When someone asks what type of software is mostly used in graphic design, the first one that comes to mind is Photoshop. This is probably because we’ve learned to associate the two of them, but what many don’t know is that it takes many tools, layers, brushes, types and other resources to make every design unique and sometimes this can create a big mess when it’s time to find a file or make the modification the client asked for.

Keeping the layers, brushes, paths and effects of your design organized can be a challenge! Why? Well, if you're in the design business or an amateur Photoshoper you've probably duplicated a layer at least once, ending up with something like "layer 1", "copy of layer 1" and "copy of copy of layer 1" in the file. And that's just the beginning of the nightmare!

That is why we decided to help designers, photographers and anyone who uses or works with Photoshop on daily bases, to organize a PSD file on their computers and make everything a simpler task.
<h2>1. The basics: create folders and arrange all files properly</h2>
The first thing you need to know to organize your archives properly is how to make your folders coherent. Make one folder for each different project and keep all files named according to their use, each time you make a change delete past versions and save only the latest one and the previous to that, so clients can see the modifications. Don’t use names such as: final version, latest version, latest latest version; for your PSD file. If you must, change "final" to "revised + date".

[caption id="attachment_4510" align="alignright" width="256"]<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2013/12/Photoshop_AdobeFileTypesFolders.png"><img class=" wp-image-4510 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2013/12/Photoshop_AdobeFileTypesFolders.png" alt="Photoshop_AdobeFileTypesFolders" width="256" height="256"></a> Organized Files Make Your Life Easier.[/caption]
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<h2>2. Name your layers</h2>
Some people even name their cars – which has absolutely no purpose–why not name your layers, which will be so useful every time you need to change something on your design? Keep it simple and easy to relate to the actual content of each layer.

Delete unnecessary layers you won’t need and keep them in a folder where you can hide or show common elements of your graphic design easily.
<h2>3. Keep your types close</h2>
[caption id="attachment_4521" align="alignleft" width="367"]<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2013/12/3-types.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-4521 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2013/12/3-types.jpg" alt="psd-type-folder" width="367" height="428"></a> Put Fonts In the File Folder[/caption]

When you download a type don’t leave on the download folder, keep them all arranged in just one specific for these files. Also make sure they’re licensed to be shared.

Use separate boxes for each different text, in case you’ll need to change their type or size later. Don’t make the text box longer than the actual content and make sure you’re not stretching types, it’ll look terrible whether you’re using them for web or <a href="https://www.4over4.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-schema-attribute="">print design.</a>
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4. Export your files like a Pro

First choose a decent name for your file and keep it in the folder for that project, so you won’t mistake it with undesirable objects on your desktop. Keep all files in a size range, when saving the archive try to negotiate its quality and colors making it small or medium, depending on its purpose. Remember that for the web you'll want smaller sized images and that for print design, you'll need high quality ones.

 5. Check with your client

[caption id="attachment_4511" align="alignright" width="600"]<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2013/12/clothes-10134.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-4511 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2013/12/clothes-10134.jpg" alt="organize_your_photoshop_file" width="600" height="600"></a> Get the OK Before Saving/Deleting[/caption]

Once your design is ready or when the client approves all the project, ask him if he’ll need anything else before erasing anything. If something has spent more than a few months sitting on your desktop: erase it (or store it in a portable hard drive), keep only the basics in case you want to include it in your portfolio, but the rest has got to go.

Start practicing with these useful tips and see the difference when the time comes to finding your archives or a specific layer on your PSD file.

Which ones of these steps do you already use and which others are you going to? Let us know in our comment section below!

When someone asks what type of software is mostly used in graphic design, the first one that comes to mind is Photoshop.

How to effectively Organize Your PSD Files in 5 Simple Steps

Print and digital marketing are often portrayed to be at odds, fighting over superiority in some made-up rivalry that spurs articles discussing whether or not print is dead and why mobile marketing is the best thing since sliced bread. Well, no offense to the writers out there but, the Printing Industries of America found that 67% of online searches are driven by offline messages, with 39% of shoppers making a purchase. According to a study, websites supported by catalogs yield 163% more revenue than those not supported by catalogs. In addition, shoppers who receive a direct mail piece directing them to an online site spend an average 13% more than those who do not receive a printed piece. And even the search giant Google is using direct mail to drive sales, so why shouldn't you? <a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2015/04/Google-Mailer-e1430943704295.jpg"><img alt="direct-mail-marketing" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2015/04/Google-Mailer-e1430943704295.jpg" style="height:484px; width:648px"></a> Google Understands the Power of Print Taking advantage of multi-channel marketing, Google uses direct mail pieces to sell digital services. Google’s tactile marketing techniques to drive digital action are great examples of how the two mediums are best together. Amazingly, even Google, the powerhouse of the digital ecosystem, understands the power of print as it’s more engaging and impactful. Google’s personalized offline pieces tease with tips, tempt readers with gift cards to redeem online, always speaking directly to each business. Even if your business isn’t as highly recognized as Google, all businesses, no matter the size, should rely on multi-channel marketing. Therefore, if you want to stand out from your competitors, you must combine print with digital in order to have a greater impact and reach.

<h2>How to Use Direct Mail Effectively</h2>

Now that we’ve discussed the power of print, let’s talk about a few tips to help you use direct mail effectively, getting the highest response rate possible. 1. Define Your Target Audience Spend as much time as you need figuring out which companies, freelancers or customers you need to talk to. People who don’t define their audiences clearly can have awful response rates. Whenever you have your target audience defined, create the right list to talk to your target audience by working with a data company. Keep in mind that you must be willing to spend more time and money on a highly targeted list. If you can’t afford that, directly mail the list you made with highly personalized envelopes or postcards. 2. Match Your Promotion to Your Target Audience Make sure to offer your target audience something they truly want if you’re going to make a promotion or special offer. Even if this seems obvious, sometimes this basic element is neglected. Keep in mind that you must always offer something really unique, instead of something ordinary that they can either get themselves or your competitors are using already. It’s imperative that your special offer or promotion has a deadline so that customers don’t’ set it aside and call right away. 3. Offer Several Ways to Respond Give your clients numerous ways to follow up with you as not everyone responds the same way to an offer or promotion. Just make sure to include a call tracking number on your direct mail piece’s call to action. Check out the different ways you can provide people to respond:

<ul>
	<li>Create a landing page on your site with engaging content that gives readers local numbers to call.</li>
	<li>Create a video on one of the landing pages to enhance the connection with your potential customer. Make sure to add the custom tracking number along with a contact form in order to be able to tell who is coming from which direct mail piece in particular.</li>
	<li>For those readers who love the mail, give them a way to mail something back to you.</li>
</ul>

4. Test a Small Demographic If you want to see how different messages work before making an investment, test a small demographic- that’s one of the greatest things about direct mail marketing. Start by sending different messages to different groups in your main list. After you’ve determined the one that works best, go all out with the long mailing list. 5. Track, Track, Track It is absolutely crucial that you track what is being done with direct mail advertising. Get a telephone call tracking number and check out the analytics to see what direct mail pieces worked best. If you have landing pages, a separate tracking number must be created. 6. Be Consistent Even though direct mail provides businesses with great rewards, you must be consistent as customers aren’t delivered magically. Create a powerful marketing strategy by performing several mailings to the same list over and over again. This builds on your message wonderfully. 7. Convert Responses to Clients After you’ve done everything in your hands to generate a great response rate, the final task is to convert those responses into loyal clients. That’s why it is absolutely vital that the people answering the phone or meeting with them are well trained and get this part right. Since your company’s sales team is the first interaction potential clients have with your business, you must make sure they know exactly what to do. Do you want to ensure your team is properly handling this important role? Record your sales calls in order to listen to each call when you have a chance. This way, you can see how each call was handled and further train your staff to enhance customer service. We hope this blog post comes in handy. As you can see, you have an effective, successful direct mail campaign on your hands. Just make sure to have a coordinated effort across your direct mail and emails. If you want your message to get through and people to take the actions you desire, you must be coordinated across print and electronic communications. Ready to start your direct mail campaign? Start with to-the-point postcards and go from there. Choose between <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/3d-lenticular-postcards">3D postcards</a>, <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/die-cut-postcards">die cut postcards</a>, <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/folded-postcards">folded postcards</a>, <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/mini-cards">mini cards</a>, <a data-schema-attribute="" data-wplink-edit="true" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/oversized-postcards">oversized postcards</a>, <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/postcards">postcards</a>, <a data-schema-attribute="" data-wplink-edit="true" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/premium-prestige-postcards">the prestige collection</a>, <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/silk-postcards">silk postcards</a>, <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/soft-touch-postcards">soft touch postcards</a> and <a data-schema-attribute="" data-wplink-edit="true" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/spot-uv-postcards">spot UV postcards</a>.

Print and digital marketing are often portrayed to be at odds, fighting over superiority in some made-up rivalry that spurs

Why 67% of Online Searches are Driven by Direct Marketing

As any parent, teacher, or babysitter will know, children love interaction. While a young girl or boy might initially be attracted to a bright poster or print-out featuring their favorite characters, it usually takes more than pure visual appeal to capture a child's attention for an extended period of time. For this reason, companies that wish to advertise their products to children must be somewhat inventive in trying to reach their audience. While printed materials such as fliers and brochures are beneficial in promoting a company's products, business printing services should also be utilized to create hands-on items for children such as mugs and pens. All children respond to seeing their favorite characters and designs printed on such everyday products.

In terms of marketing, children can be both some of the easiest and some of the most difficult consumers to reach. A child's interest is easily sparked by attractive, artful designs, but it can be nearly impossible to hold the child's attention for a long enough period of time in order to make a sale. Businesses must therefore be creative in their usage of <a data-schema-attribute="" data-wplink-edit="true" href="https://www.4over4.com/">online printing</a> services as they create products that are designed to entice children. It is easy for a company to use business printing services in order to produce simple printed advertisements, but children are bombarded with such propaganda on a nearly daily basis, and most modern kids have learned to almost ignore these advertisements' presence. When utilizing company printing services, businesses should opt for items that can be subtly incorporated into a child's life. For instance, a child will respond strongly to seeing his or her favorite characters printed on a pen that he or she can use at school. Some businesses choose to accomplish this multifaceted advertising method by hiring multiple different company printing services. For instance, a business might utilize a particular online printing company for the manufacture of its paper goods and another company for the creation of its interactive items. However, this tends to yield a very disjointed product line. It is virtually impossible for two separate companies to capture the same stylistic nuances in the products that they create; there will invariably be some small inconsistencies between the two styles that will cause the product line as a whole to feel incoherent. It is therefore beneficial for businesses to hire a single online printing company that is able to accomplish all needed tasks.

To learn more about our complete line of printing products and services like vinyl banners, custom labels or tri fold brochures, visit <a data-schema-attribute="" data-wplink-edit="true" href="https://www.4over4.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.4over4.com</a>

As any parent, teacher, or babysitter will know, children love interaction. While a young girl or boy might initially be

Printing Products

For the creative mind and work, staying productive can be a challenge, especially in this day and age where Tumblr can suck the life out of you, endless cat gifs abound and your phone is connected to every possible notification -ever. In fact, there are so many distractions in the modern office that there is a project for an <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/3046524/escape-from-distractions-in-the-analog-office-of-the-future">Analog Office</a>, a safe haven for the over stimulated soul. 
<img alt="How to Take More Breaks and Be More Productive" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/4over4-shop/assets/images/product_story_image/189Printingimg-279.jpg" style="height:720px; width:1280px"> If finding procrastination is your kryptonite and catching some one-on-one time with your muse feels harder than the actual work, this post is for you: we've collected tips, strategies and sources from various studies across the globe to help you stay focused, enjoy more and get more done by taking more and meaningful breaks. Take a look:

<blockquote>Tip 1: Take a Break before Noon</blockquote>

Do you usually take mid-afternoon breaks because that’s the time of the day when you feel the most tired? Well, you better give this a little thought. A study found that taking breaks before noon replenishes energy as it is done earlier in the day. The study also found that the more hours people allowed to pass between starting the work day and taking a break, the more symptoms of bad health they had. That being said, the later you wait to take a break, it won’t be as effective.

<blockquote>Tip 2: Workout during Your Lunch Break</blockquote>

What do you usually do during your one-hour lunch break? A study conducted by Emily Hunter, Ph.D., proved that what really matters when it comes to breaks, is that the activity must consist of something the employee enjoys doing. In other words, find something to do that lowers the stress of your task-filled day, recharging your brain and muscles. How about working out to fight the work-related weight gain? Even supposing it involves logistics and planning on your part, you’ll love this fantastic energy booster!

<blockquote>Tip 3: Take 20 Minute Afternoon Naps</blockquote>

Do you take naps at your workplace? Which time of day do you take these naps? Well, according to an original finding conducted by researchers in a<a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sbr.12013/full"> 2013 issue</a> of the journal Sleep and Biological Rhythm, it was demonstrated that a twenty minute afternoon nap reduces switching errors, improving task-switching performance. As you can see, by taking afternoon naps, it will be much easier for you to switch tasks, thus boosting your productivity.

<blockquote>Tip 4: Take 17 Minute Breaks Throughout the Day</blockquote>

DeskTime, a globally-trusted productivity app, studied the performance of its most productive workers and discovered that the highest-performing employees work for 52 ongoing minutes followed by a 17-minute break. Julia Gifford at <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-rule-of-52-and-17-its-random-but-it-ups-your-productivity">The Muse</a>, said that those 17 minutes were usually spent by taking a walk or speaking with coworkers. The idea is to be away from your computer to fully take advantage of the break. Just make sure to set your stopwatch for 17 minutes when you get up from your own desk. As you can see, the most productive staff members don't necessarily work the longest hours, but they are smart when it comes to handling their energy to complete tasks in creative and efficient ways.

<blockquote>Tip 5: Chill Out and Watch Cat Gifs</blockquote>

Do you watch cat gifts during your working hours? Don’t stop! A<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2012/10/01/want-to-increase-your-productivity-study-says-look-at-this-adorable-kitten/"> study</a> conducted by a team of Hiroshima University researchers said watching pictures of cute, furry baby animals led university students to do more productive work on any task. Apparently, the tenderness portrayed by these adorable images can dramatically enhance our motor function on the computer. This theory was also proved with another research conducted by the National University of Singapore which reported that "those who spent less than 20 percent of their time perusing the Internet's silly offerings were 9 percent more productive than those who resist going online," sated Rebecca Greenfield reported in the <a href="http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2011/08/keep-wasting-time-online-work-its-better-productivity/41547/">Atlantic Wire</a>. How would have guessed that cat gifs could make us more productive? So, even if you can’t’ work in a dreamy Analog Office just yet, you can always follow these tips to experience less burnout and better job satisfaction at your workplace. Not surprisingly, by taking good breaks, you can also take advantage of a boost in motivation, energy and concentration, leading to less physical ailments. Therefore, to achieve a stress-free, productive work environment, you should really try these five clever tips to find the ones that suit YOU best, whether you’re a designer, copywriter, community manager or programmer. That’s the bottom line.

For the creative mind and work, staying productive can be a challenge, especially in this day and age where Tumblr can suck

How to Take More Breaks and Be More Productive

<img alt="custom-greeting-cards" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2020/12/custom-greeting-card-hero.jpg" style="height:573px; width:870px" /> <a href="https://shop.usa.canon.com/estore/marketing/create-with-canon/custom-greeting-card-hero.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Source</a> There are no aliens but we can all agree that saying hello via elbows is weird. What is the next best thing to do? Send greeting cards to those you love but cannot meet. It is quite obvious that this year&rsquo;s family gathering has been cancelled. With so many styles of <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/extreme-custom-printing" rel="noopener" target="_blank">greeting cards</a> out there, it should become clear why having the right one is so important for the particular message you want to convey.

<h3>Custom Greeting Cards</h3>

Think hard about what your <a data-schema-attribute="" data-wplink-edit="true" href="https://www.4over4.com/design-templates" rel="noopener" target="_blank">greeting cards</a> will communicate, what your brand is about, and how it will help you seal the deal with your clients. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to get original custom <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/greeting-cards-" rel="noopener" target="_blank">greeting cards</a> just like the one we&rsquo;ve shared here. After all, the right one might just be what sparks the interest of a new customer! We offer great discounts and hundreds of free templates that will make your brand stand out.

Let your creative self shine by displaying all your amazing ideas on blank <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/blank-templates/greeting-cards/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">custom greeting cards</a> that you can customize with different designs and get a feel of what the final look will be.

Source There are no aliens but we can all agree that saying hello via elbows is weird. What is the next best thing to do?

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Stunning Custom Greeting Cards, Did You Receive One?

Custom Greeting Cards