What is SVG?

SVG stands for scalable vector graphics. It’s an XML-based coded file format that enables us to use vector graphics in webpages.

Why Should You Optimize SVG Files?

Design apps such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and Illustrator code SVG files differently. Some produce cleaner code than others. Regardless of what app codes the SVG file, it’s likely that the code can be further optimized, offering cleaner code and a smaller file (which downloads faster). Loading speed is important because website speed is one factor that affects your website’s Google ranking.

Optimizing SVG files can have other benefits. Once we had an SVG file that Illustrator didn’t like. The SVG was exported from Sketch, and we were trying to open it in Illustrator. We got an error message and it appeared wrong in Illustrator. After optimizing the SVG file, it imported without error and looked correct!

What are Variable Fonts?

Variable fonts are a new kind of font that allows for amazing new levels of flexibility. With just one font file you can alter thickness, width, or just about any attribute you can think of... all while keeping the file-size small (important for websites).

Do not limit your thinking to the standard options that you’ve seen before (bold, italic, extended, condensed, etc.). Font designers can make variable fonts do all sorts of cool things!

Each year Adobe comes out with new features, so what changed in Photoshop CC 2019? We’ll cover the most important changes we think you should know about.

Changes to Multiple Undo

Prior to Photoshop CC 2019, Cmd–Z (Mac) or Ctrl–Z (Windows) acted as a toggle. It would undo, and then redo the very last thing you did. I always thought this was because of Photoshop’s roots in photography. It was useful to compare the before and after states to see if the retouching/color correction you just applied looks good. Regardless of the reason, it did make Photoshop different than other Creative Cloud apps. CC 2019 changes the keystroke to work like InDesign, Illustrator, etc.

• In CC 2019 each time you hit Cmd–Z (Mac) or Ctrl–Z (Windows), you will go farther back in your file’s history.
• To redo, you now hit Cmd–Shift–Z (Mac) or Ctrl–Shift–Z (Windows).
• Miss the old toggle-style undo? Use Cmd–Opt–Z (Mac) or Ctrl–Alt–Z (Windows).

If you don’t like the new keystrokes, you can revert back to the prior behavior as follows:

1. Go into Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts.
2. Check on Use Legacy Undo Shortcuts and click OK.
3. Restart Photoshop.

Each year Adobe comes out with new features, so what changed in InDesign CC 2019? We’ll cover the most important changes we think you should know about.

New Properties Panel

Properties panels have been added to Photoshop and Illustrator, and now InDesign has one. The Properties panel is meant to put many useful features into a single panel.

By default, the Control panel (at the top of the screen) has been hidden, in favor of the new Properties panel. While I like the idea of the Properties panel, I find that the Control panel does a better job of showing you more options in a smaller space. You can show the Control panel again by choosing Window > Control.

Each year Adobe comes out with new features, so what changed in Illustrator CC 2019? We’ll cover the most important changes we think you should know about.

Freeform Gradients

In addition to Linear and Radial gradients, Adobe added a new kind of gradient called Freeform gradients. Freeform gradients are similar to a gradient mesh, but are easier to work with and the color blending acts differently.

You can add color stops (places where you choose a color) anywhere in an object and move them around. These color stops can be points or lines. You can switch between the two modes in the Gradient panel, Properties panel, or Control panel.

IMPORTANT: The information in this post has since become outdated. Read our more current article on this topic.

When designing digital products such as websites, apps, etc. there are many apps to choose from. Which one is right for you? While some people use Figma, InVision Studio, and others, in this article we’ll focus on what we consider the three industry front-runners: Sketch, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe XD.

Sketch

While some designers are just now making the switch to Sketch, it’s been around since 2010. Sketch is a Mac only app, which is fine with most designers, but PC users will need to look at Adobe XD or Photoshop.

Sketch is great for UX/UI design. You can design wireframes or finished visual designs, and turn those into clickable prototypes using Sketch’s recently added prototyping tools or InVision’s Craft plugin.

Sketch has very powerful symbols and styles, which enable you to easily create complex design systems that are flexible and manageable across large projects. It also has decent exporting options.

Sketch costs $99 (USD) and you get a year of updates as well as Sketch Cloud. After the first year, you can continue using your last update for as long as you want with no other payments. However, if you want another year of updates and Sketch Cloud, you must renew your license for $69 (USD).

Sketch is a great option for Mac users that want an affordable and powerful design app.

Learn more in our Sketch class.

From web developers to app developers, Git is useful to anyone who writes code or track changes to files. So what’s it all about and why should you start using it?

What is Git?

Git is the most commonly used version control system. Git tracks the changes you make to files, so you have a record of what has been done, and you can revert to specific versions should you ever need to. Git also makes collaboration easier, allowing changes by multiple people to all be merged into one source. 

So regardless of whether you write code that only you will see, or work as part of a team, Git will be useful for you.

Git is software that runs locally. Your files and their history are stored on your computer. You can also use online hosts (such as GitHub or Bitbucket) to store a copy of the files and their revision history. Having a centrally located place where you can upload your changes and download changes from others, enable you to collaborate more easily with other developers. Git can automatically merge the changes, so two people can even work on different parts of the same file and later merge those changes without loosing each other’s work!

Learn to create a unique graphic illustration using stock imagery. In this video you’ll learn about adjustment layers, blending modes, layer masks, selections, and more.

Download the Files & Exercise (scroll down to Creative Compositing with Photoshop)

LEARN MORE:
Photoshop Classes (attend in New York City or Live Online)
Photoshop Books (eBook or Print)

Adobe Experience Design is a totally new app created specifically for designing websites and apps. You can craft the visuals and turn them into working prototypes all in a single app! Even though it's currently in beta, it’s developing quickly. See how it works and what it can do for your design workflow.

View the Presentation Slides

LEARN MORE:
Adobe XD Class
Adobe XD Book (eBook or Print)

Learn about a more illustrative use of Photoshop to design a graphic. Combine photos with digital art and effects created from scratch in Photoshop. In this video you’ll learn about adjustment layers, blending modes, masking, and more.

Download the Files & Exercise (scroll down to Photoshop Illustration Techniques)

LEARN MORE:
Photoshop Classes (attend in New York City or Live Online)
Photoshop Books (eBook or Print)