend hours perfecting their pieces, whether on a computer or a canvas.
  • The end product: After all is said and done, both forms produce a piece of art at the end of the day.

Photoshop is new, but the work and results are very similar.

Some might argue that Photoshop is easier than utilizing items like paintbrushes or pens. Let’s talk about this assumption next.

Is Photoshop Easy?

Some assume that, because Photoshop is digital art, it’s easy to accomplish. This statement is not true. Photoshop is one of the most difficult programs to work with as an artist. Digital art presents a unique set of challenges that not everyone has had the chance to deal with before.

Not only do you have to know about computers, but you also need to know the fundamentals of art. There’s no easy route here. People can tell when digital art isn’t good easier than they can identify a poor painting. Photoshop artists have to fight harder for recognition and appreciation.

In recent years, online graphic design alternatives to Photoshop, like Placeit.net, have become more popular. These come with pros and cons, but overall they make it easier to create “good” looking designs than using Photoshop. For more standard designing, these websites are a great tool. For original artistic work, Photoshop still proves to be the best.

Conclusion

Whether you think Photoshop is art or not, it’s hard to disagree on one front – Photoshop is an impressive skill to have, and what individuals create with the software is a wonder to behold. It’s an art form that anyone of any age can, and should, appreciate.

We hope this information was helpful! Art is in the midst of a shift, but just because a piece is digital does not disqualify it from the artistic world. There’s much to appreciate about Photoshop work and the effort that goes into it.

Does Mouse DPI Actually Matter for Photoshop?

Mouse DPI – Dots Per linear Inch – impacts how you navigate on a computer. The higher the DPI, the more sensitive your mouse is on the screen. With a lower DPI, you will need to make bigger movements for a reaction. Photoshop is a program that requires precision. Does mouse DPI matter for Photoshop, or can you go with any option?

Photoshop needs precision for the best results, so it’s best to have a mouse with a higher DPI when you work with photo-editing software to permit a better time while working.

Read on to learn more about mouse DPI and why it matters for Photoshop. We’ll talk about the ideal mouse DPI for Photoshop, the benefits of low and high DPI, and more. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.

What is the Best Mouse DPI for Photoshop?

The best mouse DPI for Photoshop is 1200 DPI. Higher is better for Photoshop, but you don’t want to select an overly sensitive mouse DPI. Too much can actually make it harder to work.

1200 DPI is the best option for Photoshop because it permits:

  • Speed when editing
  • Precision when making details
  • Responsiveness when moving on the screen

All three work together to create the ultimate Photoshop experience.

Of course, everyone has a DPI they prefer. You might want something that operates slower or faster than the recommended 1200 DPI. Some pros and cons come with each choice.

Pros and Cons of Low DPI in Photoshop

First, let’s talk about the pros and cons of utilizing a low DPI mouse. Although it’s better to have a faster mouse, some good things come with this setting.

Benefits of low DPI include:

  • It’s easier to make smaller movements
  • The mouse is more affordable
  • It permits a learning curve

Low DPI is ideal for those who want to move a little slower. Of course, some cons come with low DPI.

Downsides of low DPI include:

  • Mouse movement needs to be greater to get the mouse further on the screen
  • It’s harder to get what you need to be edited in an efficient manner
  • The quality of the mouse can be worse

These will slow down your editing process.

We’ve gone over the good and the bad of low DPI. Now, let’s discuss the pros and cons that come with the optimal high DPI in a mouse.

Pros and Cons of High DPI in Photoshop

It’s better to have a higher DPI when you use Photoshop. Let’s dive into the good and bad with selecting a high DPI mouse.

Benefits of high DPI include:

  • It’s easier to make precise movements
  • There are sleeker mouse options
  • It’s what most professionals use

High DPI allows more efficient photo editing. Of course, some bad things come with high DPI.

Downsides of high DPI include:

  • The movement can be too fast for some
  • High DPI mice are more expensive than low DPI options

These will impact your editing journey.

There are pros and cons to both choices for the Photoshop process. Now you need a mouse you can utilize for your photo editing purposes. Let’s talk about some of the best.

Best Mouse Options for Photoshop

If you want to work with Photoshop, it’s critical to have the best mouse on your hands. There are plenty of quality mouse options right on Amazon. All have a DPI sensitivity that makes them ideal for this task.

The best mouse options for Photoshop include:

All are well-constructed and have a DPI setting that will work well for any photo editor.

There is a mouse at a price point here that will work for you, no matter what you need for editing purposes. Invest in a mouse that will serve you well in years to come.

Conclusion

When working with Photoshop, it’s critical to pick a higher DPI for the best results. You want a mouse that is about 1200 DPI. This setting will permit speed, precision, and responsiveness that any editor will enjoy. Still, some prefer DPI higher than this, and others want something lower.

We hope this information was helpful! There’s a lot to consider when searching for the best mouse to edit photos with online. With this information, you can select the best mouse DPI for your Photoshop experience.

Do Photoshop Actions Work In Affinity Photo?

Photoshop is a fantastic tool, as is Affinity Photo. However, many people end up using both because one is weak, the other is strong, and vice versa. The issue is, these applications don’t mix well, and it’s likely going to be rough trying to work on the same project with them both.

While Affinity Photo and Photoshop have similar purposes, the actions of one cannot always be transferred to the other. While there are some actions from Photoshop you can import to Affinity Photo, those aren’t even guaranteed to work like they are supposed to.

Now, just because these two applications don’t work well together doesn’t mean you have to choose one over the other; it’s simply figuring out how to create what you need with the two applications without creating extra work for yourself. It can be a little time-consuming initially, but it’ll make your projects relatively easy once you figure it out.

Affinity Photo Macros

The way Photoshop actions work is similar to how Affinity Photo uses macros. You can create a process by recording several movements and operations, therefore creating an action that works all at once. Essentially, you get to create your own actions through a series of movements.

Macros can be used to complete a wide variety of tasks and creations as long as you create them to do so. You should be able to create the equivalent of a Photoshop action in Affinity Photo if you know how to do so.

Go through Affinity Photo to the File drop-down menu. From there, you can go to Personas and click on Liquify. Once you are there, you should be in Affinity Photo’s liquid user interface, which will allow you to edit and adjust almost anything. However, it is likely that you don’t have the options for macros quite yet.

By default, macros are not automatically enabled in Affinity Pro, and you have to switch them on yourself. You can enable macros by going to view > studio > macro. This will open your macro recorder, where you can create macros. Then by going to view > studio > library, you can view and edit your previously created and saved macros.

Once your macros are enabled, they will show up as normal on the toolbar, where you can use them at any time. From there, you simply open your macro recorder, record a set of actions that need to be done, and you now have a simple button to press instead of doing all those individual actions.

Now, there are a few Photoshop actions that may be able to be imported into Affinity Photo, but there is no guarantee that they will work well enough for them to actually be worth importing. Still, it’s always worth a try. You can export an action from Photoshop and import it into your macro library to see if it will work the same.

If that doesn’t work for you, it’s always a great option to purchase some macro packs from Affinity Photo to import in. This way, you won’t have to create so many macros on your own.

(Source: Photography Raw, Unigtp)

Using Brushes in Affinity Photo

One of the few things that do work with both Photoshop and Affinity Photo is the brush tools. Chances are, if you have the brushes that work with Photoshop, you can use them in Affinity Photo with no, or minimal, issues.

It’s even possible for you to try and use the same brushes while also importing the actions that you want to go along with them. But unfortunately, you may have issues getting either of them to work. Now, you can always buy brushes specifically for each application and minimize the chance of issues with brushes, but that can cost a good amount of money.

While anything could work from Photoshop in Affinity, there is always a higher chance it won’t work, and you will become frustrated with an unfinished project. The best bet is to try and use tools and processes that have been created for each individual application.

(Source: Photography Raw, Unigtp)

Final Thoughts

Even in this advanced age of technology, there are still some hiccups that happen from time to time between specific applications and software. Photoshop and Affinity Photo are examples of two applications that don’t work well together. Using one of the two softwares is going to be the best bet. Something that may prove useful for quick designing is Placeit.net, a web-based graphic design tool that I find myself using frequently for putting together a design in a hurry.

Can You Use a Stylus for Photoshop?

There’s no doubt that the freedom and precision a stylus provides is far superior to the everyday keyboard and mouse, which is why they are the ideal tool for digital art and graphic design. Of course, when it comes to these forms of artistry, few graphics editor software exceed Photoshop, which leads many professionals and hobbyists to wonder if they can pair their stylus with this renowned software.

Stylus accessories can be used for Photoshop as long as they are paired with an appropriate touchscreen device (ex., laptop, tablet, smartphone) that can support both the stylus as well as the Photoshop software. Still, you might have to alter some Photoshop settings for ideal results.

This article will answer commonly asked questions regarding using a stylus for graphic design and digital art in Photoshop. As you read, you’ll learn which devices best support stylus use in Photoshop and how to troubleshoot common issues, such as your stylus failing to connect or respond properly in this software.

What Devices Support Stylus Use in Photoshop?

The first step to determining whether your favorite stylus will work in Photoshop is to ensure the device you intend to use is sufficient.

Styluses can be used on virtually any device that has a touch screen. That being said, Photoshop is a hefty program that requires these devices to meet a fair number of requirements before you can even consider using it (and a connected stylus) for art and graphic design. These specifications include:

  • CPU: Intel or AMD processor with 64-bit support, 2 GHz or faster processor
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • HDD: 4 GB of storage space
  • GPU: DirectX 12 support and 2 GB of memory
  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later
  • Screen Resolution: 1280 x 800
  • Internet connection is needed to activate the software

As long as your primary device fulfills these requirements and can support a connection with your stylus of choice (not all styluses work with the same devices), you should have no issues using this accessory in Photoshop.

Which Device is Best?

If you intend to purchase a stylus and a new device for Photoshop (maybe you’re starting up as a professional artist) and you’re unsure which device is best, we highly recommend a tablet or iPad/ iPad Pro over any touchscreen laptop.

There are several tablets specifically made for these tasks that often come with styluses and are well-equipped to handle any Photoshop tasks with ease. Some of the best options include:

While some will include a stylus, it isn’t uncommon for brands to necessitate you to purchase this accessory separately, requiring you to match your stylus with its brand. The most common options for tablet styluses include:

Always ensure your primary device has the requirements to support Photoshop and is compatible with your stylus pen before attempting to use it in this software.

What If My Stylus Isn’t Working In Photoshop?

It isn’t uncommon for even the most experienced digital artists and graphic designers to hook up a new device or stylus and find their drawing accessory isn’t working correctly in Photoshop. Luckily, the issue is usually quickly resolved by tweaking a few Photoshop settings.

The most common reason why a stylus isn’t working in Photoshop is that the “Pressure” setting is turned off. To turn it on, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Open Photoshop and create a new document.
  2. Select the brush tool.
  3. Press the F5 key or “View” on the menu bar and select “Brush Pallet” to open the brush pallet window.
  4. Make sure the box is checked next to “Shape Dynamics.”
  5. Select “Shape Dynamics.”
  6. Open the “Control” drop-down menu and select “Pen Pressure.”

This setting is critical for creating the ideal pressure for your stylus, which affects:

  • Brush size
  • Angle
  • Roundness
  • Scatter
  • Depth
  • Opacity

If altering this setting does not work, we recommend checking that your stylus is connected correctly to your primary device and perhaps reconfiguring and confirming pressure control before restarting Photoshop completely.

Final Thoughts

Artists and graphic designers everywhere will be ecstatic to hear that they can easily use their favorite stylus pen to create exceptional artwork, graphic icons, animations, and so much more in Photoshop. Remember that your devices need to be compatible with each other and capable of supporting Photoshop for ideal results, and the “Pen Pressure” setting must be on for the touchscreen to properly register your stylus.

Can You Create Multiple Pages at Once in Photoshop?

Creating single-page PDFs in Photoshop is both easy and intuitive. However, when you need to create a multi-page PDF, things can get a bit tricky. You may wonder if you can create a multi-page PDF at all and if so can you make it all at once? 

While you can create multi-page PDFs in Photoshop, you cannot create them all at once. Rather you have to create each of the pages individually and then follow a simple process to compile them all into one document. 

If you’re using Photoshop and need to create a PDF that is multiple pages long but you’re not sure how or even if you can, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below we will discuss 

How Do I Create a PDF in Photoshop?

Before you can move on to multiple pages, you’ll have to know how to make a single one. This is because creating a multi-page PDF in Photoshop requires that you make each of the PDFs separately and bring them together in the process we outline in the following section. So, how exactly do you make those individual PDF pages?

Below we’ve outlined the basic steps involved in creating a PDF in Photoshop so you can begin making the individual pages that will make up your full document: 

  1. Create your page: We won’t stay on this point for too long as there are nearly infinite styles and formats you could use. That said, whatever your particular project happens to be, you should start by designing an individual page so you can save it as a PDF. 
  2. Save your page: Now you simply want to turn your attention to the bar at the top of the screen and go to “File,” then “Save As.” 
  3. Select the proper format: After you click on “Save As” a window will open up with the file name and its format. Next to “Format”, you should see a drop-down box. Click on it and select PDF.  

It’s really that easy. From there you will now have created a PDF page in Photoshop. Now let’s move on to how to take individual pages and make a multi-page PDF.

How Do I Make Multiple Pages in Photoshop?

Now that we know how to make individual PDF pages in Photoshop, it’s time to turn our attention towards what to do when you need multiple pages. While the process of doing this isn’t quite as straightforward as saving an individual PDF, it’s still relatively simple. 

The following steps will guide you on how to make a multiple page PDF document in Photoshop:

  1. Compile each of your pages into layers in one document: Each page should be its own layer within a document. If one page is made of multiple layers, simply right click the folder icon that houses those layers and select “Merge Group.” 
  2. Export your layers as JPEGS: Now simply go to “file” and select export. We must first export each page as individual layers. While you can export these as PDFs from the go, it’s recommended that you export them as JPEGs because they tend to look a little bit better. Also, make sure you export them to a folder where you can easily access them. 
  3. Create PDF presentation: After you click “Run” and export your layers, return to Photoshop and go back into the file tab to select “automate PDF presentation.” A window should open up labeled PDF presentation. Hit the browse button, find your files and highlight/select them all. 
  4. Order your pages: Selecting your files should return you to the PDF presentation window. In the window next to browse you should now see each of your pages. Drag and drop them into the order you want them to appear in. 
  5. Save as a PDF: Now you just need to make sure “multi-page document” is selected next to “Save As” in the PDF presentation window. The rest of the settings can stay as they are. Hit save. 

Now all that’s left is to follow the prompts and ensure that under “File Type” it is saved as a multi-page PDF. 

So Really, Can You Create Multiple Pages at Once in Photoshop?

The truth is you can’t make a multi-page PDF all at once in Photoshop, but you can make individual pages and compile them into a multi-page PDF. 

To do this, you need to have each of your pages individually created, then compiled as layers in one document. You can export those layers as image files, then go back into Photoshop and use the PDF presentation tools to compile them all into one document. 

Are Photoshop Brushes Compatible With Krita?

Krita has made creating beautiful digital art accessible for everyone. Still, some of the brushes you get from paid services like Photoshop can bring even more to the table. It would be nice if you could use those same brushes in Krita itself and get the best of both worlds, but can you?

Photoshop brushes are compatible with Krita, however, you can only use the brush tips. Additionally, you have to save a preset to be able to reuse them without having to re-import them. 

If you use Krita for your digital art and want to start taking advantage of Photoshop brushes on it, we’ve got you covered. In our guide below we will discuss what brushes work with Krita, how you can import Photoshop brushes, and why doing so can really shake up your next digital art project. So come along and let’s dive right in!

What Brushes Work With Krita?

One of the coolest things about Krita–aside from the fact that it’s free–is that it is compatible with a whole litany of different brush kits. Everything from Photoshop brushes to independently released kits is available. Before we jump into why Photoshop should be one of your go-to’s for brushes, let’s first take a look at what brushes work with Krita.

Below is a sample of some of the most diverse and useful brushes compatible with Krita:

  • Photoshop brushes: First and foremost are Adobe’s brushes. Photoshop is sort of the gold standard when it comes to digitally editing images. Fortunately, their brushes can, in fact, be used in Krita by using a certain method to import them. The only downside is that only the brush tips can be used.
  • Krita Watercolor Set: These custom watercolor brushes are perfect for beginners and filled with options. 
  • Painterly Mix Brushes: Want to paint the perfect sunset in Krita? Check out Painterly Mix Brushes. If you have the newest version of Krita these may have come preinstalled. 
  • Comics Brush Bundle: If you’re into making your own comic books in Krita, then you have to check out the Comics Brush Bundle. These brushes are made specifically to make your work look like it was made with classic comic book tools. 

All of the brushes above are either free or have free options within them. If you have so many tools at your disposal why not use them! In the next section, we’ll discuss in greater detail why you should use Photoshop brushes specifically. 

Why Should You Use Photoshop Brushes in Krita?

While Krita is amazing on its own, knowing how to import Photoshop brushes can really expand your options and allow you to create even more interesting and diverse art. Many of the Photoshop brushes are designed specifically for high-resolution images, meaning they are great to use for everyone from beginners to old-time pros. 

How Do You Import Photoshop Brushes into Krita?

So now we come to the real meat and potatoes. If you want to use Photoshop brushes in Krita, how exactly do you go about importing them? Can you just import them like any other brush pack or do you have to do a work-around to get them in?

While you do kind of have to work-around to get Photoshop brushes into Krita, following the steps below will ensure it is relatively easy: 

  1. Download your brushes and create a new document in Krita: There are loads of free Photoshop brushes online as well as paid ones if you want something really specific. Start by downloading the brushes you want to your brush folder or wherever you keep them. You can also take this time to boot up Krita and open a new document. 
  2. Open the brush editor in Krita: The brush editor can be opened either by finding it on the toolbar or simply pressing F5.
  3. Ensure the right options are selected: When the brush editor window opens you’ll need to navigate to where you can import your brush. Ensure “pixel” is highlighted under “brush engines” on the right of the window as well as “brush tip” under “general,” in the middle. 
  4. Import your brushes: Click the “predefined” tab in the middle of the screen then select the folder icon down below. Now just select the file for your brush and you should be all set! Please note that depending on where you downloaded your brushes from, you may want to first unzip the file before you go to import.  

If you want to reuse a brush please remember to save it as a preset. If you don’t save a preset with the brush imported then the next time you want to use it you will have to import it again. Feel free to bookmark this page if you think you may need a refresher down the road. 

So Really, Are Photoshop Brushes Compatible with Krita?

Photoshop brushes are compatible with Krita, however, there are some limitations. The brush tips can only be used and you have to save them as a preset to reuse them without having to re-import them. 

Even with some limitations, simply knowing how to import Photoshop brushes can expand your options when using the already incredible free software Krita. So, what will you make with your new brushes? 

Can Illustrator Open Affinity Designer Files?

When it comes to design software, there isn’t a bigger name out there than Illustrator. Still, with alternatives like Affinity Designer also at your disposal, you may want to use them as well. It would be best, of course, to be able to use both in conjunction with one another. That, of course, leaves open the question, can Illustrator open Affinity Designer Files? 

Illustrator can open Affinity Designer files, however, you have to first convert the files from PDFs to AIs, as AI is the file type Illustrator uses. 

If you’re planning to use both Illustrator and Affinity Designer for your next design, but you’re not sure their files are compatible, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below, we will discuss how you can use Affinity Designer files in Illustrator and vice-versa. We will even provide you with a step-by-step guide on how exactly you open those files. So let’s dive right in!

Is Affinity Designer Compatible With Illustrator

So, is Affinity Designer really compatible with Illustrator or can they only be used in conjunction with workarounds? The answer to this question is both yes and no. 

Illustrator files are fully compatible with Affinity Designer, however, Affinity files must be changed to AI files in order to be used with Illustrator. This means that you can directly use files in one direction but if you want to go in the other, you will need to know the proper workaround. 

In our step-by-step section, we will walk you through that very workaround so you can get to using the files you want when you’re ready. 

Why Use Both Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator?

Before we dive into our step-by-step guide, let’s first address why it’s a good idea to use both of this software in the first place. It’s only natural to wonder why you should also use Affinity Designer when Adobe Illustrator is already loaded with features and even considered the industry standard for design editing. 

The main reason why you may want to have Affinity Designer in your arsenal is that while Illustrator has far more features geared toward editing vectors, Affinity Designer has some extra features for image editing. 

Using the two together will ensure that you have all of those features at once. 

How Do I Convert an Affinity Designer to Illustrator

As we stated previously, to use an Affinity Designer file in Illustrator, you must first convert your file to AI. If you’re not a tech person, don’t worry this process is simple and straightforward. It should only take you a minute or so before your file is ready for further editing in Illustrator. 

In our step-by-step guide below, we will walk you through the process of converting Affinity Designer files to Illustrator: 

  1. Open your project in Affinity Designer: You’ll want to start out in Affinity Designer with the project open that you’re looking to convert. 
  2. Export your project as a PDF and change the DPI: You just need to go to “File” then “Export” and select PDF from the options at the top of the popup window. Don’t export quite yet though. In the popup window, you will see a number of options. Next to the one that says DPI, change the number to 72 (that’s what Illustrator uses). Now export.
  3. Find your file: For this step, first open up the location of your file on your PC. You can do this by manually going to it, searching for it, or just right-clicking the download link and pressing “show in folder.” 
  4. Ensure you can view extensions: You want to ensure that the extensions are visible on the file. Extensions are the part of the file name that says .PDF, .AI, or whatever file type you have. If they’re already showing great! If not, hit “View” at the top of the window and check mark where it says “filename extensions.” 
  5. Edit the file name to say .AI: Now all you have to do is change where it says .PDF to .AI. For example, if my file is called New Design.PDF I would be changing it to New Design.AI. 

Now your file will be ready to open in Illustrator! You simply need to double-click it. If you think you might use this again, feel free to bookmark this page so you can follow the steps anytime you need.

So Really, Can Illustrator Open Affinity Designer Files?

Illustrator can, in fact, open Affinity Designer files, but only if they have been converted from PDFs to AIs. Fortunately, PDFs and AIs are very similar file types and it only takes a minute or two to convert one to the other. 

To convert your file, you will first need to export it from Affinity Designer as a PDF. Then you simply need to change the extension on the name from .PDF to .AI. Once this is complete–as long as Illustrator is already installed on your computer–you should be able to simply double-click the file and open it in Illustrator. Now get busy making your next great design!

Can Twitch Emotes Have Swear Words in Them?

It’s never fun to get banned from a site like Twitch because you mistakenly broke a rule you didn’t know existed. Therefore, before you make any spicy Twitch emotes, you should know what is and isn’t allowed to be expressed. That said, can Twitch Emotes have swear words in them at all?

Twitch emotes cannot have swear words in them, as it violates the community guidelines around vulgarity. According to the guidelines, you cannot use obscenities including, phrases, gestures, and, of course, explicit words. 

If you’d like to know more about what you can and cannot do with Twitch emotes, as well as on Twitch in general, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below we will lay out the major points of Twitch’s user guidelines, as well as answer specific questions on what is and is not allowed on the platform. So without further ado, let’s just dive right in! 

What is Not Allowed On Twitch Emotes?

So we know that vulgarity–including phrases, words, or gestures–is not allowed in Twitch Emotes. If that’s the case, you’re probably wondering what else you cannot do on Twitch. You’ll definitely want to know this so you can avoid accidentally getting a strike against your account. 

Below we’ve outlined some of the biggest no-nos when it comes to Twitch emotes so you can ensure you never get banned: 

  • Obscene/vulgar language: This is what we’ve already been over. Foul language–whether it’s used in a whole phrase or on its own–is not tolerated in Twitch Emotes. At the same time, we should point out that while emotes can’t have bad words, you are welcome to swear on the platform as long as it isn’t hateful. 
  • Certain animations: Rapidly flashing animations and animations that aren’t supported by either Cheermote Submissions or animated emote cannot be used. This is to prevent harmful content as well as to protect those who have conditions like epilepsy. 
  • Political content: You can’t put political symbols or figures into your Twitch emotes. If the internet has taught us anything, it’s that that would lead to a lot of extremists using their symbols to harass people. 
  • Single characters: You can’t use one word or a singular character as your Twitch emote. 
  • Encouragement to break Twitch rules: This one should be obvious. You can’t be using emotes that encourage people to break the rules. That would lead to cyber anarchy. 

It’s good to regularly review these guidelines because they can change from time to time. Usually, more things will be added to it. 

What Else is Not Allowed Based on Twitch User Guidelines? 

Along with the guidelines for Twitch emotes, you’ll also have to keep in mind Twitch’s general user guidelines. Most of these guidelines are straightforward, however, it’s good to know what they all are.

Below we’ve outlined Twitches general user guidelines so you can apply them to your practices with Twitch emotes: 

  • Bigoted or hateful content: Aside from just swear words, you also can’t use slurs. Additionally, you can’t publish content that is hateful or full of harassment towards an individual or group.
  • Sexual material: There can be no nudity or gratuitous sexual content on Twitch. Twitch is meant to have content for all ages, therefore it wouldn’t be appropriate to include such material. 
  • Obscenity: Obscene images and words are taken very seriously on Twitch. This ties in with the fact that you can’t use swear words in your Twitch Emotes. 
  • Threats/violence: Obviously, threats and violence are not tolerated on Twitch. This is a big part of why the context in which you use certain words is important. 
  • Illegal drug use: You can’t promote or use illicit drugs on Twitch. If you did you would simply be streaming a crime.  

Generally, if you’re using Twitch with good intentions you shouldn’t run into any problems with these issues. Still, they’re good to know. 

Can Twitch Emotes Have Words in Them? 

So now that we know Twitch emotes can’t have swear words in them, you may be wondering if they can have words at all. So, can Twitch emotes have words in them?

Twitch emotes can, in fact, have words in them. That is as long as the word isn’t just one character long. Remember from the emote guidelines, individual characters or letters are not allowed to be used. 

So Really, Can Twitch Emotes Have Swear Words in Them?

There are a lot of different guidelines Twitch uses for its emotes. You can’t use anything from obscenities to a single character or letter. 

Along with all that, you can’t use swear words in Twitch Emotes because–according to the Twitch emote guidelines–vulgarity is not allowed. That includes not only gestures and phrases, but individual words as well.

Ready to make your own custom Twitch emote? Try out the Twitch Emote Maker and customize over 250 templates!

Do You Need a Good Graphics Card for Graphic Design?

Just about everyone knows about graphics cards. They are the part of the computer that allows the graphics to exist in the first place. However, not everyone really understands whether or not they actually are going to need a good graphics card or not for whatever they are doing.

You should definitely have a good graphics card if you plan to use your device for graphic designing. However, the program you use for graphic design will play a role as well.

Graphic design is heavily focused on the graphical side of things, so it makes sense to need a good graphics card in order to do it well. Keep reading to find out more about graphics cards in Graphic Design.

Should You Have a Good Graphics Card for Graphic Design?

A good graphics card is definitely essential for Graphic Design. The better the card, the more colors the computer is able to display. Therefore, having a good graphics card helps to show the maximum number of colors which will in turn ensure that the colors are as accurate as possible.

If you use a graphic design software that automatically suggests colors to be used together, then your graphics card will be less important. An example of graphic design software that does this is Placeit.net, which allows you to customize templates and suggests fonts, colors, and graphics to be used together. This takes the guess work out of the designing, and therefore allows you to rely less on a powerful graphics card.

What Does a Graphics Card Do?

A graphics card is also known as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) which is responsible for displaying images on the computer screen. Every computer must have a graphics card in order to function, but not everyone needs a professional quality one.

When used in tandem with a good monitor, a graphics card can make or break experiences with complex graphic design, gaming, video editing, and more. This monitor has to be quality as well, otherwise it won’t be able to show the same number of colors that the graphics card is trying to display. In short, a graphics card makes the colors, and the monitor displays them. Having both high quality will ensure that the colors are as accurate as possible.

Can You Still Do Graphic Design with a Poor Graphics Card?

It is still possible to do graphic design with a poorer graphics card. If it is something that doesn’t require a lot of colors, or not for a paying professional client, it is likely possible that a quality card isn’t as necessary.

Such instances in which a poorer graphics card can be used for graphic design include:

  • Monochrome work
  • Layout design
  • When using templates such as those on Placeit.net

If the graphics card isn’t quite up to par, the best solution is to compare the design on multiple different screens in order to ensure that it is decent enough for the project at hand. Ideally, switching between Windows and Apple products as well can really help ensure that the colors are what they should be.

By using templates on a site like Placeit, the best colors will be suggested so that, even if your graphics card can’t show them 100% accurately, they will be exported and saved accurately.

Best Graphics Cards for Graphic Design

The long and short of it is that the best graphics cards for graphic design will be of high quality and likely even professional grade. These are cards that will really help make designs shine. However, with so many different variations out there, it can be hard to decide which is actually a good card and which are just heavily marketed.

Some of the best tried and true graphics cards for graphic design include:

Getting a computer prebuilt with some of the higher-end cards will cost a pretty penny. Graphics cards are not cheap themselves either, but building a custom rig might end up saving quite a bit of money in the end. However, do be aware that it’s not only graphic designers that need good graphics cards, so that drives the purchase price, and resale price, up further.

Other Computer Requirements for Graphic Design

There is no set computer requirement for graphic design as a whole. There are so many different programs that each have their own system requirements which need to be catered to in order to run properly. However, there are some similarities between the programs which make for a general idea of what to aim for.

Such computer requirements may include:

  • Windows or MacOS
    • Very few can run on Linux
  • 64-Bit CPU
    • Intel Core i3
    • Intel Core i5
    • Intel Core i7
    • AMD 1.5 GHz
    • AMD Quad-Core Processor
  • 16GB RAM
    • Most programs need less
  • 15GB Disk Space
    • Most programs have a much smaller requirement
  • 1920×1080 Monitor Resolution
    • Most need less, but higher resolution is typically beneficial anyway

In short, getting the best possible machine for the budget is going to open up far more possibilities for different programs than something with weaker compatibility. After Effects for example typically will take up a lot of energy and space, whereas Placeit is entirely web-based so it takes up no space on your machine at all. Almost every program would benefit from some more RAM, a good graphics card, and a quality monitor, but be sure to consider the web-based graphic design options if you are on a budget and can’t upgrade your machine at the moment.

Conclusion

A graphics card is the part of the computer which translate CPU input in order to make images appear on the computer’s monitor. It is absolutely crucial in the graphic design world to have a quality card that can hold up to the requirements of the job. Not only that, but some of the most common programs will need a beefy setup in order to run smoothly throughout the entire process.

However, it isn’t only the graphics card that is required to make quality work. There’s personal skill on top of having a machine that is as good as possible. Graphics cards work in tandem with a good monitor that can actually display the quality images that it is trying to show. Web-based graphic design tools are becoming more popular because they don’t require upgraded computer parts to run smoothly, and they do the heavy lifting of the designing for you with templates and auto-suggested color combinations.

Here’s What Size a Logo Should Be in Illustrator

There are so many things to consider when designing a logo in Illustrator. What colors will look best? What font should you use? Which design elements will best tell the brand’s story? While putting all of these components together, there is one important aspect your must not forget—what size should the logo be?

When designing a logo, it’s best to save a size that’s larger than your intended use so you can scale it down, rather than scaling it up, which will keep it’s quality. 4000 x 4000px is a good master file size for a logo.

Whether you’re creating a logo for a client or your own brand, it’s important to pick a size that is easy to work with and that makes the most sense. Below, we’ll go over what size you should use when designing your logo in Illustrator, as well as some standard sizing options.

» MORE: The Power Of Symmetry: 13 Lessons From Famous Logos

What Size Should a Logo Be in Illustrator?

While each logo is different, the sizes in which you store and distribute them are not. However, when it comes to logo sizing, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. A logo’s standard size is determined by the platform to which it is being uploaded.

When you create a logo, it must appear sharp and professional in all its uses. Good logos can be scaled and made quickly in a variety of situations. However, creating a single graphics file and displaying it across all your platforms is impractical. Therefore, it is vital for you to have many size and format options for your logo.

However, this isn’t exactly an option when creating your document in Illustrator. Instead of making a ton of files and sizes of your logo, choose the size in which it will be most often used and save it as a scalable vector file.

For example, if your logo will mainly be displayed on a business card, you’ll want to set the size at 1” x 1” or 350 x 350 dpi and save it as a vector file. Every time you need to add it to a business card, it will already be the right size. However, if you need the logo for a larger design, you can always increase the size since it is a scalable image.

» MORE: The Ultimate List of The Best Online Design Makers

Why Does Logo Size Matter?

If you’re saving your logo as a scalable vector file, you may be wondering why you should care about the size. Well, not only does it increase useability, but having the right size file makes everything easier in the long run.

In most cases, there is no reason why a logo will need to be larger than 3 inches (288 pixels). Let’s say you design a logo in Placeit and download it as a PNG with a dimension of 4000 x 4000px. This is great for a master file because it’s big enough for any of the potential uses you may need it for.

You always want to have your logo master file larger than needed, so you can scale it down rather than scaling it up. Scaling down will keep the quality, scaling up will lose quality.

» MORE: A Guide to Choosing the Best Colors for Your Logo

Standard Logo Sizing

You’ll want to pick the proper size based on the medium to ensure that your logo design functions effortlessly wherever it’s presented. Here are some size recommendations for the most common platforms so that your brand may be shown consistently throughout the web, social media, and print.

Logo Size for Websites

Websites are an essential component of every business. People can discover more about what you do, your company’s goal, and whether or not they’re interested in buying anything you’re selling or promoting by visiting this page.

Because each logo design has its own dimensions, the optimum logo size varies from one business to the next. While social networking platforms have suggested logo sizes, the size of your website logo is determined by the homepage layout.

The header and the favicon are the most frequent places to put a logo on a website.

The size and placement of your website header logo are typically determined by the website builder and theme you’re choosing. Regardless, the usual height of a website logo is about 160 pixels, while the width varies based on the length of the business name.

The favicon is the little icon that appears next to your browser’s address bar or title. This allows your brand to appear in the search box, making it easy for visitors to switch between your site and others. Because they are too small to see any text, these graphics usually consist just of the symbol that represents your business. The standard browser favicon size is 16px x 16px.

Logos on Social Media

Because social networking sites frequently modify their logo sizing standards, always check for the most up-to-date information. Here are a few well-known websites where you may market your company using your logo.

Logo Dimensions on Instagram

Profile Photo: 320 x 320px

Logo Dimensions on Facebook

Profile Photo: 170 x 170px

Cover Photo: 820 x 312px (Must be at least 400 pixels wide and 150 pixels tall)

Logo Dimensions on Twitter

Profile Photo: 400 x 400px

Cover Photo: 1500 x 1500px

Logo Dimensions on TikTok

Profile Photo: 200 x 200px

Logo Dimensions on Pinterest

Profile Photo: 800 x 450px

Logo Dimensions on LinkedIn

Profile Photo: 400 x 400px

Cover Photo: 1584 x 396px

Logo Dimensions on YouTube

Profile Photo: 800 x 800px

Thumbnail Photo: 1280 x 720px

Cover Photo: 2560 x 1440px

Logo Sizes for Print

Finding the ideal size for print can be a bit tricky. However, this isn’t something you’ll typically have to handle on your own.

When you order promotional items or physical products with your logo on them, you’ll normally work with experienced printers who will adjust the logo size until it’s just perfect.

Let’s assume you want mugs with your branding on them. The usual print space on an 11 oz. mug is 8.5′′ x 3′′. However, you should first ask about normal print sizes with your supplier so that you can send them the appropriate files. Most suppliers will also ask for a vector-based file, which allows the logo to be scaled up or down without sacrificing quality.

» MORE: 41 Hidden Messages In Famous Logos

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for a logo. Logos, despite their small size, play a crucial part in your brand’s social presence. You must be conscious of what size you design and save your logo as to ensure that your brand appears clearly across all platforms, devices, and print. 

We recommend using a Logo Maker so that you can create and download your logo in a large master file, and be able to use it for any potential uses down the road.