Adobe illustrator is a versatile tool to help make stunning images and graphics. However, sometimes images require some tweaking, and we need to remove a whole section out of the middle of our image.

To cut out the middle of an image in Illustrator:

• Erase elements of the image until what you want is all that remains
• Isolate an element, so you can move it around freely
• Turn a section of your image into a vector shape

Thanks to Illustrator we can completely slice away whole areas of an image and have perfect control of what our final product will look like. Read on to find out exactly how.

Ways to Cut the Middle of an Image in Illustrator

Illustrator has features that will help accomplish the job. When designing graphics in Illustrator, it’s best to think about how you want each area of the image arranged. Sometimes, the default way an image is grouped isn’t what we want, and we need to remove an area or element from our image, which could be smack dab in the middle of it.

There are a few ways to do this:

• Erase what you don’t want: If you just want a certain part of the image and you have no plans to use the rest of it, you can simply erase the background which you aren’t using, leaving only the essential piece of the image behind.
• Isolate an element: To cut out a certain area of an image, you want to isolate it by making it an element, and then moving that element somewhere else. This is great if you want to keep the background but remove something from inside it.
• Group it into a vector shape: A simple way to move elements of an image around is to make them into vector shapes, and then move those around accordingly. This will give you a more organized workspace and quick access.

Depending on what you want to cut out of your image and what you plan to do with it, each of these options will fulfill a different purpose, but all of them will help you cut an image out of your larger one.

Cut Out Unnecessary Areas of the Image

Open the image you want to use in Illustrator and arrange the workspace so you can see the portion of the image you want to delete.

Now, follow these steps:

1. Use the zoom tool to frame the image appropriately: to work on the details, zoom in on that area of ​​the image; to work on the entire image, keep zooming out.
2. Click and drag the eraser tool to start erasing. The white area shows the changes you are making. Release the mouse button to apply the changes to the area and cut the drawn vector.
3. Hold “Alt” while dragging to create a rectangle with lines intersecting. Double-click to apply the transform. Repeat this until the image and your object match what you want to see.

When determining what is and isn’t necessary as part of an image, it depends on what you will be using it for such as an area where you want to place text or take another image inside.

Isolate an Element

An outline of the object’s shape can be seen if you select it and double-click it. Double-clicking it once more will edit it in Isolation mode. You can work on this object in isolation mode without impacting the rest of the image.

Then follow these steps:

1. After positioning the image where you want it, use the Selection Tool to choose it (V).
2. Next, select the Intersect symbol, the third choice listed under “Shape modes.”
3. The overlapping shape of the original objects you utilized will be what you can move around.
4. At the bottom of the Layers Panel, pick the “Create New Layer” button and click it. From here a second layer will be produced.
5. Click on the tiny checkbox next to the layer in order to set lock on and you’ll see a padlock icon.

This is a great way to remove an element of an image without altering the original.

Create a Vector

In order to create a vector image, you need to first draw shapes and then group them together. In Illustrator, you can do this using the Group command.

To access the Group command:

1. Click on the small arrow icon at the top right corner of the window. You will notice that the icons have changed to show the Group option.
2. Once selected, you will see a box appear around each shape. Clicking on the box will allow you to select all the shapes inside the box.
3. If you want to remove a shape from the group, simply double-click on the shape and it will disappear.

By default, the pen tool is set to use a straight line. However, if you want to change the direction of the line, simply hold down the Alt/Option button while clicking and dragging. You can also add curves to your path by holding down the Shift key while you drag.

When working with vectors, it’s often helpful to use guides to help you draw straight lines. You’ll then see a grid appear at the top of your canvas. Click on the dotted line to place a guide. Once you’ve placed guides, you can move them around using the Move tool.

Now that you have a vector, you can move it away, cut it, or delete it to remove the shape from your image.

Concluding Thoughts

That is how we can remove a piece of an image, a whole image, entirely, or any size or shape that we want from our canvas. Illustrator is a great tool, because it allows us to do things like cutting sections of our images out without a hassle with several easy ways to accomplish it.

So whether you need to reinvent your current image with elements from another, or you just want to get rid of a pesky thumbprint on the corner, there are many ways you can cut out the middle of an image from Illustrator.

Scrubby zoom is a feature that allows you to move the mouse or trackpad and zoom on an area in a design. Unfortunately, it can be distracting for some folks who would rather have the standard quick zoom that is all business. So how do you enable Scrubby zoom in Adobe Illustrator?

Finding hidden functions within Illustrator is a familiar thing. However, those who need to be trained to use the application could encounter problems that leave them scratching their heads. So read on and learn how to enable Scrubby zoom in Illustrator.

How to Enable Scrubby Zoom

You might have seen some folks using Scrubby zoom on YouTube, or you might have used it and not noticed. Scrubby zoom is the zoom feature that has an animated movement toward the subject. It moves down towards the selected area instead of snapping, which is the old way of doing things.

Using Keystrokes is the Fastest Way to Enable Animated Zoom

One of the great things about Illustrator is knowing keystrokes can accomplish tasks quickly and without excess time moving around the screen. Saving time with keystrokes for Scrubby zoom is an innovative and efficient way to keep your workflow going and your cursor in a critical position.

The steps to enable Scrubby zoom in Adobe Illustrator are as follows:

• Preferences – You open the Preferences menu by hitting Control or Command + K on the keyboard. Preferences is home to essential selections, and if you are unsure what something does, it is best to leave it alone. This menu allows you access to several different options, but it would be best if you looked near the bottom for Performance.
• Performance – The Performance menu is where you can control the GPU of your machine. The Graphics Processing Unit is essential for your computer when working with vector graphic software like Illustrator. Look for the open box with Animated Zoom beside it in this area.

Once Animated Zoom is checked, you will have Scrubby zoom enabled. The zoom is different than usual and should take some getting used to. By clicking and moving with the mouse, you can control the zoom and get close to the object. Practice is essential, as moving too much can force you to lose your place.

Using Scrubby Zoom is a Clever Way to View an Object

Animated or Scrubby zoom showcases the performance of the GPU in your machine and the application’s functionality. Learning how it works is a great idea, and once you get a feel for it, you can always move back to Snap zoom.

Some things to try when using Scrubby zoom are:

• Zooming In – One of the first things you should try is zooming in on your project. When using Scrubby zoom, you can go down to the edges of the art and fix minute details that could be obscuring the work. Zoom in by clicking an area and moving the mouse right.
• Zooming Out – The next thing you should try is the zoom-out feature. Zoom out by clicking on an area of the project and moving the mouse to the left. By zooming out, you get a total view of your work and can diagnose any problems seen from a distance.

Scrubby zooming is an excellent taste of what the computer can do without an in-depth dive into your graphics card. Zooming is a normal function that can be performed in several different ways, and Animated zooming is just a nice touch added in. Remember, you can always go back to normal snapped zoom by going back into the Performance menu.

Illustrator Allows for Several Different Zoom Inputs

Adobe Illustrator is known for its usability and functionality. The platform allows you to create and edit projects from all industries. One of the reasons Illustrator is usable is that you can perform different tasks. Each person works differently, and having options is a great asset.

A few different ways you can zoom with Adobe Illustrator are:

• Command +/- – One of the most common ways to zoom in and out with Illustrator is by using the keyboard. With just a couple of taps, you can inspect a line that looks off-tangent or move back to examine the big picture.
• View – The menu way to zoom is by using the View panel at the top of the screen. By going into View, your best bet is to look for the Zoom + and Zoom – icons towards the bottom. By clicking on them, you will move the aspect to where you need it to get the job done.
• Percentage – In the bottom left of the screen, there is a box with a percentage number. The number is the zoom level and can be changed by clicking on it. When you click, a scale will appear that will give you a percentage level you can zoom in.
• Zoom Tool – By hitting Z on the keyboard, you will notice that the icon changes from a pointer to a spyglass. The spyglass indicates that you are in zoom mode, and the following location you click will zoom.

Giving users several ways to tackle a problem is a hallmark of the Adobe Creative Cloud. When using Scrubby zoom, you may wonder if other ways exist to achieve a similar goal. The main difference between the two is the animation sequence instead of the snapping with a standard zoom.

Conclusion

Scrubby zoom is the nickname given to Animated zooming in Adobe Illustrator. It allows the user to move the mouse in a direction that moves the aspect of the program in and out. It is helpful because it animates the object, unlike the snapped method, where you draw a box and the aspect snaps inside it.

Knowing other ways to accomplish a task enables you to handle things on the fly and navigate stressful design situations quickly and confidently. By practicing a few different methods and pairing them with Scrubby zoom, you can enhance the life of your project in Adobe Illustrator.

Adobe XD is a fantastic software that can do so many things, but sometimes it has little snags and hiccups. A more common problem is that the program hangs and you are left with a white screen. This can be frustrating, but there are a few fixes for it.

The easiest and most common fix for Adobe XD being stuck on a white screen is simply updating the Windows and Video card drivers. There are some more complex solutions such as changing the file permissions.

I’ll be going through the steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and do them from the most common fix to the less common ones. A step-by-step guide will also be included for how to properly do these fixes.

Update Drivers

This is an easy fix and drivers can be the biggest reason why software isn’t wanting to cooperate with your computer. It is really one of the easiest things to fix.

Depending on your video card depends on how you will install them. I’ll show you the steps for AMD and NVIDIA

AMD

You can go to their website here. This is the direct link you need to use to find the driver’s website. It may feel like common sense to some to download drivers but if you aren’t tech-savvy you probably don’t know these need updates.

1. Select “Graphics”.
2. Select whichever card you have.
3. Download and then install the drivers!

That is all there is to it. All you have to do is follow the on-screen install instructions and you will be good to go. The computer will need to restart once you install the drivers though.

NVIDIA

So, anyone with a newer video card is going to most likely have the GeForce experience. It allows you to scan and install new updates from the desktop app. It will require you to sign in with an account though, which is frustrating.

If you don’t want to use that, this is the direct link to their downloads. Simply go through the options until you find yours. Follow the on-screen instructions when you go to install and be aware you will need to restart your computer.

Windows Updates

Windows updates have been the cause of so much grief over the years. Sometimes just updating regularly can cause software compatibility issues. Which is why it’s important to stay on top of the updates because they will do patches for things that may be broken.

Updating Windows is very simple:

1. Search “Updates” in the windows search/magnifying glass.
2. Wait for it to download the updates.
3. After that, install the updates.
4. Let it restart your computer and that’s it!

If Windows was out of date, you should expect the installation to be somewhat slow and it may even restart your computer several times before it shows 100% installed. Don’t worry about it, this is fine.

Clean Install

If there are any issues with the software, sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling can be the solution. Things can get messed up during updates so if it isn’t drivers, you may just need a fresh install and hope it fixes whatever is causing the program to hang. 

To uninstall Adobe XD follow these steps:

1. In order to uninstall follow these steps:
2. Use Windows Search to look up “Control Panel”.
3. Select “Uninstall a program”.
4. Search to find Adobe XD.
5. Right-click to uninstall.
6. Restart your computer.

After you have this done, go back to Adobe’s website and install XD like you did last time, and hopefully, it fixed whatever caused your program to white screen.

Registry Edit

When you are doing anything with the registry, you need to be careful with things you change or delete because it can cause system failures. It’s good to have a system restore point just in case something happens. This fix has been reported by users and many have had good luck with it.

1. Search “regedit” in the Windows search bar.
2. Open “Registry Editor”
3. Search for “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\adbxd.helper.app”.
4. Delete it.

What is happening here is that sometimes it can be trying to load an older release and obviously you don’t want that. So, deleting this may be one of the better fixes for XD only showing a white screen. If nothing else has worked, this is likely your best option to fix it.

File Permissions

If you’ve been using it just fine until it just stopped working, this may not work for you because the permissions should already be granted, but just in case:

1. First, go to “C:\Windows\System32”.
2. Then look for “msvcp140.dll”.
3. You need to right-click on it and choose “Properties”.
4. Click on the Security tab.
5. Select edit.
6. Select “Add”.
7. You’ll need to type “ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES”.
8. Then select “Check Names”.
9. Click on Locations and choose the name of your computer, and then select “Ok”.
10. Select “ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES”.
11. Select the check box for Allow next to both Read & execute and Read.
12. Select “Apply” and “Ok”. And then “Ok” one more time.
13. Do this again for “vcruntime140.dll”.
14. Try to launch XD now.

That should have done it for you. If none of these have worked, reach out to Adobe support and see if they are aware of any other reasons Adobe XD may not be working properly. Sometimes updates come out and cause issues and all you can do is wait for a hotfix.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of fixes for Adobe XD hanging on a white screen, but hopefully one of these has worked for you and you can start using it. However, if none of these have worked for you, the best option is to contact Adobe support and get some help.

Software is finicky and may be a pain to deal with sometimes, but there are a lot of resources out there to get you to where you need to be. Adobe XD has had a lot of issues and there are a lot of troubleshooting options, just be patient and try not to get too frustrated.

We’ve seen a big trend lately of companies redesigning their iconic logos to make them more flat, streamlined, and simple. Why is this the case?

Modern logos are being flattened and simplified to make them more legible, universal, and timeless. This is done in order to improve the marketing of a product or service, and to account for the different devices the logos will be viewed on.

The most famous logos are changing because they are no longer able to represent the company as it changes over time. Here’s why

Why Modern Logos Are Flat and Simple

The trend of flat design is a result of the demand for simplicity and minimalism in our society. Some examples of good looking logos are the Nike swoosh, the Apple logo and the Adidas logo.

The logos that are being created now are less detailed and have simpler shapes, which makes them more visually appealing.

Logos are a vital part of any business’s marketing because they help people to recognize the company as well as its products or services. To convey the company’s message in an instant, a logo should be:

• Memorable
• Recognizable
• Simple enough

We sometimes don’t know the difference between simple and boring in our perceptions. This is due to the fact that we are conditioned to enjoy exciting things like vibrant colors and exaggerated shapes. However, the contrary may really be more advantageous to businesses and their customers.

Flat Logos Work

When a business designs a logo, it has to be memorable in order for people to associate with the logo and the company it represents.

Some reasons for a simple design are:

• Simplicity attracts attention.  It can help customers find your business on the internet and in physical stores. It also helps people remember your company’s name faster than if they saw it without a logo. 
• Simple logos are easier to see on multiple devices. One reason is the desire for a simple, clean, and modern design that is easy to stay consistent no matter the device it’s viewed on.  Flattening the logo makes it easier to see on mobile devices and screens with lower resolutions and ones with different color temperatures.
• Simple logos are easier to design than complex ones. Companies want to streamline the design process.. When they’re ready to design your logo, everything is communicated with a designer. They make sure they both have a clear vision of the goal and can address any issues along the way.

To make a logo stand out in today’s competitive atmosphere, it has to adhere to certain design principles to ensure it’s doing its job.

What Makes a Good Logo?

Logos must be unique. Modern logos are used in many settings:

• Websites
• Banners
• Business cards
• Flyers
• Billboards
• Products

They need to look good regardless of size or background. The brand’s logo should also adapt to the resolution of most devices – not just laptops, but also smartphones or tablets. The best logo can adapt and evolve with trends and times.

You see them all the time in a variety of settings, and the more devices a design can be seen on, the more straightforward it must be. A good logo must take this into consideration because, for instance, a color on your phone may appear differently if it were put on a t-shirt or viewed on a television screen.

A Good Logo Can Improve Branding

You can find colorful and monochrome vintage logos relevant to today’s modern brands. The benefit of using this logo is that it tells your story better. It complements your storytelling and gives your customers some impression of your brand.

Therefore, you need to create a logo that represents your brand and helps you connect with your customers. Your company’s logo appears on everything from your website, products, business cards to social media and pretty much everything related to your company.

Other signs prioritize their shape over color. So they can adapt to any background or design. Just like Nike. It turned out to be great because they make clothes and accessories. This is how their logo stands out on every product they own.

Try it out for yourself to see this in action. Have you ever worked on any graphic design or art projects? In fact, websites like Placeit allow you to create complete designs in a matter of seconds, which can help you understand why these sorts of logos are the best option from a company and graphic designer perspectives.

It’s What a Good Company Wants

Companies want their products to represent their brands, and a straightforward logo makes this easier to do. A logo can be more easily incorporated into a product’s designs the less design elements there are in it.

Consider Google’s logo and its five primary colors as an example. No matter how obscure, every product and service Google releases combines those 5 colors into their branding, making it easy to distinguish a Google product at a glance. Apple’s logo has been changed from a rainbow apple with a bite out of it to a simple apple with one bite out of it.

This is not to assume that logos will always remain this way. Who’s to say that we won’t make similar alterations in the future when you consider how drastically our aesthetics and designs have changed over the last several years.

This may occur as a result of companies having to work harder to differentiate their logos in a sea of aesthetically similar ones as logos become simpler.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, a logo should be able to establish its brand, company, and identity with a single glance. Today’s logos are viewed on many various devices, they must adhere to new accessibility guidelines, and they want to be more memorable and catch your attention quicker. For these reasons, logo design is kept to a minimum.

Logos are so straightforward because businesses want to convey more information to you than ever before, and they do this by making their logo clear and straightforward, and thus we can see why logos are being flattened.

Downloading Adobe Illustrator is usually a straightforward process that involves a few clicks and a bit of waiting. However, when the applications don’t download because of computer errors, there could be stress and panic that makes working hard. So why can’t you download Adobe Illustrator?

Adobe has a wide array of applications in its Creative Cloud that could take up large sections of your computer storage. It is a vast operation that can also occupy 35% of your processing power. So don’t get discouraged just because you hit a few hurdles! Instead, read on and learn all about why you can’t download Adobe Illustrator.

Why You Can’t Download Adobe Illustrator

One of the best things about using an Adobe product is that they have a thriving online presence that answers questions and often places step-by-step instructions to fix the problem. There are a few reasons your computer won’t complete the download, but it usually boils down to a few popular answers.

Installing the Creative Cloud Is the First Thing to Check

Do you have Adobe Creative Cloud installed? That is the first thing you need to ask yourself when wondering why Illustrator won’t download. Creative Cloud is the central hub from which all the other applications they offer are downloaded and updated. So think of it like a waiting area that only installs one type of file, those from Adobe.

The steps to download the Adobe Creative Cloud are as follows:

1. Download – Go to Adobe and look for the Creativity & Design tab at the top left. This will bring down a menu that is chocked full of applications that are capable of amazing creations. There will be an icon for Creative Cloud at the top of the menu, and you should click on it.
2. Applications – The next page will be a landing page that shows you all the excellent applications you will have access to once you download the Cloud and subscribe to whatever level of payment you need. After that, you will be sent to a subscription page by choosing any apps.
3. Subscription – Once you get into the Subscription page, you should be able to start the download. Remember that you cannot download Illustrator without the Creative Cloud; jumping through these hoops is necessary to get the job done.

If the Cloud didn’t install correctly, you would get a series of Error Codes that will tell you what steps to take next. These Codes are valuable; if you don’t get a code, there could be catastrophic work ahead. Whatever the problem, you must have the Creative Cloud installed to get through to the next download portion.

Working Error Codes Is the Way to Get Results

Each time that the download fails should get an Error Code that goes along with it. These codes give you an idea of why the download failed and a few steps to clear up the problem. When you know what code you seek, just look at Adobe’s Install FAQ; there should be information to guide you beyond the problem.

The most used Error Codes that occur while installing Illustrator are:

• Error Code 1 – The number one code issued by Adobe involves portions of your systems files being corrupt or a failure to connect the Adobe servers. This error code is a wide net that catches any bugs that might infect their servers. Error Code 1 is an easy fix, and when it occurs, you can usually restart the process to get it right.
• Error Code 81 – Another of the most used codes is number 81. It means that there is another download happening off-screen. Adobe won’t allow you to download the same program twice. Code 81 lets you know you should check the other parts of your screen and background for any open download screens.
• Error Code 201 – Error Code 201 involves the updates you receive from Adobe. They can be partial bits of info or large files that don’t transmit when the data flows. Code 201 can occur during downloading and when you have to install updates later on. This code also means that you have issues connecting to the server.
• Error Code 205 – Error Code 205 is a problem with the downloaded file you are using. This code refers to your internet connection not fully receiving bits of information during the download. No matter how small, all files must be downloaded for the applications to function correctly.
• Error Code 206 – 206 is another Error Code that concerns your internet connection. More precisely, it describes that you have disconnected from the internet, and the download has stalled. You must have a constant internet connection for the download to send and receive all the data you need.
• Error Code 403 – Install and Update are two of the most failed parts of the download, and Error Code 403 is the warning you get. The installation and update often fail because routine segments run out of time. Restarting gives you a better chance of having small items repair themselves.

The Error Codes are a fantastic guide to finding why your computer won’t install Adobe Illustrator. They can be searched using Adobe Help and FAQ to give you information about why the problem happened and how to solve it. Remember to write down your codes, and if the problem persists, you might need to have your computer checked for hardware issues.

Conclusion

Working with Adobe Creative Cloud could be a total headache if you have installation problems. Installing Creative Cloud requires that you go to the Adobe page and agree to its terms and subscription cost. These costs are part of the game, and it’s a good idea to budget for them instead of using cut-rate software.

The Error Codes are your bread and butter if you want to discover why the download failed. There’s a searchable portion that allows giving your numbers for the codes, and once you know the number, it is a cinch to look it up and find the fix that goes along with it.

Being unable to edit the colors on a design in Illustrator is a common issue that can be solved by checking if the item is set to grayscale. Changing things out of grayscale is one reason you cannot edit colors; there are a few more. So why can’t you edit color in Illustrator?

Grayed-out colors can be a headache if you are in the middle of a design. It can disrupt your workflow and create a logjam in your inbox that Paul Bunyan couldn’t fix. But don’t let a simple fix stop you. Instead, read on and learn why you can edit colors in Illustrator.

Why Can’t You Edit Colors In Illustrator?

Working with color is an in-depth practice and using color in designs is as much science as style. Being locked out of the color wheel can be tricky, and often when working with imported graphics, you could encounter some that are locked in grayscale. However, getting them out is a breeze, and you should have the problem fixed in no time flat.

Items Are Locked to Grayscale

When working with the vector graphic software Illustrator, complications can take time to get past. For example, if you are working with imported pieces of artwork and want to change the colors, you could be stopped because they might be set up for shades of black and white.

The steps to unlock graphics from grayscale are as follows:

1. Select – Selecting the object with the pickup tool will outline it with blue lines. You must ensure that the parts you want are selected, or you will keep the greyscale on the item. You must have it selected before it can be changed.
2. Window – As soon as the art is selected, you should look at the options along the top of the screen until you find Window. There are several options in this drop-down menu, and it would be best if you found the Color section.
3. Color – Selecting Color from the Window drop-down menu, a panel will appear with a color line. This line will be grayscale, so you can’t edit it without unlocking it. Next, in the top right of the color scale, an arrow with lines underneath. Click the arrow.
4. Color Selection – Clicking the arrows will open a menu that allows you to choose from several different color types. These types each have their strengths and weaknesses, but you should select CMYK or Web Safe RGB.
5. Color Line – Now the color line that was grayed out before will be colored. Now you can choose whatever color you want and apply them to your design. This color line will have every color available, and you can move the selector around to get a custom color for your brand.

Once you have unlocked the greyscale a few times, it becomes a quick function that can be done in a flash. However, be careful always to have the item selected, or you risk changing color on something you have already worked on or not being able to unlock the thing from greyscale.

Hotkey Function

Another thing that could cause your need for more ability to edit colors is using the hotkeys. Hotkeys are strokes on the keyboard that allow you to perform functions that generally take longer quickly. Think of them as shortcuts for your processes. This problem usually occurs when having hotkeys for different parts of the design overlap with functions like font size or stroke.

A few ways to solve your hotkey problem are:

• Change Hotkeys – One of the easiest ways is to change your hotkeys. By pressing the D key, the default keys can change your colors to the standard black and white. This could offset your color choice if you aren’t paying attention. Keep a list of hotkeys handy if you are using several different options.
• Long Way – Sometimes, taking the long way and ignoring the hotkey is your best bet. Using the functions with Illustrator can be quick, but they can leave you open to problems like the default key that swaps color. Going through the menu and manually unlocking the color wheel is your best bet to avoid failure.

Hotkeys are a quick way to get work done and become more productive. There are drawbacks, however; knowing the pitfalls will allow you to create a set that keeps you in the game. Another option is to skip the keys and go with the menu and mouse route. Doing it old school might take longer, but the results will be the same, and it is a temporary fix.

Locked Files Cannot Be Edited

A reason that could creep into the equation is locked files. If you get a file from someone else and they have locked editing, you will have greyed-out colors that you cannot edit. The sender must unlock these files, and until they are, you only have viewing access. Without editing access, you cannot change anything, colors included.

If you receive locked files that must be edited, you should contact the sender and request the access you need. Once access is granted, you can work with the colors and a few other options depending on the boundaries set by the document owner.

Conclusion

Being unable to edit the color of objects in Illustrator can be a frustrating ordeal if you are a new user. Each time you attempt to change the color of an imported item, it only lets you use the greyscale on the item. To change it, all you need to do is head to Window and then Color. The Color menu will have a line with options you should look out for at the end.

Working with the Color tool will allow you to change the greyscale by clicking on the arrow with lines in the top right of the color line. Unfortunately, the hotkey problem will also grey out the color if the hotkey is assigned to another function.

CorelDraw is a valuable program, but it can become a pain to use when it keeps crashing. There are a few reasons for this, and with some research, you can solve the problem and get back to work. So why does CorelDraw keep crashing, and how can I fix it?

CorelDraw is a vector graphics program that lends its name to Corel’s suite of editing tools, like Corel Photo-Paint. These applications can be hard to master and even more challenging to correct problems with your computer. Don’t be intimidated! Read on and learn why CorelDraw keeps crashing and how you can fix it.

Why CorelDraw Keeps Crashing

CorelDraw can crash for several reasons. Starting with the biggest first is always easier when trying to fix a problem and moving forward. CorelDraw’s most prominent problem is its usage of TMP files, which can be significant if they aren’t deleted. Doing a bit of maintenance takes a huge first step in preventing future crashes in CorelDraw.

1. Removing the TMP Files Is a Great Place to Start

TMP files are the kind you create when you paste or copy from another source. While they don’t take up tons of room, they can be a hassle if you don’t keep an eye on them. You can find these files by checking a computer folder and creating breathing room for CorelDraw to repair itself.

A few different ways to find the TMP files folder on your computer are:

• Run Files – One of the most straightforward ways to get to the temp files on your computer is by using the Window+R command. This opens the Run menu, a tiny dialogue box that allows you to search for files. Search for the temp files in the box using TMP or %tmp%. A folder will appear with the results of the search.
• Manually – Another way to search for the TMP files is using the mouse. First, you should click the Window button and, open the start menu, click Settings. In the Settings menu, look for System and Storage. In the Storage file, there should be a folder marked Temporary Files.

Deleting the files might be a large job, and the easiest way to do it is by Shift+Click on each individual or choosing the Command+A option. Shift+Click is the most precise way to do the job and keep some of the TMP files that could currently be in use. Command+A will select everything in the folder and could cause problems if you are working on a project.

2. Checking Storage Is a Good Idea

While programs like CorelDraw don’t take up tons of space, they are sizable programs that need proper RAM storage. If you do not have adequate space, you can count on your crashing problems to continue. A good idea is to see if your computer needs an internal upgrade. Upgrades will make your computer work like a dream and increase productivity.

Upgrades inside a laptop or PC will take time and money. The parts are easy to come by, and their installation could require an expert hand, especially for laptops. Deleting unused programs or making space elsewhere is often best to get the desired results. Stick to unused files, and don’t delete things at random.

3. Modify Could Be the Best Bet for Solving Crashing In CorelDraw

If deleting the TMP files didn’t fix the crashing, there’s a more invasive way you can try that could be a long process. When it is over, if there are any faults in the program, they will be fixed. Going into the main program files, you can initiate a program that will run through the CorelDraw reboot and return the product to its original function.

The steps to Modify CorelDraw are as follows:

1. Control Panel – The first thing you need to do is find the Control Panel on your computer. You can do this by opening the Start Menu. Control Panel should be one of the options that appear in the menu.
2. Uninstall Program – When you get to the Control Panel, you should be looking for the Uninstall Program. Don’t worry; this won’t take the program off your computer but will run a process that allows you to fix any problems. Once inside, it would be best to look for the CorelDraw icon.
3. Modify – A new box will appear once you double-click the CorelDraw icon. This window will have a few different options depending on your software version. The one you are looking for is Modify and should be in the middle of the list. The macros you created will not be deleted with this process. Click Next and start the modification.
4. Amend CorelDraw – Another screen should appear after this one that allows you to choose to Uninstall or Amend the program. Amending is a way of letting the app go through a reboot and keeping your info intact. Once the amendment is made, you will get a fresh restart.

Modifying the application can be scary because the prompts ask to remove the program, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve. Corel did an innovative thing by allowing you to Modify and Amend the program to your liking. This approach will enable you to customize the software as much as you like.

Conclusion

One of the biggest hang ups that CorelDraw has is needing lots of RAM space. When TMP files begin to be packed into their folder, they chip away at Corel’s amount of RAM and eventually get to the point where they crash or stall the program. Keeping an eye on your TMP files is an excellent way to combat crashes, and Modifying the application is another.

Modifying and Amending CorelDraw will allow you to start at square one when using the program while still keeping all your Macros installed. It is an easy process that can be done from the CorelDraw folder. Once the program is amended, you should be able to get back to work without interruption.

When designing your projects on Placeit, configuring the dimensions and resolution of your images is important. You want your logos and other images to stand out, display clearly, and function as well as they can with the overall design. What DPI does Placeit use?

Placeit uses a default resolution of 72 DPI. Placeit has a free image resizer feature that allows you to resize your images up to 7500 x 7500 pixels if needed. In general, 72 DPI is sufficient for most projects.

Read on to learn more about the DPI used in Placeit as well as factors to consider when sizing images for your designs. Placeit’s useful software offers valuable attributes to help you create your best work.

What DPI Does Placeit Use?

Images downloaded through Placeit are set at 72 dpi. This is sufficient for your online graphics, but it can pose problems if you want your designs printed on something extra large.

When you download an image from Placeit, the resolution will automatically display at 72 dpi. 72 dpi is typically standard for online projects, but chances are that most designers prefer to have the freedom to change their dimensions and resolutions as needed.

Image preferences come into play when a designer monitors their DPI or PPI. DPI measures digital images, while PPI is set for print images. They are theoretically the same thing; DPI stands for “dots per inch,” while PPI stands for “pixels per inch.”

So, the higher your DPI, the more dots, or pixels, are present in one square inch of your image. Placeit’s default 72 dpi is useful for online customization as the resolution displays clearly for online purposes such as social media posts, website advertisements, and more.

Can You Change The DPI In Placeit?

You can resize your images in Placeit, which inversely increases or decreases the DPI setting. So, yes, you can alter your image from 72 dpi. Whether you simply want to resize your image to better fit your design or need to make it larger for a print design, doing so through Placeit is simple.

Resolution for digital versus print design purposes is a big factor in creating your projects.

High DPI	Low DPI
Better for online designs Sharper images More dots per inch Typically smaller image dimensions for things like social media posts, emails, etc.	Better for print designs Fewer dots per inch Typically larger image dimensions for things like billboards, bus wraps, etc.

Keep in mind that when you enlarge the dimensions of an image, the DPI decreases, and vice versa. Essentially, the same number of pixels must fit the size of the image. 72 dpi is good for online publication but is low resolution for printing most paper designs.

How To Resize Images On Placeit

With Placeit, you can also alter the number of pixels themselves. By resizing an image, you can choose what you want the resolution to be by inputting your preferred pixel amounts. Placeit supports images as high as 7500 x 7500 px.

If you want to resize your image to adhere to your design, make your print designs look clearer, or any other reason, it is simple. Placeit offers instructions on how to resize images on Placeit with the following operating systems:

• Mac
• Windows

The process is slightly different for the two operating systems.

Resize On Mac

Locate your image from Finder and use Preview to open it. Select image dimensions and input the dimensions you prefer for the resolution of your image. Then, save the image. When you use the image in Placeit, it will be good to go.

Resize On Windows

Right-click the image in your folder and click “Edit”. Locate “Resize”, alter your dimensions, and check the box for “Maintain aspect ratio”. Then, save the image. It will process your changes and appear as preferred on Placeit.

Does Resolution Matter In Digital Media?

Resolution matters in digital media – but perhaps not as much as it does in print designs. When creating print designs, your image may look excellent on your screen when it is set at 72 dpi, but if you are printing for a billboard, large poster, or even a standard magazine, 72 dpi can dramatically alter the appearance of your image.

Because there are so many dots per inch, an enlarged version of the image will look extremely blurry. The case is similar for digital designs in that too small of a DPI setting will distort the image when published electronically.

Using Placeit To Create Your Designs

Placeit has answers to countless questions just like the one discussed above. If you are new to Placeit, consider taking the time to explore the thousands of free mockups, templates, logos, designs, and more that it has to offer.

Takeaway

Placeit uses a DPI setting of 72 dpi. If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your downloaded images, you can alter the image’s dimensions and improve their resolutions with just a few easy clicks, all on Placeit’s website.

When working on a document, you might come across a watermark and background. At first glance, these items seem straightforward. They may even appear similar. However, watermarks and backgrounds are completely different tools. If you want to use one of them, you may wonder – what are the differences?

The main difference between a watermark and a background is its use. A watermark determines the owner of a work, while a background helps provide character and helps the text pop.

If you’re interested in learning more about watermark vs background, you’ve come to the right place. The more you know about watermarks and background, the better prepared you can be to create incredible work.

What Differentiates Watermark from Background?

Several items differentiate a watermark from a background. If you are interested in using either of these items, it helps to understand what separates them from each other.

Here are a few of the items that differentiate a watermark from a background:

• Appearance: A watermark is a large logo or a name. The background is a tint or pattern that covers the entire page.
• Use: A watermark works to prove who a work belongs to on the internet. A background is decoration and helps the text pop off the page.
• Applying method: A background is applied first, while a watermark is added later and with different controls.

They are different items and have distinct traits.

The most apparent difference is the appearance, but the separations go down to the application process and the uses for each item. A watermark doesn’t work as a background, and background doesn’t work as a watermark.

What is the Purpose of a Watermark?

A watermark is a logo or name applied to a paper to protect a document or an image. Its primary purpose is as a protective piece. With a watermark, it’s much harder to steal work from the internet. People have a tricky time editing out a watermark from a page they capture.

Watermarking isn’t just a modern process – it’s been around for a long time. On ancient papers, the watermark was visible online when held in the sunlight. It’s a valuable tool that ensures images stick with the people who created them.

Can You Use a Watermark and a Background?

A watermark and a background might not be the same thing. However, both serve purposes. You might wonder – can you use a watermark and a background together? Is it possible to put them on an image, or should they be separate when working to define a piece? 

It’s possible to use a watermark and a background simultaneously. Background is a form of decoration, while a watermark defines ownership. All you need to do is lay down the background, then put the watermark on top to complete the process. They can work together with little trouble if you want to define a background and claim it at the same time. 

What is the Difference Between WordArt and Watermark?

Another item that seems similar to a watermark is WordArt. They are both strings of works that decorate the page and provide a little bit of personality. What is the difference between WordArt and watermark? Are they the same thing?

WordArt is a type of text with added effect to make it pop off the page. You can pick shadows, highlights, and even glitter to create titles and text that stand out. WordArt goes across a portion of the page as something to be read along with the rest of the text.

On the other hand, watermarks aren’t necessarily meant to operate as traditional pieces of text. Instead, they are there to ensure the world knows who the work belongs to in the world.

Final Thoughts

Although watermarks and backgrounds might seem the same, they are not. A watermark determines the owner of a piece, while a background serves as decoration for a work. They can work together but don’t serve the same purpose in the creation process.

We hope this information was helpful! There’s a lot to consider when working with items like watermarks and backgrounds. The more you know, the more effectively you can use these tools to your advantage. The further you progress in the design process, the more confident you will be able to utilize watermarks and backgrounds in your work.

A watermark and a logo are two items you will hear about often in the professional world. If you don’t know the proper definitions of each word, it’s easy to get confused. You might wonder – what is a watermark? What is a logo? Is there a critical difference between the two, or are they the same?

Most of the time, a watermark and a logo are the same thing. However, there is one critical difference. A watermark is a transparent version of your logo, placed over the top of a document or image. A logo can be that or sit in the corner, top, or bottom of a page.

If you’re interested in learning more about a watermark and a logo, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about what separates the two, the purpose of each, and if a watermark is a version of a trademark. The more you know about each item, the better you can navigate the professional world.

What Differentiates Watermark from Logo?

Watermarks and logos are very similar. Most of the time, you can refer to them, and they mean the same thing. However, if we take a look at differences, there is one difference that sets apart a watermark from a logo.

Here are a few additional items that separate the two:

• Translucency: Watermarks are more see-through than a logo on a page.
• Size: A watermark is typically large, while a logo is smaller and sits in a corner of a page.

These push them apart.

Most of the time, a watermark is a logo. Both serve to defend your pieces and inform the world who created them. Still, it helps to understand what separates the two in the professional world.

What Is the Purpose of a Watermark?

A watermark works to protect confidential information and one-of-a-kind masterpieces from theft. If there is a large watermark over a page, it makes it much trickier for another person to make a copy of the product and steal it from you.

You can use a watermark for purposes such as:

• Placing artwork on the internet
• Putting a critical document out in an email
• Claiming intellectual property

It will provide a defense for these needs.

A watermark is a valuable tool that provides legal protection for a critical piece of information. It can be a logo, too – but what is a logo?

What Is the Purpose of a Logo?

A logo is another form of protection. It can be a watermark, but a logo also works as a stamp. It can sit anywhere on a product – in the corner, at the top of the page, or in any other spot that gets the point across to the recipient of the document.

You can use a logo for needs such as:

• Stamping an envelope before mailing it out
• Putting on the header at the top of a corporate email
• Placing the logo in the corner of a professional letter

It will lay claim to a document in this way.

A logo tells the world who you are. It also puts your name out there, showing everyone what the product stands for in the world. There are valuable purposes to a logo.

Is a Watermark a Trademark?

A trademark is not a watermark, but you can trademark a watermark. Trademarking is the process of registering an item as unique intellectual property. If you want to make your watermark more legal than it already is to form further protection, you can go through the trademarking process for the item.

Although a trademark can be beneficial, a watermark doesn’t need to provide protection for your document. Consider a trademark if your company is at a point where additional defenses on work might be necessary.

Final Thoughts

It can be tricky to determine the difference between a watermark and a logo. Often, the lines are blurred – a logo can work as a watermark, and they may be the same thing. Both work to lay a claim to a page or company and define it as their own. However, one can operate as more than a claim of ownership.

We hope this information was helpful! Watermarks and logos are critical items in the workplace, whether you’re claiming an item or attempting to put your company’s face into the world. Now that you know the difference between the two, you can have a better time in the creation process, whether making a document or an image.