If you don’t have a specialized keyboard, typing in a language other than English may feel a bit hectic when working on designs in Canva. Adding accent marks to text isn’t as simple as typing out the letters on your keyboard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it at all.

In total, there are several ways to add accent marks when working in Canva:

1. Install an extension like Google Input Tools
2. Learn and use Windows Alt Key Codes
3. Use keyboard shortcuts
4. Copy and paste 

When creating designs and logos, it’s important to get every detail right, even if that means adding the accent marks found in words like résumé or jalapeño. Keep reading to learn a few easy ways to add accent marks in Canva.

How To Add An Accent Mark In Canva

Over the past few years, Canva has quickly become the go-to editor for many business owners, designers, and content creators across the globe. This means that users are creating designs using all different styles of text and language. Unfortunately, Canva doesn’t provide a simple way to add accent marks to text. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

Generally, accent marks can be included when typing by using external tools or keyboard shortcuts. Whichever method you use comes down to personal preference and the equipment that you’re using. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular methods for adding accent marks, so that you can choose the one that works best for you.

1. Using Google Input Tools

If you’re a Google Chrome user, then Google Input Tools is going to be the best option for adding accent marks in Canva. This is a Chrome extension that makes it easy for users to type in any language they choose.

To use Google Input Tools on Canva, simply install the extension on your Chrome browser and make sure it is enabled. Then, click on the extension icon in your Chrome toolbar and select ‘Extension Options.’ This is where you would choose which languages you would like to use.

Now that you’ve selected your language, you can use those input tools on any webpage, including sites like Canva and Placeit. Simply click on the extension icon, select the language, and start typing. You can also select ‘Show Keyboard’ from the extension options, to have a visual of what your new keyboard looks like.

2. Using Windows Alt Key Codes

Another quick fix for adding accent marks without installing an extension is to learn the Windows Alt key codes. These codes are essentially keyboard shortcuts available on any Microsoft Windows operating system.

To use an Alt key code, you simply hold down the Alt key on your keyboard and type in the code. For example, if you wanted to add an e with an accent grave above it (è), you would hold Alt and type 0232.

However, you will need to know which codes to use in order for this method to work. You can find a list of the Alt key codes here.

3. Creating Accents with Keyboard Shortcuts: PC vs. Mac

If you are a Mac user, you have options for keyboard shortcuts as well. Instead of using Alt key codes like on Windows, you will simply hold the Option key plus the letter that represents the accent you would like to add, and press the letter you would like to add an accent to.

So, if we use the example from earlier and add an accent grave above the letter e, you would hold Option + `, and the press E. Once again, however, you will need to learn which letters represent which accents. Here is a list of the Mac Option codes for reference.

4. Copy and Paste Accent Marks

This is probably the simplest method by which you can add accent marks to Canva. If you know which mark you want to add, find it in another source and copy and paste it into your Canva document.

This is generally preferred by those who are in a time crunch and don’t have the means for memorizing key codes or downloading extensions. Plus, this ensures you are using the correct accent mark and not something similar.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide made it a bit easier for you to add accent marks online in programs like Canva. Even if you strictly design in English, there is a chance that you will need to use an accent mark at some point. After all, English borrows many words from other languages, such as déjà vu, café, and naïve.

In the past several years, touch screens and tablets have exploded in popularity and as a result digital drawing is bigger than ever. There are many tools we can use to create amazing works of art like styluses. Some of the styluses have discs on them, are they going to do a good job drawing?

Disc styluses are good for drawing because they create as close contact as possible with the screen in order to make what you input as accurate as possible. This means that you will get an exact result when you draw.

What makes a disc stylus so special, and can they really be used to draw effectively? Read on to find out.

What Is a Disc Tip Stylus?

A disc stylus is a special kind of capacitated stylus pen that emphasizes high sensitivity and precision for digital screens. The tip of the stylus features a small flat disc on the tip which allows the device to have a very close point of contact with the stylus and minimize inaccuracies when it comes to placement.

You’ve no doubt seen or used stylists before that are way off the mark and create lines which are very far from where the stylus was placed. This does not happen with a desktop stylus because it covers a wider range of motion then a regular tip would.

Another benefit is safety. A disc tip stylus is a lot safer to use than a regular stylus because it minimizes the chance of scratching the screen. Because the tip of the disc is flat instead of pointed, you will lessen the risk of accidentally drawing too hard and scratching through your device or wearing the stylus away over time.

What Can You Draw With a Disc Stylus?

One big advantage of a disc stylus is that they are compatible with a huge amount of touchscreen devices.

Mini stylus pens like windows or galaxy pens only work with their respective devices but with a disc tip, you can skirt around this issue because the tip itself will work on any touchscreen the same way your finger would. This ensures that you won’t have to buy multiple pens for your different devices or risk getting a pen and finding out it’s incompatible with your device.

How Will Disc Styluses Enhance My Art?

Here are a few scenarios in which a disc tip stylus can bring your art to the next level.

• When You Draw on a Tablet. Drawing and creating artwork on a tablet lying flat is equivalent to sketching on a piece of paper. When you draw on a physical material you don’t need to worry about accuracy or contact because a pen will naturally leave it’s mark exactly where you touch it. A disc tip stylus will do the exact same
• When You Need to Go Small. Small lines and tiny marks are going to be an issue if your stylus is not as accurate as possible. This could be you needing to draw individual branches on a tree or try and get each individual hair on a person looking accurate. With a desktop stylus you can make marks as small as you need some of that you can capture the moment with as much detail as it deserves
• When You Need Something Quality. We all have busy lives and sometimes we have to rush. This could mean that sometimes we don’t secure our styluses as well as we should, in which case our styluses break, or we draw too hard and scratch our screens. Thankfully many desktop styluses are made with this in mind and are built with premium quality so that we don’t damage our expensive devices and we can go as hard as we need to on our screens.

With a disc tip stylus, you can draw almost anything you set your mind to. This is because you will have much more accurate results because the point of contact between the device and the desk is minimized. The disc tip is large enough to see exactly where you are marking.

Conclusion

When you are drawing, creating graphics, or trying to bring your vision to life accuracy is the most important element.

If you were using a stylus or device that does not produce accurate results, then even the slightest shift in where you draw a line could produce disastrous results that throw off the composition of the entire piece.

You could theoretically account for the difference when using a cheaper stylus, but you will save yourself a whole lot of trouble and effort if you use something like a disc tip stylus. This way you can stop focusing on making your stuff work and instead focus on bringing your art to life.

Billboards are a cornerstone of advertising, and it is with good reason. These eye-catching boards announce a products name widely and can be used strategically to be very creative and effective. If you have your own property, you may be wondering if you can install a billboard there.

You can build a billboard on your own property; however, there are often extensive laws and you may even have to request a permit. Additionally, if it is a residential property you might be subject to Homeowners’ Association rules that could prevent you from building a billboard.

If you are determined to build a billboard on your property, there are some ways you can investigate to do so. Keep reading to learn more about the process of building a billboard on your property and some alternatives if you cannot accomplish this legally.

Is it Allowed to Build a Billboard on Your Property?

Billboards are some of the most famous forms of marketing out there, and they have been around for decades. People most commonly see them on the interstate or highway, but as an advertiser you might be wondering if you can use your property to put up your own billboard.

This is a possibility, but it can be difficult. The following sections will discuss some of the things you might encounter when trying to put up a billboard.

Difficulties in Building Your Own Billboard

The advantages of building a billboard are numerous. People notice them and often remember them as they drive by every day. However, owning a property does not necessarily mean you can build a billboard.

The following things could impact why you cannot build a billboard:

• Zoning laws: Zoning laws are incredibly complicated, and dictate what you can and cannot do with your space. Even if you own a commercial property, this does not guarantee that it is a designated area where you can build a billboard.
• Permit requirements: Some states will require that you have a permit before you can begin building a billboard. Getting a permit will require an application process where the state will have to decide if your property is suitable for advertising.
• Homeowners’ Associations: If you are thinking of building a billboard in a residential area, think again. Not only is it probably illegal based on zoning laws, but you will run into issues if you belong to a Homeowners’ Association. These groups often outright ban the construction of advertising materials in a given neighborhood or area.
• Distance laws: Many states and areas will also have complex requirements for how far away billboards must be both from other billboards and also from freeway exits and other important parts of the road. To get a permit, you may need to prove that you are in accordance with these distance laws.

If you are wondering why these difficult laws exist, it ultimately comes back to the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 which took measures to make land near major roads more attractive and reduce the amount of advertising that can legally take place.

While there are a lot of reasons why people may want to have a billboard, it ultimately comes down to what you can legally do with the space you have.

How You Can Build a Billboard on Your Property

If you have your heart set on building a billboard, there are some avenues you can pursue to see if it is possible.

• Contact your local authorities: Zoning laws are typically controlled by local governments, so if you want to get started on deciphering your zoning laws, this should be the natural first step. They can tell you if it will be possible given the property you have.
• Read the fine print: Look closely at the information in your land contract or in the local zoning laws. You want to avoid doing anything that would cause you to be fined. However, you may also discover a loophole.
• Apply for a permit: If you believe you have a space that is compliant with local laws and regulations, you can then go through the permit process. This could involve some money in the form of an application fee, so you will want to be sure you can do it before you pay.
• Talk to a legal representative: An attorney experienced in zoning laws could help you justify your space or petition to change existing laws.
• Exercise free speech: This does not always work, but a last resort could involve invoking free speech laws. Many people justify political or religious billboards by claiming this; however, if you are advertising for a secular and apolitical company, this could be very difficult to argue.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and this saying is true for billboards too. However, the amount of time and money it may take to make it happen could outweigh the profits you will make from advertising.

Alternatives to Building a Billboard

If you decide that billboard building is too much of a hassle, you may choose instead to rent a billboard space. This is by far the most common option, as the companies that own billboard space have done so legally and they can then rent it out to you.

This may cost money, but it will be far less than the expenses you may run into in building your own billboard. You will also avoid any costs associated with installing the billboard and also the materials required to make the sign.

You may also choose to build your own billboard and have it installed on a property approved for billboard displays.

Conclusion

Billboards seem to be everywhere on the roads and in cities, but building one is not as simple as you think, even if you have your own property. These advertising rules are highly regulated by state laws and zoning regulations.

If you do want to build your own billboard, be prepared to do some research. It could be possible, but the process of accomplishing this will most likely be long and complicated.

Styluses have become increasingly popular tools to pair with people’s touchscreen devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops. Despite this, some are hesitant to invest in these tools because they’re concerned about whether a stylus can scratch or otherwise damage their device screens. Is this concern justified?

A stylus in ideal condition should not scratch the sensitive surface of a touchscreen device. However, if the stylus’s nib is worn, or the device’s screen is dirty, the stylus may scratch the screen.

In this article, we’ll provide tips on what you can do to ensure your stylus doesn’t scratch your device’s screen. As you read, you’ll learn about helpful maintenance steps to take, what products to use or avoid, and other preventative measures that will keep your stylus and screen in perfect condition after every use.

How to Prevent Screen Scratches From a Stylus

As we stated previously, styluses, even the cheapest options, are almost always designed to work safely on your touchscreen. It is rare for a stylus, alone, to scratch the screen of any device its paired with, especially since most devices use incredibly durable, scratch-proof materials for their touchscreens.

Still, screen scratches caused by styluses are not unheard of. It can happen even though its rare, but there are things you can do to prevent them.

The best way to prevent screen scratches from a stylus is to follow the maintenance and preventative measures listed below.

1. Check for nib damage before every use
2. Change nib regularly
3. Keep nib and screen clean
4. Stick to rubber or cotton nibs
5. Use a screen protector

Read on for more information as we discuss these tips in more detail, along with the common causes of stylus-caused screen scratches associated with them.

1. Check Your Nib for Damage

The nib refers to the tip of your stylus, and the number one cause of screen scratches caused by styluses is using this tool when the nib is damaged in some way.

A well-used stylus nib will wear down over time, and sometimes this wear will result in a sharp edge or abrasive surface that will scratch through your screen’s protective layers.

Before you start using your stylus, you should always take a second to check its nib for signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or excessive wear. If you notice these signs, it’s best to replace the nib before using the stylus again.

2. Change Nib Regularly

A great way to ensure you stylus nib doesn’t wear down to the point of scratching your screen is to replace it regularly.

Stylus nibs are relatively cheap to purchase and easy to swap out. If you use your stylus regularly, maybe change the nib every few weeks, whereas if you use it intermittently, you can opt for every few months.

Spending the $10 on a pack of new nibs will be much safer and more cost-effective then replacing a scratched touchscreen.

3. Keep Nib and Screen Clean

Probably the second most-likely reason why a stylus scratched a device screen is because an abrasive object, like dust or dirt particles, got trapped between the stylus nib and the screen’s surface. This means that it was the contaminant that caused the scratch, not your stylus.

The best way to avoid this is to regularly clean your stylus nib and screen (ideally, before every use). The nib can be easily wiped off with a microfiber towel and the screen can be cleaned with a specialty screen cleaner also paired with a microfiber towel.

4. Stick to Rubber or Cotton Nibs

While this can vary depending on a stylus’ brand and design, most can be paired with nibs of various designs and materials.

Of these materials, we recommend sticking to rubber or the rare cotton stylus nib because harder materials, like plastics, are more likely to chip and scratch your screen.

5. Use a Screen Protector

The odds of your stylus scratching your device screen on its own are minimal but applying a screen protector is a great way to reduce those odds even further.

These cheap accessories will take the brunt of any impact and will ensure scratches never reach the screen beneath. Like we said with the replacement nibs, it is far cheaper to take this preventative measure and replace a $10 screen protector than the device’s actual screen.

Final Thoughts

There’s always a slight chance that your trusty stylus might scratch or damage your phone, tablet, or laptop’s screen. That being said, if you follow the tips listed here, your chances of having a scratch-free screen are even greater.

If you need to create a PowerPoint presentation for school or work you will likely want to incorporate some images for demonstrative purposes or aesthetic effect. This may cause you to wonder if you need to cite the images you choose to incorporate in your PowerPoint.

Generally, if you are not the original creator of the drawing, image, graphic, or video in a PowerPoint presentation it needs to be cited. This will make your presentation appear more professional and protect you from legal issues associated with copyright infringement.

For more details on citing pictures used in a PowerPoint presentation continue reading.

Do I Need to Cite Altered Pictures Used In PowerPoint?

As briefly mentioned above it is necessary to cite any drawing, image, graphic, or video that is used in a PowerPoint presentation if you are not the original creator.

This also applies to images that you may have altered. You must give the original artist/creator their just dues.

It is very easy to pull images from the internet and incorporate them into your PowerPoint presentations and even easier to get sued for not giving the original creator proper credit for their work.

Steps For Attaching a Citation to a PowerPoint Presentation

Including a citation for an image in PowerPoint is very simple and can be accomplished with just a few clicks of your mouse.

1. Getting Started

Begin by opening the PowerPoint presentation that needs citations for the images used.

2. Create a Text Box

Next, you will need to select the “text box” tool at the top of the program screen. Then decide where best to place your citation depending upon the arrangement of the image and text on the page.

Once you have chosen a location for the citation use your mouse to draw an appropriately sized box in which to paste the citation.

3. Enter the Citation Information

Once you have your text box in its desired place you can type or paste the necessary information in the box.

4. Anchor Your Citation

After your text has been entered and you are happy with how it looks it is recommended that you link your text box to the image and anchor it so if you move the image the citation will move with it and not be floating awkwardly in the middle of the page.

Continue reading for information on how to correctly write the citations for your images.

3 Methods For Citing Images in a PowerPoint Presentation

 There are three formats that people generally follow when citing images for a PowerPoint presentation. 

Method 1 – The APA Format

For this method, your text will be in italic format. The following is an example of what the APA format looks like.

Figure #1. Brief image description. Adapted from “image title”.  Artist’s first initial and last name. Date of the original creation. Website URL where the image originated as well as the date you used the image.

Method 2 – The MLA Format

There are two ways to use the MLA format and they both depend upon how the image is used in the presentation. If the image is discussed thoroughly in your presentation then it is only necessary to give a brief reference that would look like the example below.

Figure 1. Brief description of the image that was discussed during the presentation.

When using the simplified version it is still necessary to give a full citation on your last slide where you list the sources used to put your PowerPoint presentation together.

The second MLA format method is more detailed and is used if the image has not been thoroughly discussed throughout the presentation.

Figure 1. Last name of the creator, first name of the creator. Brief description of the image. Date and location of the original creation. Website URL where the image originated and the date you used it.

Method 3 – The Chicago Style

The Chicago style is almost exactly like the MLA format with the exception that you will also list the name of the website in the citation as well as the URL.

Figure 1. Last name, first name, name of the image in italics, Publication year. (website name) Website URL, Date of use.

Practicing Proper Protocol Protects PowerPoint Presentations

Now that you know the importance of citing images and other work created by others in your PowerPoint presentation you can go forward knowing that you aren’t going to get sued for misuse. Properly using citations will protect you and give your PowerPoint presentation the professional edge it needs to get the right attention.

Inkscape is a popular free, open-source vector software compatible with various operating systems, including macOS, Linux, and Windows. Python is a programming language that is used for a variety of applications.

Inkscape prompts you to install Python because its extensions are written in Python. Extensions allow you to use basic scripting to automate repetitive drawing jobs. You can load a python script in the dialog box to make any shape appear on your canvas.

Since Inkscape version 0.46, the software contains the python package needed to run the extension system. If you want Inkscape to function properly or use the application’s extensions, you will need to install the correct version of Python. Keep reading for a layout of the installation process.

How to Install Python for Inkscape on Your Operating System

Before installing Inkscape, you may want to check your computer and see if you already have Python. Python may have been downloaded with another application you have used in the past. If you already have the correct python version for Inkscape, you can bypass installing it with the package manager.

If you do not have Python installed, you can download it directly from the Python website or use the package manager that came with Inkscape.

Installing Python may look a bit different, depending on your operating system. For example, most Linux distributions have Python pre-installed in the system. Therefore, you may need to check if all the features you need for Inkscape extensions are available in your distro’s package. Let’s look at the criteria and process for each operating system.

Installing Python for Windows

Unlike Linux, Windows does’nt include a pre-installed version of Python. CPython has made a Windows installer for every release of the programming language for many years. Python 3.10 supports versions of Windows form 8.1 and newer. Python 3.8 supports Windows 7.

A few installers are available for Windows, including the full installer, the Microsoft Store package, the nuget.org packages, and the embeddable package. Each package addresses your specific needs, whether you want the complete experience or looking for a pared-down version to embed in a larger application.

For Inkscape, you may only need the embeddable package. For that, you can use the package manager that comes with Inkscape. If you want to install the full version, go to the Python website and select the installer for Windows. Use the following instructions:

1. Start the Install for the appropriate version of Python for Windows, 32-or-64-bit version.
2. Choose Install Now or Customization
3. If you choose to Install Now, Python will install directly into your user directory
4. If you choose Customization, Python will install into the Program Files directory, and will allow you to select optional features during the installation.
5. In versions of Python before 3.6, you would need your administrator to activate “Enable Win32 Long Paths” policy to avoid getting an error message for path lengths longer than 260 characters.

Installing Python for macOS

macOS users have Python 2.7 pre-installed since version 10.8. However, some versions of Inkscape don’t work properly with Python 2 and need version 3. If that is the case, you’ll find a ‘universal binary’ build of Python via Apple that is intended to run natively on Mac’s new Intel and legacy PPC CPUs.

You might be better off just installing Python 3 directly from the Python website. Just be aware that you’ll have two different installers on your computer, and both are functional. Make sure your paths and usages are accordant with what you want to do.

1. Start the Install of the appropriate version of Python for macOS, a 32-or-64-bit version.
2. Choose Install Now or Customization
3. If you choose to Install Now, Python will install directly into your user directory
4. If you choose Customization, Python will install into the Program Files directory, and will allow you to select optional features during the installation.

Installing Python for Linux

Since Python is already pre-installed on Linux operating systems, if you need additional features, not available, you can build Python from the source. You can use OpenBSD, FreeBSD, or OpenSolaris to compile the latest version of Python. Each of these options will require a different command.

• FreeBSD command: pkg install Python 3
• OpenBSD command: pkg_add -r python

pkg_add

• OpenSolaris Command: pkgutil -i python27

How to Use Python in Inkscape

To get started, we need to install the Python plugin for Inkscape. This can be done from the Inkscape Preferences dialog (Edit > Preferences). Under the “System” tab, there is an option to “Enable Python support for extensions and scripts”. Check this box and restart Inkscape.

Once Python is enabled, we can access the Python console from the ” Extensions ” menu. Here, we can type Python commands and see the results in real time.

Inkscape 1.0 made the previous extension system obsolete. You need two files to create an Inkscape extension: a .inx or XML file and a .py or Python script. The .inx file contains the location and description of the extension.

In the Python script, you bring in Inkscape’s Python extension module via ‘import inkex’ to access the sub-modules for text, shapes, and other elements.

Two key factors to remember with how an extension works are the main function and class. You define the main function that calls a class you define. Within that class, you have modules inherited from inkex that you can manipulate with your own code.

Lines 17 and 18 define the main function, and Line 7 defines the class. You can also see in Line 4 where inkex was imported to access the sub-module elements. This example is extremely basic and gets more complex as you learn and add your own code to define your element further.

Conclusion

Inkscape can get a little complex when using extensions for repetitive drawing jobs if you are unfamiliar with programming languages. For those seeking an easier way to do graphic design, we recommend a online-based graphic design tool, like Placeit.

If you’re looking for a powerful photo editing software that can do more than just basic edits and costs a fraction of what leading software companies charge, then Affinity Photo is the program for you. It offers a wide range of features and allows users to create stunning photos, digital art, and graphic designs with ease.

In this article, we will cover five cool things people can do with Affinity Photo that are on par, if not superior, to other popular options, like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. As you read, you’ll find brief descriptions of each impressive features and how you can use them to improve in program efficiency and create crips, professional-looking photos.

1. Embedded Documents Feature

Starting off our list of cool things you can do with Affinity Photo is the use of its unique embedded documents feature.

In essence, the embedded document feature allows users to place vector, image or text documents inside of their Affinity Photo project as Smart Objects. These embedded document objects can be freely transformed, edited, and even exported out as standard assets.

To do this, you’ll need to have a main document already set up before opening the “File” menu and selecting the “Place” option. Next, open the desired document and either place it in its default size or drag it onto the page and set a customized size and position.

One of the best things about this feature is that it gives users the ability to work on multiple projects and layers at the same time without having to constantly save and close each document. Instead, you can edit your embedded document and see these alterations appear in real time on the main document.

This is an exceptional time saver for photographers and graphic designers and works exceptionally well for mockups.

2. Frankentoon Design

When it comes to digital design, there are two overarching disciplines: raster and vector design. Each has its own pros and cons that cause photographers, digital artists, and graphic designers to often lean towards one or the other depending on their task and desired outcome.

While many people would find it beneficial to have access to both raster and vector tools for the same design, programs rarely allow this combination. Thanks to Affinity Photo’s Frankentoon design feature it is one of few exceptions.

The Frankentoon design feature in Affinity Photo, also referred to as the Vector/Pixel Personas combo, allows users to mix vector and raster graphics within the same document.

Again, this is a huge convenience boost and time saver because it ensures you don’t need to hop between different applications or software for your vector vs. raster tasks. Simply open the associated Persona menu and select the tools you need.

If you’re new to digital design and aren’t sure when to use raster versus vector tools in Affinity Photo, here are our recommendations of under what circumstances each is most beneficial to use.

Best uses of Vector Tools	Best uses of Raster Tools
Fine, precise line work and drawing Use of scalable shapes Use of solid colors (especially for large fills) Illustration aesthetic Smooth and clean gradients	Photo-centered works Realistic textures Freestyle drawing (no constraints) Complex shading

3. Use Photoshop Brushes

We mentioned previously how a huge benefit of using Affinity Photo is its budget-friendly cost compared to popular alternatives, like Photoshop. While there are many features unique to Photoshop you won’t have access to, a game-changing feature of Affinity Photo is that it allows you to access Photoshop’s renowned brushes.

To use Photoshop brushes in Affinity Photo, follow the steps listed below:

1. Join “Envato Elements”
2. Download your desired brush file
3. Open the “Pixel Persona” menu
4. Open the “Brushes” panel
5. Click the top-right corner to open the menu
6. Select the “Import Brushes” option
7. Browse for and select your brush files
8. Select “Open”

This might be a small feature, but it can do wonders for broadening your graphic design horizons and allowing you to create works of varying aesthetics that perfectly suit yours and any potential client’s needs.

4. Create Color Palettes with the Color Chord Feature

The process of creating the prefect color palette can be extensive and tedious, but Affinity Photo makes short work of it for you with its Color Chord feature.

With Color Chord, all you need is one color to get you started. To use this feature, follow the steps listed below:

1. Open the “Swatches” panel
2. Select the “Add current file to palette”
3. Add your base color swatch
4. Right click the base color swatch layer and select “Create Color Chord”
5. Select the type of color harmony you want from the list. Most commonly used options include
   • Complementary
   • Split complimentary
   • Analogous
   • Accented analogic
   • Triadic
   • Tetradic
   • Square

This process will allow you to add one color at a time to build a stunning color palette with as little input from you as possible. If you don’t like one of the colors Color Chord provides, you can easily delete it and try again.

5. History Branches

There is almost always a significant degree of trial and error when it comes to creating graphic art. One way that Affinity Photo tries to make this process as easy as possible for you while allowing you to express your creativity in infinite ways is with its history branches feature.

Under the “History” tab on Affinity Photo, you’ll see a list of additions and alterations you make to your design. Where this feature comes in handy is that it allows you to go back to previous steps and make changes that will become a completely separate branch from the original design.

This will allow you essentially create two different designs that you can switch back and forth between using their unique branches. You can then test out various color palettes, shapes, and visually see all off your potential options before deciding which you think is best.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, this is just a short list of some of Affinity Photo’s coolest features. There’s countless other tools and options you can utilize to get the ideal results you’re looking for. If you’re interested in trying out Affinity Photo for yourself, head over to their website and download the free trial. With a little practice, you’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to use.

You are a professional who has been using Adobe Illustrator since the dawn of time and recently heard talk of another program called Affinity Designer. You may be wondering why other professionals are talking about Affinity Designer and if you should make the switch too. Keeping up with which software the pros are using can ensure your presentations stay on top.

For most professionals, the largest reason for switching to Affinity Designer is the notable price difference. Other factors contribute to why they love this program such as:

• Can easily add features or tools
• Certain features are easier to use
• Comparable features and tool options
• User-friendly

For more detailed information on why Affinity Designer is so appealing to professionals and graphic designers continue reading.

Why Affinity is Breaking the Adobe Barrier

For decades Adobe has been the number one go-to software for professionals and graphic designers and it is still in the lead today; however, Affinity Designer is giving Adobe a run for its money and the following list explains why.

1. Significant Financial Benefits

As briefly mentioned above, a large portion of professionals switch to Affinity for the simple fact that they can save a boatload of money each year.

At one time Adobe software could be purchased one time and used for life. Those days are long gone and have been replaced with monthly subscription fees and constant “upgrades” that you may or may not need, want, or even use.

An average Adobe Illustrator subscription can cost around $32.00 per month and is not likely to decrease in price in the future. Multiply that times 12 months and you can expect to pay around $384.00 every year for design software.

Comparatively, Affinity Design software has a one-time fee that will run you around $55. You can easily save over $300 per year on subscription fees by switching to Affinity. Additionally, Affinity comes with free upgrades and other benefits that extend beyond saving money.

2. More Grid Options

Affinity Designer is far more advanced than Adobe Illustrator when it comes to grid options. For example, Adobe simply offers horizontal or vertical options.

Comparatively, Affinity Designer offers a wider variety of grid tools as well as an isometric tool that can be used in conjunction with the fit-to-plane tool to create eye-popping 3D images.

Another bonus is that there is no extra charge for these features as opposed to Adobe who charges for additional plug-ins.

3. Easier Offsetting Controls

Rather than manually enter the dimensions through a complicated menu system in Adobe Illustrator, Affinity designer offers a much easier way to change the proportion and perspective of images.

Why spend more time navigating through a bunch of menus when you can simply edit your image with one click.

4. Less Complicated Anchor Point Work

When working with anchor points in Adobe Illustrator there are multiple steps to take which take longer and can be rather annoying when you are trying to make a simple change to a shape.

Affinity Designer has made it super simple to change anchor points with one tool which is another reason professionals love this software so much.

5. Less Hardware Required

Affinity Designer has another thing going for it when it comes to devise compatibility. Affinity is compatible with more devices across the board and takes up significantly less space on the hard drive which means more room for saving awesome designs.

6. Minimal Difference Between Features and Tools

Many people fear that using a less expensive software will result in less than stellar results, but with Affinity that is not the case.

Most professionals are finding that there is little difference between the programs when it comes to the features and tools used to make their final products.

7. Customizable 

Designers switching from Adobe may be concerned about particular tools or features that like to use in the old program not being included in Affinity.

The great thing about this software is it is customizable in that you can add features or tools that are not initially installed. So if you have certain brushes or other tools that make your final presentations pop don’t worry because Affinity has you covered with simple add-ons.

8. Reputable Company

Using software from a company with a good reputation that you can trust is always a plus. Professionals like the company behind the Affinity Designer software because they are straightforward with their customers.

What you see is what you get; no hidden fees or long-term subscriptions to get locked into. No threats of legal licensing issues if you don’t renew your subscription or other scare tactics that try to get you to pay for more than you should.

9. User-Friendly and Easy to Make the Switch

Many professionals who have used Adobe since the dawn of time have discovered that switching to Affinity was not as difficult as they expected.

They actually find that it is easier to use and is set up similarly to Illustrator in some ways; that makes it easier for those who are used to the other software to make the switch.

Many people who are new to this type of software are worried it will be too complicated to use but find that within a short time they love how easy it is to learn and use.

Who Can Benefit From Using Affinity Designer?

The great thing about Affinity Designer is anyone who needs to create a professional-looking presentation can do so with this software.

The following can enjoy Affinity Designer:

• Educational professionals
• Graphic designers
• Game developers
• And more

 If you are looking for top-notch design software without all the hidden costs you will love Affinity Designer and everything it has to offer.

Save Money Without Losing Quality

As you can see there are few things that Affinity Designer software cannot do when it comes to presenting a professional-looking design. If you are a professional who is looking to save money without losing the quality of your presentations, Affinity Designer is a great option.

In the mid to late 2010’s, phone models, like the Samsung Galaxy Note, recognized the potential of pairing a touchscreen with a stylus, the electronic equivalent of classic writing tools, to increase user precision and ease. While fewer models featured the stylus in the years to follow, it is slowly making a comeback, for tablet and phone users alike, causing people to reconsider whether investing in one is worthwhile.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to pairing a stylus with your phone. Deciding whether this accessory is worthwhile for you will depend on your phone-related priorities and uses. People who prioritize touchscreen accuracy, multitasking, and cleanliness often prefer phones with styluses.

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using a stylus with modern-day phones to help you determine whether this combination is right for you. As you read, you’ll learn what lifestyles, tasks, and phone uses are best benefited by styluses and when they can be seen as more of a hindrance.

Advantages of Using a Phone With a Stylus

Technological advancements in gadgets such as cell phones, tablets, and graphic tablets have increased the relevancy and usefulness of styluses in modern-day life.

The predominant advantages of using a phone with a stylus include:

1. Improved accuracy
2. Increased ease of use
3. Cleaner screens
4. More artistic capabilities and features

Reading our more in-depth sections on each of these advantages below will help you better determine how they can benefit you, especially if these are factors you prioritize in your daily phone use.

1. Improved Accuracy

Arguably the advantage people notice most when using a stylus on their phone is its superior accuracy.

When it comes to selecting and navigating things on a phone’s touch screen, using one’s finger is usually the default. However, your fingertip is much wider than the tip of a stylus, which is why more people experience mis-selections and other inaccuracies.

Comparatively, most stylus are created with pressure sensitivity technology and other design features that ensure they are as precise as possible. This, in turn, means that using a stylus tend to be a more efficient and pleasurable experience for users.

2. Increased Ease of Use

Convenience is a trait people highly prioritize in anything they use nowadays, and for good reason.

Most modern-day phones are created with touchscreens specifically for this reason, and while the design is practical and generally easy to use, it does have its drawbacks. All you have to do is put on a pair of gloves to experience one of these limitations.

With a stylus in hand, you can fully utilize your phone without sacrificing personal comfort. They increase ease of use by allowing you to access your phone without relying on skin-to-screen contact, which can be difficult in certain situations.

Another example where they increase ease of use significantly is if you happen to have a cell phone that features a relatively small screen while you have not-so-small fingers. This combination is closely tied to the previous point made about accuracy since it is likely your phone misunderstands your intended commands on a regular basis.

Because styluses are practically universal in size, they’ll fit nicely in your hands and help eliminate this daily issue altogether. 

3. Cleaner Screens

If you have ever used your phone without a stylus, then you know just how quickly and easily fingerprints, smudges, and oils can accumulate on the screen.

These contaminants not only obscure your view but also make your phone’s screen one of the dirtiest surfaces you touch.

In fact, many phone manufacturers have even started incorporating oleophobic coatings into their devices to repel oils and fingerprints, but these coatings are far from perfect.

A stylus will always give you a cleaner screen because it reduces the transfer of these common contaminants. Another benefit of this is that your screen protectors will last longer and work more efficiently because there are fewer oils, bacteria, and other contaminants present that would otherwise degrade the material and obscure input. 

4. More Artistic Capabilities and Features

If you’re the type of person who likes to jot down notes using their own handwriting, create works of art, or simply sketch a doodle, then you’ll want to invest in a stylus.

These tools allow you to create artistic works more accurately and provide superior support for personal customization versus using your phone’s keyboard or your finger.

As a result, your phone becomes one of the most convenient tools in your artistic arsenal, giving you the option of using it over lugging around your graphic tablet or laptop.

Disadvantages of Using a Stylus With Your Phone

Despite the long list of advantages that come with using a stylus with your phone, there are some disadvantages to these tools that you should be aware of before making your decision.

The most influential disadvantages of using a stylus with your phone include:

1. Cost
2. Limited compatibility
3. Reduced keyboard speed
4. Requires two-handed phone use

Again, we’ve elaborated on these disadvantages below to ensure you have all the information you need to determine whether styluses suit your needs.

1. Cost

The overall cost of a stylus is highly dependent on the device you pair it with. While some styluses cost as little as $10-$15, others, like the Apple Pencil 2^nd Generation, cost over $100.

Unfortunately, the cost of your initial purchase isn’t the only disadvantage here because you’ll likely need to purchase a replacement stylus when either:

1. You get a new phone
2. Your current stylus model becomes outdated

With the rate that modern devices upgrade to new models, you’ll likely have 1-3 years of use with your stylus before you’re forced to purchase a replacement. For some, this is an ongoing cost they aren’t willing to pay.

2. Limited Compatibility

Another disadvantage of styluses that is understandably frustrating is the fact that they aren’t universal tools when it comes to compatibility.

You can’t purchase just any stylus and expect it to work on your phone because there are so many different types of sensors used among devices. Even if you find a compatible model, the performance may not be ideal.

This means that you have to do your research to make sure you’re getting a quality stylus that will work well with your specific device.

3. Reduced Keyboard Speed

This is a pretty straightforward disadvantage of using a stylus with a phone. If you’re the type of person who prioritizes speed for simple tasks like texting, then a stylus isn’t the way to go.

Yes, these tools can increase speed for general tasks, especially if you frequently experience inaccuracies using your fingers, but if you were to have two individuals compete for texting speed, one using a stylus and one using their thumbs, then nine times out of ten, the non-stylus user will win.

4. Requires Two-Handed Phone Use

Arguably the only area where styluses lose points regarding ease of use is here. Unless you have your phone sitting on a flat, stable surface, a one-handed, stylus-phone combination is out of the question.

This can make them harder to use when you’re on the go and only have one hand at your disposal, so if that sounds like most of your phone experiences, then a stylus will probably be a hinderance.

Final Thoughts

Styluses are fantastic tools you’ll likely see more of in the near future, but whether they’re the right tool for you will ultimately depend on your lifestyle and daily phone tasks. Some people think they make their lives significantly easier, while others seem them as an unnecessary cost and extra step for using their phone. It’s up to you to decide if the pros outweigh the cons.

Most design applications tackle the same types of design and editing projects. The learning curve comes with the interface functions and tools. Using an industry staple, like Photoshop, you’ll be familiar with the shape builder tool. If you use another design application, you may wonder what would be the equivalent of tools and functions you’re accustomed to if the program has one.

Boolean functions in Affinity Designer are geometry tools designed to alter shapes, similar to the Shape Builder tool in Photoshop. The functions allow you to turn basic shapes into more complex creations non-destructively.

Since Boolean functions or operations allow you to build with existing shapes you can find in the toolbar to the left of the Affinity Designer canvas, you can use these functions repeatedly until you get the desired shape or design. Keep reading to find out how many functions there are and the simple steps to execute them.

How to Use Boolean Functions in Affinity Designer

There are four basic shapes in Affinity Designer: circle, ellipse, rectangle, and square. These shapes are used in conjunction with the Boolean functions or operations, of which there are five. These functions or operations are located in the toolbar on top of the Affinity Designer canvas. Let’s tackle them in the order you will see in the Affinity Designer interface.

• Add Boolean Function
• Subtract Boolean Function
• Intersect Boolean Function
• Xor Boolean Function
• Divide Boolean Function

Let’s take a deeper look at each function and how you can use it to build your shapes into the complex designs you desire. Once your designs are complete, you can take them to placeit.net to use them on business cards or other exciting templates.

Add Boolean Function

Starting with the first icon, you will see in the top toolbar the Add Boolean function. You will recognize the function by the blue square and circle overlapping with a plus symbol in the circle. The plus signifies the operation of the function to combine selected overlapping objects.

1. Start with a blank canvas in Affinity Designer.
2. Select a shape from the toolbar on the left side of the canvas and place it on the canvas
3. Select an additional shape, whether the same as the first or different, and place it on the canvas overlapping the first shape.
4. Navigate to the Add Boolean function on the top toolbar and click the icon.
5. The intersecting lines of each shape should disappear, making way for one large solid shape. The shapes are now fully combined.

If the overlapping shapes were each filled with a different color, the new shape would take on the color of only one of the shapes. If you want to change this, you can use the Color Picker tool in the left toolbar.

Subtract Boolean Function

The second icon, to the right of the Add Boolean function, is the Subtract Boolean function. The icon is the same as the Add Boolean function, except the circle is greyed out with a subtract signal to indicate which shape will be removed using this function.

1. Start with a blank canvas in Affinity Designer.
2. Select a shape from the toolbar on the left side of the canvas and place it on the canvas
3. Select an additional shape, whether the same as the first or different, and place it on the canvas overlapping the first shape.
4. Navigate to the Subtract Boolean function on the top toolbar and click the icon.
5. The second shape added will be removed, along with the intersecting portion that overlapped the first shape.

Intersect Boolean Function

Continuing down the line of the functions in the top toolbar, you have the Intersect Boolean function to the right of the Subtract Boolean function. The icon is the same square and circle as the previous two function icons, but the shapes are greyed out, aside from the intersecting portion, which is blue. The coloured portion indicates what will remain of the two shapes when the function is used.

1. Start with a blank canvas in Affinity Designer.
2. Select a shape from the toolbar on the left side of the canvas and place it on the canvas
3. Select an additional shape, whether the same as the first or different, and place it on the canvas overlapping the first shape.
4. Navigate to the Intersect Boolean function on the top toolbar and click the icon.
5. Everything but the intersecting portion of the two shapes will be removed.

Xor Boolean Function

The second to last icon is the Xor Boolean function, which acts and looks opposite to the Intersect Boolean operation. The overlapping square and circle in the icon are blue, aside from the intersecting portion, which is greyed out. The grey area indicates what will be removed from the two shapes.

1. Start with a blank canvas in Affinity Designer.
2. Select a shape from the toolbar on the left side of the canvas and place it on the canvas
3. Select an additional shape, whether the same as the first or different, and place it on the canvas overlapping the first shape.
4. Navigate to the Xor Boolean function on the top toolbar and click the icon.
5. The intersecting portion of the two shapes will be removed, and the remaining portion of both shapes is what is left on the canvas.

If the overlapping shapes were each filled with a different color, the new shape would take on the color of only one of the shapes. If you want to change this, you can use the Color Picker tool in the left toolbar.

Divide Boolean Function

The last icon on the toolbar is the Divide Boolean function. The icon of the square and circle is fully blue with no greyed-out portions. When you use this function on two overlapping shapes, they will divide into three distinct shapes.

1. Start with a blank canvas in Affinity Designer.
2. Select a shape from the toolbar on the left side of the canvas and place it on the canvas
3. Select an additional shape, whether the same as the first or different, and place it on the canvas overlapping the first shape.
4. Navigate to the Divide Boolean function on the top toolbar and click the icon.
5. Three shapes will appear: the top shape minus the overlapping section, the overlapping section on its own, and the bottom shape minus the overlapping section.

Conclusion

The Boolean functions in Affinity Designer assist you in creating unique shapes to use for your illustrations, graphics, logos, and so on. The functions are simple to use and provide some shortcuts to the shapes you desire.