TechForge recently caught up with Gil Pekelman, CEO of all-in-one IT management platform, Atera, to discuss how AI is becoming the IT professionals’ number one companion. Can you tell us a little bit about Atera and what it does? We launched the Atera all-in-one platform for…
How WordPress Democratizes Publishing & Fuels an Economy
It seems like an odd mix on the surface. On one hand, WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that aims to democratize publishing.
It’s right there in the mission statement. That harkens back to its roots as a blogging platform. We install the software and push our content out into the world.
On the other hand, WordPress has become a tool to make money. Freelancers, agencies, and DIY users can build commercial websites with it. Developers create themes and plugins as part of an ecosystem.
Just so we’re clear: A corporation can use WordPress to bolster its billion-dollar portfolio. Just as a teenager can publish their thoughts.
Perhaps this sounds like two mutually exclusive ventures. However, they’ve coexisted for over 20 years.
That’s the juxtaposition of free, open-source software. So far, WordPress has handled it as well as anyone.
How has the project done it? And what potential risks could derail the balance? Let’s attempt to make sense of it all!
A Foundation for the Web
WordPress project co-founder Matt Mullenweg has said he wants the software to be the “operating system for the open web.” It’s one way to marry commercialization with democratization.
It makes sense for content creators and site builders. The software serves as a foundational piece. It’s free, widely supported, and extensible. Take it and build whatever you want.
This idea borrows from operating systems like Linux, MacOS, and Windows. They lay the foundation for a variety of use cases. An enterprise IT department depends on an OS. So does a student or small business.
Free software lowers the barrier to entry. Sure, there’s a cost associated with hosting a website. However, you’re not stuck with a particular host. WordPress is open-source. It can be hosted just about anywhere – even on a local machine.
This allows for a multitude of possibilities. One can publish, make money, or both. Those interested in web development can learn the software’s inner workings.
Expand it, change it, or use it as-is. That’s the flexibility of WordPress.
The Challenge of a Diverse User Base
As a project, WordPress has adeptly walked a tightrope. It has provided an opportunity for people around the world. It has also created an economy based on its ecosystem and custom development potential.
Maintaining balance is a challenge – and a great responsibility. The software must remain an attractive option for both camps.
Bloggers and small organizations depend on WordPress for low-or-no-cost flexibility. Developers, freelancers, and agencies want a powerful tool to fuel their growth.
That’s why some features spark debate. Take the Block Editor, for example.
Theme and plugin developers were concerned about this shift toward block-based content. How would it impact their products? Would they be rendered useless? Or require a complete overhaul?
Everyday users also had concerns. Would a new editing experience make it harder to publish blog posts? How large is the learning curve? Would it leave their existing website in the dust?
User perception also plays a role. Some may see a feature as favoring one side or the other. Sometimes, commercial and individual interests diverge.
That places project leadership in a tough spot. You can’t please everyone. But serving a diverse user base is part of the job.
Keeping the Coexistence for Years to Come
So, how can WordPress continue to provide the best solution for both worlds? It will take a concerted effort. And things seem to be off to a good start.
Recent years have seen a focus on ease of use. In addition, tools like the Site Editor aim to make a default WordPress install more powerful. Plans for a redesigned admin interface are also in the works.
These are all positive steps. A more user-friendly WordPress opens the door to attracting more users. Novices will be able to get started more quickly.
There are also opportunities for those with a commercial agenda. Commercial block themes have yet to take off. But block-based plugins have. There is plenty of space for growth in these areas.
What could go wrong? There are a few potential trouble spots.
A change in project leadership could push WordPress in a more commercial direction. A new regime could theoretically focus on features that primarily benefit corporate users.
The composition of WordPress project teams could also have an influence. Yes, some contributors are volunteers. However, sponsored contributors are only increasing their role in how things work.
One or more sponsor companies may gain an outsized say in the future. What if a future WordPress version integrated something akin to Google’s AMP? This nominally open-sourced technology caused a stir. This sort of move could harm the software’s reputation.
That’s just an example – however unlikely. The point is that maintaining balance requires stewardship. It’s an important part of the project’s future success.
It’s Possible to Do Good and Make Money
As a market leader, WordPress is in a unique position. It’s not a commercial product. However, we can use it for commercial purposes.
The software can also give an online voice to just about anyone. It’s a tool that facilitates free speech – even if a person’s circumstances can get in the way.
And, unlike large companies, the WordPress project isn’t beholden to anyone. For example, it doesn’t have to bend to the will of an oppressive regime to access its people. There’s no profit or shareholders to worry about.
Let’s hope it stays that way. We’re living in a world where costs are rising – as are barriers. WordPress bucks this trend as free software.
All you need is a copy of WordPress and an idea. What’s next is up to you.
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20+ Free Analog Film Lightroom Presets for Photographers
Analog film aesthetics hold a timeless appeal in digital photography, offering a distinctive look that can create a feeling of nostalgia and rustic artistry. The rich tones, subtle grain, and little imperfections of analog film create a depth often sought after by photographers.
Achieving these effects can be challenging with modern digital tools alone, but Lightroom presets will help to simplify the process. They’re invaluable to photographers who are looking to replicate those classic film styles. These pre-configured Lightroom settings allow you to apply specific styles to your photos with just a couple of clicks, saving time and ensuring consistency across all of your shots.
Whether you’re striving for Kodachrome’s vibrant colors or Fujifilm’s muted tones, these presets offer an easy and effective way to transform your digital shots. In this collection, we share the best free analog film Lightroom presets currently available, each designed to bring the charm of vintage photography to your modern digital workflow.
This free preset offers a nostalgic film look with balanced colors and soft contrasts, mimicking the classic 800 ISO film. It is Ideal for portraits and landscapes and delivers a subtle, timeless aesthetic.
These presets deliver a vintage feel with warm tones and soft highlights. They are perfect for achieving an old-school look on both desktop and mobile and are great for lifestyle, portrait, and travel photography.
Kodachrome 64 emulates the iconic Kodak film style with vibrant colors and sharp contrasts. This free preset is suitable for various photography styles and brings out rich hues and fine details, making it ideal for portraits, landscapes, and travel photos.
The Lightroom preset collection offers a diverse set of presets that replicate classic film aesthetics. They have been designed to enhance color richness and add a vintage feel to photos.
Kinsfolk 1888 provides a nostalgic film look with muted tones and subtle grain. Perfect for simulating a vintage atmosphere. These presets work well for portraits, and lifestyle photography, adding a timeless quality to your images.
Analogue Beauty mimics the charm of Kodak 35mm film, offering a selection of presets that enrich color and add a vintage quality. They’re great for portraits, street photography, and lifestyle shots.
This free preset recreates the classic film look with rich colors and subtle grain. Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and street photography. It provides a timeless aesthetic, enhancing photos with a nostalgic, cinematic feel.
These presets offer a classic film look with soft colors and smooth contrasts, ideal for portraits and lifestyle photography. They emulate the iconic Kodak Portra film, enhancing skin tones and adding a warm, vintage feel to your photos.
This free preset will enhance your photos with vibrant colors and fine grain, emulating the popular Kodak Ektar 100 film effect. Suitable for various styles, this preset brings out rich details and bold hues, perfect for outdoor and travel photography.
This preset replicates the nostalgic 35mm film aesthetic. It provides a classic analog look with rich colors and balanced contrast, ideal for adding rustic charm to your photos.
This preset mimics the distinctive look of overexposed Kodak film. It enhances images with brighter highlights, softer shadows, and a slightly washed-out effect, creating a dreamy quality in photographs.
This Lightroom collection includes multiple presets designed to enhance photos with a natural analog film look. It provides consistency, a recognizable style, and a beautiful sun-kissed feel for your photos.
This free collection offers various presets that emulate classic analog film aesthetics. These presets enhance photos with rich tones and a timeless vintage feel. They can be used on both Lightroom mobile and classic.
This free Lightroom preset offers a sophisticated film emulation, enhancing your photos with elegant tones and a polished finish. Ideal for fashion and portrait photography, it will add a touch of cinematic quality to your shot.
This ColorMax Film preset will enrich your photos with vibrant, natural colors without oversaturation. It slightly lowers contrast for a balanced look, enhancing color depth and detail.
This free preset replicates the charming retro film effect of Kodak’s single-use camera. It enhances photos with light, warm tones, adding a nostalgic and playful feel to various photography styles.
This preset emulates the iconic Kodak Portra 400 film, known for its exceptional color accuracy and fine grain. It enhances digital photos with natural skin tones and balanced color saturation, perfect for portraits and general photography.
This free preset collection mimics the aesthetic of vintage analog film and will add classic film tones, a balanced contrast, and a nostalgic feel to your photos. The preset is suitable for both color and black and white photography.
This free Lightroom preset, inspired by Fujifilm film, will enrich your photos with vibrant colors and dynamic contrasts. It brings out rich details and vivid tones, making it ideal for portraits and landscapes.
This preset recreates the iconic look of Kodak Ektachrome film. It features a soft matte texture, vibrant yet natural colors, and balanced contrast, ideal for achieving a classic film appearance in your photos.
This preset mimics the aesthetics of traditional analog cameras. It enhances photos with vintage tones, balanced contrast, and a slightly muted color palette, creating a nostalgic and timeless feel.
This free Lightroom preset emulates the look of Fuji Superia 800 film, enhancing your shots with vibrant yet natural colors. It will add depth to your photos while maintaining smooth skin tones.
This preset captures the distinctive look of Fujifilm Cool Chrome film. It adds cool tones, increased contrast, and vibrant colors to photos, perfect for achieving a modern, polished look in Lightroom.
This free preset will give your photos a retro feel with light magenta hues. It creates a soft, vintage look reminiscent of old film, ideal for adding a nostalgic touch to various photography styles.
Analog Film Lightroom Preset FAQ
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What are analog film Lightroom presets?
They are pre-configured settings designed to replicate the look of traditional analog film. They provide the distinctive tones, colors, and grain associated with classic film photography.
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How do analog film presets enhance my photos?
They will transform your photos by adding rich tones, unique grains, and balanced contrast, giving them a timeless and nostalgic feel.
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Are these presets compatible with all versions of Lightroom?
Most analog film presets work with Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC, and Lightroom Mobile. Before downloading, check the specific compatibility details of each preset.
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How do I install these Lightroom presets?
Open Lightroom and go to the
Developmodule. In thePresetspanel, right-click and selectImport. Locate the downloaded preset files and import them. -
Can I make adjustments to the presets after applying them?
Yes, these presets are fully customizable. You can tweak exposure, contrast, color, and other settings to match your desired aesthetic.
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Are analog film presets suitable for all types of photography?
They are versatile and can enhance various photography styles, including portraits, landscapes, and street photography. Experiment with different presets to find the best fit for your photos.
The Perfect Analog Aesthetic
These presets will save time, help maintain consistency, and simplify the editing process, making it easier to capture the desired analog aesthetic you have been looking for. They allow you to quickly add those rich tones, unique grains, and distinctive analog film effects to your photos.
Experiment with these presets and find the best fit for your personal photography style. Each preset provides a different interpretation of analog film, allowing you to explore various styles and enhance your creative expression.
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Creativity Hasn’t Left Web Design – It’s Just Different
Creativity can be freeing for web designers. There’s nothing quite like reaching that “a-ha” moment. It’s when an idea transfers from your head to a screen.
I had that feeling a lot during my early days in this industry. My work wasn’t great, mind you. But I felt the thrill of doing things I’d never done. And it was even better if I had made a client happy.
There was a lot of creative energy back then. The web was a new medium – and we were building it as we went along.
It’s no secret that the industry has changed dramatically. The old methods of building websites are gone. Now, we work with advanced tools and premade elements.
I sometimes feel like web design has lost its creative flair. Has it? Or have we changed how we use our creativity?
Let’s explore what it means to be creative in modern web design.
We No Longer Build from Scratch
An original web design isn’t always a top priority these days. We often prioritize efficiency, usability, and accessibility in our builds.
To that end, we start projects with frameworks and themes that provide a head start. Tools like Tailwind CSS feature readymade layouts and components. WordPress themes may offer a complete website for us to customize. And we can’t forget about the advent of block patterns.
That’s the reverse of how things used to work. We used to fire up Photoshop or some other design tool. We’d start with a blank canvas and build from scratch.
It’s easy to romanticize that era. We may think of web design as a lost art. It’s as if we were craftspeople who built sites the right way. None of these modern tools could match those techniques.
But that practice isn’t sustainable for busy designers. There’s not enough time or budget for a long design process. Not when there are multiple projects to complete.
For better or worse, our workflows have changed. Web designers have had to adapt to keep pace.
Adding a Personal Touch to Predesigned Components
How can we be creative when using predesigned components? Complete originality may be out of the question. However, there’s still an opportunity to add a personal touch.
There is no shortage of areas to change. An element’s color, size, and typography are prime examples. We don’t have to settle for the default look.
We can also choose components that include minimal styling. The WordPress block editor works this way. A default implementation is typically barebones. Tailwind CSS also prioritizes utility over looks.
Knowledge of these tools also helps. We can design in Figma with specific components in mind. That allows us to use our imagination while staying within the lines.
The process is reminiscent of a collage artist. It’s about pulling all of these different pieces together. From there, we seek to create a seamless user experience. The results can be compelling.
The added layer of convenience might make us feel guilty, though. For instance, page builder tools take the pain out of design. It’s more paint-by-numbers than drawing from memory.
Did we even “create” anything here?
Modern Web Design Is a Different Artform
Sure, the design process has changed. That doesn’t mean we’re no longer being creative, though.
We’re still using our creativity – just in a different way. We’re using our knowledge and experience to build the best website possible. And we’re using our keen eye to make it beautiful and functional.
If anything, we’re fortunate to have these new tools and frameworks. Websites are becoming more complex all the time.
Perhaps that makes web design harder than ever. Designing from scratch and managing functionality might be too much to handle.
Our focus needs to be in many places at once. So, maybe we’re creating a collage while juggling!
Find New Ways to Be Creative
One positive development is that designers don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We spend less time on the basics. That allows us time to concentrate on the details.
It’s the little things that can make a website stand out. We now have the tools to give us a head start.
Yes, these new methods can be limiting at times. However, web designers have plenty of experience in that area.
There have always been parameters for us to work within. It used to be the limits of CSS or user devices. Now, we try to bend and shape tools to match our needs. That also takes creativity.
You know what? Despite my initial concerns, those “a-ha” moments still exist. The change is in how we create them.
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20+ Best Free Halftone Photoshop Brush Sets for Digital Artists
Halftone Photoshop brushes are typically used to create a dotted effect, reminiscent of old print media. They are useful for adding a vintage or comic book appearance to digital artwork, making them a popular choice for artists looking to add depth and texture to their work.
Halftone brushes can be used to create backgrounds, add shading, and greatly enhance illustrations. They are popular in comic book art, poster designs, and retro-style graphics. They can transform simple graphics into detailed and engaging visuals, making them valuable resources for artists looking to add a professional touch to their projects.
In this collection, you will find some of the best free halftone Photoshop brush packs currently available. They are perfect for digital designers at all skill levels and provide a range of options to suit various styles and requirements.
This set includes ten high-resolution halftone brushes, all perfect for creating unique digital art. You can also customize colors, sizes, and positions.
This free brush pack has been created to give your lettering a retro or vintage look and feel. Created by Ryan Hamrick, this halftone brush set is excellent for adding a subtle textures and a touch of shading to your typography.
This pack offers 12 grunge-style brushes ideal for graphic novels and distressed art. You will also get four high-resolution vintage paper textures.
This huge collection of free Photoshop brushes is perfect for anyone wanting to experiment with their digital art using different halftone effects. You can also use them in Gimp, Affinity Designer, and Procreate.
This shadow-hatching pack contains over twenty halftone line brushes, plus a set of high-resolution vintage paper textures as a bonus. These brushes are perfect for projects that need a light vintage touch.
This halftone brush set adds a light touch of age and distress to your digital artwork. There are seven free brushes in this pack, and you can use them for your commercial work.
This pop-art-inspired set includes 18 square and dot brushes, all perfect for creating vintage comic books, retro artwork, or enhancing existing designs with a vintage flair.
This free collection comes with fifteen high-resolution brushes, all ideal for creating detailed halftone effects. Each brush is over 2500 pixels, allowing for precise and impactful digital art.
More Halftone Photoshop Brushes
These free brush sets were created using older versions of Photoshop but will still work in the latest versions. They are also not of as high a resolution as the brush packs above, but they are all still high-quality and worth your consideration.
How to Install Brushes in Photoshop
With these simple steps, you will be able to quickly download, install, and organize your halftone brushes in Photoshop, ensuring they’re always at your disposal for your design projects.
- Download the Brush Pack: Choose and download the Photoshop brush pack you want to use and save the file to your computer.
- Extract the Files: Locate the downloaded ZIP file, right-click it, and select
Extract Allto unzip it. Save the extracted files in a folder on your desktop. - Open Photoshop: Launch Photoshop on your computer.
- Access the Brushes Panel: Go to Photoshop’s top menu, click
Window, and then selectBrushesfrom the dropdown menu to open theBrushespanel. - Import the Halftone Brushes: In the
Brushespanel, click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. SelectImport Brushesand navigate to the folder where you saved the extracted brush files. Select the.abrfile and clickOpento import the brushes. - Organize Your Brushes: Click the folder icon at the base of the
Brushespanel to create a new brush group. Name the group (e.g., “New Halftone Brushes“) and drag the imported brushes into this folder. This helps keep your brushes organized and makes it easy to find them the next time you need them.
Halftone Brush Packs FAQ
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What are halftone brushes?
They are resources used in digital design to create patterns of dots or lines. These patterns simulate different shades of color, adding texture and depth to digital artwork.
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Why should I use halftone brushes?
Halftone brushes can add a vintage or comic book style to your work. They can make flat graphics more interesting and give your projects a unique, textured look.
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Can I use these halftone brushes for commercial projects?
It depends on the license of each brush pack. Check the terms of use provided by the creator. Some brushes are free for personal use, while others may be used commercially.
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Are halftone brushes compatible with other design software?
These brushes have been created for Photoshop, but some may work with other design applications like GIMP or Procreate. Check the compatibility before downloading.
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How can I improve my designs look better with halftone brushes?
Use halftone brushes to add texture to flat areas of your design. Combine them with other design elements, like shapes and colors, to create more dynamic compositions.
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Can I adjust the size of halftone brushes in Photoshop?
, you can. Use the brush size slider in the Brushes panel (or press the bracket keys) to re-size the brush.
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What to Do When Your Website Faces a Major Software Change
The web is in a constant state of change. What we build today will inevitably need to adapt tomorrow. And the challenge of keeping up is only growing.
Modern websites have multiple dependencies. They include everything from PHP, your content management system (CMS), to JavaScript libraries. Even the classic 5-page brochure site can’t escape their clutches.
None of these items are immune to change. Sometimes, those changes add extra work to our plates.
The situation presents a multitude of challenges for developers. We may need to refactor a feature’s code. Or go through an arduous manual testing process. Both involve a lot of time and money.
So, how do you carry out such an endeavor? Here are some tips for managing software changes that impact your website.
Assess the Impact of the Change
On the surface, some software changes may not seem so serious. For example, updating your WordPress install. It’s often a routine task – until it’s not.
Sometimes, a theme or plugin undergoes an overhaul. The new version could mean changes to your implementation. Thus, you won’t want to click the “update” button until you assess what’s happening.
You can learn a lot by reading documentation regarding the change. For example, a changelog may offer vital information.
Hopefully, you’ll gain a clearer picture of what steps you need to take. If not, it’s time to contact the developer or post in a support forum.
We’re also assuming you have intimate knowledge of your website. That includes an understanding of how the site was built – along with its dependencies.
What if you inherited the website from another developer? You may need to dig a little deeper to gauge the impact of an update.
Create a Staging Environment for Testing
It’s always worth repeating: Don’t implement critical updates without testing. You run the risk of something breaking in the process. Not fun at all.
A staging environment will allow you to test without risk. It’s an exact copy of your website, hosted locally or on a remote server.
Think of a staging environment as a playground for experimentation. You can turn on debugging or install development tools to catch any errors. Plus, you can add and remove components like plugins or libraries.
You might make a mistake or two – but that’s OK. There’s always an opportunity to reverse your changes or start fresh.
A staging environment is perfect for process-oriented updates – like upgrading to a new version of PHP. You’ll have a separate space to investigate and repair each issue. Again, it’s not something you want to do on a production site.
Your web host may offer a staging option. That may be your best bet. Ideally, you’ll want to use a server configuration that is as close as possible to your production environment.
If that’s not possible, try to get as close as you can with a local install. Having a place to test is the most important thing.
Take Notes as You Test
Some web hosts allow you to push your changes from staging to production. However, this isn’t always an option. Therefore, you’ll want to take notes during testing.
There are a lot of steps involved with software changes. For example, you may have implemented several code tweaks. A crucial item could easily get lost in the process. That might be a problem when it’s time to launch.
Having some project documentation on hand can be helpful. It will serve as a reference as you deploy any changes.
What should you include in your notes? Here are a few ideas:
- A list of changed files;
- Changed server or CMS settings;
- Items (like plugins or libraries) that have been added or removed;
These examples are a starting point. Feel free to document anything you think is relevant to your project. You’ll be glad you took the initiative when looking back! This step lessens the chances of making a mistake.
Oh, and be sure to back up your site before making changes. That can be a lifesaver should something go awry.
Prepare for Launch
Now that you’ve tested (and taken good notes), it’s full speed ahead! Much of what happens next will depend on the scope of your project. However, there are a few best practices worth following.
The first is to schedule a time to make the required changes. Try to do so when user impact will be minimal. Be sure to give yourself enough time for deployment and testing. You’ll also want to alert any stakeholders of what’s happening.
Next, create a checklist of tasks. List each step of the process in order. It’s a simple thing – but handy for keeping track of progress.
Also, make sure you have access to everything you need. For example, you may need permission to overwrite files on the web server. Or the account details for a third-party provider.
And don’t forget about any two-factor authentication tied to client accounts. You may need to coordinate a time to gain access.
Once you’re fully prepared, you can move forward with confidence.
Turn Big Changes into No Big Deal
Updates to system software and site components could mean extra work. It’s a staple of website maintenance. And you never know when something new will pop up.
Web designers need all the help they can get. As websites have more moving parts, so does the likelihood of something major coming along.
It may sound a bit scary – but do not worry! A solid process can simplify matters.
Assess your situation, test on a staging environment, and document your work. Prepare for the change as you would a job interview. When something comes up, you’ll be able to handle it gracefully.
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