Download: workflows to batch convert Pixelmator brushes

In a previous post I explained how to manually convert .png brushes for use in Pixelmator. After many trials and errors, I was finally able to make an Automator workflow to convert batches of brushes automatically. As Pixelmator doesn’t have the actions I needed in Automator, I had to use the new “Watch Me Do” feature, so these scripts probably won’t work in Tiger.

I was unable to get Pixelmator to apply the specified actions to each images in a batch, so I got around this by having it repeat the actions multiple times. Unfortunately it will continue repeating these actions the specified number of times even if there are no more images, so I made multiple scripts to enable you to choose the one closest to the number of images to convert: this way you won’t waste too much time waiting for it to finish. Read under the cut for step by step intructions.

How to convert brushes for use in Pixelmator

Most brushes available for download are offered in both the .abr format of Photoshop brushes and in .png format, the latter of which Pixelmator should be able to use. However, if you've ever tried using these brushes in Pixelmator, you know that all you get is a solid block of color. The reason for this is that brushes in Pixelmator need to have a transparent background to work. Unfortunately Pixelmator doesn't yet have the ability to turn white backgrounds transparent - but it does have a "Mask To Alpha" filter, which makes black transparent. We can use this filter to manually convert brushes:

$10 discount on VectorDesigner for Mac

Tweakersoft is offering a $10 discount on VectorDesigner for all ScreenCastsOnline readers, subscribed or not. Just click here to got to the ScreenCastsOnline VectorDesigner page, and follow the link. The offer ends on 23rd May.

MacHeist- 12 apps for $49, plus great prizes to be won!

MacHeist will be selling a new bundle for $49 over the next month, containing 12 of the best applications from their previous Heist bundles. For those of you who missed the previous bundles, this is the perfect chance to get these great apps at a low price! The 12 included applications are:

• Awaken (valued at $12.95)
• Cha-Ching (valued at $40)
• CoverSutra (valued at $14.95)
• DEVONthink Personal (valued at $39.95)
• iClip (valued at $29)
• Overflow (valued at $14.95)
• Wallet (valued at $14.95)
• Writeroom (valued at $24.95)
• Xslimmer (valued at $11.95)
• Enigmo (valued at $19.95)
• Bugdom 2 (valued at $29.95)
• Nanosaur 2 (valued at $24.95)

That's $278.50 worth of Mac software for just $49! Furthermore, there is a referral system which could earn you great prizes, including iPods, iPhones, iMacs, etc. Of course those prizes will probably only be given to people with a great many referrals, but for those with a smaller amount there are also great prizes like VoodooPad (valued at $29.95) up for grabs. If anyone feels like helping me out, my referral URL is https://www.macheist.com/buy/referral/93198 ;)

Free Mac utility apps that make life easier

I thought I'd share a list and short description of Mac utility applications I use that have made my Mac experience a little easier. Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments ;)

Pixelmator tutorials

Last updated: 3 June 2008

Pixelmator is a relatively new but very promising image editing application. You can click here to read the Pixelmator user manual, or you can check out the following links to tutorials I have found:

Text & image tutorials

My tutorials:
Converting .png brushes for use in Pixelmator
Converting Photoshop .abr brushes to .png using Gimp
Batch converting brushes for Pixelmator

Wooster's tutorials:
Blueprint and Sketches
Reflection and Gloss
Disco Effect
Using the Color Picker
Using Automator with Pixelmator
Manga Scanlation

Other tutorials:
Abduzeedo.com

Video tutorials

Sebastiaan's tutorials:
Creating a Graduated Neutral Density filter
Removing red eyes
3 ways to sharpen images
Making a realistic drop of water
Creating rounded corners and a reflection
Creating a Badge

Other video tutorials:
JustinSeeley.com
Bernskiold.com
ScreenCastsOnline.com
Expert Village
Smokey's Video Tutorials
Agupoli on YouTube (Spanish)

The sites in the "Other tutorials" and "Other video tutorials" categories have links to their various tutorials on their own sites.

Abduzeedo has tutorials for creating some stunning effects, but unfortunately they are all missing some steps, and the author doesn't seem to answer questions in the comments. You can still learn new things by following the tutorials though, even if you aren't able to exactly replicate the effects.

The video tutorials mostly just walk you through basic features of Pixelmator, but check through them to see if there's anything useful to you.

If anyone knows where to find any other Pixelmator tutorials, please leave a comment! ;)

60 free stock photos from iStockphoto

For those of you who have never heard of iStockphoto, it's a site that sells quality photos, vector illustrations, flash files, and videos for use in websites, advertising, screensavers, etc. If you're a photographer or illustrator, you can sign up and sell your own work too.

While looking for some photos to use in graphics, I found the following links which I thought I'd share with you:

StockLayouts Promo - 10 free photos from a selction of 50

HP Promo - 10 free photos from a selction of 50

Scoopt Promo - 30 free photos from a selction of 60

iStockphoto Camera Hunt - Find the 4 hidden logos to get 5 free credits, which can be used to buy anything on iStockphoto

Free Weekly Photo - There's a new free photo every week, and at the bottom of the page are links to the previous 3 free photos

Free Monthly Vector - There's a free vector illustration every month, and at the bottom of the page is a link to the previous month's illustration.