2 tips on photoshop
Copying layer from one image to another
Copying a layer between images is really easy - all you have to do is:
1. Select the source image
2. Open the layers toolbox window
3. Drag the layer from the layers window to the target image window.
Note that this doesn't work with 'background' layers, but you can create normal layers from those just by double-clicking them and selecting OK.
Web Design - Back Up Your Data
It is a disaster waiting to happen. It's already in the post. But we rarely keep it at the forefront of our minds - data loss. I have to admit that I've been caught out more than once. But never again, I never want to feel that sinking feeling of realisation that everything has gone, never to be seen again.
All my SQL Server data is triple backed up. Twice a day as a SQL backup and nightly as a complete mirror onto another drive as well as running a RAID configuration. This is by no means unusual and this kind of paranoia should be reflected on to management of local files used to design or develop a website.
Here is my regime for keeping my web design data safe:
1. Keep all your files (including psd files, mockup files, raw images and copy) on a USB harddrive. I keep one with me all the time.
2. If you have hosting set up for the website your designing, upload the same files on a 'backup' folder that's below or on the same level as the live public root folder. This way you won't have all your files available to the world to view! Check your hosting terms and conditions as some hosts don't like you storing files in this way.
3. Register a DropBox account. Its free and really cool. I use it to keep a back up of all my fonts and Photoshop brushes, patterns, swatches and other add-ons. So whereever I am, I have access to that data. If you upgrade your account you can keep entire websites and support files easily.
4. Finally, I also keep a complete record of every web design I've ever done on a RAID configured NAS box. This also allows me to keep complete mirrors of all my PCs and Laptop.
With web design, whatever you do, don't ignore the importance of keeping backups. With so much data storage technology available, whether it be hardware or virtual, there is no excuse! Do it or be damned!!!
