Gadgets and Devices

10 Secret Photoshop Tricks Every Designer Should Know

With countless tools and options, Adobe Photoshop is a designer’s dream come true. However, some of its hidden treasures are frequently missed by even experienced users. Whether you’re working on digital painting, logo design, or website mockups, these little-known capabilities can make your job go more quickly and efficiently. Let’s explore ten Photoshop hidden features that every designer ought to be aware of.

1. Content-Aware Fill Workspace

Although most people are familiar with the fundamentals of content-aware fill, Photoshop now provides a dedicated workspace. You can discover more precise controls for filling in undesirable objects and sampling regions by selecting Edit > Content-Aware Fill. Ideal for adjusting intricate textures or eliminating background distractions.

2. Select Subject with One Click

Photoshop employs artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically identify and choose the image’s primary subject under Select > Subject. It saves a great deal of time when isolating subjects and is extremely accurate, especially with intricate borders like hair.

3. Color Lookup Adjustment Layer

Want to create a dramatic effect without using intricate color grading? Try the adjustment layer for Color Lookup. It is an excellent application for making mood boards or stylizing pictures, and it allows you to add LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for fast color effects.

4. Brush Smoothing

Photoshop’s Brush Smoothing function aids in producing cleaner strokes if your hand isn’t the steadiest. Simply use the Brush Tool and change the smoothing percentage on the top toolbar. For illustrators and letterers, it’s revolutionary.

5. Layer Comps

Creating several iterations of the same layout design? You may save various visibility, location, and style settings for layers using Layer Comps. For comparing variants without generating distinct files, it’s ideal.

6. Match Font Tool

Unable to identify the typeface you found in an image? Make use of Type > Match Font. After analyzing the chosen text area, Photoshop will recommend related fonts that are either already on your computer or accessible through Adobe Fonts.

7. Quick Export as PNG

Right-click a layer and select Quick Export as PNG to save time. It’s perfect for social media managers or site designers who require transparent, quick asset exports.

8. Smart Objects for Non-Destructive Editing

To apply filters and transformations without causing any damage, convert layers to Smart Objects. You can always go back and make changes without sacrificing quality, which is crucial when working on intricate design tasks.

9. Symmetry Painting

You can paint in a mirrored manner along vertical, horizontal, or arbitrary axes by using the Brush Tool’s Symmetry Mode. It’s ideal for making symmetrical pictures, patterns, and mandalas..

10. Hidden Gradient Presets

To access Photoshop’s hidden gradient presets, click the gear icon in the Gradient Picker and select “Legacy Gradients.” These consist of imaginative and practical gradients for overlays, backdrops, and other applications.

Final Thoughts

If you know where to look, Photoshop has a ton of options that can help you do your work more creatively and efficiently. You’ll improve your design process and find new ways to realize your ideas by investigating these hidden tools. So feel free to experiment and include Photoshop’s hidden tools into your daily toolbox.

How to Generate Videos with Veed: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Making movies of a high caliber doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Anyone, from marketers to content producers, can create engaging and conversion-boosting films with Veed’s user-friendly online video editing platform. Veed streamlines and eases the process of creating tutorial videos, promo reels, and social media material. Here is a basic, step-by-step guide to get you going.

Step 1: Sign Up and Start a New Project

Go to Veed.io and create a free account to get started. Click the “New Project” option after logging in. You have the option of starting from scratch or using one of Veed’s pre-made templates, which are excellent for gaining ideas and saving time.

Step 2: Upload or Record Your Video

Direct uploading of media files from your device or cloud storage is possible. Among the many formats that Veed supports are MP4, MOV, AVI, and others. If you don’t have any footage yet, you can record your video right away with Veed’s webcam and screen recording features. This is particularly helpful for reaction videos, walkthroughs, and tutorials.

Step 3: Customize and Edit

Once your footage is uploaded, the real magic begins. Veed’s user-friendly timeline editor allows you to:

Trim, cut, and split clips
Add subtitles (manually or using AI-powered auto-subtitling)
Insert text, images, logos, and emojis
Choose from music tracks or upload your audio
Apply filters, transitions, and effects

Technical expertise is not required to organize elements thanks to the drag-and-drop feature. Additionally, you may change the size of your videos to fit other networks, such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Step 4: Use AI Tools for Fast Video Creation

Video production can be accelerated with Veed’s AI-powered tools. For instance, you can utilize the text-to-speech function to add voiceovers in various languages and dialects, or the AI script generator to create an engaging script. These tools are excellent for turning text-based content, such as blog articles or newsletters, into videos or for repurposing content.

Step 5: Export and Share

Click “Export” to finish processing your video once it appears perfect. Depending on your preferences, you can select from a variety of resolutions, including HD and Full HD. Once the video has been exported, you have the option to download it, share it using a link, or post it straight to social media from the Veed dashboard.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of editing experience, Veed enables anyone to create videos. It’s the ideal tool for companies, schools, and artists wishing to create a powerful visual effect because of its easy-to-use interface, AI features, and versatile export possibilities. Why wait, then? Start making videos that communicate your narrative the way you want it to be told by going to Veed.io.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which One Should You Trust in 2025?

Choosing the perfect VPN in 2025 can be like choosing between two blockbuster hits: Both are excellent, but which one best suits your needs? If you’re deciding between NordVPN and ExpressVPN, you’re not alone. These two have been at the forefront of the VPN battle for years, and while they have some similarities, the distinctions are significant, depending on what you’re looking for.

Speed and Performance

Let’s begin with speed because no one wants a VPN that slows everything down. NordVPN has a significant advantage here because of its NordLynx protocol. It’s based on WireGuard and tuned for lightning-fast performance. Whether you’re streaming 4K, downloading huge files, or gaming online, it performs admirably. ExpressVPN uses its own Lightway protocol, and while it’s seamless and dependable, NordVPN is usually faster, especially when connecting to servers farther away.

Privacy and Security

NordVPN and ExpressVPN take data security very seriously. They use AES-256 encryption and have strong no-log standards. NordVPN goes above and beyond by offering features such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and Threat Protection, which actively prevents trackers and harmful websites. ExpressVPN keeps everything neat and simple, focused on performing the fundamentals exceptionally well. Both are headquartered in privacy-friendly jurisdictions—Panama for Nord and the British Virgin Islands for Express—so your data is secure and out of reach.

Streaming and Unblocking

If you want to unblock Netflix or stream BBC iPlayer from anywhere, any VPN is a fantastic choice. ExpressVPN is known for its high level of consistency when it comes to streaming. You rarely need to switch servers to find one that works. NordVPN also handles streaming effectively, though it does take some trial and error to find the ideal server. Once you’re in, the experience is seamless, with no buffering or pauses.

User Experience

ExpressVPN excels when it comes to simplicity. The app is simple, user-friendly, and does the job without making you think too much. It’s ideal for those who simply want to press a button and feel safe. NordVPN, on the other hand, has a more extensive feature set. Its UI is more complex, which is wonderful if you prefer having more control over your settings, but it may take some time to adjust if you’re new to VPNs.

Pricing and Value

This is where NordVPN stands out for many people. It is more economical, especially if you commit to a longer-term plan. The company frequently offers promotions that provide additional months for free, making it a sound investment. ExpressVPN’s pricing is obviously on the expensive side. You spend a little more for a smoother experience but not necessarily for additional features.

Final Thoughts

Overall, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent picks. If you’re looking for speed, advanced features, and better value for money, NordVPN is undoubtedly the superior option. However, if you like simplicity, consistency, and high-quality streaming performance, ExpressVPN will not disappoint. It depends on what is most important to you.