Getting Started with MediaLoot Resources
Even if you're a beginner, it's fairly easy to get started with MediaLoot Resources. Here, we'll go through how to make sure you're able to use a specific resource and what skills you'll need to implement our stuff in your stuff.
What kind of basic skills do you need?
In order to use most of our resources, you'll want some basic skills in Adobe PhotoShop's creative suite. It's also probably a good idea to have some basic html/css knowledge, and be familiar with installing fonts on your operating system. Here are some resources we've found to get you started if you need to learn more:
- Photoshop Basics
- Illustrator Basics
- Fireworks Basics
- inDesign Basics
- How to install fonts (Search on the web for: How to install font on OSX 7 - or whichever operating system you're using)
- HTML Basics
- CSS Basics
How do I know what program to use for each resource?
Each resource page has detailed information about the resource, including a description and what kind of files are included. Under the photo gallery of the resource, you'll see the main description. It's always a good idea to fully read this description before downloading an item. It will often give you hints on how to use the file and how the file was created. In the right sidebar, you'll see a section called "FILES INCLUDED" that will show a list of filetype icons. By checking out this section, you'll know if you have the right software to edit the resource. If you don't know what program opens a specific filetype, you can easily search for the ending on the web (.eps, .svg, .ai, etc) and you'll find a whole bunch of information on which programs can open the files and what kind of information is within them.
Do I need Adobe's Creative Suite to edit your resources?
While we do recommend using Adobe's Creative Suite programs to edit our resources, you can use other programs as well. We try to provide cross-platform files when possible (like .eps and .svg files), that can be used in vector editors and other design software. Most brushes and textures can be imported into programs such as GIMP (search on on the web for how to import the specific filetype with your software).
However, we create all of our resources using Adobe's products, so having them enables you to fully edit our resources without losing quality or functionality.
I use PhotoShop Elements, can I edit your resources with their Photoshop files?
Unfortunately, most of our Photoshop files have multiple layers, which means they cannot be natively read and editing in PhotoShop Elements. If there's really something you want, and you only have PhotoShop elements, send us an email and we'll try to convert it. No promises though!
Some members have reported that Paint.net works with the psd plug-in and handles the layers pretty well. We haven't tried this ourselves, but it might be worth a shot if you're looking for a new solution.