While cleaning up my Mac's desktop, I recently noticed a file name and extension that I didn't recognize. The thumbnail didn't register on my Apple Mac, and the name and the extension .AVIF weren't jogging my memory. Are you in this situation too? Then read on to learn how to quickly view this file type and convert it to your preferred image file type.
Typographer’s Quotes in InDesign
As a designer working in print publications, getting your quote marks correct is imperative for good typography. As a rule of thumb, in your print graphic designs, you always want to use the typographer’s quote, or the curly quote. Here's how to ensure you’re using the right quote marks in Adobe InDesign.
How to make a WordPress menu item open in a new tab
By default, WordPress menu settings are limited, and the options to see more are hidden. Here's where to look to find optional additional Menu property settings.
Can you send me the PDF and Word document?
As a designer, I'm asked more than I'd like to admit if I can please send the PDF and the Word document for review. In this scenario, my designs typically come from Illustrator, InDesign, and sometimes are coded websites. But...did you know I always quickly (and easily) give my clients exactly what they asked for -- a PDF and a Word document. Here's how.
Make a new document size in Photoshop match your clipboard
I've been using Photoshop for almost 25 years, so changes sometimes throw me for a loop. Recently, in my version 23.3.1 release, new documents stopped automatically sizing to what I had in my clipboard. Ugh. I find this a frustrating change! Fortunately, there's a way to get back the old functionality!
Czechia and Seychelles spam Google Analytics traffic blocked with Cloudflare
In August 2022, my classic Google Analytics started to show increased traffic to my kid's activity blog. Unfortunately, the traffic was from Czechia and Seychelles with 100% or 99.72% bounce rates. Disappointingly, the bump was not from real traffic. Here's how I created a managed challenge with Cloudflare to block the spam traffic.
The best typography games
As a graphic designer, I love type! Here's a round-up of the best typographic games. They're a pleasant way to spend time. You'll find yourself exploring kerning, font-shaping, font pairing, testing your identification skills, and even exploring the history of famous fonts. Enjoy!
Creative examples of mega menus using modals
Explore examples of websites using modal pop-ups for their mega menus on desktop views.
Examples of company wordmarks that have been genericized for digital use
Brand's logotypes used to be known for their unique flourishes; these unexpected touches added distinction to a brand's wordmark. Now, brands are moving towards minimalism, simplification, and optimization in digital contexts. Here's a collection of big brands using extremely generic typefaces as their current wordmarks.
How to create a Color Wheel
This post includes How-To videos that I use when I'm teaching beginner undergraduate Graphic Design students about Color. The Illustrator Color Wheel uses the HSB color mode and Live Paint Bucket tool. The Photoshop Color Wheel uses an RGB additive technique the brush tool. Enjoy! Happy Designing!

