Affinity Photo is one of the best and most comprehensive alternatives available for Photoshop. It’s therefore understandable to wonder if, like Photoshop, Affinity Photo could allow the user to use Smart Objects. Since Smart Objects are so much more convenient to use than typical images, this is a must for a lot of people. So, does Affinity Photo have smart objects? 

Affinity Photo can, in a sense, use smart objects. Though it will use them as embedded documents. PSD smart objects can be imported and then converted into embedded documents with many of the same features they had as smart objects.

If you’re looking to use Smart Objects in Affinity Photo but you’re not sure how to do so, we’ve got you covered. In our guide below we will discuss how there are smart objects in Affinity Photo before giving you step-by-step instructions on how to import them. So if you’d like to spice up your next project with smart objects come along and let’s dive right in!

Are There Smart Objects in Affinity Photo? 

We’ve mentioned that Affinity Photo can import smart objects as embedded documents but we haven’t really gotten to the question of whether Affinity Photo has its own smart objects. So are there any smart objects in Affinity Photo?

Affinity Photo cannot create smart objects, it can only import them. So in that sense, there are no smart objects intrinsic to Affinity Photo. Still, Affinity Photo has its own sort of smart objects in its embedded documents. This is actually what it converts smart objects into. 

Though they are labeled differently, they retain the same features they had as smart objects in photoshop. 

How Do You Use PSD Smart Objects in Affinity Photo?

It’s one thing to know you can import smart objects into Affinity Photo and another to know how to do it. If you’ve tried in the past only to find that smart objects wouldn’t import, don’t worry, we’ve got the solution. You just need to know how to enable PSD smart objects to be imported into Affinity Photo.

Follow the steps below to enable PSD smart object to be imported into Affinity Photo: 

1. Open the preferences menu: If you’re on a Mac, you’ll find the preferences menu by clicking on “Affinity Photo Beta” at the top of the window. It should be in the middle of the drop-down menu. If you’re using Windows, you’ll find the preferences menu under edit. 
2. Go to “general settings” and enable PSD import: When the preferences menu opens, click the first gear icon that says “general.” A menu should pop up with different settings with checkboxes by them. Look for the option “import PSD smart objects where possible” and check the box next to it.
3. Import a smart object: Now you can drag and drop or import a smart object into Affinity Photo and test things out. The smart object that you choose should come in with many of the same features it had before. Though now it will be labeled an embedded document. 

It’s as simple as that. Now you should be able to import any of your PSD smart objects as embedded documents in your Affinity projects. 

Can You Export Smart Objects From Affinity Photo

Now that we know both how and that we can import smart objects into Affinity Photo, let’s turn our attention to what we can and cannot export. So, can you export smart objects from Affinity Photo the same way you can import them?

Affinity photo can export smart objects as embedded documents. It’s important to stress that they will be exported as embedded documents, so they technically won’t be in the same format they were in Photoshop. Still, as we stated before, they retain the same features. 

Conclusion: So Really, Does Affinity Photo Have Smart Objects?

At the end of the day, you can import and use PSD smart objects onto Affinity Photo in much the same way you could import and use them in Photoshop. To do so, however, you will have to go into the general settings in your preferences and check the box that allows Affinity to import PSD smart objects. 

PSD smart objects that are imported into Affinity Photo are converted into embedded documents. Though they are embedded documents they retain the same features that they had as smart objects in PhotoShop. Now you can enjoy all the features you’re used to using on smart objects in Photoshop and apply them in Affinity Photo as well!

Adobe Fonts offers some of the most varied font options available from any one program. Because these fonts can really bring a lot to the projects you’re working on in other Adobe software, you’ve got to wonder if they can be used in other applications as well. So, can you use Adobe Fonts outside of Adobe software?

Adobe Fonts can be used outside of Adobe software if they are activated in the Creative Cloud. Once activated, they can usually be found in the regular font menus of all your desktop programs like Microsoft Word or your design software. 

If you’re looking to take advantage of Adobe Fonts, even outside of Adobe software, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below we will dive into what applications are compatible with Adobe Fonts as well as whether or not you need a subscription. We’ll even provide you with a step-by-step example of how to import Adobe Fonts into applications like Microsoft Word. 

Can You Use Adobe Fonts in Other Applications 

Adobe offers some of the most unique fonts out there. While it’s a given that those fonts can be activated and used within Adobe’s own software, it may not be as obvious whether they can be for other programs as well. 

Adobe Fonts can be activated and used in applications ranging from Microsoft Office to InDesign. 

What Programs Are Adobe Fonts Compatible With?

Now that you know you can use adobe fonts in other apps, you may be wondering what ones are compatible.

Adobe Fonts should be compatible with all of your desktop programs. This includes programs like Microsoft Word, In-Design, and other popular programs. Basically any program with access to the fonts installed on your computer. 

In the next section, we will take things a step further and discuss how you activate Adobe Fonts for desktop programs like Microsoft Word.  

How Do I Use Adobe Fonts in Microsoft Word?

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular programs to use Adobe Fonts with. Therefore, it makes for a great example of how Adobe Fonts can be imported and used in a non-Adobe program. 

Follow the steps below to activate Adobe Fonts for your desktop programs like Microsoft Word:

1. Open Creative Cloud: Find the desktop app or the icon on your taskbar and open Creative Cloud. It’s from here that you will be able to get into your Adobe fonts and both activate or deactivate them. 
2. Click the fonts icon: The fonts icon should be located near the upper right corner of your screen. It looks like a lowercase f. Click it. 
3. Browse for the font you want: Near the bottom of the window, you should see a blue button that says “browse fonts” on it. Click it and begin searching for the font you want to activate. You can either look for the font by name or use the search tools available within the Creative Cloud app. 
4. Select your font and toggle it to active: Now you can select a font or family of fonts and go to the Activate Fonts menu. From here you can toggle them to active. 
5. Open Microsoft Word and search for the font: Now you just need to open Microsoft Word–or any other desktop program–and check where you would normally change the font to see if your new font is now on the menu. 

It’s important to note this works for more than just Microsoft Word. Once you’ve activated a font it should now be available in the menus of all the programs that use your computer’s fonts. 

How to Deactivate Adobe Fonts 

If you ever decide you want to deactivate your Adobe Fonts then you’ll want to know the most efficient way to do it. While you could follow the same steps you took to get to each font when you activated them, then toggle them off one by one, there is a much faster way to do it. 

Follow the steps below to deactivate all of your Adobe fonts at once: 

1. Open Creative Cloud: Like when you activated your fonts, you will need to deactivate them within Creative Cloud. You can either click the icon on your desktop or to where you have pinned it on the taskbar. 
2. Click the fonts icon: The fonts icon should take you to the font menu. The fonts icon is located near the top of the window. It is a lower-case f. 
3. Click for more options and deactivate fonts: In the upper right of the window, you should see an icon with three dots. These mean “more options,” click them. You will then be greeted with a dropdown menu that allows you to either deactivate all fonts not in use” or to just “deactivate all fonts.” 

You can decide which you would like to deactivate. If you choose to deactivate all that are not in use none of your projects in your desktop programs should be disturbed. 

Can You Use Adobe Fonts Without a Subscription

Let’s say you use Adobe’s fonts, but you only use them in non-Adobe software. Do you still need a subscription to Adobe Fonts? 

You will still need to have a subscription to Adobe Fonts, even if you’re using their fonts in non-Adobe programs. This is because a subscription is required to activate the fonts in the first place. 

So Really, Can You Use Adobe Fonts Outside of Adobe Software?

The bottom line is this, Adobe fonts absolutely can be used in programs outside of just Adobe’s own software. Generally, after you activate an Adobe font in Creative Cloud it should show up on whatever font menu a given program uses. With Microsoft Word, for example, it would be found on the toolbar where you typically go to change the font. 

It is important to note that you will still need a subscription to Adobe Fonts through Creative Cloud in order to use the fonts. If you ever do find that you need to deactivate all of your fonts at once you can do it by going onto the font menu in Creative Cloud, clicking for more options and selecting “deactivate all fonts.”

There might come a time when you need to clear up some memory space on your device because it is affecting your system’s overall speed and performance. Rather than sacrifice essential programs, a good place to start would be with unused or unwanted fonts you’ve either downloaded or came with your Windows 10 software. The question is: how much memory do these fonts even take up?

Yes, fonts accessible on your device through various programs will have saved files that take up in-memory storage. How much memory each font takes up varies. Individually, fonts take up a very small amount of memory, but in large quantities, it might take up enough to affect your system performance.

In this article, we will discuss how much memory space fonts can feasibly take up before you start to notice their impact on your device. If you are searching for ways to free up memory space, we will also show you how to delete unnecessary fonts on both Windows 10 and Apple macOS.

How Many Fonts Is Too Many For My Device?

A common question people have regarding fonts is determining when enough is enough. If you have a career in graphic design, marketing, publishing, or similar professions, you might need access to hundreds of fonts, but at what point will they take up so much memory space that they start to negatively impact their device?

There is no overarching figure to answer this question, but most sources seem to agree that you would need to have several hundred to over 1,000 fonts installed and saved on your device before you notice any impact on your device’s performance.

Of course, the answer to this question partially depends on the device you are using. Memory space is specified by Random Access Memory (RAM), and this is what storage your fonts will use up.

Most standard laptops and desktops will have around 8 GB of RAM but it isn’t uncommon for people to upgrade this to 16 GB or even 32 GB of RAM if they think it’s necessary (most people who use opt for 32 GB are graphic designers, digital artists, or use their computers for gaming purposes).

Unsurprisingly, the more RAM you have on your computer, the more fonts you can have saved and installed before they start to have any affect on performance.

How Can Too Many Fonts Affect System Performance?

It’s important to note that while having thousands of fonts saved on your device can reduce its performance, it isn’t in the way you’re probably imagining.

The only place you are going to see poor loading speed and other undesirable side effects form excessive numbers of fonts would be in programs that use and store them, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

Here, you might notice that you have a hard time opening the fonts list to select a specific font, loading documents could take longer, or performing basic tasks in these programs is more time-consuming than usual.

While fonts do take up memory space, they aren’t responsible for any reduced performance or lagging found in other programs. So, if your device is struggling to access the internet or keep several tabs open, the issue lies elsewhere.

How to Delete Fonts and Free Up Memory Storage

If you’ve notice you officially have so many fonts saved on your device that it is inhibiting your device’s performance in some way or you simply need that space for something else, your best option would be to delete as many fonts as you comfortably can.

There are two ways you can delete saved fonts to increase your memory space. The first option would be to restore your fonts to their default setting, which will eliminate all non-default fonts simultaneously. The second option would be to individually delete fonts individually.

The process to perform these uninstallation methods would depend on what operating system you use. Below, we have provided guides on how to restore default fonts settings and delete individual fonts for two of the most popular operating systems: Windows 10 and Apple macOS.

Deleting Fonts on Windows 10

If you want to give yourself a clean slate and delete all fonts on your device that are Windows 10 defaults, then you’ll want to follow the steps listed below.

1. Open the “Start” menu on your device
2. Enter “fonts” into your search bar
3. Select the “Fonts Control Panel” when it appears
4. Click the “Font settings” menu option
5. Click the “Restore default font settings” button

Alternatively, if there are some fonts you’ve downloaded and want to keep, you’ll need to delete fonts individually rather than uninstalling all non-default fonts. To do this, follow the steps listed below.

1. Open the “Start” menu on your device
2. Open the “Settings” menu
3. Select the “Personalization” menu option
4. Click the “Fonts” menu option
5. Select the font you want to delete from Windows 10
6. Click the “Uninstall” button

Deleting Fonts on Apple macOS

The process of restoring your Apple macOS fonts to their default and removing all non-default fonts is simple; just follow the steps listed below.

1. Select the “Restore Standard Fonts” button
2. Click “Proceed”
3. Click “Ok”

This process will restore your fonts to the standard, factory default state and then move all removed fonts to a new folder titled “/Library/Fonts (Removed).” If you want to delete them permanently, you can delete this folder.

To delete fonts individually, follow the steps listed below.

1. Open the “Font Book” app (can enter in search bar if you are uncertain where it is by pressing Command+Space)
2. Select the font you want to remove
3. Click the “File” menu
4. Press the “Remove” option

Once you’ve done this, your font will be removed to the trash.

Final Thoughts

Although fonts take up memory space on your device, you don’t necessarily have to limit the number of fonts you have. In reality, it would take thousands of fonts before you notice any reduced system performance. If this does happen, simply uninstalling some fonts should resolve the issue. You can also hide or disable fonts if they start to clutter your folders and make it difficult to use your fonts list.

Windows 10 comes with more than 100 fonts, but you can always add to your font library by downloading new ones from one of countless online sources. However, there might come a time when you decide don’t need all the extra downloaded fonts. Maybe they clutter your font list or take up too much storage on your device. In which case, how can you go back to your Windows 10 default fonts?

There are two ways you can delete all fonts on your device except the default Windows 10 fonts. The first option would be to restore your Windows 10 fonts to their default setting, which will eliminate all non-default fonts simultaneously, or alternatively, you can delete fonts individually.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to delete all Windows 10 fonts except the defaults using both methods. We will also list additional management options that might be better alternatives for you than uninstalling fonts completely from Windows 10.

How to Restore Windows 10 Fonts to Default

If you have a fair number of downloaded fonts and don’t have the time or energy to delete them individually, your best option would be to delete them as a whole by resetting your Windows 10 font settings to their default setting.

The steps to perform this process are as follows:

1. Go to the  Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Fonts
2. Select Font settings in the left panel
3. Click the Restore default font settings button

This should delete all downloaded fonts from Windows 10 and only leave the program’s default fonts. You can also select other font settings within this page that can help you hide fonts, such as those in a certain language, or save on storage with shortcuts.

How to Delete Downloaded Fonts Individually

While deleting all non-default fonts is certainly the quickest way to go, it might not be your preferred approach. Maybe you only need to delete a handful of downloaded fonts for the sake of space or there are some downloaded fonts you want to keep.

In these instances, you’re better off deleting fonts individually than restoring Windows 10 to its default fonts setting.

The steps to perform this process are as follows:

1. Open a File Explorer window, paste the path C:\Windows\Fonts into the address bar at the top of the window, and hit Enter.
2. Select the font file you’d like to delete and click the “Delete” button in the toolbar.

The fonts menu here is different than the fonts setting menu mentioned in the previous guide.

The fonts setting menu accessed through the control panel holds the save files for each font and allows you to preview, delete, or hide each font. It also provides some organization options where you can find your font’s properties, alter folder options, and more.

If you want to delete fonts individually here, follow steps 1-3 of the previous guide and then select your preferred font, and press the “delete” button that appears on the menu bar.

In the fonts menu accessed through the personalization menu, you can visually see and preview all the fonts currently accessible through your Windows 10 applications and alter settings such as font size and boldness. You’ll also find a brief section containing each font’s metadata.

Another reason why you might want to keep this fonts menu in mind is if you decide in the future that you want more non-default fonts. If so, you can easily download new fonts in this menu by either dragging and dropping font save files or accessing the Microsoft store.

Other Ways to Manage Windows 10 Fonts

Deleting non-default Windows 10 fonts is an effective option if you want a fresh start and are sick of scrolling through hundreds of downloaded fonts you never use.

However, if you enjoy having these fonts, but don’t necessarily want to look at them all the time, there are other ways to manage and organize them instead of permanently deleting them.

There two best ways to alternatively manage your Windows 10 fonts would be to either hide the fonts you don’t want to see regularly, or to create a backup folder for the ones you intend to uninstall.

Hiding your fonts will mean they are still listed in your installed Windows 10 fonts, but you can prevent them from showing up in your regularly used Windows 10 programs, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

Creating a backup folder allows you to delete fonts from your Windows 10 list but save it elsewhere in case you decide you want to use it someday. This won’t necessarily help if you are deleting fonts for storage purposes, but it can be helpful if you are removing them to declutter your list but aren’t certain if you want to get rid of the font completely.

How to Hide Fonts

The process of hiding fonts is fairly similar to the process of resetting your Windows 10 default font settings. To do this:

1. Open the “Start” menu on your device
2. Enter “fonts” into your search bar
3. Select the “Fonts Control Panel” when it appears
4. Select the font you want to hide or open its folder and click the font file inside you want to hide
5. Click the “Hide” button that appears on the menu bar next to “Organize”
6. Click the “Restore default font settings” button

Some fonts can be easily hidden without opening their file, while others that contain numerous variations (ex. bold, regular, typewriter) will have a folder you’ll need to open. Inside, you can choose to either hide one or all of the font’s variations.

How to Create a Backup Folder

Creating a backup folder for your fonts will allow you to keep them in a separate space from your Windows 10 folder until you need them. Should you decide you want it amongst your Windows 10 fonts again, you can simply drag and drop the save file into the downloads box found in the fonts menu accessed through the personalization menu.

Follow these steps to create a backup fonts folder and transfer font save files:

1. Open “File Explorer”
2. Open “Desktop”
3. Select the “New” drop down menu in the top, left-hand corner
4. “Select the “Folder” option and name this “Backup Font Folder” (or whatever you prefer)
5. Open the “Start” menu
6. Enter “fonts” into your search bar
7. Select the “Fonts Control Panel” when it appears
8. Right click the font you want to backup and select the “Copy” option
9. Paste the font file in your backup folder

After you’ve completed this process and the font has successfully been copied and pasted to the backup folder, you can delete the original font file from Windows 10.

Final Thoughts

Looking at a list of hundreds of unwanted Windows 10 fonts can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the methods listed here can help you uninstall, hide, and manage these fonts. This will help you feel more organized when searching for fonts and can significantly reduce the amount of space fonts are taking up on your device if you remove enough of them.

Social media posts are an important part of any business’s marketing strategy. They help you reach a wider audience, build brand awareness, and connect with potential customers. Creating high-quality, engaging posts takes time and effort – so it’s important to ensure you’re getting compensated fairly for your work.

You should charge between $25 and $100 per hour for social media post design. Other options include charging a flat rate or retainer rate, depending on the social media platform you’re designing for, as they offer different forms of content.

When it comes to social media post design, quality is key. Make sure your posts are well-designed, visually appealing, and on-brand for your business. Keep in mind that each platform has different specifications for image sizes and types of content offered. This article will explore the different types of social media post design and offer some tips for pricing each one.

What Determines How Much Graphic Designers Charge for Social Media Posts?

As a graphic designer, charging for social media posts can be tricky to navigate. Because content differs so widely from platform to platform – and because posts are generally short and sweet – it can be difficult to determine how much to charge.

There are several things that determine how much graphic designers charge for social media posts, like whether you’re charging an hourly, flat, or retainer fee and what social media platform you’re designing for. From there, you can determine the best way to charge your clients.

Here are a few factors that will affect how much you can charge for social media post design:

• The type of content you’re designing (e.g., static image, video, infographic)
• The social media platform you’re designing for (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• The level of experience you have as a designer
• Your geographical location
• The client’s budget

Various factors like these will come into play when deciding how much to charge for social media post design. Keep reading to learn more about each type of fee and what social media platform you should charge for each one.

Pricing Strategies for Social Media Post Design

Creating a pricing strategy for social media post design is all about figuring out what works best for you and your client. There are three main ways to price social media post design: hourly, flat, or retainer rate.

Hourly Rate

Charging an hourly rate is one of the most common pricing strategies for social media post design. When using this strategy, you must be upfront about your rates from the start. That way, there are no surprises later on down the road.

To determine your hourly rate, figure out your business costs, consider your experience level, and research what other designers in your area are charging. Once you have all of that information, you can set your rates.

Flat Rate

Charging a flat rate is another common social media post design pricing strategy. When using this method, you’ll want to consider the time it will take to complete the project and the level of experience you have.

If you’re a newer designer, it’s important not to underprice yourself. Be sure to do your research and find out what other designers with a similar level of experience are charging for similar projects.

Retainer Rate

The last pricing strategy we’ll discuss is the retainer rate. This method is common for designers working with clients on an ongoing basis. Using this strategy, you’ll agree to a set price for a certain number of monthly posts. This is a great option for clients who need a consistent stream of content.

Depending on your experience and the number of posts your client needs per week or month, use your hourly rate to calculate how long the entirety of the project will take for the time frame. Retainer rates can be anywhere from $250 to $700 per month, depending on how much work you’re doing.

How Do Post Designs Differ for Various Social Media Platforms?

While the basics of creating an appealing social media post are the same no matter what platform you’re using, there are some key differences to keep in mind.

Post designs differ between social media platforms because each platform has different specifications for image size and type of content offered. For example, Facebook offers a variety of content types (e.g., static images, videos, infographics), while LinkedIn is mostly text-based.

• Facebook: Facebook posts tend to be more text-heavy than other platforms like Instagram or Twitter. This means that they require a bit more time to create, as you’ll need to come up with a compelling message that speaks to your audience. An hourly rate is a good option for Facebook post design, as you can charge anywhere from $25 to $100/hour.
• Instagram: Instagram is all about visuals. Posts on this platform should be eye-catching and engaging, with strong visuals that tell a story. Because of this, you may want to charge a flat or retainer rate for Instagram post design, depending on how many posts your client needs.
• Twitter: Twitter is all about brevity, so you won’t need to spend as much time on each post as you would for other platforms. That said, you’ll need to be extra creative to get your point across in a limited amount of space. Flat or retainer rates work well for Twitter post design.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn posts are similar to Facebook posts in that they tend to be longer and more text-heavy. However, since LinkedIn is a professional network, your posts should have a more serious tone. Hourly rates are a good option for LinkedIn post design.

In addition to these common social media platforms, there are a variety of other networks out there. Some examples include Snapchat, Pinterest, and Tumblr. If you’re designing posts for one of these platforms, be sure to research the specifications for each platform so that your posts are sized correctly and look their best.

Tips for Saving Time and Money as a Graphic Designer

The amount of time it takes to finish a task is one of the key elements influencing your pricing. If you can design a post quickly, you may charge less than if it takes you many hours to complete.

Using templates to speed up the design process is one option. Placeit offers a large selection of social media templates for use in minutes that can help you create professional posts quickly and easily.

Another great way to save time (and money) is to use a social media post scheduler. This tool allows you to create and schedule your posts in advance to spend less time managing your social media accounts.

Conclusion

Charging for social media post design can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By using one of the pricing strategies discussed above and keeping the tips for saving time and money in mind, you’ll be able to confidently set your rates and get started on designing great posts for your clients.

If you’re interested in getting into the field of graphic designer, it’s important to understand how much you will be working and how much time you will have off. Is vacation time available for graphic designers, and if so, how much do you get?

In general, exactly how much vacation time a graphic designer gets will vary based on the type of employment and the employer benefits provided. Full-time employees tend to get more paid time off than part-time employees, while freelance designers have the ability to grant their own vacation time.

Choosing a career path that you find enjoyable is important. But so is work-life balance. Before you take the leap, you may want to know how much vacation time you’ll be getting. Keep reading to learn more.

Do Graphic Designers Get Vacation Time?

One of the things that you are probably considering when searching for a graphic design position is the benefits, including insurance, retirement, and vacation time.

As a general rule, there are no federal or state laws in place that require employers to provide any form of a vacation time to employees in the United States. However, countries like Austria and France require that workers receive paid time off.

Whether or not graphic designers get vacation time really boils down to where they live, who their employer is, and what benefits are provided.

However, in order to stay competitive in the job market, many employers will offer benefits packages that include either paid or unpaid vacation time regardless of what is required of them.

One poll found that 76% of graphic design employers in California offered vacation time as one of their benefits to fulltime employees. Part time employees were offered vacation time by 6% of employers.

How Much Vacation Time Do Graphic Designer Employees Get?

One of the best ways to make sure you are getting vacation time is to work for a company that offers employee benefits. But exactly how much vacation time can you expect to get?

Since vacation time isn’t a sure thing in many countries, it’s hard to say how much vacation time graphic designers get. For example, American companies offer an average of 10 paid vacation days a year after one year of employment. Meanwhile, Australia guarantees 13 paid holidays and 25 days of paid leave every year.

Paid vs. Unpaid Vacation Time

When talking about fulltime employment benefits, most people tend to think of paid vacations. But this may not be the only type of vacation available to you as a graphic designer.

A graphic designer’s schedule can change depending on deadlines or current active projects. This could mean working long hours for a while with not many days off. However, that also means there will be times when you could get extra time off because there isn’t much work that needs to be done.

Regardless, it’s a good idea to ask any potential employers how vacation time is broken between paid and unpaid. This will give you an idea of what your year will look like and how much time you can expect to take off.

Do Graphic Designers Get Weekends Off?

Though most graphic designers typically work Monday through Friday with the weekends off. However, there are occasions where you might be expected to take up extra work to meet deadlines.

Extra hours can cut into the time that you have off. But you will more than likely have down time as well, where you could take a vacation day or two to make up for the time worked.

Can You Get More Vacation Time?

If you’re not too thrilled with the number of vacation days offered by a possible employer, keep in mind that the amount may increase depending on how long you stay with the company.

Many companies offer more vacation days to tenured employees. You may also be able to negotiate the number of vacation days you get if your employer is more flexible. They may offer more time depending on your performance at work, so make sure to come prepared with your request.

How Much Vacation Time Do Freelance Graphic Designers Get?

Though employees are constrained by the benefits provided by their employer, freelance graphic designers function a bit different.

Freelance graphic designers have the freedom to manage their own vacation time. Because they are working for themselves, they can decide how often they work and how often they take off. They also have the freedom to work independently from home, or wherever they happen to be at that moment.

However, this isn’t always as rosy as it may sound. One the advantages and disadvantages of freelancing is that you can take on as many clients as you’d like. This mean that you are free to lower your workload to take a vacation, but you won’t get paid for the time you take off.

Using Passive Income Streams to Earn While on Vacation

Active work isn’t the only way graphic designers can earn an income. Creating a few passive income streams is a great way for a freelancer to take vacation time and earn money in the process.

Passive income is a money that is earned without you having to put in the active effort. Basically, it’s an income you can earn while you sleep. However, it does take some work upfront to set up.

Selling premade logos, illustrations, or website templates is a great way for graphic designers to earn passive income. Using sites like Placeit make it easy for designers to work on the go, so you could even extend your vacation if you wanted to or add new designs if you’re feeling up to it.

Final Thoughts

Graphic design is a great field to get into for many reasons, but it may not always give you the amount of vacation days that you desire. Whether you plan to work for a company or take the leap on your own, it’s important to know what you time off looks like before you make a commitment. Hopefully this article helped you understand how much vacation time you can expect, regardless of which route you take.  

Have you ever wondered how people get those cool layouts to post on social media? If you have, you need to check out some of the online software, such as Canva and Placeit. You can use their templates to create all kinds of fantastic posts. You can see all over the internet that Canva is free for anybody to us, but is Canva really a free program?

Canva is free to use however you may need to pay for a Premium account to access all of its features.

Canva is a great place to get some layouts to use as marketing campaigns or post some amazing stuff to your private social platforms. Like many other sites offering free services, there is only so much you can do with the free software version. That is their hook, and they use that concept to get you to upgrade to a paid version, which gives you access to more layouts. Read on to find out more about the various versions.

The Free Version of Canva Is truly Free

Canva is a software platform that offers you the ability to make your own excellent posts on social media, websites, and even in newsletters. These platforms are commonly used for marketing and advertising. With the free version of Canva, you can access numerous different backgrounds and templates. But the pressing matter you all want to know about is whether the free version of Canva is free and what you get with the lowest level of the software.

• Templates – You will have access to over 250,000 free templates.
• Photographs – You will have unlimited access to 200,000 free photos.
• Graphic Elements – You will have access to over 57,000 graphic elements.
• Fonts – You will have the ability to use up to 1700 Fonts for free.
• Animation – You can have access to six different animation effects for free.
• Support – You have access to unlimited self-serve support.
• Storage – You will get 5GB of free storage to use as you please, including making separate folders for your work.

To answer the question you all want to know, Canva has a free version you can use, with no obligation to ever purchase a Pro plan. The company has chosen to do this because after you use the free version for a while, you will get bored looking at the same old things over and over. At least that is their hope anyway, because when that happens, you will spend the money to upgrade to the next level.

The Pro Version of Canva Is Worth the Extra Money

If you have taken a few minutes to check the Canva site out, you have seen that there are more options than the free version. If you use the templates and graphics more than once in a while, you may want to consider upgrading to the Pro version. You get access to the free items and some significant additions you are used to using.

• Templates – You will have access to over 420,000 templates you can use for any project you need.
• Photographs – With this simple upgrade, you can access over 7 million images.
• Fonts – You can upload your own fonts if you need them, but the platform already has 3000 different types you can choose from.
• Animation – You will have a full range of animations to use both GIF and MP4 formats.
• Support – You will have unlimited use of the free self-serve support platforms and 24/7 direct support.
• Storage – With the Pro version, you will have 100GB of storage with the ability to create an unlimited amount of folders.
• Brand Kits – You can create up to 100 brand kits for your project.

You can see that the Pro plan of Canva gives you a substantial amount of upgrades that you can use for any projects you want. The platform will let you create anything and everything. Whatever your heart desires, you can do. Keep in mind, though, that even if you use all the material to create your own project, someone else may have the same ideas or at least close. Yes, it is a long shot, but you must know it is possible.

Canva Offers Other Plans for Other Projects

There are some other plans that you can purchase on the Canva platform if the two main plans are not an option for you. Each of them has there benefits that you can take advantage of, so when you are on the website working on your projects, you may want to take the time to check them out. For now, here is a quick run down of what you can get.

• Enterprise – This is the level of Canva that is designed for large businesses.
• Education – This plan is designed to be used in classrooms across the country.
• Nonprofits – Canva offers a free plan for all registered nonprofit companies.

If your company falls under any of these groups, you can get hooked up with one of these Canva versions. They are designed to help specific companies get ahead of the competition with graphic designs that can help you learn, grow, and make a big splash with some truly unique designs and graphics.

Final Thoughts

Canva has followed some of the most common marketing ploys by offering a free version for everyone. A free version will hook people to their platform and make them want more. That kind of upgrade is not free, though, which is the entire point.

The free version of the Canva is indeed 100% free, with no obligation to ever have to upgrade. But when you look at the differences in what you get with each plan, why wouldn’t you want to pay a small fee. At the moment, it will cost you under $20.00 per month to get the upgrade. The upgrade that can make the difference between having a plan that everyone else on the planet has and a bigger and better version that allows you to create a unique material that will be hard to copy.

In this day and age, there are websites full of malicious programs, especially when it comes to downloading something from it, font websites are not free from this issue. So, you may be wondering if Font Squirrel is a safe-to-use website.

The short answer is yes, Font Squirrel is safe to use website. However, remember they do not guarantee a font is safe to use. If you come across anything that seems suspicious, you can report it to them on their contact page.

We’ll cover some more information on the safety of downloading fonts and errors that Windows and Macs may give and how to proceed when you end up with those types of problems.

Is Font Squirrel Safe to Download from

With all things on the internet, it’s always good to have an antivirus program that scans files as they are being downloaded. Now, let’s cover some issues that may arise when downloading fonts from Font Squirrel:

• Malicious files can be uploaded, but so far no one has reported this from Font Squirrel!
• Windows errors when downloading certain older fonts.
• Mac users report some fonts being flagged for various reasons.

As you can see, the negatives of using Font Squirrel are few and far between. Every point will be touched on to give you peace of mind when using the website for all your font needs.

Malicious and Dangerous Files

With the increasing amount of data being uploaded and downloaded, you will always find someone out there looking to do harm via malicious files. If you are using a Windows PC you should already have Windows defender. While it’s not always able to catch harmful files, it does a pretty good job. You can also download one of many free programs used to catch viruses.

If you are using a Mac, you may think it isn’t necessary to have an antivirus. However, it is a myth that Apple products are immune to viruses and other harmful files. You can still be infected. All products since 2009 come with XProtect which should keep you safe from anything that could potentially damage your computer.

The odds of downloading something bad from Font Squirrel seem incredibly unlikely, but it never hurts to be safe and vigilant.

Windows/Mac Errors and Flags

Sometimes these operating systems will flag old fonts for numerous reasons. The protocols for fonts seem to be completely untouched for years, which can lead to the system flagging them for all sorts of reasons.

So far, no one has reported anything bad to Font Squirrel for ignoring these flags and errors. They do make a statement on their website that they can’t guarantee a file is safe to download. This isn’t just a virus or malware issue, but sometimes operating systems can get a little odd when conflicting or outdated files are added.

However, as long as you feel comfortable downloading the file after you get the flag, simply follow the installation instructions they provide on the website in order to make sure you download everything properly to reduce as many risks as possible.

How to Download from Font Squirrel Safely

Fonts have a couple of different download types, TTF and OTF. It’s recommended you download the OTF fonts first because that is what is commonly used these days.

If you are using the fonts with older software, you may be forced to use TTF. The reason for this is that older software likely hasn’t been updated to use the OTF versions. You may find the OTF versions do not work at all or there are issues with how the font looks. If that ends up being the case, you will need to download TTF fonts.

When switching from an OTF to a TTF, completely uninstall the OTF font before you try the other file type. You want to eliminate conflicts as much as possible. Errors with file types may happen, but don’t worry, it isn’t that big of a deal as long as you clean up one version before installing the other.

If you need detailed instructions, Font Squirrel has a sister site that has a very in-depth installation guide for you to browse. If you still need assistance, you can contact them.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Font Squirrel is incredibly safe to download from with no reports of genuinely malicious files. If you have an issue with the file type, installation, or errors from your OS, then you can rest easy in knowing that it isn’t malware, but a simple issue of how the software is handling the files.

Adobe fonts can be used across platforms like Adobe’s Creative Suite applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and other applications like Microsoft and iWork. Cross-platform use can assist in streamlining the design process between products and marketing online or in print. Depending on your branding, you could utilize several different fonts for different objectives, so wait times for downloads and activation can affect productivity.

It can take ten minutes or more to activate a single Adobe font. There are instances when activation does not complete or the application activating the font stops loading the font after a certain point.

Keep reading to learn how to activate Adobe fonts in various programs. This article will look at ways to troubleshoot if fonts are not activating and why fonts may be taking a long time to activate.

Why Do Adobe Fonts Take Long to Activate?

Fonts can take a while to download due to the volume of fonts being activated at once. The higher the font count, the more RAM is consumed, especially as other open applications phase in and out of active memory. Certain applications, like MS Office, will stop loading fonts after a certain point.

Adobe fonts take long, even if you’re downloading a single font. There is no distinguishable factor for long activation times. It can be chalked up to program behavioral quirks.

According to support forums online, the long activation times are something Adobe’s tech team is aware of and are working to find a resolution. Until then, the best thing you can do is try to restart the application you’re using to activate on your computer to see if that helps with activation time.

In addition, close all other applications while activation is ongoing to free up RAM. You can also try a website, like placeit.net, that already has built-in fonts for you to use with design templates for you to try, and all are available without activation.

Troubleshooting for Adobe Fonts Not Activating

It’s challenging enough to wait for ten minutes while a single font activates, especially if it’s holding up productivity. What do you do when the font doesn’t activate at all? Luckily, there are things you can do to try and help your application or device with the activation process.

Before trying out these troubleshooting steps, make sure you have Creative Cloud downloaded and active on your device. Adobe fonts are activated through this app, using the same credentials you used for your subscription.

1. Check Error Message Under Font Activation Status

A helpful tip is to look at your font activation status panel in Creative Cloud. If any of the fonts have an activation issue, there will be a red dot next to it. If you hover over the red dot, Creative Cloud will provide you with more information on the issue. Common error messages will indicate that a font with the same name has already been activated or a network interruption occurred during activation.

2. Refresh Adobe Fonts Settings

Similar to when you turn your Bluetooth or Wi-Fi toggle off to refresh the application, you can do the same with Adobe Fonts. Click on the gear icon at the top of your Creative Cloud desktop and navigate to Services. Toggle the Adobe Fonts to off, wait a few seconds and turn it back on.

3. Check Your Untrusted Font Blocking Setting

This step is specific to Windows 10 users. Windows 10 allows you to block untrusted fonts from downloading to your device. Unfortunately, this actively prevents Adobe Fonts from activating. You will need to check two places to ensure this option is turned off: Group Policy and Registry Editor. You can either turn it off or change it to the “audit” option.

4. Check Your Network Proxy and Firewall

Firewalls protect your device and information from unauthorized access by other networks, like the internet. On occasion, network proxies or firewalls can also block actions you authorized. Blocking access to these network endings will prevent Adobe Fonts from activating. There is a list of domains that are required, and port 443 needs to be open:

• https://data.typekit.net:443
• https://state.typekit.net:443
• https://polka.typekit.com:443
• https://api.typekit.com:443

Close Creative Cloud and Restart Your Computer

The advice to close Creative Cloud and restart your computer when you’re experiencing long activation times applies to fonts not activating as well—sometimes, closing the application and restarting your device fixes whatever issue was causing the font not to activate. This step may not pinpoint the exact cause, but it will get you on your way to activation.

Graphic design of any capacity is a skill that takes time. There’s so much that fits under the design umbrella, all with varying levels of difficulty. A layout seems like a simple project, especially if it’s just text based. So how hard could it be to just get one put together?

It depends on the skill of the designer, their workload, and the exact specifications of the layout as to how long it takes, as well as the number of revisions on the proofs. Therefore, it can be anywhere from a few hours, to a few days, to even a few weeks to have a layout finished.

Everyone is different. While one designer might be able to whip up something in a short amount of time, someone else or someone in a firm might need to take longer. There’s a lot that goes into design, even if it doesn’t always look like it. To top it off, people need to balance any new project with all of their others. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the Steps Involved to Create a Layout?

Any sort of design takes time. It might seem like not a lot goes into creating a layout, but there are various things that need to happen. If going through a firm, it might have lots of hands to go through too. So when thinking about how much time it might take to create a layout, it’s good to also think of the steps involved with creating one.

Here are the steps that goes into the creation of any design project:

1. Meet with Creative Services: For a full business this might be the lead designer, otherwise this is the designer in general that will be working on a freelance project. It’s where the discussion happens about the project.
2. First Draft: This is where the designer or design team goes and actually makes the first design of the project.
3. Proof: This is the stage where the designer sends the project to see how it looks. It’s where the client gets to give feedback or ask for revisions.
4. Revisions: If there was feedback or any revision requests, this is the stage when it happens. If there are no revision requests, this stage can be skipped.
5. Final Approval: This is when the design is officially approved by the client.

After this, if there are any production requirements for the layout such as printing, that’s when it goes out for it. It might also be the time period when digital things are sent out, but the point is it pretty much means it’s out of the designer’s hands at this point.

How to Make a Design go as Quickly as Possible as a Client

No matter which side someone is on, clients are a significant part as to how quickly a design might go through. They have to give the details, approve proofs, and provide any information or materials that need to go onto the layout. A designer can’t work without this information.

Here are some ways a client can help a design go as quickly as possible:

• Have a Deadline: Just a general whenever timeline might push the order to the bottom of a busy designer’s barrel. However, being up front on when things need done will let them know if they are going to have enough time, resources, and ability to get it done by the time a client is expecting or needing it which can save a lot of headache in the long run.
• Prepare Materials in Advance: If the designer needs to make their own assets to go with the layout design, it’s going to take longer. It will also take longer if they have to keep waiting for more materials or assets to be supplied by the client. Giving everything at the start prevents the need for constant back and forth that could be going to designing time instead.
• Give Clear Feedback: Be precise and clear on any feedback or revisions needed. People cannot read minds or always get the idea. Most designers allow for a few revisions to make sure the final product is perfect. However, if the client is constantly hm-hawing and dragging their feet with vague feedback, it’s going to take significantly longer to produce.

Additionally, while checking in from time to time is acceptable, constantly bothering and asking for correspondence is going to take time away from everything else the designer needs to do, whether it be in a firm or a freelancer. These are people not machines and will likely have more things to do than just this one project.

Conclusion

Layout design looks simple, but there’s a lot of teensy little details that can go amiss. There’s also the fact that a designer has to coordinate with others on their team, juggle their other projects, and correspond with their client. All of these things take time. For some, completing a layout design might only be a few hours. For others, it might end up being a few weeks.