Absolute Cross

Contact me

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 05:39:35 +0000

Complete redesign of Absolute Cross

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 10:42:49 +0000

Absolute Cross has been redesigned from the ground up, and tons of new content is on the way. Have a look at the details behind the new site.

Feature - New tutorials and guides about the Drupal CMS

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:14:04 +0000

How to use Drupal's Contemplate module

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 22:26:19 +0000

Learn how to use Drupal’s Contemplate module to achieve more granular theming of a node’s output.

Choosing on which forms to use a WYSIWYG editor

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:22:35 +0000

This short guide describes how to configure several of the most popular WYSIWYG editors for Drupal to show only on forms where they are necessary, so they are available for site visitors, but don’t get in the way of administrative or site-building tasks.

Feature - Complete redesign of Absolute Cross

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:32:41 +0000

Theming CCK input forms with hook_form_alter

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:00:12 +0000

A short guide with references and examples of methods for custom theming CCK input forms.

Theming the user account page in Drupal

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:58:45 +0000

This is an example of creating a template file to custom theme the Edit Account page in Drupal (user/#/edit).

Understanding Input Formats (why HTML you write is not appearing)

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:53:59 +0000

A common mistake/oversight that beginners with Drupal tend to make is forgetting about Input Formats. Content in Drupal is run through an Input Format before it gets displayed on the page, and the settings of a given Input Format can affect what HTML tags are permitted and many other aspects of the page. Read on to find out how to avoid the pitfalls of Input Formats.

Create a menu hierarchy using Primary and Secondary links

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:46:01 +0000

Use this configuration technique to get Drupal to connect your primary and secondary menus, so that when a top level menu item is selected, its children menu items will be displayed in a separate (secondary) menu, which you can position elsewhere on your page.

Create multiple-step forms using CCK Fieldgroups

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:48:43 +0000

Harnesses the usefulness of CCK’s “Fieldgroup” sub-module, paired with a few other key modules and settings, to give the effect of a multi-step/page form.

Custom re-ordered front page teasers

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:39:15 +0000

This guide will show you how to augment the default Drupal front page with the ability to sort and reorder the teasers manually in the order you prefer, rather than the default way of sorting by date, using Trigger/Actions, Nodequeue, and Views.

Terms of Use

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:41:47 +0000

On absolutecross.com, various graphics and media files are offered which you may download and use free of charge. These may include textures, interfaces/templates, wallpapers, photos, fonts, etc. All free graphics/files are clearly denoted throughout the site. The layout of this site is not free and may not be used for any reason – see details below.

How can the free graphics be used?

You may use the free graphics that are made available on absolutecross.com for any purpose, both non-profit and commercial. There are no restrictions on how you can use them. What you can NOT do is include or redistribute them (meaning the unchanged textures, templates, etc) in any form of collection without first getting my permission (I very well may give permission or license the use, but you must ask). If you are granted permission, you must include the credits exactly as would be specified. Of course you can send the graphics to a few friends or something like that without needing special permission – but if you are planning on distributing the original graphics themselves on a broader scale, please ask first.

Credits

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:44:09 +0000

Site design

The Absolute Cross site was designed and developed by David Newkerk. All theme/layout-related images and code are copyright © 2011, David Newkerk. No theme/layout-related images or code may be used or copied without written permission.

Icons

This site uses free icons from various designers (all are licensed under either GPL, MIT, Creative Commons, or are noted as free for commercial use). Commercially purchased icons are from iStockPhoto.

About

Sat, 22 May 2010 22:41:22 +0000

Who runs this place anyway?

My name’s David Newkerk – pleasure to meet you. I’m the creator of Absolute Cross, and have been developing websites since 1996. I spend my time delving into Photoshop, UI design, usability, jQuery, PHP, and composing music.

A brief history of Absolute Cross

Absolute Cross started out some time around 1996 as a silly little page where I posted random things I came across on the internet (it was way back… way way back… when things like animated gifs, midi files, java applets, frames, dial-up internet, and Netscape Navigator were cool). I began to try my hand at using HTML to create some of the amazing site layouts I came across (well, to be honest they weren’t amazing by today’s standards, but to a web design newbie in 1996 they were a marvel haha). To quench my unending desire for knowledge I picked up a huge book on HTML and read it cover-to-cover over the course of a weekend. Soon after, I began learning how to use Photoshop. I discovered that I enjoyed teaching people the things I’d learned about web design, and so Absolute Cross began to transform into a place for the tutorials I was writing, and the graphics I was designing for practice. The site bounced between various free hosting sites and odd temporary names for a few years until I eventually decided on a real name for the site, registered the domain, and signed up for paid hosting. One day a new little search engine called Google came along. Their robot seemed to find my site very tasty, and placed the site in the number one spot for “photoshop tutorials” and various other terms. The newfound increase in visitors led to plenty of fun learning about running my own dedicated server (although it’s dwindled some these days, at its peak Absolute Cross received up to ten thousand visitors a day). Throughout the past decade or so Absolute Cross has gone through a variety of major overhauls, gradually making its way towards becoming the site you’re at right now. If you’d like to learn more about the latest & greatest version of the site, you can read a detailed post about the full redesign of the site. Hope you enjoy the site!

Privacy Policy

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:57:40 +0000

AbsoluteCross.com has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm commitment to privacy. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for this website: AbsoluteCross.com. We may collect and use your IP address to help diagnose problems with our server, and to administer our Web site. Our site’s registration forms pertaining to items such as guestbooks, forums, or mailing lists, etc., may require users to give us contact information (like their name and email address). We may use customer contact information from the registration form to send the user information about our site company. The customer’s contact information is also used to contact the visitor when necessary. Users may opt-out of receiving future mailings; see the choice/opt-out section below. This site contains links to other sites. AbsoluteCross.com is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content, representations, or opinions of such Web sites. Our site makes use of an order form for customers to request information, products, and services. We collect visitor’s contact information (like their email address). Contact information from the order form is used to send orders and information about our company to our customers. The customer’s contact information is also used to get in touch with the visitor when necessary. Users may opt-out of receiving future mailings; see the choice/opt-out section below. Our online surveys may ask visitors for contact information (like their email address) and demographic information (like their zip code, age, or income level). We use contact data from our surveys to send the user information about our company or to improve our site. The customer’s contact information is also used to contact the visitor when necessary. Users may opt-out of receiving future mailings; see the choice/opt-out section below. Demographic and profile data is also collected at our site. We use this data to tailor our visitor’s experience at our site, showing them content that we think they might be interested in, and displaying the content according to their preferences. We may occasionally run contests on our site in which we ask visitors for contact information (like their email address). The customer’s contact information is used to contact the visitor when necessary. Users may opt-out of receiving future mailings; see the choice/opt-out section below.

Advertise

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:50:54 +0000

Please contact me for details on available ad positions, rates, and demographic information. I’m always open to new ideas, co-branded opportunities, and partnerships. Please feel free to bring up any alternative advertising ideas or partnerships that you’d like to discuss.

FAQ

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:25:42 +0000

If you’re interested in learning some details about absolutecross.com, or if you have a question, please read the Frequently Asked Questions below. Please be sure to check here for answers before contacting me.

Where can I learn more about the person who created this site?
I sent you a message, but haven’t got a response… what’s the deal?!
Your site doesn’t work properly in my browser!
May I translate your tutorials/content to other languages?
Why are there links to other sites and sponsor ads?
I’m a beginner at web/graphic design… where is the best place to start?
Would you add my link to Absolute Cross?
Will you post a review of my product or service?
Will you make a website, theme, design, logo (or whatever) for me for free?
What kind of computer do you use?
What type of server does this site run on?
What CMS (Content Management System) does this site use?
I’m interested in advertising on AbsoluteCross.com – where can I get further information?
Can I take/use the images on Absolute Cross?
What software did you use to design the site?
I found an error/problem on the Absolute Cross site. How can I report it?

Where can I learn more about the person who created this site?

Absolute Cross was made by David Newkerk – to learn more about him, please visit his about page.

Alpha / Onion Skin

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:49:17 +0000

Learn how to get a cool alpha fading, onion skin type of effect used by many websites.

Typewriter

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:46:15 +0000

A typewriter effect is one of the essential items to learn if you want to be a Flash pro. Learn how to do it, without using confusing Actionscripts

Scrolling

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:42:33 +0000

Learn how to import a text file into Flash and be able to display it and scroll it. Extremely useful for a news script, etc.

Custom Cursor

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:38:09 +0000

Learn how to make a custom cursor. Only a few lines of code, but its a must for all Flash designers.

Springy Text

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:35:56 +0000

Make some spring-loaded text.

Revolving Text

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:34:31 +0000

Create a revolving text effect in Flash.

Advanced Preloader

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:29:29 +0000

Here we will make an advanced preloader which determines not only the actual percent, but the Bytes Loaded, Bytes Remaining, and other neat stuff.

Smooth Metal

Wed, 04 Aug 2004 01:39:25 +0000

This tip explains a method of creating some great looking smooth metal, for use in your interfaces, website layouts, skins, etc. The great thing though is that once you’ve followed this tutorial one time, you’ll have a cool Layer Style which you can instantly apply to other images in the future as well–a great time saver.

Stone Effect

Tue, 03 Aug 2004 09:28:48 +0000

The following tutorial will guide you in creating a fairly realistic stone effect. Although the example in this tutorial is based around applying the effect to an interface, you can use the same technique to create text, or whatever you prefer. The techniques described here are adaptable; you can use these to create a whole variety of different textures and effects – simply change some of the settings and experiment.

Tentacle Tubes

Tue, 03 Aug 2004 09:27:33 +0000

So you’ve seen those trendy “tentacle” designs in your favorite wallpapers and splash pages, but were disappointed to discover that the usual way to create them is with a 3D modeling program. Never fear though, with a bit of effort you can create a similar effect with just Photoshop… no 3D app necessary.

A slight drawback is that the final product of this technique never comes out quite the same–what you’ll end up with will be random, but will definitely look cool.

Glossy Buttons

Tue, 03 Aug 2004 08:14:57 +0000

Create some shiny glossy buttons for your website’s menu system. This tutorial illustrates how to add a glossy finish to your buttons or other nifty shapes.

Inset Buttons

Mon, 03 May 2004 23:13:22 +0000

The following is a technique every designer should have in their bag of tricks. This is a handy technique to know when making any sort of interface. These steps will enable you to make buttons look like they are inset into the surface of an object such as an interface, winamp skin, etc, and can add a great degree of depth to an otherwise flat and boring image.

Highlighted Chrome

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 09:08:44 +0000

Create some cool smooth chrome with soft blue highlights, great as a text effect or on all kinds of other… eh, chrome stuff.

LCD Orbs

Tue, 13 Apr 2004 04:42:44 +0000

This tutorial will show you how to create a glowing LCD Orb, great for interfaces and hi-tech designs. You’ll learn a cool airbrushing technique to create a glowing effect, as well as a way to design a great-looking highlight effect.

Aqua Plastic Text

Mon, 08 Mar 2004 09:31:24 +0000

In this tutorial you’ll learn to create a great aqua plastic text effect using Photoshop layer styles.

Plastic Tabs

Thu, 05 Feb 2004 04:49:20 +0000

In this tutorial you’ll learn to create the smooth clear plastic tab buttons first seen on Apple.com. Over the years plastic tabs like these have become incredibly popular–try using them in a horizontal top menu for your site, along with the sliding doors technique for a great usable menu system.

Audio Interface

Tue, 13 Jan 2004 05:03:39 +0000

Whether you’re designing an application interface, a skin for your favorite audio/video player software, or a slick website layout, you’ll find that the techniques outlined in this tutorial will be useful in these and many other instances. The example in this tutorial is a single part of what would make up a complete interface–several similar parts combined together would add up to a great looking interface. The point of this tutorial is to introduce you to many of the elements of interface design that you have at your disposal, to give you tools and ideas which you can call upon while designing your own interface.

Transparent GIFs

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:48:17 +0000

This Tutorial will show you how to make Transparent GIF images, which allow the background color or texture of your website to show through the areas that you define as transparent.

Image Slicing

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:46:53 +0000

This tutorial will show you how to cut up images for use in interfaces, website layouts and templates, tables, or Javascript enabled menus, etc.

Buying Photoshop

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:39:04 +0000

While this is technically not a tutorial, it’s a considerably important matter that every would-be graphic designer must face. Adobe Photoshop is a “very” expensive program, and rightly so, considering its nearly boundless abilities and its status as the undisputed industry standard in image manipulation software.

Drop Shadows

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:35:46 +0000

This is a basic tutorial that will teach you several ways to make a drop shadow in Photoshop. Even though drop shadows are very simple, you’ll most likely find that you will end up using them quite a bit in your work.

Dashed Lines

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:35:02 +0000

This tutorial will show you how to make horizontal and vertical dashed lines.

Neon

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:20:38 +0000

This tip will show you a method to create a cool “Neon Lights” texture.

Starscape

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:17:16 +0000

This tutorial will teach you how to make a seamless starscape background in Photoshop. What can you do with a background texture like this? The sky’s the limit! … er, sorry couldn’t help myself :)

Nebula

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:15:32 +0000

This tutorial will show you how to design a nebula texture.

Coloring Photos

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:09:41 +0000

This tip will teach you how to add some color to an old faded photograph or a black and white or grayscale image. The examples in this tutorial are very quick and basic – if you put more time and care into your image, your results can be much better.

Gel Text Effect

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:04:51 +0000

In this tutorial you’ll learn a really cool effect you can use on your text or other objects, that makes them appear to be made of gel-like material.

3D Text Effect

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:03:51 +0000

This tutorial demonstrates a really cool effect you can use on your text or other “stuff” to make it appear 3D.

Burnt-in Text

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:56:03 +0000

This tutorial will teach you how to create an effect where text appears to be “burnt-in” or “branded” into the image of your choice.

Alien Text Effect

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:52:21 +0000

This tutorial will teach you how to create an effect on your text or other objects that emulates that of the Aliens movie.

Outlines

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:35:05 +0000

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to add a cool outline effect to the text or objects in your designs.

Burnt Paper Edges

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:25:41 +0000

The following tutorial will teach you how to create burnt edges on a picture–only you won’t have to use matches this time!

Brushed Metal

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:21:52 +0000

This tutorial will teach you how to create a metallic shape which you might be able to be used as part of an interface or button.

Chrome Effect

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:19:09 +0000

This tutorial will show you how to add a cool-looking chrome effect to your text. This technique is of course not limited to just text–you can apply it to anything you want.

Fire Effect

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:15:33 +0000

For all you pyro-maniacs, this tutorial shows a technique on creating a blazing inferno of burning text.

Soft Bevel

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:00:55 +0000

The technique you learn from this tutorial will probably prove very useful to you in future designs. It will show you how to make a quick and easy “soft” beveled edge, which you can apply to your interfaces, buttons, etc, to add some instant good-looking depth. For this tutorial, we will make a button using the technique.

Rounded Edges

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 08:58:59 +0000

These days rounded edges are on just about everything. Though nice right angles can be just as good, many people enjoy the softened feel that rounded corners can offer. This tutorial outlines a method used in older versions of Photoshop (5.5 and older) to transform the edges of squares and rectangles into rounded edges.

Remote Control

Mon, 04 Oct 1999 08:17:19 +0000

This tutorial will teach you how to create a simple “Remote Control” which you can use as an interface for a web site, program, or anything else where a cool 3D menu might be needed.