Adobe Photoshop 5.5 & Illustrator 8.0 Classroom in a Book

Adobe Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 8.0
Classroom in a Book

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Type of Book

Title: Adobe Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 8.0 Classroom in a Book
Author: Team Adobe Development http://www.adobe.com/adobepress/main.html
Publisher: Adobe Press--Adobe Press books are
published by Peachpit Press http://www.peachpit.com
Publication Date: March 27, 2000
Retail Price: $45.00
Pages: 392; plus a CD-ROM
ISBN: 0-201-65900-X

Adobe Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 8.0 Classroom in a Book is part of an official training series from Adobe Systems, developed by experts at Adobe and tested in Adobe's own classrooms and labs. The Classroom in a Book series of hands-on software training workbooks help you learn the features of Adobe software quickly and easily and at your own pace. The book takes the user who is familiar with both programs into more challenging exercises that incorporate advanced typography, image compositing, painting, and image-correction techniques. You will learn when to use either Photoshop or Illustrator for complex tasks such as gradients and masks, and learn the differences between the tools in each program. Self-paced lessons, created by Adobe training experts, lead you into advanced projects that will sharpen your print, web, and multi-application skills. The cross-platform CD supplements the lessons in the book, and provides hands-on experience in mastering Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator together at the professional level. Price: $45.00. Adobe's Web site is worth visiting for information and tips, and free demo downloads. http://www.adobe.com

User Level

Intermediate, and Advanced computer users. You should have a working knowledge of your computer, its operating system, and Photoshop and Illustrator.

Review

Each lesson begins with an overview of what's covered. Reading the overviews first is a good way to decide whether that chapter can be skipped or should be read in depth. Many of the lessons are split into two sections, one for Illustrator and one for Photoshop. The CD contains files to work with.

Introduction--Gives you information on how to install the Classroom in a Book files to your hard disk and how to restore default preferences.

Lesson 1: Preparing Images for Print or Web--This chapter shows you how to: set image dimensions and resolution for print and Web images; correct tonal range and color balance using adjustment layers; remove scanning debris using the Dust & Scratches filter; restore brush detail using the Unsharp Mask filter; simulate an underpainting effect by adding a glaze of color; choose color palettes, compression, optimization, and file formats for Web images; and customize color for Web images using the Saturation and Replace Color commands.

Lesson 2: Shading and Blending--In this chapter you will learn how to do the following in Adobe Illustrator: give depth and shading to flat objects; create shadows and shading using reflective color; learn expert tips on the use of gradient and gradient mesh tools; use the Gradient Editor to create a custom six-color gradient; create depth and shading on flat images; learn how to blend elements visually in a collage; and use painting tools and fade out options to blend edges.

Lesson 3: Acquiring Digital Images--In this chapter, you will learn how to acquire images from several different sources for use and manipulation in Adobe Photoshop. You'll learn how to: follow general guidelines for image acquisition; acquire images by flatbed scanning; acquire images from digital photography; acquire images from Photo CD or Image CD and stock libraries; acquire elements from the Web and resample images up; capture screen elements; and acquire frames from analog and digital video.

Lesson 4: Advanced Masking--You'll learn how to do the following in Illustrator: use the Pathfinder palette to cut away sections; use compound paths with masks; assemble masked objects into complex artwork; and add outside components to the masks. You'll learn how to do the following in Photoshop: use the Extract command to create a mask; use the pen tool to make an accurate selection for a mask; fix edge artifacts of a mask by defringing; erase the background; create a selection with Color Range and then make a layer mask; use Quick Mask mode to fix the edges and save the selection as a channel; and put the image together with layers, transformations, and text.

Lesson 5: Advanced Compositing--This chapter discusses how to do the following in Photoshop: make layers in Adobe Photoshop by copying; work with a variety of Photoshop layer masks; learn when to apply Photoshop layer masks; use Photoshop adjustment layers and clipping groups to control layer effects; work with layer modes and layer effects in Photoshop; and export an Adobe Photoshop file to Adobe Illustrator. In Illustrator, you will learn how to: create complex type effects and export an Illustrator file to Photoshop.

Lesson 6: Color Management and Distribution--You will learn how to: establish a color workflow for each project involving print and Web-based publishing; set up appropriate color spaces in each application, and convert accurately from one color space to another; import color-managed scans into Adobe Photoshop; save files in the correct format with the necessary information needed for proper color management between applications and output media; and match the color appearance of objects created in different applications.

Lesson 7: Advanced Typography and Layout--Using Illustrator, you will learn to: set crop and trim marks; apply a registration color; use the Smart Punctuation feature; apply a spot color and a spot varnish; create a table using tabs; create text wraps; and print tiled portions of the document.

Lesson 8: Mastering the Pen Tool--In this chapter, you create a still life of a tulip and vase. You explore three different methods of drawing in Adobe Illustrator and learn to do the following: draw precision shapes using the pen tool; use a grid and Smart Guides; draw Bezier curves; adjust curved and straight lines; create 3-D effects using the gradient mesh tool; edit curves from smooth to pointed; draw and edit shapes with the pencil tool; and edit with the smooth tool. And you'll learn how to do the following in Adobe Photoshop: drag and drop art from Illustrator into Photoshop; use the pen tool; and create shadows and highlights.

Lesson 9: Two-Color Print Projects--You will learn how to do the following in Photoshop: improve the image quality of a color image by converting it to a grayscale and then to a duotone; use layers and curves to selectively improve the image contrast; use spot color channels and clipping paths to apply a Pantone spot color to a portion of an image; and add a film grain effect. In Illustrator, you learn how to: create type to use as a text highlight in Photoshop; use the Links palette when working in Illustrator and Photoshop side-by-side; and learn how to prepare final files for two-color printing.

Lesson 10: Creating an Animated Web Ad Banner--In this chapter you will create a standard 468-pixel by 60-pixel animated ad banner. You will learn to do the following: use blends and layers to lay the groundwork for an animation; import Illustrator art into ImageReady, without losing layer information; understand how animation and color affect file size; and optimize an image to fit file size requirements.

Lesson 11: Animating With Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects--In this chapter you use Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects to create an animation using elements from the Masters of Visual Effects clip. You will do the following: create an Illustrator vector graphic using a still image reference; integrate an Illustrator vector-graphic file into a Photoshop raster graphic, using a series of Photoshop layers; use Photoshop's adjustment layers to prepare the file for video; rasterize an Illustrator file in Photoshop for use in the animation; compensate for flickering in NTSC video; and output color channels to NTSC-safe levels using Photoshop adjustment layers. In After Effects, you will learn how to do the following: create a composition; animate elements, and edit and fine-tune the animation; use the Easy-Ease feature to add more natural movement to animation; compensate for flickering in NTSC video and intense colors; and set compression and output options for QuickTime videos in a broadcast format and a Webcasting format.

Adobe Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 8.0 Classroom in a Book is an excellent tutorial book for anyone who wants to learn the program. I really like having the examples for the lessons on the CD. By providing starting images and finished images, you can compare your finished images to Adobes. When I learn a new program, I like having tutorials for a project. This seems an easier way to learn than just having the instructions on how to use various tools. Adobe covers a variety of other programs in their Classroom in a Book series. They are all worthwhile, and many are used as textbooks for the classes at the local junior college in my town.

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Adobe Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 8.0 Classroom in a Book

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge it. Use your browser's "BACK" button to return to this review when done.


Title: Adobe Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 8.0 Classroom in a Book Author: Team Adobe Development http://www.adobe.com/adobepress/main.html Publisher: Adobe Press--Adobe Press books are published by Peachpit Press http://www.peachpit.com Publication Date: March 27, 2000 Retail Price: $45.00 Pages: 392; plus a CD-ROM ISBN: 0-201-65900-X

Adobe Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 8.0 Classroom in a Book is part of an official training series from Adobe Systems, developed by experts at Adobe and tested in Adobe's own classrooms and labs. The Classroom in a Book series of hands-on software training workbooks help you learn the features of Adobe software quickly and easily and at your own pace. The book takes the user who is familiar with both programs into more challenging exercises that incorporate advanced typography, image compositing, painting, and image-correction techniques. You will learn when to use either Photoshop or Illustrator for complex tasks such as gradients and masks, and learn the differences between the tools in each program. Self-paced lessons, created by Adobe training experts, lead you into advanced projects that will sharpen your print, web, and multi-application skills. The cross-platform CD supplements the lessons in the book, and provides hands-on experience in mastering Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator together at the professional level. Price: $45.00. Adobe's Web site is worth visiting for information and tips, and free demo downloads. http://www.adobe.com


Intermediate, and Advanced computer users. You should have a working knowledge of your computer, its operating system, and Photoshop and Illustrator.


Each lesson begins with an overview of what's covered. Reading the overviews first is a good way to decide whether that chapter can be skipped or should be read in depth. Many of the lessons are split into two sections, one for Illustrator and one for Photoshop. The CD contains files to work with. Introduction--Gives you information on how to install the Classroom in a Book files to your hard disk and how to restore default preferences. Lesson 1: Preparing Images for Print or Web--This chapter shows you how to: set image dimensions and resolution for print and Web images; correct tonal range and color balance using adjustment layers; remove scanning debris using the Dust & Scratches filter; restore brush detail using the Unsharp Mask filter; simulate an underpainting effect by adding a glaze of color; choose color palettes, compression, optimization, and file formats for Web images; and customize color for Web images using the Saturation and Replace Color commands. Lesson 2: Shading and Blending--In this chapter you will learn how to do the following in Adobe Illustrator: give depth and shading to flat objects; create shadows and shading using reflective color; learn expert tips on the use of gradient and gradient mesh tools; use the Gradient Editor to create a custom six-color gradient; create depth and shading on flat images; learn how to blend elements visually in a collage; and use painting tools and fade out options to blend edges. Lesson 3: Acquiring Digital Images--In this chapter, you will learn how to acquire images from several different sources for use and manipulation in Adobe Photoshop. You'll learn how to: follow general guidelines for image acquisition; acquire images by flatbed scanning; acquire images from digital photography; acquire images from Photo CD or Image CD and stock libraries; acquire elements from the Web and resample images up; capture screen elements; and acquire frames from analog and digital video. Lesson 4: Advanced Masking--You'll learn how to do the following in Illustrator: use the Pathfinder palette to cut away sections; use compound paths with masks; assemble masked objects into complex artwork; and add outside components to the masks. You'll learn how to do the following in Photoshop: use the Extract command to create a mask; use the pen tool to make an accurate selection for a mask; fix edge artifacts of a mask by defringing; erase the background; create a selection with Color Range and then make a layer mask; use Quick Mask mode to fix the edges and save the selection as a channel; and put the image together with layers, transformations, and text. Lesson 5: Advanced Compositing--This chapter discusses how to do the following in Photoshop: make layers in Adobe Photoshop by copying; work with a variety of Photoshop layer masks; learn when to apply Photoshop layer masks; use Photoshop adjustment layers and clipping groups to control layer effects; work with layer modes and layer effects in Photoshop; and export an Adobe Photoshop file to Adobe Illustrator. In Illustrator, you will learn how to: create complex type effects and export an Illustrator file to Photoshop. Lesson 6: Color Management and Distribution--You will learn how to: establish a color workflow for each project involving print and Web-based publishing; set up appropriate color spaces in each application, and convert accurately from one color space to another; import color-managed scans into Adobe Photoshop; save files in the correct format with the necessary information needed for proper color management between applications and output media; and match the color appearance of objects created in different applications. Lesson 7: Advanced Typography and Layout--Using Illustrator, you will learn to: set crop and trim marks; apply a registration color; use the Smart Punctuation feature; apply a spot color and a spot varnish; create a table using tabs; create text wraps; and print tiled portions of the document. Lesson 8: Mastering the Pen Tool--In this chapter, you create a still life of a tulip and vase. You explore three different methods of drawing in Adobe Illustrator and learn to do the following: draw precision shapes using the pen tool; use a grid and Smart Guides; draw Bezier curves; adjust curved and straight lines; create 3-D effects using the gradient mesh tool; edit curves from smooth to pointed; draw and edit shapes with the pencil tool; and edit with the smooth tool. And you'll learn how to do the following in Adobe Photoshop: drag and drop art from Illustrator into Photoshop; use the pen tool; and create shadows and highlights. Lesson 9: Two-Color Print Projects--You will learn how to do the following in Photoshop: improve the image quality of a color image by converting it to a grayscale and then to a duotone; use layers and curves to selectively improve the image contrast; use spot color channels and clipping paths to apply a Pantone spot color to a portion of an image; and add a film grain effect. In Illustrator, you learn how to: create type to use as a text highlight in Photoshop; use the Links palette when working in Illustrator and Photoshop side-by-side; and learn how to prepare final files for two-color printing. Lesson 10: Creating an Animated Web Ad Banner--In this chapter you will create a standard 468-pixel by 60-pixel animated ad banner. You will learn to do the following: use blends and layers to lay the groundwork for an animation; import Illustrator art into ImageReady, without losing layer information; understand how animation and color affect file size; and optimize an image to fit file size requirements. Lesson 11: Animating With Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects--In this chapter you use Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects to create an animation using elements from the Masters of Visual Effects clip. You will do the following: create an Illustrator vector graphic using a still image reference; integrate an Illustrator vector-graphic file into a Photoshop raster graphic, using a series of Photoshop layers; use Photoshop's adjustment layers to prepare the file for video; rasterize an Illustrator file in Photoshop for use in the animation; compensate for flickering in NTSC video; and output color channels to NTSC-safe levels using Photoshop adjustment layers. In After Effects, you will learn how to do the following: create a composition; animate elements, and edit and fine-tune the animation; use the Easy-Ease feature to add more natural movement to animation; compensate for flickering in NTSC video and intense colors; and set compression and output options for QuickTime videos in a broadcast format and a Webcasting format.


Adobe Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 8.0 Classroom in a Book is an excellent tutorial book for anyone who wants to learn the program. I really like having the examples for the lessons on the CD. By providing starting images and finished images, you can compare your finished images to Adobes. When I learn a new program, I like having tutorials for a project. This seems an easier way to learn than just having the instructions on how to use various tools. Adobe covers a variety of other programs in their Classroom in a Book series. They are all worthwhile, and many are used as textbooks for the classes at the local junior college in my town.

Web Page Editor: Macromedia Dreamweaver 3.0 Graphics: Adobe ImageStyler 1.0 Scanner: Hewlett Packard ScanJet 6250C Professional Series