Articles – Page 10

Mar

2011

Website Backups

Creating a backup of your website
You should backup your website on a regular basis, weekly or before and after you make any significant changes is recommended.

Previously, backups were able to be stored on the server of the website. This is no longer available using the WordPress backup facilty. There are dozens of Backup Plugins available, but I prefer to backup a websites files and folders by copying the entire site via FTP to a local computer, then backup your database via the WordPress instructions link below.

Backing up files and folders
Using an FTP client (eg Direct FTP by Coffee Cup), with your FTP settings (in your hosting email), FTP (copy, not move) your website folders, including root directory to your local computer, making sure you keep the same folder structure. In the event of a website failure, these files and folders can be copied back to the server in the same way.

Backing up your datebase
See WordPress instructions here.

Mar

2011

Vector eps files

The eps (Encapulated Post Script) file format is used to transfer a graphic image between applications and platforms. EPS files contain PostScript code as well as an optional preview image in TIFF, WMF, PICT or EPSI, the latter being an ASCII-only format. An eps (as vectors) is the most reliable way to send a graphic image to an end user ie signwriter, graphic designers, press etc. Usually, only industry professionals are able to open or import eps files. When supplied as an eps, artwork can be enlarged without loss of quality, recoloured, pulled apart and modified in many ways.

Mar

2011

Creating pdfs

To create a pdf from a CorelDraw page or item, select, “File” “Publish to pdf” NOT export (as used in previous versions).
When creating a pdf, choose “Export all fonts as curves” (in Objects tab) when sending a pdf to a commercial printer. All images should be flattened before creating the pdf. All images should be CMYK, never RGB for print/press.

Mar

2011

CorelDraw X4/X5

Some tips and tricks. Some tips will apply to all or most versions of CorelDraw, some may even apply to any Windows based programs.

Hot Keys
F2 Zoom in
F3 Zoom out
F4 Zoom to see everything on desktop
F8 Text tool
F12 Outline tool
L Align Left
R Align Right
C Align Centre
P Align to centre of Page
CTRL+S Save (use often!)
CTRL+P Print
CTRL+R Repeat last task
CTRL+C Copy to clipboard
CTRL+V Paste from clipboard
CTRL+W Refresh screen
CTRL+Z Undo
CTRL+Shift+Z Undo the undo
Shift+F9 Wireframe view
Arrows Nudge objects
Right Click Make duplicate while moving an object
CTRL Restrain movement
Space Bar Switch to last Tool used or Pick Tool
F9 Fullscreen view
TAB Cycle through objects on page
+ Make duplicate

Mar

2011

Design Tip Fonts

The number of fonts in any design piece should be no more than 3.

One font could include the variations within the font “family”. ie Italics, normal, bold, bold italic of one font, create a font family. The addition of a display or feature font should be restricted to one only.
The fonts used for any particular piece should be derived (first option) from any design elements that must be included. ie any logos that feature in the piece would influence what fonts are used for the document (where ever possible).