A tool that allows you to create logos, videos, slideshows, visuals and more for free? This is exactly what Canva offers us! Without having to master Photoshop or software that is sometimes more complex, Canva represents a very interesting option as it meets everyone’s needs and is very accessible.

What is Canva?

Canva is a web platform that allows you to do graphic design and create documents of all kinds. The free version gives users access to templates, images, illustrations, and even more options. However, although this version can be very useful for new users, it is limited in terms of functionality. As for the pro version, a paid version, it gives access to the entire content catalog. The possibilities are almost endless!

Its versatility

We particularly like the platform for its great versatility. Its usefulness reaches as much the person responsible for creating slideshows for work as the content manager wishing to wow the gallery with powerful visuals. With Canva, you can create business cards, social media posts, graphic organizers, video ads and more! It goes without saying that Canva is a must when it comes to graphic design.

Its ease of use

Whether you’re a graphic design pro or a beginner, you’ll have no problem getting by with Canva. Its interface is minimalist and the different options are well integrated and discarded. You can create exactly what you have in mind either by using the images and illustrations offered by the site or by uploading your own.

Its free illustrations and patterns

Canva offers thousands of completely free illustrations and templates! So if you lack inspiration in your creative process, the existing models will revive your inspiration and your creativity! Since Canva’s illustrations are many and varied, there’s definitely something for everyone.

Your best ally in visual or content creation is without a doubt Canva! Using this platform, you will be able to create graphic projects that will stand out. All you have to do is let your imagination run wild!

If you would like to learn how to create a consistent and effective visual identity with Canva, we will be happy to help you! Doussou Formation offers the training that will take you to new heights in terms of graphic design and brand image development. Here’s the training you need if you want to consolidate your digital content.

Photoshop is widely recognized for retouching photos. However, the possibilities are much greater. Whether you’re a beginner or have basic knowledge, you might be surprised at how much you can do with Photoshop. Its tools allow you to let your imagination run wild. All you have to do is explore the possibilities.

Photo retouching

Of course, we can edit photos using the software. Whether it is to correct a defect, remove an element that bothers your eye, change the color of a sweater, your hair or add snow, your imagination is the only limit you have! Then just like Illustrator offers, you also have the ability to play with the colors of your photos, sharpness, contrast, etc. If you have old damaged photos at home, you can even rework them to restore them to their first day appearance. Restoration is a very interesting option so as not to leave your old photos sleeping in a closet.

Assembly

The software allows you to create very realistic montages. With time and patience, you can achieve quite an impressive result! What is also called photomontage consists of cutting photos in order to arrive at a final montage. While before this process was done with paper and scissors, the arrival of Photoshop has completely changed the creation of photomontage. In order to achieve a result that seems realistic, you can work on the exposure as well as the lighting of your montage. Thanks to the layers that can be superimposed, you can create totally unique images.

Design

Photoshop provides you with many tools for drawing. We can name the pencil, the brushes, the geometric shapes, the airbrush as well as the pen. You will then be able to create awesome gradients and textures on your creation.

Using the software on your tablet with a pen is a great option to consider. On the one hand, it’s easier to carry a tablet than a computer, but on the other hand, your drawings will probably be more precise than if they were done with your mouse.

Video and gif

The software created by Adobe offers the possibility of building videos. On the other hand, Photoshop was not originally designed for editing. It is possible to do, but it will take some work. If you don’t want to worry too much, you’re probably better off using specialized video editing software.

Animated gifs, which have gained a lot of popularity in recent years, can be created using Photoshop. You have the option to create it with a short video or either, with a series of images normally taken in burst mode.

How can Doussou Formation help you master Photoshop?

Whether you know absolutely nothing about the software, whether you have a basic or are quite advanced, Doussou Formation has training adapted for you as well as to push your knowledge even further.

Photoshop and Illustrator software are among the most popular in the Adobe suite. They are also essential for many people working in the world of graphic communications. When you start using this software, how layers work is one of the first concepts to learn.

 What is a layer?

A layer is a layer that can contain one or more images, text, one or more graphic elements as well as retouching, depending on the software in question. The layers are organized according to a hierarchy that can be modified by dragging them in the desired order. It is possible to lock them so as not to affect or move them inadvertently. In addition, the eye symbol allows them to be hidden.

The principle of layers in Photoshop and Illustrator is very similar, but there are still differences. Here is how it works, from one software to another.

On Photoshop

Layers in Photoshop are transparent layers, overlapping each other. They are very practical for creating photo montages. Layers are also essential for photo editing, because they allow a non-destructive working method: by performing the editing on separate layers, it is possible to go back, since the modifications are not made directly on the pixels of the original image. The original image therefore remains intact, under the modification layers.

In addition to the layers where you can insert texts, images and retouching, there are also adjustment layers. These layers allow, among other things, to adjust the tones of an image and to add color. Like the other layers, they are non-destructive, i.e. they do not affect the pixels of the image. Changes to an adjustment layer only affect the layers below it.

To better superimpose layers, there are blending modes. These modes allow you to play with the light, tones or even the color of a layer. They can be essential for certain photo montages, allowing interesting effects or smoother fusions of elements.

To properly organize and structure your work, it is possible to group layers together. All you have to do is create a group by clicking on the folder icon and then drag the desired layers into it.

On Illustrator

Layers in Illustrator are like folders: they can group together several elements. Thus, their role is to organize the work and manage the hierarchy of the layering of elements. In each layer, it is possible to create sub-layers, which can also contain elements.

To trace a graphic element from an existing image or simply to have a reference image, the model layer function is very practical. Items that are part of a template layer have reduced opacity, so it’s easier to trace over them. In addition, the model layers are non-printable, which avoids making the mistake of leaving them visible when printed.

To facilitate the organization of the layers, it is possible to choose a color for each of them. This makes it easier to identify elements of the same layer in the panel and on the artboard, since the block outline of the elements is the same color as the layer to which they belong. Besides color, it is a good idea to name its layers for better organization.

No matter the software, good layer organization makes all the difference. As you work, it is important to name the layers and group them into the correct group, when necessary. It’s a good habit to adopt that will allow you to see much more clearly!

For more details on layers and to learn how to master Photoshop and Illustrator, there are our trainings! We offer 2 day and 4 day training. Visit the links below for more details.

Emploi Québec has implemented a workforce training measure that allows you to obtain a reimbursement of 50% of your training expenses.

If some members of your staff would benefit from training in order to do their jobs properly and keep their jobs, this program could help you, and it will allow you to maintain the skills in place in your company.

This workforce training measure for businesses aims to support skills development for local businesses.

To have access to it, you must guarantee that the training activity:
– helps keep people employed
– increases the performance of your workers
– can be transferred to other members of your staff in order to increase mobility within your company.

All employers located in Quebec can participate in this program, with the exception of public bodies and political organizations.

To participate, you must contact your Local Employment Center:
https://www.localisateur.servicesquebec.gouv.qc.ca

The objective of the 1% skills law is to improve the qualification and skills of the workforce in order to promote employment, adaptation and integration into employment, as well as the mobility of workers and workers.

So, if you are an employer with an annual payroll of more than two million dollars, you have a duty to:

to invest the equivalent of at least 1% of this payroll in training activities aimed at developing the skills of your staff, during the same calendar year.
report the amount invested to the Agence du Revenu du Québec.

* Otherwise, you will have to pay into the Workforce Skills Development and Recognition Fund the amount you have not invested. This fund is used to finance certain activities related to training.

For an expense incurred by an employer to be eligible, it must necessarily be related to a training activity that meets the fundamental objective set out in Article 1 of the Skills Act, i.e. a activity that aims to “improve the qualification and skills of the workforce”.

Thus, any training given within the framework of the law on skills must be organized according to a structured process allowing the person trained to acquire knowledge, skills or attitudes related to the mastery of one or more recognized skills and necessary for the performance of a job. Thus, to determine whether a training activity is eligible, the employer must consider whether the training will enable the employee to be more competent to perform a job.

To learn more about the Act and the Fund :

https://www.cpmt.gouv.qc.ca/grands-dossiers/loi-competences/index.asp

https://www.cpmt.gouv.qc.ca/grands-dossiers/loi-competences/obligations.asp

Introduction to Acrobat Pro DC Training

PDF/A backup

• Conformity levels and versions
  • PDF/A-1
  • PDF/A-2-a-b-u
  • PDF/A-3
  • PDF/A-personalized
• How to create a PDF/A standard file
• Validation

Content modification:

• Edit text and images;
• Manipulate graphic elements;
• Touch-ups on text and objects;
• Reuse PDF content – extract images and text.

Page management:

• Crop a page;
• Rotate a page;
• Insert a document;
• Move or copy pages;
• Extract pages;
• Replace pages;
• Delete pages;
• Renumber pages, headers and footers;
• Management of headers and footers;
• Insertion of a watermark;
• Managing a background;

Protection

• • Redactions and properties;
  • Use security devices to protect PDF files;
  • 3 types of password protection;

OCR

• • • Optical recognition of characters and properties
    • Types of text search and retrieval

Various features

• • Customization and retrieval of notes and annotations, setting up of articles
  • Creation of links to a file, to a page, to email and to URL
  • Creation of buttons: navigation buttons, command buttons, custom buttons by clipart
  • Add navigation structures – articles, bookmarks, links
  • Prepare PDFs for presentations

Learn the basics

Adobe Acrobat Pro Training : Document Creation and Digital Signature

Introduction to Kofax Power PDF Training

Kofax Power PDF Description and Exploration

Know the workspace
Discover the tabs
Move around in the file
Change the display
Use the move tools
To print

Creating a pdf file with Kofax Power PDF

Create a pdf file from another software
Convert a text or image file to pdf format
Copy text or an image to the clipboard
Copy text from a pdf file in rtf format
Convert pdf file to image.
Add images/elements

Creating navigation tools in a document with Kofax Power PDF

Working with thumbnails
Create bookmarks
Create links
Create buttons
Create articles

Managing pages

Crop a page
Rotate a page
Insert a document
Move or copy pages
Extract Pages
Replace Pages
Delete pages
Renumber pages

Comments in Kofax Power PDF

Open comments palette
Open a comment
add a comment
Add correction marks
Manage comments

Forms in Kofax Power PDF

Identify the specifics of an online form
Add and format “text” fields
Validate a field
Using the grid
Add “checkboxes”
Add “drop-down lists”
Add “radio buttons”
Add calculated fields
Add a reset button
Determine the tab order

Digital signatures in Kofax Power PDF

Select a signature manager
Configure profiles in Acrobat Self-Sign Security
Change password options
Add image as signature
Use signatures

Protection

Redactions and properties
Types of password protection

ORC

Optical recognition of characters and properties
Types of text search and retrieval

Preferences in Kofax Power PDF

Change the display
Customize comment settings
Customize full screen settings
Modify document opening properties
Edit the gridlines

Introduction to Nuance eCopy PDF Pro Training

PowerPDF description and exploration

Get to know the workspace
Discover the tabs
Move around in the file
Change the display
Use the displacement tools
Print

Creating a pdf file

Create a pdf file from another software
Convert a text or image file to pdf format
Copy text or picture to clipboard
Copy text from a pdf file in rtf format
Convert pdf file to image.

Content modification

Edit text
Manipulate graphic elements
Add images/elements

Creating navigation tools in a document

Working with thumbnails
Create bookmarks
Create links
Create buttons
Create articles

Managing pages

Crop a page
Rotate a page
Insert a document
Move or copy pages
Extract Pages
Replace Pages
Delete pages
Renumber pages

Comments

Open the comments palette
Open a comment
Add a comment
Add correction marks
Manage comments

Forms

Identify the specifics of an online form
Add and format “text” fields
Validate a field
Using the grid
Add “checkboxes”
Add “drop-down lists”
Add “radio buttons”
Add calculated fields
Add a reset button
Determine the tab order.

Digital signatures

Select a signature manager
Configure profiles in Acrobat’s self-sign security
Change password options
Add image as signature
Use signatures.
Protection
Redactions and properties
Types of password protection

ORC

Optical recognition of characters and properties
Types of text search and retrieval

Preferences

Change the display
Customize comment settings
Customize full screen settings
Modify document opening properties
Edit the gridlines