What’s in store for developers and users? Users would wonder if they’re affected by this change. Depending on what they use their devices for, it might make or break a lot of things. Take for example gamers. There are major gaming websites that focus on Flash like Kongregate and Newgrounds, I guess Apple users won’t be able to play games anymore. For developers, this might be a problem (or a business) as they will have to rewrite their products.

Apple is a behemoth that does not support Flash. Two Steve’s are actually moving away from Flash, the other Steve is Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO. Imagine that? Two huge industry giants versus Adobe Flash!

Is the future of Adobe Flash grim? Before addressing the real issue here, let’s first look at why Flash is a target and not others.

Why is Flash Widely Used?

Source: Adobe.com

To begin, Flash has been used for a very long time and has widely revolutionized multimedia both online and on handheld devices. Why is it so? Because Flash has solved several problems that people experienced. From handling videos to fonts, to animation and cross browser compatibility, and adding to that the set standards on the web that are always changing. Cross browser and cross-platform compatibility with Adobe Flash is not an issue, unlike many web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

Another reason for its success is that Flash is mostly used for gaming and entertainment. The majority of internet users use the internet for entertainment.

Is it the End of Flash?

No. To say that it will die off because a new challenger appears is too sensationalist. Since the majority of PCs use it, websites with animations including those pesky advertisements, and thousands of Flash games, it won’t go away easily. It has served thousands of devices and websites; taught in multimedia classes and has produced a lot of creative content without even knowing scripting. Adobe Flash is still evolving, trying to keep up with the fast paced technology.

During college I took a multimedia class. There we used Adobe Flash and created several 2D animations and Flash games. I can say that even if I’m not that good with graphics and design, I can sure as hell create a Flash game and animate your stick man. Is it a useful skill? Maybe it can get you a few ladies to drink with, still it is a very useful skill especially for designers.

So, what can turn the tables? I, for one, loathe the bulky Flash websites (especially those Hollywood film promotional websites), but when it comes to interactivity I’m the first one to worship it. A lightweight competitor like HTML5 will do the trick; CSS3, HTML, PHP5, JavaScript and others would win when it comes to creating dynamic websites.

The problem with these technologies is that the standards aren’t really that standard for everyone. You think you know everything about CSS and HTML and now you can create a super website? Think again. In a few months or years you’ll have to read another manual telling you that there’s another standard. Even if they’re called standards, developers from all over the planet are having difficulties with cross browser and cross platform compatibility.

Websites including YouTube have began using HTML5. There has been a spur of HTML5 games and they are really lightweight.

The question now is, is HTML5 (and others) easy to learn? I can teach a 13-year-old to animate using Flash, but not HTML5 just yet. It still has a long way to go but I’m pretty sure that someday people will come up with drag and drop applications to create rich and dynamic content.

As said, Flash is well-established and can be used by almost anyone.

What about the people saying that Flash is already dead? Are they too optimistic about HTML5? Maybe, since HTML5 still has a long way to go and still has to establish credibility. Something which Flash has. But HTML5 has the ace up its sleeve, and that is the potential to grow further.

What Apple says vs. What Adobe says

When it comes to Touch

Apple claims that Adobe Flash wasn’t made to support touch screen devices. Any other Flash applications and websites will then be rewritten.

Adobe says that the Adobe Flash Player is actually made for the purpose of supporting tablets with multi-touch. And that Flash developers need not worry because mouse events are automatically converted to touch events for touch devices.

When it comes to Battery Life

Apple says that Flash uses too much battery life to be used on mobile devices when playing high-definition videos or games.

Adobe says it will not be an issue since Flash Player 10.1 supports hardware acceleration across mobile and desktop devices.

When it comes to Security

Apple takes a hold of Symantec’s word about Flash being one of worst in security.

Adobe says it is also important to note that Flash is one of the most widely used systems. Comparing it to a discussion I had during college, Microsoft OS is mostly targeted by computer viruses and crackers because the market is in there, many people use it as compared to Linux and Mac OS X.

(see links at article’s end for an in-depth explanation from Adobe and Apple)

Should You Learn Flash?

HTML5 is the next big thing after Flash but do not expect a wide support group for it just yet. If you want to do complex animations, Flash is your way for now. By all means learn how to use Flash, it is widely supported and has lots of features that anyone can use.

But if you are thinking of creating a website with animations and things, you might want to wait just yet. Flash websites were superstars of the past, now they’re just divas that want attention and many people loathe them.

Flash is compatible with almost any browser. You don’t have to worry about cross browser and cross platforms. Of course, we’re not talking about iPhone and iPads. Kidding, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 supports them now.

Now, if you are thinking of creating an HTML5 game, you might not find a very good marketplace for it. Flash still has the biggest audience and established marketplaces for games like Y8, Newgrounds, and Kongregate.

Should you learn HTML5? Well, you can start now. It has a bright future, but don’t expect it to come in a sweep anytime soon. People, like an immune system, are resistive to change. HTML5 is still far from achieving what Flash can do: games, videos, applications, flexibility, and audience.

Weighing Things Up

Photo by darktaco

Adobe Flash wins at:

• Used by almost every PC user.
• Creation of simple to complex animation.
• Bundled up; learning curve is easier because it’s not as diverse as learning HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript and other things.
• Several thousand Flash games that can’t be played on Apple products.
• Devices that allows Flash usage, in my experience, are more fun to deal with. My team and I once created a “hack and slash” game using Flash and we were stunned to learn that our professor saved it on his Nokia and played it there. Fully running. My point is, Flash is great with cross-platform compatibility.
• Cross-browser compatibility too.

HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript wins at:

• All of these are open standards, no more relying on third-party products like Flash does.
• Can be used by most browsers without updating anything.
• When YouTube was still a baby, I usually would see a page asking me to upgrade my Flash player. I haven’t seen it in a year now.
• Adobe Flash wasn’t really built to support touch screen devices. With today’s technology, almost every surface is a touch screen. It doesn’t stop there; the juice of this all is on the web. Little by little desktop applications are leaving the mainstream and are replaced by web-based applications. Lightweight and accessible almost anywhere. This includes games, videos, and other applications.

Conclusion

It is not certain if Flash will be replaced, but it is certain that in the years to come there will be other technologies that will be on par with it. Flash was, and is still, hot because of PCs. In an era where PCs are common household items, Flash sure has found its place. But with today’s rise in mobile devices, lightweight devices, the hassles of using Flash applications will be its own funeral. Even though its future is gravely marked, it doesn’t mean it will fall overnight. There’s still hope for Flash developers out there.

Sources and for Further Reading:

Adobe - The truth about Flash

Apple - Thoughts on Flash

Tell us what you think!

From my own experience, it’s hard to get started learning this program because you will face some obstacles. But take your time and be patient and you will master Fireworks in no time.

1. 3D Water Text Effect in Photoshop CS5

In this tutorial you will learn how to create realistic water text effect in Fireworks CS5.

2. Awesome Floral Type in Fireworks and Photoshop

Make your text look better with floral effect.

3. Creating an amazing Palm Pre icon on Fireworks

Create realistic looking Palm Pre icon in Fireworks.

4. LED Cinema Display in Fireworks

Create the new Apple Cinema Display 24 the easy way.

5. Fireworks Quick Tips – How to use QuickMask

Learn how to use one of the best functions in Fireworks – QuickMask.

6. Awesome Light Effects in Fireworks

Learn how to create this amazing effect you see in the image.

7. Abduzeedo Job Board banner in Fireworks

Create job board banner in Fireworks.

8. Colored Lights Header

Learn how to create this stylish looking header.

9. Classy personal portfolio in Fireworks

10. Grooveshark design style in Fireworks

11. Amazing Neon Lights on Fireworks

Title says it all. I followed this tutorial and ended up with a nice looking neon glow text.

12. Creating a cool website header in fireworks

13. Creating the iPhone Frame on Fireworks

Create a realistic looking iPhone from scratch.

14. Creating the iPhone Interface on Fireworks

These two tutorials are not same. In the first one you will learn how to create iPhone frame and in this one – iPhone interface.

15. Light Painting in Fireworks

16. Apple Air Banner in Fireworks

A must tutorial for every apple fan.

17. Creating the IE7 logo effect in Fireworks

In this tutorial you will learn how to make IE7 logo effect for any letter.

18. Twist and Fade Technique

19. Highway Sign

20. Create a Night Scene

21. Page Curl in Fireworks

22. Create a Digital Collage

23. Scotch Tape Tutorial

24. Dot Matrix Effect

25. Gel Cap / Plastic Button

26. Circular Shadows and Highlights

27. Reflective Glass Effect in Fireworks/Photoshop

This is a simple tutorial showing you how to add reflective effect to any text by using Fireworks or Photoshop.

28. Creating Grunge Text Using Adobe Fireworks

29. Barcode tutorial

30. Transparent Text

31. Danger sign

32. Crystal buttons

33. Glossy Web 2.0 button

34. Glossy Badge

35. One Dollar Coin Tutorial

36. Human Iris

37. Simple Orbs Tutorial

38. Text Wrapping

39. Canned Pineapple Slice

40. Recycling Button

Below is the 60 collection of the most inspiring Flash websites with ever-increasing innovations. As with globalization, you will get to see unique creation from different parts of the world. So, check them out!

1. Twigital

Twigital is an interactive 3D twitter visualisation created for Flash on the Beach and London Digital Week.

2. NcK Design

NcK Design – Flash 3D Portfolio

3. Nissan Cars UK

Discover the Nissan range of vehicles: city cars, crossovers, 4×4s, SUVs, sports cars and commercial vehicles.

4. Campri

The brand new Campari website, all about making cocktails, sharing Red Passion around the world, the new calendar and its testimonial, the brand identity and communication.

5. Me InTru 3D

MeInTru3D InTur™3D Intel Advergame.

6. Ford 2010 Mustang

The 2010 Ford Mustang Unleashed – Watch Videos, view interior and exterior photos, view specifications, build and price your custom Mustang and more.

7. VB2

8. 100 Best Films

100 Best Films – animated 3D boxes using Papervision3D engine.

9. Dan0

Portfolio of Daniel M. C.

10. Audi VDT

11. Air Jordan 2010

12. New Peugeot

Peugeot Motion & Emotion.

13. Drawn

Online demo of amazing casual game – Drawn: The Painted Tower, with unique levels.*unofficial*

14. Operation: Dairy

Operation: Dairy – Dairy Education Game from the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association.

15. SoBe

Experience how SoBe defines zero inhibitions and learn more about latest zero calorie flavors from Sobe.

16. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Transformers: Revenge of the fallen game for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, and PC.

17. Endless Eye

Endless Eye is a Chicago-based video production and post production company that strives to cultivate socially informative media.

18. Scion xPressionism

Custom Scion Designs – A unique Scion application that allows users the ability to customize their Scion paint, patterns, decals, spoilers, rims, light kits, and more.

19. big boss studio

Agency specializing in the design and implementation of digital strategies.

20. Quantum of Solace

James Bond 007, Quantum of Solace is a first-person shooter (third-person shooter for PlayStation 2) video game based on the films Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

21. Gráfica Dedone

22. Standard Advertising

Standard agency, LOWE TOKYO, Standard Creative is a web site. Minato-ku, Tokyo. Planning, production, marketing and communication strategy implementation.

23. FWAPhoto

One Photo a Day.

24. Neostream Interactive

Serious multimedia company.

25. The Turn

Theturn.tv is an interactive site framing the music and visual work of Fredo Viola.

26. Fat-Man Collective

Thinkers. Designers. Developers.

27. salinas

Spring/Summer 2009 fashion shows.

28. ExtremeMusic

Class A Production Music Library, A Site For Sore Ears, the worldwide production music unit of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Sony.

29. Vegaone

Beautiful illustrations, artworks, and wallpapers.

30. T2

Motion Graphics Studio with videos.

31. Wally

The White Wall.

32. Virtual Center

Virtual Center for Contemporary Art “Signs of the Times” in Torun. It is a 3D website where you can walk around in the building.

33. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot – Powerfully efficient. See photos, compare specs and learn more about the versatile features of Honda’s crossover SUV.

34. Mario Kart Wii

Mario Kart Wii is a racing game developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development and published by Nintendo for the Wii console. The game was released worldwide throughout April 2008.

35. The Big Picture

The Big Picture is an anniversary project of X3, which depicts 7 years of the studio’s life in 2400 images of the work, awards, projects, innitiatives, offices, parties and team.

36. Lacoste Red

Enter the LACOSTE Red! party. Discover the new Lacoste Collection by Christophe Lemaire. Cool fashion, sneakers, super slim fits, colorful styles, 60’s inspired.

37. Masterbeat

Web’s newest music superstore featuring MP3 downloads of the hottest tracks from major & independent artists & labels including exclusive DJ remixes.

38. Land of the Lost

Land of the Lost (2009). Directed by Brad Silberling. Casted by Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone.

39. PIECE WALKER

40. Teamgeist

Every Team needs a jersey with a story. A graphic novel game that reveals the true value of the German National Team jersey.

41. LES MÉNINGO

LES MÉNINGO – Mission Megapolis

42. GTI Project

The GTI Project celebrates the car and its history. Delivering an amazing race experience on the secret GTI interactive Scalectrix test track. Volkswagen UK.

43. Volvo FH16 700

44. Annick Tremblay

Freelance Industrial Designer for 3D Modeling, Realistic Color Renderings, Technical Plans for Production, Prototypes, Conception with production in mind.

45. Virtual Sean

Sean Kingston Sing Along with Lil Sean Karaoke.

46. Real Casual

47. Herbal Essences Spice

Herbal Essences Spice – Sensuously Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry / Damaged Hair with Blackberry, Avocado and Mango extracts. Discover the mystical treasures of the East for opulent, sensuously-smooth hair!

48. Neglected Sensibles Shelter

Neglected Sensibles Shelter: Meet your Sensible and start rebuilding the bridge of kindness you burnt so long ago.

49. ANDREAS SMETANA

ANDREAS SMETANA – Photographer from Australia.

50. Cheese and Burger

We are the Cheese & Burger Society. We believe that cheese is the Grand Poo-bah of every cheeseburger grilled at a backyard barbecue or flame-broiled at a roadside diner. But not just any slice of cheese, Wisconsin Cheese. So join us as we celebrate the greatest cheeseburgers ever made.

51. Ben Dziuba

Ben Dziuba is a freelance Art Director, Designer and Flash Developer based in New York City offering Flash design and web design, both on-site and remotely. Official Website.

52. Ion Drimba Filho

Personal portfolio of Ion Drimba Filho presented in 3D cube.

53. Corny

Corny, the delicious meaty bolt. From natural ingredients and with lots of chocolate – delicious for energy to keep going!

54. Oasis For Fun

With Oasis, enter into the adventure and go in search of … Source: Find all Oasis products, fruits Oasis, Oasis commercials, the goodies and win prizes.

55. THE DINER

Classic American dining served with classic cocktails and endless coffee. Open every day of the week for breakfast, lunch & dinner. With five locations across london; Camden, Islington, Kensal Rise, Shoreditch, Soho.

56. Premiyum

Premium site – Confectionery.

57. Tati

Tati Celebrate on Orange Cinega of June 21 to 26
To explore the universe of Jacques Tati with special programming on Orange Cinega of May 21 to 26 films, documentaries and interviews, and participation of the heirs of the spirit Tati Makeieff Macha, Jerome Deschamps and Pierre Etaix.

58. Leaf A Legacy

For Cancer Research in BC (British Columbia, Canada) – Signals Design Group.

Add your leaf to this growing tree with a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation. As the tree flourishes, so too will the fight against cancer. Tell your story – leaf a legacy – and help build a future free from cancer.

59. Maria Lebesheva

Photographer’s site.

60. D2D Queso

Cheese Fingers (D2D Cheese) are strange creatures “Little Village” brings you from afar … An island full of mysteries and characters that will blow your imagination. Being an adventurer is not always easy, but with cunning and enthusiasm you will discover the secret in it.

That is it for now, if you want to get more of these kind of sites, I suggest you to head to KoFlash website for some more Flash related inspiration!

I love their selections and works there:

1. How to Create a Gearbox Settings Icon Using Simple Shapes

Many things can be in Illustrator need not be the tool Pen, as evidenced by the recent Hourglass tutorial. Using only simple predefined types, and tools such as Pathfinder and the conversions can be created all the images from scratch. In this tutorial we will create the right image for display options, settings, preferences, etc., similar to OS X System Preferences icon.

2. How to Create an Abstract Vector Design in Illustrator

A great looking abstract designs can be created from the simplest form. You can take a look at the creation of geometric shapes and objects to form a dynamic composition of Illustrator, then all shine with some effects of transparency in a picture body tends to be created.

3. How to Create a Smokin’ Western Type Treatment in Illustrator

This tutorial will show you how a Western-style primary treatment with Illustrator to achieve results. The impact of these guidelines, you can simply use the appropriate settings in otherwise treatment and logos

4. Create a Bright Retro Grunge Vector Illustration

Follow these steps to create in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create a range of body shapes and graphics that are combined into one large collage have body image. Well, then end the show with some differences in depth and detail so that a polished image, with a touch of retro-grunge style.

5.Illustrator Tutorial: Surprise Gift

There are times when you need to make a gift box and effects for special occasions. This tutorial gives you an idea of how this can be achieved with brushes and some other techniques. I will not go into detail how each step is feasible, but I’m sure techniques to emphasize the creation of this presentation.

6. How to Create an Open Book with Illustrator’s 3D Extrude & Bevel Tool

In this tutorial, we will explain how to create an open book, especially the illustrator 3D Extrude and Bevel Tool. We open the pages with graphics and a corrugated bottom.

7. Super Cool Abstract Vectors in Illustrator and Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how an abstract type of flowers to blend tool in Illustrator, then played with this Photoshop to produce a colorful wallpaper created.

8.Create a cool water effect

In this tutorial you will learn how to use the mesh tool to create water drops, the Symbol Sprayer tool-use icon with the help of water droplets and dispersion.

9. 3D lighted text effect

This tutorial shows you how to add 3D text, then we have some brushes for art in order to create an efficient, clean futuristic spacey.

10. Swirl Mania in Illustrator & Photoshop

In this tutorial, show you 4 ways to turbulence and mixing of very powerful techniques that you can easily tonnes of various types of bodies and vertebrate sperm crazy to see the learning.

11. Design with Flair from Start to Finish in Illustrator CS4

Weve all seen some courses with outrageous designs, where shows you how to make a game technology. In this article, and start from scratch with a basic photo and create a full effect in all Designin no time.

12. Use Adobe Illustrator to Create a Clean Website Layout

This tutorial is ideal for beginners and advanced beginners artists Adobe Illustrator. We will, as the coverage and development of a site and prepare it for usage.

13. Illustrate Image into Vector

Basically, it’s easy to present a lively and not a real object. Tuna is easy to apply and easily. It is a great way to practice for beginners

14. Creating trees in Illustrator

In this tutorial, I will begin by presenting an image of a tree, then draw the physical form and add your own creative ideas into a hub for the production of contemporary illustrations. You can use a variety of tools, Illustrator, Freehand, including tools, instruments, and the shape of the pallet Layers.

15. Craft a Dramatic Vector Landscape Environment

This tutorial shows the average capacity Adobe Illustrator artist how a spectacular environment.

16. Figure Shading

In this tutorial I will, however, simply and quickly in figure drawing your shadow seem credible and the establishment of the amount so it can be easy to Adobe Flash Cartoon Series. To become more attractive, I will try to do everything, the simplest way possible and with less effort

17. Learn Illustrator CS3 in 30 Days

This depth of 30 days during the registration Vector is one of the most useful lessons there. It is free!

18. Illustrator Beginner’s Series

Illustration of the information contained Illustrator beginners series, the tools used most often with an overview of their use.

19. Adobe Illustrator Guides and Tutorials

The collection of tutorials and guides klethegr8 include various hints and tips on all types of tools.

20. Beginner Adobe Illustrator Tutorials

Comments received during the coming days to a few ShapeShed Illustrator import much more than the basic tools and techniques, including mixtures, rounded edges and scouts.

21. Illustrator CS4 Blob Brush

The new addition to Illustrator CS4 Blob Brush opens the door to new opportunities. Magazine sections explain more with this helpful video tutorial.

22. Illustrator CS4 Gradients

Another new feature in CS4 is a new package processed. Heres to give an overview of some of the new opportunities and optimize color gradients in Illustrator.

23. Working with Illustrator Art Brushes

Brushes are an important tool in Illustrator, and come in different styles. This tutorial covers the kind of brush BittBox, with great examples of how it can be used.

24. Illustrator Opacity Mask Basics

Illustrator Opacity Masks are a function that can be really useful, especially for people with older versions of CS4, which now have greatly expanded access to a new state of opacity.

25. The Power and Ease of Patterns in Illustrator

The base model in Adobe Illustrator is something we are very happy, but as an illustrator combined with other instruments may be some surprising results.

26. Wacom Settings in Illustrator

Not surprisingly, Adobe Illustrator seems, if used in the preparation of illustrations, Illustrator and there is not complete without a tablet Wacom. Heres some tips to improve your settings.

27. Quickly Change Fills and Strokes

Illustrators often fills strokes confusing and designers no Photoshop. This option tips and shortcuts Vectips gives a clear understanding of the speed used.

28. Illustrator’s Pen Tool: The Comprehensive Guide

The pen is the most important control tool with Adobe Illustrator, and is unable to cope with a lot of exercise. Arm yourself with this great knowledge and understanding of how it works.

29. A Comprehensive Guide to the Pathfinder Panel

The Pathfinder master is also an important tool in Illustrator. The illustrator used in almost all the projects you work, so useful to know how it works.

30. Tips for Working with the Gradient Mesh Tool In Illustrator

Gradient Mesh is actually one tool I still need to wrap my head around, but once mastered, can significantly reduce your artwork to the next level with the ability to create photo-realistic graphics.

31.Illustrator’s Blend Tool: A Comprehensive Guide

The mixing tool is one of the illustrators of the most powerful features. The incoming mail fully focused on its use in a wide range of examples and diagrams.

32. Illustrator’s Type Tool: A Comprehensive Introduction

The tool can not text because it requires a lot of words, an illustrator, but also offers some options related dramatically. Heres a practical overview.

33. A Comprehensive Guide: Illustrator’s Paintbrush Tool and Brush Panel

Heres an overview of four types of brushes in Illustrator covered with a detailed explanation of how to use each.

34. The Basics of Clipping Paths and Opacity Masks

Just to show how masks in Photoshop, Illustrator uses masks to hide and various parts of the project. Here is an overview of clipping masks and opacity, and its use in a real world project.

35. Adobe Illustrator Shortcuts

These shortcuts aren’t only keyboard alternatives to popular menu items, they will also create new opportunities that otherwise aren’t available.

36. Beginner Illustrator Tutorial – Create a Vector RSS Icon

If learning by doing is more your thing, why not try the tutorial icon RSS ?covers the most basic commands plus some key advanced tools such as Pathfinder and offset the creation of roads.

37. Blueprint-Style Text in Adobe Illustrator

This technical project has shown that everywhere even to cover Photoshop Help Desk Book by Dave Cross. This is a brief demo with a mixture of live effects, filters and even a little gradient mesh objects to a seemingly complex treatment to create the logo.

38. Create a Themed Repeating Pattern in Illustrator

Follow this Adobe Illustrator tutorial to create a series of simple objects around the body based on lifestyle designer, then the tiles to form a repetitive pattern look cool. The creation of objects based on the basic shape, is an illustrator for a good tutorial for beginners and is an impressive performance, to be introduced, using a variety of design projects.

39. Translucent IM Style Illustrator Icon Tutorial

The shiny and glossy image of Web 2.0 is comfortable when it comes to images. Follow this Adobe Illustrator tutorial, a Scalable Vector Graphic Instant Messaging style icon with the impression that creating a brilliant and translucent surface.

40. Create a Vector Pirate Cartoon Character from a Hand Drawn Sketch

As originally created by the power of pen and paper is a draft version, which is then scanned the computer for use as a basis for identifying with Adobe Illustrator. The end result is an animated character in the color vector format!

1. The Illustrator CS3 Interface

Learn about the User Interface and where you can find the tools you need.

2. Everything about Masking in Illustrator

One very important thing in Adobe Illustrator: – The Masking properties.

3. How to use the pen tool in Illustrator CS2

Use the pen tool to make things more interesting

4. CS 4 Video Training

A complete CS4 Video for Beginners

5. A Comprehensive Guide to the Pathfinder Panel

Learn how to use the Pathfinder in Illustrator.

6. Opacity Mask Tutorial

Hiding a part of your illustration can make more important another part of it.

7. Create an Ipod

We all love Apple products and this tutorial help you to customize the famous ipod in no time.

8. Metal Lightning Tutorial

Metal inspires professionals and this tutorial is 100% pro and free.

9. Make a 3D Logo in Illustrator

3D Logos are much more interesting than simple plain ones…so check this great tutorial to see how you can create one.

10. Adding Texture in Illustrator

Any type of texture for any type of Illustration.

11. Creating an Eye-Ball

Eyes are very important for any human character, and that’s why this is a very important tutorial.

12. Create a raw logo design

Professional Logo design for your company.

13. Create a neon glow in CS 3

This is a pro glowing effect.

14. Live Color

Choose most interesting and inspiring colors for your creations.

15. Drawing a gell progressbar

A progressbar is very important for Flash animations and applications.

16. Draw Gear

Drawing a gear is just the title, but this tutorial will help you to create many types of illustrations.

17. Create a Helix in Ai

A helix can be useful in many ways and that’s why you should take a look at this tutorial.

18. How to design a professional logo using Adobe Illustrator

Create a custom logo for your company.

19. Draw a Valentine’s Day e-card

I know that it isn’t february yet, but you definitely should know how to draw a valentine.

20. Shiny Text

Shiny text was always interesting and with this tutorial you will be able to create it too.

21. About Transformation Tools

Restizing, croping and wrapping can improve your works and make them more attractive.

22. Tribal Sun

Famous and cool sign created in illustrator.

23. The Gradient Tool

24. Blob Brush: Shape Objects

A cool new feature for Illustrator.

25. Artboards in CS4

Artboards feature for CS4.

26. Blending Gradients

“Play” with gradients to create interesting designs.

27. Create a fusion between Adobe Illustrate and Photoshop

Use Photoshop and Illustrator components to build better and powerful designs.

28. Create a metal like button

A very nice looking metal button.

29. Cool Award Badge

Vey useful illustration for any type of activity which includes competition or quality review.

30. Wood Effect with gradients

Bring the nature into your creations.

31. Background Effects Illustrator Way

Even if you are a beginner with this tutorial you will be able to create pro background effects.

32. Create Ribbons

Cool and instant ribbons.

33. Spacing Boxes in Illustrator

This will make your job a whole lot easier.

34. 3D Effects Graph

Create a cool stats graph in 3D.

35. Wraping in Illustrator

Modelate your images and illustrations in no time.

36. Using The Paint Brush Tool

The most essential drawing tool available in Illustrator and Photoshop.

37. Draw Fluffy Clouds

Funny and flower-power clouds.

38. How to draw Batman’s logo

One of the coolest Cartoon hero sign can now be easily reproduced in Illustrator

39. Intricate Patterns

Create cool backgrounds for your design projects.

40. Using Live Paint

Bring life into your Illustrator creations.

41. Line Draw for Cartoons

Make your cartoon creations more interesting for everyone.

Photoshop plug-ins are .8bf files. After downloading a plug-in, simply place it in the presets>plug-ins folder of the Photoshop’s installation folder (creating a folder with a name defining the plug-in & placing the plug-in files inside the folder will make it more organized).

Photo-Plugins

Local Contrast Enhancement

This plugin’s main purpose is to bring out detail.

This is accomplished by increasing the contrast between a pixel’s value and the mean value of the adjacent pixels in a local area of the photo.

You can control the amount of the increase of contrast, the size of the local area and the amount of blending with the original photo.

Soft Focus

This plugins applies a soft focus effect, which is often useful in portraits or fashion photography. There are controls to adjust the focus softness, the overall strength of the effect and the blending mode of the overlayed blurred image.

Lens Corrector

This plugin corrects barrel and pincushion distortions that many zoom camera lenses.produce.

Just move the sliders to the left to correct barrel distortion, and to the right to correct pincushion .

Many thanks to Martin Vicanek who provided the code for this plugin.

Contrast Mask

This plugin uses a contrast mask to reduce the overall contrast of the image, simultaneously bringing out more detail in both highlights and shadows.

A b/w negative of the image is blurred (with a radius controlled by the “Smoothing” slider) to avoid hard edges and then overlayed with the original, darkening the highlights and lightening the shadows.

The opacity of the overlay is controlled by the “Strength” slider.

Gradient Blur

This plugin applies a gradient blur that can help us draw the viewers attention to the photograph’s main subject.

There are sliders to control the position where the blur starts and it’s strength.

A preview mask can be displayed, and there is a selection between horizontal, vertical and radial blurs.

B/W Conversion

Yet another B/W conversion plugin? Yes, but one with powerful features that allow full control over the final result:

* Total control over the tonal response of Red, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue and Magenta, and the intermediate hues. The user can boost each color’s tonal response all the way up to white or limit it down to black, without affecting the other colors at all .

* The plugin offers presets that accurately simulate the tonal response of the most popular b/w films.

* The plugin can introduce a grain effect of controllable intensity and density.

* An option to simulate the effect of color lens filters, with selectable hue and saturation is also available.

* The user can also apply a toning effect of selectable color and intensity.

* A brightness meter is displayed when the cursor is over the preview window

* All settings can be saved in a parameter file to be available for future use.

Sinedots II

Due to the enormous positive feedback about the sinedots filter I decided to release a slightly advanced version. Basically it’s the same effect with a few extensions:

* enhanced anti alias

* color support

* blend modes

* more parameters for enhanced control

* 16Bit support

* enhanced compatibilty

Shear

This is a conversion of the AfterFx Shear Effect to my new Photoshop framework. A new feature is that a possible (feathered) Selection is now used to alter the strength Parameter locally. This results in some interesting distortions. Compatibility issues are the same as for SinedotsII.

Smart Refinment Filter plug-in

Smart Refinement Filter is an Adobe Photoshop® plug-in for photographic images enhancement. This plug-in allows: sharpness and depth-of-field (DOF) enhancement, and noise (dust) reduction.

Cybia

AlphaWorks – Transparency Effects

A single Photoshop-compatible plug-in filter for quickly removing black or white values and making the region transparent. There are 6 different options for you to choose from, depending on the type of image you are working on (colour photo, mono photo, lineart).

ColourWorks – Colour Modification

A single Photoshop-compatible plug-in with 20 effects for modifying image colour values in different ways. You can use them for subtle correction of your digital photos or experiment with the more dramatic transformations that are available.

Although quite basic these filters can be handy for use on a regular basis.

EdgeWorks – Cool Artistic Styles

A single Photoshop-compatible plug-in with 20 effects for creating dramatic edge and colour modifications. They are best used when experimenting with intense photo transformations for a highly stylized look. They are also handy when creating interesting texture effects.

Screenworks – Simple Pattern Generation

A single Photoshop-compatible plug-in with 30 options for creating screen/mesh patterns.

It provides you with a quick way to add small detailed and repetitive texture overlay effects to areas of your image in one easy step. The single slider setting gives you the option to add the chosen pattern on top of your image, or make the layer background white.

EmbossWorks – Classic Variations

A single Photoshop-compatible plug-in with 20 effects for producing various quick and easy embossing styles. They are handy when you need to add a sense of depth or relief to an otherwise flat image.

SwapShop – Colour Exchange

A single Photoshop-compatible plug-in with 15 effects for switching the colour values in your images. Useful for experimenting with interesting combinations and creating surreal results.

MasterBlaster – Maximum Colour Toning

A single Photoshop-compatible plug-in with 20 effects for “blasting” intense colour into your images. Ideal for when you need to add dramatic impact to your photos or work.

Mezzy – Artistic Grain

A single Photoshop-compatible plug-in with 15 effects for creating a selection of simple grain and mezzo styles. Give your photos a new look with these various effects.

Stereogram Lab Filter

Stereogram Lab Filter allows to generate Hidden Image Stereograms right in your Photoshop, which is quite convenient. This filter is free and you can use it both for commercial and non-commercial purposes, however, distributing the filter itself is not allowed.

LittleInkPot Free Plugins

Xpose

Xpose is an exposure adjustment plugin. It was written to offer quick adjustment of highlights and shadows with a rapid preview feedback and a simple, intuitive interface.

Thredgeholder

The Thredgeholder plugin is the little brother to Thredgeholder Pro, providing edge detection that’s simple to use but highly effective.

Chalkaholic

Chalkaholic renders chalk and charcoal type effects with artistic panache and flair. Providing uniquely effective artistic rendering options, Chalkaholic is the essential addition to any digital artist’s effects collection.

Impression MX Paint Engine

With 6 brush types, 3 brush stroke algorithms, and 88 parameters to give each an unprecedented amount of variety, ImpressionFX is the most versatile paint engine ever created. The sheer variety of effects that can be produced with a single pass of the filter is what makes it worthwhile. You can download trial version.

Luce Photoshop Plugin

Flaming Pear

Imagenomic (4 Plugins)

3D Shadow

This handy tool easily creates various types of 3D shadows from objects such as letters, numbers, shapes and so on. All settings are present in a single window – transparency level, perspective, shadow color and position, X/Y/Z angles, and some others. Even the seasoned designers are surprised by the simplicity of the plug-in and excellent results it generates. The text, processed with this tool immediately grabs the attention of the viewers.

Blinternat Filter Plugins

These filters have no adjustable settings, they have been created to be quicker and easier to use, even though they aren’t as flexible as other filters. Each filter is shown with an image which uses a ‘mouseover’, move the mouse over the image to see what it does, click the image to download a zip file with just that filter in it or click the link in the ‘Download’ section to get all 10 filters there.

Power Retouch photo-retouching plugins

Photoshop Filters factory

Gwhite Photoshop Filters (2 plugins)

Blur Threshold -

This is very useful for reducing noise and jpeg artifacts without blurring edge detail. Only pixels within a selected value and contrast range are blurred.

Custom Blur

- This filter requires an image layer in Photoshop. Controls 1-6 select the position of the pixels for blending, plus or minus, relative to the position of the source pixel.

Neology Filter Factory Filters

There are as total of 23 filters for Mac and PC you can download. You may give them to your friends and pals, but they are not allowed to be sold or included in commercial media as in books, CD-ROMs other Internet sites without my personal permission.

Mezzoforce Photoshop Plugins ( 4 Plugins)

You must register in order to download these plugins. There are plugins like PainterTool, Ice, MetalEaser and Snow.

FilterForge

4 packs of plugins:

Metals

- A set of seven photorealistic metal textures and effects. Metallizing effects, alien-looking or industrial metallic surfaces, rust or aluminum foil, and more – all filters are fully adjustable and support seamless tiling.

Photo Effects

- A set of seven photo enhancing effects. Give your photos a sunny style, apply grunge look or color tints, age the image, and more – all filters are fully adjustable and resolution-independent.

Frames

- A set of seven filters that create frames for your photos. Apply a realistic painted wooden frame or a vignette, give your photos a classic elegant feel or a ragged harsh look, and more.

Distortions

- A set of seven filters that can reshape, distort and deform the source image in various creative ways. The filters can break the image into abstract fragments, generate bubbly effects, apply waves or ripples, and more.

Vanderlee Photoshop Plugins

Auto FX Software (10 plugins)

Not all of these plugins are free, but at least You can try them. I reviewed just one of their plugins – Dreamy photo, because it become my favorite.

Dreamy Photo

Dreamy Photo gives images a soft romantic feel. This is a superb effect for enhancing stock photography, digital camera photos and any image you want to add a warm feel to.

Richard Roseman Filters and Plugins

This page features a growing set of (mostly free) Photoshop filters / plugins coded by Richard Roseman himself. They are not necessarily only limited to Adobe Photoshop and they work with many other graphic applications so long as they adhere to Adobe’s plugin specifications. If you are unsure, click to see the compatibility list.

Variable Invertion

This filter will variably invert color channels of an image.

Channel Modifier

This filter will perform various operations on color channels.

Pixel Quantification

This filter calculates the sum of a selected number of pixels above a level threshold. It has been primarily developed for biological protein strand analysis although it is suitable for various other uses. Thanks to David Ng for conceptualization.

Superformula

This filter generates a wide variety of geometric shapes using the Superformula. The Superformula, sometimes referred to as the Supershape, was discovered by Johan Gielis. It is a simple formula that can be used to generate a wide variety of geometric shapes. Special thanks to Paul Bourke for allowing his algorithm to be ported to this plugin. For more information, please visit Mr. Bourke’s site. Special thanks to Johan Gielis for his input and support. For more information, please visit Johan Gielis’ site and here.

Evaluate

This filter performs various image processing operations through rule-based evaluations. ‘Evaluate’ can be an extremely powerful filter when used to its full potential. With it’s sophisticated rule-based evaluations, it can perform more than 50 different image processing operations ranging from color replacement, color inversion, color swapping, greyscale conversion, color clamping, color multiplication and division, color trigonometrical mathematics, pixel blurring, pixel grain, and much, much more. Any of these effects can be applied to specific color ranges, specific luma ranges, specific color channels or any combination of any of these (and more). ‘Evaluate’ makes specific pixel targeting and isolation very easy to accomplish, providing the user with extremely precise image processing controls.

Lens FX

This filter will generate various distortion effects.

Photoshop Support Plugins

The Digital Artshop Plugins

There are 3 free and great plugins available for free: GREYSCALER (This filter will give you total control and flexability to converting RGB images to black and white.), IMAGE ENCODER (Protect your pictures. Our Image Encoder has 16 million encode/decode options) and IRIDESCENT (The Digital Artshop’s Iridescent filter will apply a pearl like effect to your image).

PluginsWorld

Photoshop Filters

Redfield Plugins

GoPog Plugins

Adobe.com Photoshop plugins

ThePlugins Site

Mehdi – Plugins Photoshop

Xero – Photoshop Compatible Plugins

Freeware Photoshop Plugins

Virtual Photographer

If You didn’t find here, what You were searching for, take a look on other lists I found over blogosphere:

Other Links and references:

Free Photoshop Plugins from TutorialBlog

List of Top 10 Free Adobe Photoshop plugins

10 Free Plug-ins to Enhance Photoshop

50 Powerful Plugins and Filters to Supercharge Your Photoshop

Free Photoshop Plug-ins Collection

25 of the Best FREE Photoshop Plugins and Filters Resource Sites

If You know more great sources, where to find beautiful brushes, please share with us! Thanks!