Is It Cheating to Use Lightroom Presets?

Is It Cheating to Use Lightroom Presets?

Lightroom is an excellent product that permits edits to photography. It’s possible to make millions of tweaks to your creations, changing anything from the hue to the overall color scheme. Many people sell presets to give your images a look without much effort. Is it cheating to use Lightroom presets?

Although it might seem like cheating to use a preset, it’s not. Individuals that take advantage of these settings work smarter, not harder. If you take advantage of these presets, you can have incredible products in no time.

If you’re interested in learning about Lightroom presets, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll talk about why they’re not cheating, the benefits that come with them, and why people might think they are cheating. The more you know, the more comfortable you can become with these presets. Let’s get started.

Why Presets Are Not Cheating

Many individuals would consider presets to be cheating, but others think they are a benefit. Let’s talk more about the rationale behind this mindset towards presets on the platform.

Presets are not cheating because:

  • People made them for others: Artists create presets with the idea that others will use them on their photographs. 
  • They shorten the work: Presets allow photographers to take more images and improve their business in less time.
  • They help others: Presets are for the benefit of others. They are available to everyone, whether they are templates like on placeit.net or color presets for image editing.

Presets are an excellent tool to use as a photographer.

Although some might have a glass-half-empty view of presets, many good things can come from utilizing presets. Let’s talk about a few benefits of this addition to a photograph. 

Benefits of Lightroom Presets

Lightroom presets aren’t cheating, but why do people use them? What are the benefits of taking advantage of these carefully crafted filters for your photography? 

Here are a few of the benefits that come with Lightroom presets:

  • Time-savers: A preset saves time on your project and frees up room in your day for additional endeavors.
  • Easy: It’s easy to take presets and apply them to your images.
  • Learning tool: A preset can be a learning tool to help you better understand Lightroom and how to use it.
  • Consistent: Presets allow the application of a consistent style across the platform to help you build a marketable brand.
  • Simplifying: Presets simplify the process and reduce the stress that goes into planning the editing process.

They are ideal for all kinds of people.

Even if you are hesitant about using a Lightroom preset on your work, it doesn’t hurt to test one out. It may help you find a style you love or free up room for additional projects you wouldn’t have had time for otherwise. There are so many good items that come from the use of Lightroom presets – so why do people think presets are cheating?

Why Might People Think Presets Are Cheating?

Many people are against presets. They assume they are a form of cheating and want nothing to do with them. 

Here are a few reasons why people think Lightroom presets are cheating:

  • Ease: There is less work involved with a preset.
  • Other peoples’ work: Taking advantage of a preset means using someone else’s work.
  • Change image: A preset can make a bad image look good.

These reasons cause them to steer clear of the presets.

It’s up to you to determine how you feel about presets. They are not cheating, but some feel better about their work when they complete it all themselves. If you love photography and hate editing, try presets. If you want to keep everything under your hand, avoid them in the editing process.

Final Thoughts

It’s tricky to be a photographer. You need to snap shots and edit them to perfection before handing them to clients or using them for other purposes in your job. If you can’t find the right Lightroom settings, Lightroom presets can help. They make your job much easier and ensure photos look great every time.

We hope this information was helpful! Although it might seem like using Lightroom presets is cheating, it’s not. There are tons of benefits to these settings, and you are allowed to use them if you have permission from the creator. Some might prefer to put in time and effort with their edits, but others may prefer presets on this Adobe platform. Either way is a win for you.

Why Does Lightroom Say “File Not Found”?

Lightroom is useful software for editing your photos. As with other software, Lightroom can experience its fair share of bugs. One problem you may encounter with Lightroom involves trouble opening image files. Why does Lightroom say “File not found”?

If Lightroom says “File not found,” you could be experiencing one of several problems. Lightroom will often say “File not found” if the software believes the file has already been imported or Lightroom does not support the file type you are using for your image.

Continue reading to learn more about why Lightroom says “File not found” as well as ways to ensure that the importing of your files into Lightroom runs smoothly. It is important to learn which file types to use, how to import them, and how to fix problems relating to Lightroom not opening your files.

Why Does Lightroom Say “File Not Found”?

If Lightroom says “File not found,” chances are that Lightroom mistakenly thinks the file has already been imported and saved as a separate but identical photo file or that the file type you saved your photo as is not supported by Lightroom.

A file that Lightroom believes to have already been imported is typically the most common cause of Lightroom saying “File not found.” However, there are other reasons, including:

  • Lightroom does not support the file type
  • The photo is saved to your computer but not to Lightroom
  • The file is damaged

Lightroom does not support Nikon scanner NEF, Adobe Illustrator, and files greater than 65,000 PPS or larger than 512 MP. If you try to import and open photos saved as these file types, Lightroom will not allow you to.

If Lightroom says “File not found,” it does not automatically mean that the file is not on your computer. You may have the photo saved somewhere else on your computer instead of in Lightroom. If you have the photo but it is located in a different save source, Lightroom may say “File not found.”

If the file is damaged in any way for several reasons during downloading, uploading, saving, etc., Lightroom may say “File not found.” It can be difficult to repair damaged files on your own, and Lightroom will likely recognize damaged files and prevent you from opening them.

Fixes to Lightroom Saying “File Not Found”

In most cases, fixing the issue of Lightroom saying “File not found” is simple. Let’s take a look at some fixes below in more detail.

Check if the File Is Already Saved

For example, if Lightroom says “File not found” because it thinks you have already saved or imported the file to Lightroom, quickly check to see if that is the case. If the file does, in fact, already exist, you are good to go.

Locate the Original Copy of the Photo

Lightroom might also say “File could not be found.” It may present a prompt with the option “Locate.” By clicking locate, you can find the original copy of the photo you want to edit in Lightroom and upload it to the software.

If Lightroom does not support the file type you thought you had saved to Lightroom, locate the original photo and save it as a file type accepted by Lightroom. If the photo is saved to your computer but not to Lightroom, do the same thing. If the file is damaged, you will likely need to replace the damaged file with the photo you wish to use and save it as a new file.

Log Out and Log Back In

If you cannot figure out why Lightroom says “File not found,” it can be beneficial to log out of Lightroom and sign back in. If you refresh the software, you might not have the problem anymore.

Why Can’t I Import My Photos in Lightroom?

Similarly to not being able to open your files in Lightroom, you might have trouble importing your photos to Lightroom.

In many cases, the problems are the same as some of the factors mentioned above:

  • File type not supported by Lightroom
  • Damaged file
  • Incorrect import settings

If the file type is not supported by Lightroom, it will typically prevent you from saving the photo in Lightroom in the first place. Additionally, if the file is damaged before being imported into Lightroom, Lightroom may detect the damaged file and prevent it from being imported.

If your import settings on Lightroom do not match the setting capabilities of the file type that you want to import, you will also not be able to import the file. Make sure that your import preferences on Lightroom match the file type to ensure efficient importing.

Placeit For Photo Editing

If you would like to branch out and discover new ways to edit your photos hassle-free, consider Placeit as the hub for your graphic design endeavors. With thousands of free logos, templates, mockups, and more, you can customize your designs with your own photos or edit the free resources offered to you to ensure that your designs come out exactly as needed.

Takeaway

There are different reasons why Lightroom says “File not found.” Whether the file is already saved to Lightroom or you have yet to import it to Lightroom, fixes for “File not found” are rarely problematic.

Why Does Photoshop Keep Flickering? [How to Fix It]

You’re trying to use photoshop on your computer, but it won’t stop flickering for some reason. You have already taken steps to stop this from happening, but you don’t know what else to do. Why does it keep flickering?

There are a few reasons this could be happening, but most of all, it is happening within the program itself. There are several ways you can fix this, from updating your program to something a little more severe.

You can fix this problem in many ways. To figure out what you can do to stop the flickering issue, continue reading to learn the why and what you should do about it.

Why Does Photoshop Keep Flickering?

There are a few possible reasons why your photoshop may be flickering.

Here are some of those reasons:

  • The photoshop program has not been updated
  • It may be the pen or direct select tool
  • Your Graphic Processor is turned on
  • Legacy Compositing is turned off
  • There is a bug in the program

These are several reasons why your photoshop is flickering. It can be daunting when flickering occurs, and you just have to go through a few steps to determine the problem. Soon you’ll be up and running in no time.

How to Fix Photoshop Keep Flickering

So how can you fix Adobe’s photoshop flickering? There are a few things you can do.

Here are some of those solutions:

  • Update your program
  • Restart your program
  • Turn off the pen tool or direct select tool
  • Turn off Graphic Processor
  • Ensure Legacy Compositing is on
  • Uninstall and reinstall the program

Continue reading to learn how to complete each solution to fix the problem with photoshop.

Update Your Program

Sometimes glitches occur in older programs. They don’t have the most up-to-date defenses against viruses and other bugs. When your program starts to glitch, most of the time, there will be an update pushed out to fix these issues.

You will want to check your Adobe photoshop program for an update. This could be the solution to any flickering or glitches. After you have updated the program, restart it before using it. This will ensure you are using the latest version.

Restart Your Program

If your program has been open for a while, you may need to restart the program. This is one of the easiest ways to try and fix any problem you have going on. If it doesn’t do the job, continue to the next solution.

Turn Off Pen Tool Or Direct Select Tool

Some users have reported the pen tool, or direct select tool has caused the flickering problem in their program. You can enter your program and turn off both of these, then test to see if the problem has been solved.

Turn Off Graphic Processor

Sometimes your graphic processor may be the problem with this flickering. You can go to “Preferences” in photoshop. Then you will click on “Performance” and ensure you uncheck the option to use Graphic Processor.

Exit out of those screens and continue using Photoshop to see if it will begin working correctly. You can even restart the program to see if this helps as well.

Ensure Legacy Compositing Is On

Legacy Compositing is a type of older processing within photoshop that can help remove the flickering issue. With the newer programs, it is not defaulted to be on.

Follow the steps to turn off the Graphic Processor settings, and there you should find the Legacy Compositing settings. Turn them on and then restart the program. It won’t automatically start working until you have restarted the program.

Uninstall And Reinstall Program

Last but not least, if all the other solutions do not resolve your issue, you can uninstall and reinstall the program.

To do this, complete the following steps:

  1. Open up settings on your computer.
  2. Click on “Apps.”
  3. Open “Apps features,” which will bring you a list of programs installed on your computer.
  4. Find Adobe Photoshop and click on the three dots.
  5. Your computer will ask if you want to “modify” or “uninstall,” you will pick “uninstall.”
  6. After it is completely removed from your computer, go to the adobe photoshop website to download the program.
  7. Complete the steps to download the program.
  8. Log into your Adobe account.

Once you get set up, ensure that the program is no longer flickering. Test the program. There should no longer be any flickering. If it persists, contact Adobe to report the issue and see their suggestions. They may need to send out an update to fix this bug.

Outro

Adobe has been aware of similar issues and has sent out an update, but always check if there are more. Programs are constantly changing as things arise. If there are no updates, try many other solutions listed before so you can get to creating in no time!

Should You Use Photoshop or Lightroom First?

When it comes to photo editing software, Photoshop and Lightroom are two of the most popular options. Photoshop and Lightroom are powerful Adobe photography tools, but it can be confusing which one should be used first. Should you use Photoshop or Lightroom first?

It is best to start editing photos in Lightroom first. Lightroom is perfect for making global adjustments and changes to general exposure. Photoshop is usually not a necessary step in the photo editing process if Lightroom is used first.

In this post, we will discuss when to use Lightroom and Photoshop. Keep reading to discover why Lightroom is the best option to start your photo editing.

Should You Use Lightroom First?

Using Lightroom first is the smartest option when it comes to photo editing. You can employ Photoshop later, but only if you need to make more specific adjustments and edits to an image.

You should use Lightroom first when editing photos because:

  • Lightroom is perfect for making global adjustments.
  • Lightroom lets you use sliders to apply edits across a set of photos
  • Lightroom is a beginner-friendly, powerful tool for photo editing

But, what makes Lightroom better than Photoshop? Keep reading to find out.

Lightroom Features

With Lightroom, you have access to a lot of features.

They include:

  • Cropping
  • White balance
  • Exposure
  • Histogram adjustments
  • Tonal curves
  • Black and white conversion
  • Spot removal
  • Red-eye corrections
  • Gradients
  • Local adjustments
  • Sharpening
  • Noise reduction
  • Lens profile corrections
  • Vibrance
  • Saturation

Lightroom is the more approachable software option of the two. It allows for simple edits to be made with minimal effort and time.

When Should You Use Photoshop?

Photoshop can be helpful in quite a few different scenarios. However, it does not need to be used all the time and certainly should not be used first if you are pairing it with Lightroom.

You should Photoshop an image when:

  • You need to make specific, detailed edits
  • You want to edit at the pixel level
  • You have the time to invest in learning Photoshop
  • You are comfortable with Photoshop’s interface

Now, let’s see what Photoshop is good for.

Photoshop Features

Photoshop is great for certain applications.

They include:

  • Advanced retouching – To change shapes and sizes in an image, Photoshop is needed.
  • Composite images – To create a single image from multiple images, sliced together, Photoshop is needed.
  • HDR exposures – To create an exposure that blends images through highlights and shadows, Photoshop is needed.
  • Panoramic images – To create a panoramic image from multiple images, Photoshop is needed.
  • Advanced healing – To adjust skin tones, remove blemishes and whiten teeth, Photoshop is needed.

In general, you should use Photoshop sparingly. It’s a more complex piece of software and can make images look quite distorted if used improperly.

Do Professional Photographers Use Lightroom or Photoshop?

Professional photographers most commonly use a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop. Lightroom is perfect for making batch edits to a series of photos, while Photoshop is great for specific edits. But if a professional photographer is only using one of the two programs, they are most certainly using Lightroom.

These are what professional photographers use either applications when editing photos:

LightroomPhotoshop
– Cropping
– Adjusting exposure
– Adjusting white balance
– Applying presets
– Removing objects from photos
– Creating composite images
– Adding text to images
– Changing colors in images

Lightroom also allows for easier organization of large numbers of photos over Photoshop. In Photoshop you can’t apply edits to a group of photos easily as you can in Lightroom.

Oftentimes, professional photographers will use Lightroom first to batch edit photos and then go over individual images in Photoshop as needed to create the right look.

Do You Need Photoshop If You Have Lightroom?

You do not need Photoshop if you have Lightroom. Lightroom is a powerful program that can do almost everything Photoshop can do.

If you are just getting started in photography, we recommend using Lightroom first. Photoshop is a great program, but it’s not necessary for everyone. Also, Lightroom has a host of features that can meet most simple editor’s needs.

Lightroom is easier to use than Photoshop. It’s the perfect program for beginners. Photoshop is more complex and can be overwhelming for people just starting out.

And if you are not sure which program to use, we recommend trying Lightroom first. You can always upgrade to Photoshop later if you need it. But oftentimes, if you start with Lightroom you rarely need the upgraded possibilities of Photoshop, but that really depends on the type of work you create.

What Happens If You Use Photoshop and Lightroom Together?

If you want, you can use Photoshop and Lightroom together.

The suggested workflow is to start in Lightroom, make your batch edits and then switch to Photoshop. This is the easiest way to use these two programs together.

Your image will not change in size or quality unless you change the save settings. But you should be able to use Lightroom and then upload your image into Photoshop without any issues. If you know what you are doing using Lightroom then Photoshop can create some amazing, high-quality images too.

Photoshop is great for advanced editing that can’t be done in Lightroom. You can even go so far as to change the color of different objects in an image. How cool?!

What Are the Main Differences Between Photoshop and Lightroom?

The main differences between Photoshop and Lightroom are far but not wide.

They include:

  • Photoshop is more complex and can be overwhelming for people just starting out.
  • Lightroom is easier to use than Photoshop.
  • Photoshop offers more features than Lightroom.
  • Lightroom is a better choice for beginners.

Photoshop has an intricate interface that can be difficult to get used to, however, it has tons of tools, that are unavailable in Lightroom, to edit the perfect photo.

In Summary: Use Lightroom Before Photoshop

You should use Lightroom before Photoshop. Photoshop is more complex and can be overwhelming for people just starting out. Lightroom is a better choice for beginners. Photoshop offers more features than Lightroom, but Lightroom is easier to use than Photoshop. And since Lightroom is so easy it takes only minutes to get the edits you want.

Is It Possible to Unflatten an Image in Photoshop?

Using multiple layers allows a designer to add or subtract elements from a design without altering the original image. An image constructed with multiple layers can be flattened to reduce the file size, but you may be wondering if you can unflatten an image once the layers have been merged.

Flattened images created in Photoshop cannot be unflattened if the progress has already been saved. If progress has not been saved, steps can be taken to reverse the flattening of layers. Some data can be lost in the unflattening process, however it will prevent you from starting at the beginning.

To learn more about how layers work and what steps to take if you need to unflatten an image, continue reading.

Unflattening an Image in Photoshop – What You Should Know

As stated above, once you have flattened an image and clicked the “save” button there is no going back therefore this section will discuss tips and tricks for working with layers and how to save your work and still make changes if necessary.

Go Back Into Time – Use Your History

Before going into further detail let’s begin with what to do if you have not saved your work yet and find that you need to unflatten the image.

First, access the “history” tab from the settings menu. Next, scroll until you find where you merged the layers. Then click on the item before you merged the layers and your work will retract to that point.

Although you may have to redo a few steps you have not lost all of your progress and can quickly get back to where you need to be.

Create Duplicate Files For Editing Purposes

One way to avoid the dreaded problem of having a flattened image that needs editing is to create a duplicate document without merging the layers.

Saving a copy of your work will prevent you from having to start all over or go back through your history to undo your work. It is the best way to protect yourself and save a lot of time.

In some cases, it may be helpful to save more than one version depending on how many images and layers you are using that way you have more options if you need to go back and make changes to your work.

Duplicate Layers Give More Editing Options

The next best way to ensure you don’t run into issues with flattening and saving your image is to create duplicates of each layer you are using in the image.

Using duplicate layers is great because you can try different techniques or design ideas and see how they look with the rest of the image.

You have the option to hide a layer or make it visible. Creating duplicate layers helps you to get the image correct the first time and can save a lot of time in the long run.

Additionally, when flattening the image you can select which layers are merged so you can save the flattened image and still have an unflattened version hidden in the document.

You can easily make it visible and make any necessary changes if you decide the flattened version falls short of your expectations.

Although this may not help the issue of reducing the file size it will help if you need to make changes. Once you are positive you won’t need to make any changes you can always save a duplicate version that has been flattened.

Organization is Key When Managing Layers

When using multiple layers things can sometimes get confusing. It is essential to your sanity that you properly label and organize your layers.

It is always a good idea to keep the panel that controls the layers open on the side of your screen so you can keep up with what you are doing and which layer you are working on.

If creating duplicate layers as suggested above the best way to keep them organized is to label them in a way that makes sense.  

For example, if layer two is named background then its duplicate layer should be labeled background two or something equivalent to let you know that it is the duplicated version.

Don’t Be Too Hasty With the Save Button

Now you know that if you flatten an image in Photoshop and hit the save button you cannot unflatten the image. If you follow the advice in this article about creating duplicate documents and layers you can be more relaxed and focus on your design instead of trying to correct a mistake.

How to Fix Chapped Lips in Photoshop [Easy Guide]

As photo editors, we often have to fix images that are not perfect. This might include simple alterations, like removing blemishes, to more complex ones, like adding in missing elements or various effects. One of the most common image issues you’ll need to fix time and again is chapped lips, especially around the colder months. The question is: what is the best way to go about this process?

In this article, we will provide a brief but in-depth guide on how to fix chapped lips in one of the most popular graphics editors used today, Photoshop. As you read, you’ll learn what tools, settings, and Photoshop features will help you achieve luscious, healthy lips in just a few easy steps.

Use the Spot Healing Brush Tool for Quick Fixes

When it comes to editing images on Photoshop, there are oftentimes several ways to go about something while achieving relatively the same result. While we’d like to be thorough every step of the way, occasionally quick fixes are necessary to save time and energy.

The quickest and easiest way to fix chapped lips in Photoshop is by using the “Spot Healing Brush” or the more precise “Healing Brush” tools. These can be found in the toolbar on the left-hand side of your screen and will appear as a band-aid icon.

Photoshops’ healing brush tools are ideal for correcting little imperfections in your images. For chapped lips, this can include:

  • Removing flaky skin
  • Smoothing out minor cracks in the lips
  • Eliminating shine from medications like ointments or chap stick
  • Altering color to remove irritation

These tools can also help with simple edits you would perform on even the healthiest lips, such as removing small hairs that might be present around them.

Once selected, all you need to do is brush over the areas you want to fix and voilà! You’ll see instant results. If the lips are only slightly chapped and need minimal work, then these tools might be all you need.

However, if there is significant cracking, irritation, and other issues, you might want to limit how much you use the healing brush tools, as they could actually worsen the appearance. Instead, we recommend making small changes with these tools and then trying to incorporate other tools and methods on this list.

Clone Stamp Tool for Cracked and Chapped Lips

One of the hardest symptoms of cracked lips to edit is deep indentations or cracks in both the upper and lower lip. While the spot healing brush is great for smoothing out and eliminating small imperfections, it might not be enough to fix deep cracks. For this reason, we recommend using the clone stamp tool.

The clone stamp tool allows you to take a “sample” of an area of the image and then “stamp” or “clone” it over another area. This is great for taking the healthy skin around the lips and using it to cover up cracked skin.

To best use the clone stamp tool to fix chapped lips, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Open your image in Photoshop and correct any exposure or white balance issues
  2. Duplicate the background layer twice, naming on “high” and the other “low”
  3. Hide the “high” layer and select the “low” layer
  4. Select “Filter” then “Blur” then “Gaussian Blur” and set a radius of 4
  5. Alter the “high” layer’s blending mode to “Linear Light”
  6. In the “high” layer, select the “Clone Stamp” tool from the toolbar or by pressing “s” on your keyboard.
  7. In the Options bar, set the Sample to “Current Layer” and the Opacity to 100%
  8. Next, find an area of skin that is similar in tone and texture to the area you want to fix.
  9. Left-click to select this area and then hover over the area you want to fix.
  10. While holding down the left mouse button, begin “stamping” or “cloning” the healthy skin onto the cracked skin (be sure not to remove too much detail).
  11. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied with the results.
  12. Repeat this process as necessary.

The use of a high and low frequency layer in this guide is referred to as frequency separation, which is a commonly used retouching process used by professional editors and avid Photoshop users. While you can skip the early steps and go right to using the clone stamp tool, this guide will yield superior, more natural, results.

Alternatively, you can substitute the steps for frequency separation for those used in the popular “dodge and burn” method for comparable results if this process is more preferable.

Final Thoughts

The next time you notice chapped lips in the image you need to edit, try these Photoshop tools for a quick and effective fix. While there are more advanced methods you can use, the healing brush and clone stamp tools should provide you with sufficient results in fewer steps so you can move on to the next editing task or image.

How To Save a GIF in Photoshop Without Losing Quality

Photoshop is a great way to create and edit GIFs but what do you do when it comes time to save the file? You may be wondering how you can save a GIF in Photoshop without losing the quality of the image you worked so hard to create.

To learn some helpful tips on how to successfully save a GIF using Photoshop without losing the quality continue reading.

The Importance of Image Quality

In today’s world, image quality matters more than ever when it comes to attracting and retaining a viewer’s attention.

High-quality imagery resonates with professionalism and know-how. When a person sees a website with great images that are not grainy, blurry, or misproportioned they are more likely to keep checking because of its appealing appearance.

As an example, if you were to view two different websites that offered similar products or services you are likely to choose the site that has good quality images, animations, and a well-designed page.

You are not going to opt for the one that looks like someone made it in their grandmother’s basement.

The section below will give you tips on how to save your GIF in Photoshop without compromising on the quality.

How to Save a GIF in Photoshop Without Losing Quality

Fortunately, there are a few different ways you can successfully save a GIF in Photoshop while still retaining its quality. 

Use Your Preset Menu   

One way you can save a GIF in Photoshop and still produce a quality image is to head up to the preset menu once you have your Photoshop program open.

Next, you need to ensure you have the 128 dithered setting checked. Then under the color options select the option that says 256 colors.

For online purposes or if your file size is too large you can change the height and width of the image under the image size menu.

Once all of the correct settings have been selected go to the looping options menu. Then, select the “forever” option to allow your GIF to run on a continuous loop without interruptions.

Save For Web Option

Another way you can save your GIF using Photoshop without losing quality is to use the “save for web” option. Once in the menu, select the GIF setting under the format tab, then select the amount of color you wish to use.

You will also have the option to select whether or not you want the image to have dither or no dither added. Opting for an image that is not dithered will offer a higher quality image but take up more storage space.

Once you have selected your desired settings simply click the save button and your image is ready for whatever you have planned.

Use a Program to Compress and Store Files

To effectively reduce file size and increase your sharing and storing options using a program such as WinZip or an equivalent.

WinZip is a program that can be used to compress files to take up less storage space and also offers other benefits to make using, sharing, and saving your files easier.

Using a program such as this will help to ensure your GIF does not lose quality. Similar to Winzip some programs and tools can be accessed online to help reduce file size and keep the image quality top-notch.

Free and paid file compression and storage programs can also be found online by using your favorite search engine and you will find multiple options for reducing file sizes so you can edit in Photoshop without losing the quality.

Sometimes Less Is More

Another way to reduce the size of your GIF so you can save it without losing the quality of your image is to reduce the number of colors you are using. Fewer colors mean less information the file needs to store.

In addition to using fewer colors, the types of shapes you use can make a difference. The more complex the shapes used to create your image the larger the file size and the more compressing you will need to do.

Canvas Size Can Affect Quality of Image

Similar to adjusting the actual height and width of your image, you also have the option to alter the size of the canvas which allows you to retain the quality you need.

Multiple Ways to Save and Retain Image Quality

As you can see it is possible to save your GIF in Photoshop without losing the quality of your image. If you follow the tips in this article you are sure to produce quality eye-catching logos and animated images that will keep viewers entertained and coming back.

Can You Post Book Covers on Instagram?

Book covers are gorgeous sights to behold. Sometimes, you can’t help but want to post one on your social media. If you are thinking about posting a book cover, you might wonder – can you post book covers on Instagram, or will you get in trouble? Are there any copyright issues associated with this action?

It’s not illegal to post book covers on Instagram if you are using them for items like a review or teaching. If you steal the image and use it for an advertisement, there may be a copyright issue.

If you’re interested in learning more about posting book covers on Instagram, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the legality of posting book covers on Instagram, if they have a copyright, and why you would make these posts on Instagram. The more you know, the more confident your posts can be.

Is It Legal To Post Book Covers on Instagram?

It’s legal to post book covers on Instagram, especially if you take them yourself. However, there needs to be a genuine reason behind the post. If you place the image on social media with the intent to make money for yourself, there can be issues that come with the posting. It’s possible for legal action to occur against you, the poster.

Copyright is the trouble that can emerge most when posting book covers on Instagram. It’s critical to determine where the line lies with items like book covers. Do book covers have copyright, or are they free from this legal term? What are the risks associated with book covers with legal troubles?

Do Book Covers Have Copyright?

Book covers are copyrightable images. If you take one and use it in a way that doesn’t fit the legal usage requirements, you can receive serious consequences. It’s critical to take care if you want to place a book cover image on social media. The book covers have separate copyright from the content inside the novel. 

The copyright typically belongs to one of three people:

  1. The author of the book
  2. The original artist of the book cover
  3. The book cover service that produced the work

You may need to do a little research to determine who owns the rights to the book cover.

If you want to post the book cover on social media, you either need to get permission from the owner or ensure the book cover post falls under fair use laws. If you don’t fit either of these criteria, you may face serious legal action. This trouble is particularly serious if you make any money from the post with the book cover. You may owe the owner money for the post.

Why Would You Post Book Covers On Instagram?

We’ve talked about a few copyrights associated with posting a book cover, but why would someone post this image on their social media? It’s a popular selection amongst book lovers for a few reasons.

There are several reasons you might post a book cover on Instagram:

  1. Reviews: Individuals may post a cover as an image for a review of a book.
  2. Excitement: Someone might display the cover out of excitement for the novel.
  3. Promotion: A person may want to promote the novel on their page.
  4. Appreciation: Individuals may adore the book and want to show the world what they read.

These are all legal ways to display a book cover, particularly if the image is of a book purchased yourself.

There may be other reasons you want to post a book cover on Instagram. If you are ready to show the world your favorite cover, consider the four fair use exceptions before making a choice that could be illegal under copyright laws.

What Are the Four Fair Use Exceptions to Copyright?

Fair use provides exceptions to traditional copyright. If your use falls under any of these categories, it’s okay to post the book cover on social media. Let’s dive deeper into the fair use exceptions to determine if your social media post falls under these four categories. It’s critical to consider these.

Here are the four fair use exceptions to copyright:

  1. The purpose and character of use: What are you using the image for online? Is it a simple review or a sale?
  2. The nature of the work: What kind of work is in question? Is it a book cover or something much larger?
  3. The amount used: How much of the copyrighted piece did you use? Was it part of the art or the entire thing?
  4. The effect on the market or value: Does the post bring in a profit or increase the value of the property? Who does that benefit? Are you making more money than the original owner?

These allow someone to use an image that would otherwise fall under copyright.

Check to see if your intention fits within these categories. If it does, you can feel free to post the image on Instagram without a second thought. If your post violates any of these items, you should avoid putting it on the internet. You could suffer consequences if the artist or owner of the piece determines you have stolen their work.

Final Thoughts

If you’re interested in posting a book cover on Instagram, it’s critical to ensure you’re within the legal bounds of copyright to determine if it’s okay for you to post. If your intentions fall under the fair-use laws, you can add the image to your account. If it does not, don’t put the picture online. There could be severe consequences.

We hope this information was helpful! It’s critical to take care of the internet, especially with copyright – you never know when you could steal someone else’s art. If you’re unsure about the laws surrounding the image, keep it in your photos. If you take precautions, there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the art!

Can You Post Album Covers on Instagram?

Some album covers stand out as the best of the best. You may fall in love with the art and feel the desire to post them on social media. Are you allowed to post album covers on social media? Are there any laws that prevent individuals from taking images from their favorite album covers and placing them on the internet?

You can post album covers on Instagram, but only if they fall under fair use for the product. It’s not advisable to post them unless you ensure your action falls under specific laws that make them legal.

Another exception would be if the artist permitted you to post the information on Instagram. If you know the artist or follow them, you can reach out to the individuals to determine if they are okay with you posting album covers on social media. If they say yes, you can post the image. If they say no, you should refrain from putting the picture on your page.

Is It Legal to Post Album Covers on Instagram?

Album covers fall into the same category as book covers when posting images on Instagram. If you want to put any art on social media, it is copyrightable. You can only post album covers on Instagram if you know the post follows fair use laws. This law prevents individuals from stealing from the original artist.

Another exception would be if the artist gave you permission to post the information in Instagram. If you know the artist or follow them, you can reach out to the individuals to determine if they are okay with you posting album covers on social media. If they say yes, you can post the image. If they say no, you should refrain from putting the picture on your page.

Is Album Cover Art Copyrighted?

Album cover art is copyrighted in the country where the art is registered. The laws may vary based on the location, so the copyright laws won’t look the same in the United States as in Europe. It’s critical to note that there are copyright laws on album cover art no matter where you go.

If you don’t find proper permission for an album cover, you could find yourself in deep trouble. You may need to pay a fine or could be responsible for more severe penalties if you make a profit from posting an album cover on Instagram.

If you want to post an album cover on Instagram, it’s critical to do as much research as possible before completing the task. There should be plenty of information online to help determine the copyrights surrounding the art. If you can’t find anything, you are good to go. If there are explicit statements against posting, stay away from them to avoid trouble in the future.

Can I Use An Album Cover As A Profile Picture?

Using an album cover as a profile picture is the same as posting it to your page. You still need to check the rights associated with the image before you place it on your main page. If you violate any of these rules and the owner notices, you could suffer consequences.

One of the issues comes with income. If your account makes money and you have an album cover as your profile picture, you could be using someone else’s art for your gain. Someone can place restrictions and fines on you as a result.

If you find an album cover you love, check the restrictions before posting it. You never know what you could get in trouble with on the internet today.

Are Music Covers Fair Use?

Music covers are a variation of a song. Album covers and their art fall under fair use, but what about music covers? What if you record your version and post it on the internet? Many assume changing the tune means no more restrictions associated with the music. There are two things you need to cover music online.

If you decide to cover a song, you need to obtain a:

  • Compulsory license
  • Statutory royalty fee

There are limits if you cover a song with the intent to sell it online.

It’s critical to get everything in order before you post a cover on social media. If you don’t, you may find your music removed before many people have the chance to see it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry if you want to take advantage of another person’s work for your gain.

How Many Seconds of Copyrighted Music Can I Use On Instagram?

We’ve talked about album and music covers. If you have permission for an album cover, can you add copyrighted music along with the post? How many seconds of copyrighted music can you use on Instagram? It’s critical to know if you want an aesthetic image that follows every copyright law perfectly.

Some individuals say that up to thirty seconds of a copyrighted song is okay on Instagram. Still, others recommend staying under the three-second mark. Instagram typically allows individuals to post up to thirty seconds on some tunes. However, it’s still critical to check the rights of the song before putting it online. You don’t want trouble.

Final Thoughts

If you are interested in posting an album cover, it’s critical to consider all the copyrights surrounding the image before you put the photo online. If it’s not under fair use and you don’t have permission, you could suffer consequences for your decision. Take care when posting your favorite album covers on Instagram.

We hope this information was helpful! The more you know about copyright laws, the better. If you’re not sure about a posting situation, you might be better off leaving the image in your photo album. Luckily, fair use laws make it legal to share most of your favorite covers if using them for the right reasons on the internet. There is still room for everyone to share!

3 Best Places to Sell Twitch Overlays

If you’re a digital artist or graphic designer with a passion for gaming, music, and other forms of entertainment then you likely know that Twitch is the leading video live streaming service. You might also know that Twitch streamers who are looking to take their channel to the next level will invest in various graphical brand items, like Twitch overlays. If you’re interested in creating and selling these as successfully as possible, you’ll need to know the best venues.

In this article, we are going to list the top 3 best places for graphic designers and digital artists to sell their Twitch overlays. As you read, you’ll learn the benefits of each option, what price most people sell their Twitch overlays, and the average amount of your target audience you’ll likely reach there.

1. Fiverr

If you’re serious about selling your Twitch overlays and other related products as a source of income or full-time profession, then the absolute best place to start is on Fiverr.

Fiverr is a global online marketplace where you can sell your Twitch overlays for a starting price of just five dollars. Of course, once you get started and build up a good reputation on the site, there’s no reason why you can’t charge much more than that, especially if you’re selling particularly high-quality work.

The overarching benefit of selling Twitch overlays on Fiverr is that this is a highly reputable website that had 3.42 million active buyers in 2020. So, if you’re looking to get your name out there and build up a client base, then this is most certainly the site for you.

Additionally, because of the site’s traffic and reputation, it is also designed to be extremely user-friendly, and is well-established with security measures and assistance resources to ensure you, your products, and transactions are protected.

The biggest drawback to using Fiverr to sell your Twitch overlays is the extensive competition you’ll face and the 20% fee the site takes from your earnings to support itself, since it is free for users to sign up and sell products.  

These are factors you’ll have to weigh heavily before determining if this is the most profitable and advantageous option for you.

2. Etsy

Although Fiverr is undoubtedly our top choice for selling Twitch overlays online, a close second would be Etsy.

Etsy is a popular e-commerce website that is also trustworthy and receives a significant amount of traffic, earning 96.3 million active buyers in the fourth quarter of 2021 alone.

Looking at the sheer scope of Etsy buyers compared to Fiverr, you might be wondering why this site isn’t our top choice. The reason for this is that Etsy is mainly focused on selling handmade or vintage items, as well as unique factory-manufactured products.

People shopping here are not typically looking for digital products like Twitch overlays, which means you’ll have to put in a bit more effort to market your product.

That being said, if you have a creative and high-quality Twitch overlay design, Etsy could be a great option for selling it. Just like Fiverr, you’ll set up your own shop page on Etsy where potential buyers can browse your available Twitch overlays, and when you sell one, it will charge a 6.5% transaction fee.

Because this is significantly lower than Fiverr and the consumer base is much higher, you might deem Etsy the superior choice.

3. Deviant Art

If you were a passionate digital artist or graphic designer in the early 2000s, then you’ll know how instrumental DeviantArt was in providing a community tailored specifically for these individuals and their works.

While you might be thinking that DeviantArt has been dead for the past decade or so, the reality is that the site has undergone some significant changes regarding its filter and design that attributed to its decline in traffic.

Nowadays, not only is traffic slowly increasing, but you’ll find that there is still a substantial amount of digital artists and graphic designers using the site to upload their works and connect with interested parties for commissions.

If you were to type “Twitch overlay” into Deviant Art’s search bar today, you’d see over 14,000 deviations appear, signaling that it is still a relevant venue for you to sell your own Twitch overlays. While it might not be your first choice, its another viable option for increasing your influence and growing a steady following.

Honorable Mentions

When it comes to selling Twitch overlays, our top recommendations are Fiverr, Etsy, and DeviantArt for the reasons discussed above.

That being said, these are far from your only options. There are other websites where you can feasibly sell your work for a profit. Our honorable mentions include:

The reasons why these websites are receiving a shoutout versus being recommend on equal footing as the previous three is that they are all best suited as supplemental venues rather than being your primary shop for selling Twitch overlays.

All of these websites experience far less traffic than the other sites, are not as well know, and are less likely to come to mind for target audience members searching to purchase a Twitch overlay.

Final Thoughts

Selling Twitch overlays will likely be challenging to start, regardless of where you choose to sell them. However, you can give yourself the best chance possible by choosing one or more of our recommendations listed here. Over time, with enough dedication, hard work, and marketing, you should see support and profits that reach and hopefully exceed your goals.