Leopard semi-hidden features

This is way too cool! Muy bueno.

This is an article about the features that are usually not mentioned when Apple talks about Leopard (the newest version of Apple Operating System)

I have been a Leopard user for a couple of weeks, and I have to say that I love it! There are so many ways to speed up your work. This article talks about features like:

• Printing and Page Setup integration: No more two separated dialogs.
  
• Use of Spaces to define specific applications to each space: One of my favorites, no more clutter.
  
• The Path Bar Bonus: An easy way to find your way around.
  
• Login Items: Find the locations of everything that is automatically open when you log in.
  
• Autosave for TextEdit: You won't loose that text anymore.
  
• Automator recording: Record what you do once, and to do it again in the future...just press a button.

It's just great!

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Some ideas about paper

Paper selection is a very important part of the design process for a printed communication piece. Unfortunately, in many cases this element is left behind in the process, and the final decision depends more on the available budget.

There are many elements to consider when selecting paper stock: Coated or Uncoated, Textured or Smooth, Bright or Dim, Glossy or Dull, Thick or Thin, Opaque or Transparent, White or Color, etc.

One of the basic decisions is Coated vs. Uncoated:

Uncoated papers are more textured and porous, affecting the way ink lays on the paper surface. Inks tend to spread out more, which would not work well for a design with very small, thin, or sharp details. Images would be softened, and colors would not be very saturated.

Coated papers are smoother. Their surface allows a sharper and more detailed result, and brighter and more saturated colors can be obtained.

If you are a designer or a client working with a designer, research paper types, talk with your printer to learn about possibilities, and make the best choice depending on who will use this piece, how it will be used, and what is the intended message.

Glossy papers can make reading harder in certain lighting conditions, for example, but can be good in some cases because of the more shiny end results and the more saturated colors obtained.

There is no unique formula for a successful choice. Talk with your designer or client, and may the best paper win!

Good information about printing

I found this web page with very detailed information about printing. Great for designers, students, and everybody interested in learning about printing. Some of the topics are:

Digital Printing, Binding, Die Cutting, Embossing, Foil Stamping, Folding, Laminating, Numbering, Padding, Perforations, Paper, Inks and Coatings, Prepress, Color, Desktop Publishing, Imaging, Planning and Design, Proofing, Software, Print Processes, Security Features, etc