Read this Before you Begin

Intended Audience

This text is designed for the beginner or intermediate computer user who wants to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop CS2. The book is designed to provide basic and in-depth material that not only educates but encourages you to explore the nuances of this exciting program.

File Identification

Instead of printing a file, the owner of a Photoshop image can be identified by reading the File Info dialog box.

Use the following instructions to add your name to an image:

There are no instructions with this text to use the File Info feature other than when it is introduced in Chapter 1. It is up to each user to use this feature so that his or her work can be identified.

Measurements

When measurements are shown, needed, or discussed, they are given in pixels. Use the following instructions to change the units of measurement to pixels:

You can display rulers by clicking View on the menu bar, then clicking Rulers, or by pressing [Ctrl][R] (Win) or [R] (Mac). A check mark to the left of the Rulers command indicates that the Rulers are displayed. You can hide visible rulers by clicking View on the menu bar, then clicking Rulers, or by pressing [Ctrl][R] (Win) or [R] (Mac).

Icons, Buttons, and Pointers

Symbols for icons, buttons, and pointers are shown each time they are used.

Fonts

Data and Solution Files contain a variety of fonts, and there is no guarantee that all of these fonts will be available on your computer. The fonts are identified in cases where less common fonts are used in the files. Every effort has been made to use commonly available fonts in the lessons. If any of the fonts in use are not available on your computer, please make a substitution.

Menu Commands in Tables

In tables, menu commands are abbreviated using the following format: Edit Preferences Units & Rulers. This command translates as follows: Click Edit on the menu bar, point to Preferences, then click Units & Rulers.

Power User Shortcuts

As a bonus, a Power User Shortcuts table is included at the end of every chapter. This table contains the quickest method of completing tasks covered in the chapter. It is meant for the more experienced user, or for the user who wants to become more experienced. Tools are shown, not named.

Certification

If you are interested in becoming an Adobe Certified Expert, you can refer to the ACE grid, available for download, at www.course.com/revealed/photoshopcs2.