Impressive-looking symbol fonts have been appearing all over the web in recent times, with the number of fonts designed for use as icons, symbols, and glyphs increasing by the day. In fact, many websites have already replaced their images with a single symbol font – GitHub is one example.

By using symbol fonts, you’re essentially replacing raster images on your site with smooth vector images. So, that means you can freely resize your symbol fonts in accordance with any screen resolution without having to worry about quality loss. With that in mind, we would like to share with you the following list of more than 50 high quality and free symbol fonts.

Recommended Reading: 70+ Free Icon Sets You Should Have In Your Bookmarks

Please click on the links provided to download any of them.

Symbol Signs by Sander Baumann

Symbols 1 by Rebecca

Rally Symbols by 2D Typo

Symbol Font – Notice by Serikov Denis

Symbol Font – Notice 2 by Serikov Denis

Symbol Font – Notice 3 by Serikov Denis

Glyphyx One by Nick’s Fonts

KR Valentine Dings 2002 Font by Kats Fun Fonts

Foundation Icon Fonts 2

Ikoo by dasmuse

Social Media Icons by Jelio Dimitrov a.k.a. Arsek

Sosa Icon Font by Ed Merritt

Signify Lite: Free Icon Font by Tony Thomas

Handy Icons – Free Web Font by Nathan Brown

Handy Icons Vol2 – Free Web Font Kit by Nathan Brown

An App Icon Font by Heydon Pickering

Martin Vogel’s Symbols by Martin Vogel

A Free Icon Web Font by by Heydon Pickering

Entypo by Daniel Bruce

Web Symbols by Just Be Nice Studio

Modern Pictograms by John Caserta

Heydings Common Icons by Heydon Pickering

Heydings Controls by Heydon Pickering

JustVector Social Icons Font by Alex Peattie

Kalocsai Flowers by Levi Halmos

Efon by Nan Sakurai

PopticsOneExtras

Glyphyx Two by Nick’s Fonts

WM Symbols by WillyMac

Healthcare Symbols by Jim Chiello

Icono BMX by Rasdesign

Social Networking Symbols 2 by Rebecca

Breezi Icon Set by Breezi

MarshMallow World by Dani Foster Herring

Depressive Icon Font by Rasdesign

Peax Drawn Icons by Peax Webdesign

Peax Webdesign Free Icons by Peax Webdesign

Social Media Icons Bold by Socialh

Space Game Icons by Daniel Morlock

Look sir, droids! by Iconian Fonts

DNR Recreation Symbols by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Seeing Stars by Blue Vinyl

Guifx v2 Transports by Guifx

Raphaël Icon Set Dmitry Baranovskiy

InfoBits

Pictonic

PulsarJS @FontFace 73 Free Icon Font

IcoMoon

Iconic by Waybury

Font Awesome

Sosa Icon Font by Ed Merritt

Modern Pictograms by John Caserta

Typicons

Whether you are new to Android and eager to try out every available option you see on the screen, or familiar with the system, including the annoyances that plague you on a daily basis, tips and tricks to get around a system is always helpful. We are here to help you with that.

In this post, we are featuring 10 useful Android tips and tricks that may improve your experience while using your Android device. Do note that the steps may vary a little from one Android phone to another due to the differences in the build and the OS version, but if you play around with it, the next step isn’t too far off.

Recommended Reading: 10 Tips To Tighten Security On Your Android Device

1. Disable App Notifications

Bugged by annoying app notifications that just keep coming? If you don’t know already, these app notifications also drain your phone’s battery. If you want to turn them off, and you are on Jelly Bean 4.1 and above, here’s how:

1. On any of your unwanted notifications in your notification bar, long press on the notification for a message box to appear.
2. Tap on App Info > Untick Show Notifications > OK.

2. Disable Mobile Data

Whenever you don’t need to stay connected, disabling the Mobile Data can help keep your smartphone battery from draining too quickly. Turning off mobile data is as easy as:

1. Going to Settings > Data Usage.
2. Disable Mobile data by toggling the setting from ON to OFF.

Read Also: 10 More Tips To Conserve Your Smartphone Battery

3. Set Mobile Data Limit

Want to keep track of how far your usage is from your monthly mobile data limit? If you have ICS and above, there is a feature which lets you keep track of how much of the quota you have left.

1. Head over to Settings > Data Usage.
2. Set your data limit by dragging the orange line to reflect your monthly quota.
3. Set your data usage cycle based on when your "month" starts and ends, and you’re done.

You will be alerted once you hit the limit you have set. Note that the tracked data usage of your phone may vary slightly than your carrier’s tracking.

4. Add Multiple Google Accounts

You need a Google account to use an Android phone but did you know you can choose to run more than one Google account on your Android device. This is convenient if you use more than one account for several of your Google services. To add multiple Google accounts:

1. Go to Settings > Add account.
2. Select Google and setup your New or Existing Google account.
3. Once added, choose what you want to sync with the account.

Repeat all the steps above if you want to add more accounts.

5. Disable automatic App Updates

Prefer to read through app permissions and manually pick which app updates to adopt? You can, but first you need to disable your automatic app updates. Here are the steps:

1. Open Play Store and head over to Settings.
2. Tap on Auto-update apps.
3. Choose Do not auto-update apps.

If you want to enable the auto updates, follow the same path and choose Auto-update apps at any time or via Wi-Fi (available for certain Android devices only).

To update your apps manually, just open Play Store, and on the main page swipe in from the left and tap on My apps. You can tap on apps with pending updates and update them manually, or if you like to update them all at once, just tap on Update All.

6. How To Check For android System updates

For Android users that are using stock ROM, you may want to look for new updates to your system. To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings > About phone/tablet.
2. Tap on System updates.
3. Tap Check now to look for system updates.

7. Changing Default Apps

If you have already set some default apps for particular tasks (e.g. using Chrome for opening web links) but wish to change this:

1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Swipe right and look for the All tab.
3. Select the app you want to remove as default.
4. Tap on Clear defaults.

8. Organize Homescreen Shortcuts With Folders

Once you have a lot of apps installed, your homescreen might be filled with app shortcuts. Unlike the app drawer, the apps on your home screen are not arranged alphabetically. So, you might want to create some folders for your homescreen shortcuts.

1. Assuming you have more than a handful of shortcuts already on your homescreen, long press on any of the shortcuts and drag it onto another shortcut.
2. A circle should now appear around the apps, indicating that a folder has been created.
3. By tapping on the newly created folder, a mini window will pop up with your apps in it.
4. You can drag and drop additional apps into the folder if you like. You can also rename the folder by tapping on the text area at the bottom of the mini window.

9. Disable Animations

Here’s a tip on how to make your Android device run a bit smoother: disable its animations. You will need to have access to Developer Options which can be found under Settings or About device.

Note: For some phones, you may need to go to Build number and tap on it repeatedly until you see "You are now a developer!". Developer options are now enabled.

Under enabled Developer options, look for Window animation scale, Transition animation scale, and Animator duration scale. Then, turn them off (disable) them one at a time.

10. How to Turn Off Auto-Correction

Hate the fact that your phone is going English teacher mode on you? Turn off auto-correction for peace of mind when texting.

1. Go to Settings > Language & input.
2. Tap on the settings icon next to the keyboard that you are using, e.g. Google Keyboard.
3. Look for Auto-correction and tap on it.
4. Select Off to turn auto-correction off.

Contrary to popular belief, the ability to draw well is not just reserved for those who are blessed with natural talent. While some may be able to grasp the essense of drawing more quickly than others, the truth of the matter is anyone can learn how to draw well as long as they have the right resources.

In this post, we have put together a compilation of 20 books on sketching, the study of typography and how to generate creative ideas. These books are packed with useful exercises as well as tips and tricks to help you take your sketching and drawing techniques to the next level. Also included are books that touch on typography and design ideas.

Recommended Reading: 20 Lifelike Pencil Drawing Masterpieces

Start Sketching With These Titles

If you need help transferring your thoughts onto paper, these are the books on sketching you should be reading up.

Freehand: Sketching Tips & Tricks Drawn From Art

A book that will teach you basic drawing techniques in bite-sized sections, and how they can be applied when sketching. It covers tone, composition and texture among others. [$13.51]

Graphic: Inside the Sketchbooks of the World’s Great Graphic Designers

This sketchbook will provide an insight into the works of top graphic designers. It features notes, sketches, and complete illustrations, and explains how the designers came up with their ideas and techniques used. [$38.96]

Sketching from the Imagination

Inside, you can find the works of 50 amazing digital artists. From doodles to sketches to illustrations, you can see how the ideas are developed and the techniques that are used. [$23.48]

Playing With Sketches

This is a fun approach to enhance your drawing skills. It takes you through basic exercises then goes on to more challenging and engaging ones. The book features word games, letterforms, dimensional shapes etc. [$28.38]

Comics Sketchbooks: The Private Worlds of Today’s Most Creative Talents

Comics are one of the most popular forms of illustration. There are over 700 illustrations from top artists in this sketchbook! You are able to see how the ideas are brainstormed and developed. [$31.46]

The Sketchnote Handbook

This book will guide users on how to create their own sketchnotes. It teaches you how to capture your thoughts, remember key information, and enhance your sketching abilities. [$31.99]

Sketch Your World

Top urban artists will show you how they capture a setting and transfer it onto paper. It covers different topics: improve observation skills, sketch moving objects etc. [$18.67]

Drawn In

This book features full-colour images and profiles of 44 amazing artists. It gives you a glimpse of their doodles, sketches and how they come up with ideas. [$17.99]

More on Sketching: A Showcase Of Sketched Vs. Ready in Icon Design

Learn About Typography

Love the art behind letters? Check out these books on typefaces, lettering, calligraphy and more.

Creative Lettering

In this book, top artists will provide you with their personal perspective on lettering. They will show you the tools they use and the correct techniques to use them. [$14.46]

Type: A Visual History of Typefaces & Graphic Styles

This is ideal for graphic designers or anyone looking for inspiration. It gives you a glimpse into typeface design and the evolution of the printed letter. [$59.99]

Draw Your Own Alphabets

With this book, you can learn how to design and create your very own fonts! It also teaches you different drawing and presentation techniques. [$15.87]

Modern Calligraphy

This book will teach calligraphy in simple steps. You can learn to create wedding invitations, gift cards, thank you cards etc. Starting from the basics, the book will guide you in forming letters, words and then whole phrases. [$16.41]

Scripts: Elegant Lettering from Design’s Golden Age

The hundreds of examples will inspire designers to have a go themselves. In this book you will also see how scripts from the past and present intertwine. [$22.24]

Type Matters!

This book covers the basics of typography. It teaches you how to set headlines, display type, alignment and so much more. [$22.25]

Typography Sketchbooks

This visual book displays the work of top typographic artists. It can provide inspiration for those who are into typography or looking for creative typography ideas. [$25.30]

Need Great Design Ideas?

If you ever feel like you are running out of good ideas, find great ones with help from these few handy books.

The Drawing Mind

A book that will provide you with various ideas on what you can draw. It is suitable for those who are looking for a creative outlet to doodle ideas. [$13.30]

The Art of Zentangle

This book uses a meditative process in creating art. It takes a combination of simple lines and shapes to create a complicated and unique final piece of artwork. It also provides instructions and doodling space. [$16.19]

Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen Your Design Skills

This book will help your ability to brainstorm creative ideas. There are exercises to test your creativity skills and how it can be improved. Top designers share with us their brainstorming techniques. [$16.68]

Artist’s Journal Workshop

This journal features guidance, structure and inspiration for artists. There are 25 exercises to help you develop new ideas and techniques. [$18.18]

Just Draw It!

A book that presents an unorthodox approach to learning how to draw. It covers exercises and different drawing techniques such as rules of perspective, tones and shadows. [$14.72]

If you know of more books that have help you a lot in design, share the titles with us in the comments!

Ghost, a new blogging platform was released several months ago, and we covered how to get it installed on Mac. It is primed as a purely-for-blogging platform and has a minimalistic content editor that works well with Markdown, and quick side-pane previews to give you a great and effective blogging experience. It lets you focus on writing your content and little of anything else.

If however you cannot leave WordPress but want a content editor that can give you the same level of blogging experience as Ghost can, join me as we check out SplitDown.

Recommended Reading: Editorially – An Elegant Markdown Online Editor For Collaborative Writing

SplitDown

SplitDown is a plugin that will convert the TinyMCE WordPress editor into a Ghost-like Markdown editor. Once you have installed it, go to Settings > Writing, and select the content type – Page, Post, etc.

You can also select some provided extensions. For example, selecting the twitter.js extension allows you to embed clickable @mention and #hashtag. With table.js you can create tables in the content.

So now, we get a nice and simple content editor, but if you think it necessary, you can still use the Add Media button to embed Images or Videos easily. Splitdown also has a distraction-free mode; just click on the D next to the Add Media button.

Final Thought

SplitDown is a great plugin for those who want to only be focus on writing and little on anything else. One possible setback is that you need to write web content with Markdown to use it.

In a previous post, we have shown you how to find potential code errors and bugs in SublimeText using SublimeLinter. Unfortunately, as one of our readers also pointed it out, it does not work in Sublime Text 3.

Sublime Text 3 introduced a new set of API on how a plugin should work, which is likely to have affected SublimeLinters abilities. The developer has since rewritten the plugin, and released the rewrite. Let’s check out SublimeLinter 3 and what it has to offer.

Recommended Reading: 12 Most-Wanted Sublime Text Tips And Tricks

Getting Started

The easiest way to install SublimeLinter 3 is through Package Control. However, unlike the previous version that bundles all available linters, SublimeLinter 3 separates them. This allows us to only install linters for languages that we frequently use.

This means when you made a mistake in your code, nothing will happen unless you install the linter that allows you to report the errors.

Since I use HTML, CSS, JS, and PHP most of the time in my projects, I would like to install linters for these languages. In the Package Control, I install SublimeLinter 3 together with the following plugins:

• SublimeLinter-html-tidy
• SublimeLinter-csslint
• SublimeLinter-jshint
• SublimeLinter-php

Then, in order for those plugins to work, we also need to install the linter for the languages, which are HTML Tidy, CSSLint, JSHint, and PHP CLI.

For those of you who are using OSX, Tidy and PHP are pre-installed in the system. To verify, run the following two commands consecutively.

 tidy --version php --version 

These commands will show you the Tidy and PHP version you have. You can proceed to use them in Sublime Text.

If you are on Windows or Linux, or don’t have them installed, follow the instructions below.

Installing HTML Tidy

To install HTML Tidy:

• In OSX, run this command in Terminal brew install homebrew/dupes/tidy
• In Linux, use this command sudo apt-get install tidy.
• In Windows, you can grab the EXE installer from TidyBatchFiles.

Installing PHP CLI

• OSX users can install PHP in the system with curl -s http://php-osx.liip.ch/install.sh | bash -s 5.5 command. This will install PHP 5.5, which is the latest version, at the time of the writing.
• Linux users can follow this comprehensive tutorial from DigitalOcean.
• For Windows users, you can download the installer here.

Installing CSSLint

Next, we will install CSSLint. The following instruction can be followed in all three platform: OSX, Windows, and Linux.

First, install Node.js. Then, run the following command.

 npm install -g csslint 

Installing JSHint

We can install JSHint with Node.js too. Here is the command.

 npm install -g jshint 

And, we are all set. We can start linting HTML, CSS, JS, and PHP in SublimeText using SublimeLinter 3.

New Features in SublimeLinter 3

SublimeLinter 3 brings several new features, and one that I found really useful is the ability to navigate through errors quickly.

Navigate through Errors

If you are in Mac, press Command + Ctrl + A. In Windows and Linux, you can press Ctrl + K, Ctrl + A.

The Hot key will show a list of errors, as shown in the following screenshot.

Use the ↑ and ↓ to navigate the list, and the page will scroll to the exact line where the error occurred.

Different Mark Styles

In addition, you can also select different mark styles for the Errors. SublimeLinter 3 provides 5 styles, as shown below:

Fill

Outline

Solid Underline

Squiggly Underline

Stippled Underline

To select these style, open Command Pallete – (Mac) Command + Shift + P, (Win/Linux) Ctrl + Shift + P. Then, search and select SublimeLinter: Choose Mark Style. Select the style of your preference.

Alternatively, you can also specify it within the Setting file. Go to Preferences > Package Settings > SublimeLinter > Setting – Users. Then, add this line below.

 "mark_style": "fill"

Further Reference

• SublimeLinter 3 Official Doc.
• Lint in software and programming — WikiPedia
• SublimeLinter Repositories