e-mail: Fringewood

Photoshop Directory


This collection of original Photoshop software for Macintosh is freeware. See the ReadMe files for instructions. The only restrictions placed on these archives are that I must be notified in advance in writing if any of these files are included in any commercial distribution, and any distribution must contain the ReadMe file. Otherwise, these archives may be distributed freely.

For PC versions of this software (wherever possible),
visit the Adobe Photoshop Software for PC page.


A note to those who rare souls actually read the accompanying text files:
Most of these archives are at least a year and a half old, and the accompanying text material is rather dated in regard to web addresses and instructions for Photoshop 6.0. I plan on updating this info as soon as I can, as I consider it a part of the move to this new location. Unfortunately priorities have their own will, so it may be a while before I can find the time to update everything in this section.


  

Item # 1: JW's Photoshop Gradients #1

     Sphere production gradients.

     This is a set of gradients for Photoshop 4.0 through 6.0 designed specifically for creating spheres. These gradients allow the user to create realistic spheres without the use of expensive plugs. Optimal use of these gradients requires the use of the standard included Spherize filter, found in the Distort submenu.

Download JW's Photoshop Gradients #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 34 K




Item # 2: JW's Photoshop Art Brushes #1

     This is a brush file for Photoshop 3.0 through 6.0. (Note than in 3.0, this file replaces the default or other brush file, while in 4.0 and 5.0, the brushes accumulate until the default brushes are restored or are individually deleted.)
     This collection of brushes is primarily for texturing and creating buttons in single application, rather than being traditional brushes for use in repetitious application.
     One note, I have included my "wipe" brush, which is a solid 999 pixel diameter circle which will fill any window quickly and efficiently with the foreground color, doing what you always wished the paint bucket would do for you when you hit Select All.

Download JW's Photoshop Art Brushes #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 306 K




Item # 3: JW's Photoshop Detailing Brushes #1

     This is a set of traditional brushes for Photoshop 3.0 through 6.0.
     This collection of brushes is primarily intended for creating highly detailed full dimensional lines and ornate borders in repetative applications.

Download JW's Photoshop Detailing Brushes #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 22 K




Item # 4: JW's Photoshop Texture Brushes #1

     This is a set of texturing brushes for Photoshop 3.0 through 6.0.
     This collection of brushes is primarily intended for texturing selected areas in repetitious application. Varying the opacity and spacing options will give a wide range of texture effects from each brush.

Download JW's Photoshop Texture Brushes #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 310 K




Item # 5: JW's Custom Paint Alchemy Brushes #1

     This is a set of custom brushes for the Photoshop plug-in, Paint Alchemy by Xaos Tools (Mac version). These brushes will work with versions 1.0 and 2.0 In version 1.0, they are placed in the filter's folder. In version 2.0, they need to be incorporated into the preference file as a PICT resource. Instructions are given with version 2.0 for the process.

Download JW's Paint Alchemy Brushes #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx)  316 K




Item # 6: JW's BladePro 2.0.9 Presets #1 (native)

     If you have Photoshop and don't have BladePro, get it.

     This is a set of custom presets for the Photoshop filter BladePro 2.X by Flaming Pear Software (Macintosh version). Each of the enclosed files relies entirely upon texture and color files found within the original download or the extra texture files. It is highly recommended that all four free extra texture packs be downloaded from the BladePro site. http://www.flamingpear.com/blade.html
     This set of texture files must be installed in the Photoshop/BladePro/environments and textures folder for these presets to work. They will not work for Windows version because of the format difference of the texture files (Mac is PICT, Windows are BMP.) and the coding sequence of the preset file.
     To use, simple place the enclosed presets from this unstuffed archive within the Photoshop/BladePro/environments and textures folder. When the preset button is clicked in the main BladePro window, simply select the preset desired. All presets in this archive are marked with an asterisk* in the file name.

Download JW's BladePro 2.0.9 Presets #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx)  12 K




Item # 7: JW's BladePro 2.0.9 Presets #2 (import)

     If you have Photoshop and don't have BladePro, get it.

     This is a set of custom presets for the Photoshop filter BladePro 2.X by Flaming Pear Software (Macintosh version). Some of the enclosed files relies upon texture and color files found within the original download or the extra texture files. It is highly recommended that all four free extra texture packs be downloaded from the BladePro site. http://www.flamingpear.com/blade.html The additional PICT files which are required are included in this archive.
     This set of texture files must be installed in the Photoshop/BladePro/environments and textures folder for these presets to work. They will not work for Windows version because of the format difference of the texture files (Mac is PICT, Windows are BMP.) and the coding sequence of the preset file.
     To use, simple place the enclosed presets and Photoshop PICT files from this unstuffed archive within the Photoshop/BladePro/environments and textures folder. When the preset button is clicked in the main BladePro window, simply select the preset desired. All presets in this archive are marked with an asterisk* in the file name.

Download JW's BladePro 2.0.9 Presets #2   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 575 K




Item # 8: JW's Arbitrary Map, Curve, and Level Presets #1

     Arbitrary Map, Curve, and Level files are all presets that can be loaded into the Image/Adjust/Curves and Image/Adjust/Levels menu function of Adobe Photoshop to change the image brightness, contrast, and color balance. These presets can be quite subtle or totally outrageous. In many ways, these presets act much as filters do in achieving image effects, but come in much smaller packages.
     As a rule, I use Level presets (Image/Adjust/Levels) for more basic alterations, such as brighten, darken, fade, pale, and slight color shifts, like making something appear to be under incandescent lighting after achieving a sunlight color balance. The Level files in this archive are largely utilitarian presets used for specific applications. The names are logically assigned.
     Curve and Arbitrary Map [AMP] (Image/Adjust/Curves) have a lot more flexibility in defining tonal and color shifts. Therefore, the wilder alterations are usually saved here, and most would be classified as special effects. Consequently they have rather illogical and fanciful names. Logical names are difficult to apply, because these extreme effects are seldom similiar for different images. Arbitrary Map files are usually less predictible, because their color relationships do not possess continuous lines on the graphs like Curve files possess. However, it's not that difficult to get an educated feeling for the presets with a little experience applying them to various images. It is not difficult to run through a series of presets to see if any will produce the effects that are or could be desired.

     The effects possible using these tools can be a lot of fun and are largely over-looked for their filter-like effects. They're much smaller than filters, very easy to produce in quantities, and work very well with actions.

Download JW's Arbitrary Map, Curve, and Level Presets #1
                                                     Mac  BinHex (.hqx)  19 K




Item # 9: JW's Convolution Kernels #1

     This is a set of kernels for use with the Custom Fliter found in all versions of Photoshop.

     Kernels are usually a mystery to most Photoshop users in their early days of learning to use the Adobe graphics beast. And once the mystery is gone, they are generally ignored in favor of more sophisticated filters. But they do have their uses and can achieve effects that other filters can't.
     Convolution is a rather obscure formula vehicle for altering the tonal value of neighboring pixels by adding or subtracting to the RGB values in a mathematical context. Sometimes, a seemingly severe set of matrix values does very little to the image quality, while some that seem most innocent can have drastic effects. And the effects can vary from image to image, depending on tonal and color value ranges of the image.
     The 3X3 and 5X5 matrix arrangements for convolution can be rather difficult to understand, but it's based largely upon comparative vaues. The matrix uses integer values from -999 to 999, and are more important in their relative ratio to the central, scale, and offset figures than their actual value. If the central value and scale are in the low range, say 1 to 5, then a +1 change of a matrix figure has a drastic effect. If the central value and scale are in the 950 range, then a +1 change is negligible. Offset is a general fudge factor to adjust the overall values in blanket adjustment fashion, generally to adjust overall brightness. Balance/imbalance of the surrounding matrix is a prime factor in the specific results.
     The primary limitation to convolution is that it is a color/tonal filter system, not the distortion or overwrite filters as so many of the popular newer code based filters are. But they still have their usage in achieving color/saturation/tonal shifts, edge effects, pixelation effects, and more. They certainly have their place in the array of Photoshop tools, no matter how forgotten or misunderstood they may be.

Download JW's Convolution Kernels #1  Mac  BinHex (.hqx)  6 K




Item # 10: JW's Photoshop Deco Brushes #1

     This is a set of traditional brushes for Photoshop 3.0 through 6.0. (Note than in 3.0, this file replaces the default or other brush file, while in 4.0 and 5.0, the brushes accumulate until the default brushes are restored or are individually deleted.)
     This collection of brushes is primarily for illustrating a rough and angular art style that is a cross between art deco and grunge.

Download JW's Photoshop Deco Brushes #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 55 K




Item # 11: JW's Photoshop Deco Brushes #2

     This is a set of traditional brushes for Photoshop 3.0 through 6.0. (Note than in 3.0, this file replaces the default or other brush file, while in 4.0 and 5.0, the brushes accumulate until the default brushes are restored or are individually deleted.)
     This collection of brushes is primarily for illustrating a rough and angular art style that is a cross between art deco and grunge. This brush file is intended to supplement JW's Deco Brushes #1.

Download JW's Photoshop Deco Brushes #2   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 47 K




Item # 12: JW's Graphic File Converters

     These seventeen stand-alone applications are creator code converters made with File Buddy. When a file, multiple files, or a folder of files is dragged and dropped onto one of these droplets, the file(s) will be converted into a document(s) of the application that the droplet indicates. This allows the file(s), once converted, to be opened within the desired application with a double click of its icon, whether or not the desired application is currently open.

     Converter droplets in archive #1 are for: Color It!, Corel Artisan, Corel Draw, GIF Converter, Graphics Converter, JPEGView, Photoshop, and QuickTime Picture Viewer.

     Converter droplets in archive #2 are for: (Claris) HomePage, CyberStudio, Imagery, ImageViewer, iView, Jade, Netscape, QuickNailer, Web Painter.

     Converter droplets in archive #2 are for: Canvas 7, Fireworks, Corel PhotoPaint, DeBabelizer, Painter, Adobe Illustrator, and TwilightBrush.

     For example, if a GIF JPEGView file is dragged and dropped on the "to Photoshop" droplet, it will become a Photoshop document, and double clicking on the file will then launch Photoshop (if not already open), and display the file. Consequently, if a file saved in Photoshop as a JPEG and is then dragged and dropped onto "to QT Picture Viewer", it will become a Picture Viewer document, ready to mount to an html page and post on the internet or e-mail as an attachment without conflict.
     It's advisable to toss out the converters for which the user has no parent application, since there will be no advantage (except perhaps internet usage for JPEGView and Picture Viewer) in converting files into documents for which there is no application.

     Warning, it is not advisable to drop applications on the droplet. (It is correctible with the right resource editing tools, such as ResEdit, among others. But it best not to do it in the first place.) Please limit use to document files only. It is also advisable to use duplicate copies, since the droplet does not preserve the original. The author of these droplets assumes no responsibility for their misuse. Please use with caution.

     Mac creator/type code information is available from downloadable databases available @ http://www.angelfire.com/il/szekely/tcdbframe.html

Download JW's Graphic File Converters #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 281 K
Download JW's Graphic File Converters #2   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 316 K
Download JW's Graphic File Converters #3   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 254 K




Item # 13: JW's PC Converters

     These stand-alone application are creator code converters made with File Buddy. When a file, multiple files, or a whole folder of files (Select All) is dragged and dropped onto this droplet, the file(s) will be converted into a generic document(s) without a creator. The converter "to generic" gives the file an anonymous creator code (anon), effectively divorcing it from any parent application. The converter "to plain text" goes further and reduces the file to Simple Text, removing its format type.

     "to generic" allows the PC (Unix, Linux, etc) user to select any appropriate application with which to open a document file without encountering the proprietary restrictions that some Mac creator codes can induce. This works for just about any document file, from text to graphics to midi to.................. any format the two (or other) platforms share. Just be sure to include the proper extension (.jpg, .txt, etc.) in the title, and if necessary, keep the title 8 characters or less, in DOS format.

     "to plain text" goes a step further and divorces the file from its format (type code). This is useful for converting Mac data files, like many of the Photoshop files that I offer as freeware, like gradients, brushes, arbitrary maps, actions. It is better to reduce these data files to plain text than it is to leave the format code intact, avoiding certain possible undesirable reactions in the PC applications with which they interact. As with the document files, the new files should conform to DOS title format and be labled with the proper extension.

     Warning, it is not advisable to drop applications on the droplet. (It is correctible with the right resource editing tools, such as ResEdit, among others. But it best not to do it in the first place.) Please limit use to document/data files only. It is also advisable to use duplicate copies, since the droplet does not preserve the original. The author of these droplets assumes no responsibility for their misuse. Please use with caution.

     PC/Mac:type code/extension information is available from downloadable databases available @ http://www.angelfire.com/il/szekely/tcdbframe.html

Download JW's PC Converters   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 72 K




Item # 14: JW's Photoshop Pepper Brushes #1

     This is a set of detailing brushes for Photoshop 3.0 through 6.0. (Note than in 3.0, this file replaces the default or other brush file, while in 4.0 and 5.0, the brushes accumulate until the default brushes are restored or are individually deleted.)
     This collection of brushes is primarily for detailing in single application, rather than being traditional brushes for use in repetitious application.
     
Download JW's Photoshop Pepper Brushes #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 35 K




Item # 15: JW's Photoshop Calligraphy Brushes #1

     This is a set of traditional brushes for Photoshop 3.0 through 6.0. (Note than in 3.0, this file replaces the default or other brush file, while in 4.0 and 5.0, the brushes accumulate until the default brushes are restored or are individually deleted.) Here are a few examples from the collection.
     This collection of brushes is primarily intended for creating lines in the same fashion as calligraphy pens in repetative application. However, a number of other effects are possible with these brushes.

Download JW's Photoshop Calligraphy Brushes #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 5 K




Item # 16: JW's Photoshop Sky Gradients #1

     This is a set of 20 gradients for Photoshop 4.0 through 6.0 designed specifically for creating sky effects. These gradients allow the user to create realistic skies without the use of expensive plugs. The use of rendering and distortion filters, several of which are standard parts of the Photoshop download, may be used with screen or lighten layer precedures to add cloud effects to the skies. Others are available as freeware on the internet.


     To use, follow the simple instructions in the ReadMe file.

     I suggest studying the gradients within the gradient editor and using them as templates to add new colors and create new effects. The editor is quite easy to use, and it is ultimately flexible.

     This archive is freeware. Only two restrictions apply. First, any commercial distribution is prohibited without first contacting me in writing. Second, any distribution must be accompanied by the ReadMe file.

Download JW's Photoshop Sky Gradients #1   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 22 K





Item # 17: JW's Photoshop PC to Mac File Converters

     Ever run across a native Photoshop support file (gradients, actions, brushes, etc) for Windows and not know how to use it on a Mac? Well, fret no more. Here's the easy soloution.

     Simply drag and drop the text file(s) that your browser saves (usually Simple Text or generic document) during download (or from other sources) and drop its icon on the correct droplet. It will automatically be changed to the correct type / creator code for Macintosh Photoshop use. Place in an appropraite location on the hard drive, such as the Goodies folder in the Photohop folder, and access the files from within Photoshop via its various interfaces.

     Enclosed in the archive is a GIF file entitled "PS File Codes.gif", which contains a reference of Photoshop file extensions for PC and their corresponding type / creator codes for Mac. This will help you determine which of the thirteen droplets in this collection is proper to use. Or if you have one of the many available type / code editors, feel free to use the chart with it as well.

     Use these files with caution! The author is not responsible for misuse of these droplets. While the process that these droplets perform is reversible with a resource editor, it is best to use duplicates of the original files for conversion. Never drop an application file onto these droplets, as the application will be rendered useless until the codes are corrected.


     This archive is freeware. Only two restrictions apply. First, any commercial distribution is prohibited without first contacting me in writing. Second, any distribution must be accompanied by the ReadMe file.

Download JW's Photoshop File Converters   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 456 K





Item # 18: JW's Photoshop Primary Color CLUTs


     CLUT files are localized color tables, the same as those found in GIF and other Indexed Color formatted files, web palettes, and gaming sprites. This collection of thirteen CLUT files is for use with color separation processes that involve the additive and subtractive primaries.

     Each of the files is an 8 bit, 256 color table. One is a grayscale. There are three additive primary to black cluts (Channel), and three additive primary to white (Fade) files. In reversal, there are three subtractive primary to black (Channel) and three subtractive primary to white (Fade) files.
     The grayscale is used on converted RGB channels, while the others are used in separation layers. The additive Fade files correspond to the subtractive Channel files in negative image reversal, while the additive Channel files correspond to the subtractive Fade files. In other words, the Cyan Channel is the negative of Red Fade. This allows a three CLUT swap to facilitate a tri layer positive (RGB) to a tri layer negative (CMY) transition.
     Those with 24 bit RGB to CMYK conversion experience should get the picture right away.


     Aside from primary color separations, they can be used for monochrome effects or combined for duotone, tritone, quadtone, and other effects by layering different images or the same image offset with the nudge tool. The various layer processes can produce a wide variety of results.
     They can also be applied to RGB channel copies and used in layers for color adjustment effects by adjusting opacity. Use of the grayscale CLUT during the mode change to define the channel assures a consistent transfer from channel to image. When the conversion is made, the CLUT is loaded as the choice of process for conversion, rather than exact, adaptive, etc.

Download JW's Photoshop Primary Color CLUTs   Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 13 K





Item # 19: JW's Photoshop Musical Brushes


     This is a set of traditional brushes Photoshop 3.0 through 6.0. (Note than in 3.0, this file replaces the default or other brush file, while in 4.0 and 5.0, the brushes accumulate until the default brushes are restored or are individually deleted. In 6.0, the Preset Manager will be needed to install them.)

     This collection of brushes is primarily intended for creating musical notation for design and defining musical scores.

     See the instructions in the Art Brushes section above for using these brushes.

     This archive is freeware. Only two restrictions apply. First, any commercial distribution is prohibited without first contacting me in writing. Second, any distribution must be accompanied by this ReadMe file.

Download JW's Photoshop Musical Brushes     Mac  BinHex (.hqx) 30 K