Have you ever tried to make a flowchart, or any kind of diagram for that matter, using image editing software or a word processor's embedded tools? It generally doesn't go well, which is why there's dedicated software for the job. But longstanding options like Mirosoft Visio aren't easily available to the average person, and Lucidchart, a web-based alternative, limits free users to 60 "shapes" per document, after which point you'll pay $9 a month.That's reasonable if you're the kind of person who constantly makes flowcharts, but it's a lot to ask for the occasional use. If you'd rather avoid paying for another subscription, and are willing to learn a little bit of Markdown (essentially, a way to add formatting without a text editor or HTML tags), Mermaid is an open source tool that can be used to create such charts using plaintext. The simplest way to get started is heading to Mermaid.live. It's a free online tool that allows you to create flowcharts and a number of other diagrams right in your browser. It offers a number of sample diagrams, found in the left-hand column, and playing around with a few of them is a great way to learn your way around the tool. It includes flowcharts, as well as productivity favorites like Gantt diagrams and pie charts. Credit: Justin Pot The left panel is where you put the text, and the right panel shows a preview of the chart. If you've used another Markdown editor before it will feel familiar, even if the specifics take some time to memorize. If you've never used Markdown before, there's a bit of a learning curvefiguring out how to best use this tool is going to require either experimenting within Mermaid itself, reading the documentation, or both.Once created, you can export your charts from this web tool as an image, if you want, or copy the code to use in another app. A number of applications, including Obsidian, Notion, and GitLab, come with built-in support for embedding Mermaid code. (Read the list of integrations to learn about more tools that support Mermaid, and about other dedicated tools for creating within it.)If you're a power user of flowcharts and diagramming tools, Mermaid isn't going to replace more robust programs built for the task. But if you only occasionally need to make a chart, and especially if you prefer working with text-based tools, it might save you time, and money.

Now youll be able to play one of the greatest zombie survival games of all time on your iPhone or iPad. Capcoms Resident Evil 2 remake is headed to the Apple and Mac App Store on December 10.The game wont be available on every Apple device. Youll need any iPhone 16 model, an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPad or Mac with the M1 chip or later. Youll also be able to try a small portion of the game before purchasing the full experience. The game comes with universal purchase and cross-progression for all your eligible devices, according to a Capcom statement.The Resident Evil 2 remake will offer advanced controls for touchscreens and the Mac version. Both Leon and Claire will also have a new Auto Fire feature so you can unload your clip into whatevers shuffling towards you.This is just one of four Resident Evil games available for Apple devices and computers. Capcom and Apple have released versions of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil 4 on the App Store and Resident Evil: Village on the App and Mac App Store.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-resident-evil-2-remake-will-shuffle-its-way-to-apple-devices-in-december-234511380.html?src=rss

GOG is launching an effort to help make older video games playable on modern hardware. The GOG Preservation Program will label the classic titles that the platform has taken steps to adapt in order to make them compatible with contemporary computer systems, controllers and screen resolutions, all while adhering to its DRM-free policy. The move could bring new life to games of decades past, just as GOG did two years ago with a refresh of the 1999 title Wheel of Time. So far, 92 games have received the preservation treatment."Our guarantee is that they work and they will keep working," the company says in the video announcing the initiative.Preservation has been a hot topic as more games go digital only. Not only are some platforms eliminating disk drives by default, but ownership over your library is more ephemeral than it seems. After all, most game purchases are just a license, and licenses can be revoked (as The Crew players know all too well).This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/gogs-preservation-label-highlights-classic-games-its-maintaining-for-modern-hardware-231606454.html?src=rss

DaVinci Resolve 19.1 is out. Check out the new features in the free video editing, color grading and effects software, including new USD-based compositing workflows, updates to Resolve FX, and support for spatial images and video.https://www.cgchannel.com/2024/11/blackmagic-design-releases-davinci-resolve-19/#latestupdate

Fusion Studio 19.1 is out. Check out the new features in the 3D compositing software, including updates to USD and OCIO workflow, and new tools for toggling between multiple inputs to a composition.https://www.cgchannel.com/2024/11/blackmagic-design-releases-fusion-studio-19/

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Check out our Head of Visual Effects and new VES Fellow, Matt Aitkens backstage interview at the VES Awards Congratulations again, Matt!2024 VES Fellow HonoreeAitken has been an integral part of Wt FX sinceit first opened its doors. With two Oscarnominations and ve VES Award wins, includi...