photoshop fun - .ICO’s

I have had a few people ask me over the years how I create Favicon’s for websites.  These are the little images found in your browser after you Bookmark a website, and the site is “branded.”

So do you want to know how to make one for your site?  Luckily for you, I feel like teaching today.

Very First Step:

Download the plugin needed at the Telegraphics website

You will need to get either the Windows, Vista, or Mac version depending on what system you use.

Second Step:

Unzip file and place read the README file to learn where to put the Plug-In.

Setting Up For Making The Actual File:

Since browsers do not like to look at the image if it is much bigger than 16×16 (some are 32×32) pixels, what I usually do is open a new file in PhotoShop at 160×160 pixels.  Then after I put the information in - I can simply resize the Image Size to 16×16 or 32×32.
My personal preference is to make a 32×32 file because all browsers will reduce those in 1/2 if needed.

Once happy with the look of your file, simply go to Save As >> favicon, and make the File Format = .ICO

Fun Visualization for Windows Vista

This is NOT an Easter Egg or anything, just a fun little visualization you can run.

Open your Command Prompt and Naviagate to your System 32 Folder.

Probably something like this:

cd C:\Windows\System32

Once here type:

ribbons.scr /p65552

Enjoy

FCKEditor for Drupal

Finally, a very nice WYSIWYG editor for Drupal.  FCKEditor is a great editor module that is quick and easy for users to install and setup.  Also, this is the Project area for FCKeditor on the Drupal.org website.

I have been using this now for over 2 months and highly recommend it for anybody who needs a quick, user-friendly way, for your Drupal users to make highly formatted posts.  I first gave TINYMCE a shot, but did not like it as much for a number of reasons.  One of my biggest issues with it was the fact that many of my users turn off Java on pages, and TinyMCE must have Java enabled to work.  Please keep this in mind if you plan on using TinyMCE.

One thing to highlight about the setup is the editor(s) of the Module did not mention you must make sure all users are set to “Use Full HTML” instead of “Use Filtered HTML”, or it will not working properly.  So keep this in mind.

Here are the directions to setting it up, and some Pros / Cons to using this module.

PROS:

Quick and easy to install

User-Friendly for front-end users who do not have HTML background

Ability to upload media of different types quickly

CONS:

Documentation is poorly written… ( Obviously written from a Programmer point of view, not a User point of view )

Small learning curve

Works best if installed before making other User Roles, found under the Administer >> User Management >> Roles, other than anonymous and authenticated