Article: If you repeat a set of Photoshop operations often, create an Action to save time in the future. Start by opening an image to which you'll be performing a set of operations (such as applying masks, filters, type, etc.). It's a good idea to work with a copy of the image so you don't overwrite an image with a mistake. Click the "File" menu and choose "Save As." Place a check mark next to "As a Copy." Click "Save." If you don't see a panel in Photoshop that's labeled "Actions," press F9 (Windows) or Option+F9 to launch it. You can increase the size of the Actions panel by dragging its lower right corner downward or to the right. This icon, shaped like a square sheet of paper with a folded-up corner, appears on the Actions panel next to the Trash icon. The "New Action" dialog box will appear. You can also click the menu at the top right corner of the Actions panel and choose "New Action" Type a name for your new Action into the "Name" field. Use something that will jog your memory about what the Action does. For example, if you are creating an Action to shrink an image to a specific size and then convert it to grayscale, you may call the Action "Shrink and Grayscale." You can assign a key or combination of keys (e.g., F3, Alt+F2, etc.) to start the Action. This step is optional, as you can also run the Action from the Actions panel. Select a key from the Function Key drop-down menu. If you'd like, place a check next to Shift, Command, Control, etc. to specify a specific key combination (instead of just a single function key). Once you click this button, you'll be in "recording" mode. While you're in this mode, each Photoshop operation you complete will be added to the Action in order. There are a few rules of thumb to remember when recording actions: When recording the "Save As" command, don't enter a new file name. If you do, the new file name will apply to every image on which you apply the Action. Instead, just navigate to a different folder and save it with the same filename. Not all of the functions you record now can apply to all images. For example, if you use "Color Balance" in this Action, it won't have any effect when running it on a grayscale image. Here's an example for recording an Action to resize an image to 300 x 300 pixels at 72 dpi (dots-per-inch): Open the Image menu and select "Image Size." Remove the checkmark from the box labeled "Constrain proportions." Set each dropdown next to "Width" and "Height" to "Pixels" if they are not already set. Type "300" into the "Width" box. Type "300" into the "Height" box. Type "72" into the "Resolution" box. Make sure "Pixes/inch" is selected next to "Resolution." Click "OK." When you're done performing all of the commands you want in the action, click the Stop button (the dark gray square on the Actions panel). To add more steps, make sure the Action is highlighted in the Actions panel and click the red "Record" button (the circle) to record. If you don't feel you've recorded the action correctly, right-click the name of the Action and select "Record Again." Click the arrow next to your new Action to expand all of the steps. If you want to change any of the parameters in the Action, double-click the step to launch its associated panel. You can rearrange steps in the Action by dragging its name to another location in the list. To delete a step in the Action, click the step once to select it, and then click the Trash icon.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Open a file in Photoshop. Save the image as a copy. Show the Actions panel. Click the "Create New Action" icon. Choose a name for the Action. Choose a Function Key. Click "Record" to begin recording your Action. Perform the commands you want to repeat. Stop recording the Action. Look at the steps of your Action in the Actions panel.
Article: Before you can begin the process of becoming a real estate agent in Virginia, understand each state has different requirements for who is eligible. In Virginia, in order become a real estate agent you must: Be at least 18 years of age. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, like a GED. Pass both the state and national PSI exams, the Virginia real estate board's testing service. Have successfully completed 60 hours of course work, approved by Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, on the principles of real estate. Have completed an application and paid the appropriate fee. Before you can take the real estate exam, and before you have a chance at passing, 60 hours of specific coursework are required. Make sure the course you enroll in is approved by the DPOR, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. If it isn't, the 60 hours you complete won't qualify you to take the PSI exam. The course should advertise itself as DPOR approved and you can search the DPOR website to find a list of approved coursework. If you are unsure, phone the DPOR during office hours and ask them about the course you're considering. The courses you take will provide a basic overview of real estate practices, laws, and policies in addition to the basics of sales, negotiations, and closings. You also learn real estate vocabulary and math. You can either take courses online or in-person, depending on your preference. Online courses can save time and money, but require more self motivation than in-person courses. In-person courses are often more expensive and more cumbersome to get to, but many find face-to-face interactions ideal to a learning environment. While you're taking the proper courses, which can take a long period of time, try getting some experience in the field. This will give you a glimpse into the industry to make sure it's right for you before you launch your career. Get an internship or office job at a real estate firm. This way, you can make a connection in your field - which can lead to jobs down the line - and get a feel for the world of real estate. Ask a real estate agent if you can shadow them for a day or a week. This can provide invaluable on-the-field information on your career path. Even after you complete your training, you might still feel under-prepared for your exam. The exam is comprehensive and follows a specific format, and knowing the format can be as vital to successfully passing as knowing the information itself. Online, many sites allow you to take practice exams for free. Taking a series of practice exams in the weeks leading to the test can be a great way to prep as you'll know what to expect and where you weak areas are during the exam. Books are available for purchase online or from Amazon that contain valuable information on vocabulary and exam questions and also have practice tests you can take at home. Kaplan University and other outlets offer online test prep courses and products for the Virginia real estate exam. These can be a bit pricey, however. At Kaplan, for example, it's $99 to take a test prep course but it might be worth it if you prefer a more structured environment for studying.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Know the requirements. Find and enroll in approved courses. Get experience in the field. Engage in test preparation.