Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book: The Official Training Workbook from Adobe Systems

I have been a long time user of Elements and am comfortable with most of its capabilities, including layers and filters. When I upgraded to CS5, I needed a book to teach me this much more complex program. I'm well into CS5 Classroom in a Book now and believe it's an excellent teacher.The book contains 14 lessons, each covering several tools or processes. Each is short but intense. The screen captures are very clear with red arrows directing you to the action. The text is clear and concise, each sentence covering so much that I found it useful to skim the entire lesson first, then go back and do each step in sequence.There is a DVD with images for all 14 lessons. The images provided are carefully selected to clearly support each lesson, not to show off the authors' superior talent.The DVD also has a couple of hours of tutorials, somewhat better than the stuff you can find on the Internet.Finally, most of the critical reviews note that this book tells you what to do but not always why to do it. I agree with this comment but suggest there's a reason for this method. For instance, the authors say to set a slider to a certain percentage, with no explaination of why that number. I move the slider above and below the suggested number and observe the effect on the image or the tool. By doing so, I begin to understand what that number means. This is learning by doing, the overarching technique of this book.The authors do explain the numbers when it is important to do so (as in Threshold for Unsharp Mask) but to explain every number, in my view, would add many pages and greater complexity to an already complex subject.So if you already use Elements and are thinking of moving up to Photoshop, this book will help you make that leap.

The book has been the most helpful book I have used to date to learn how to use Photoshop. It addresses a wide variety of subjects and clearly leads one through the steps necessary to accomplish a task. As with other complex software applications, much practice will be required to master the techniques. The instruction assumes the user is familiar with basic computer skills. I recommend this book with its "Classroom in a Book" disc. I would not get it without the disc.

Calling all aspiring digital Picassos and pixel perfectionists! If mastering the art of Adobe Photoshop CS5 is your quest, then consider "Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book" your magical compass. This book isn't just a guide; it's a passport to a world of creative wizardry.Opening the pages of this tome is like stepping into a secret chamber of knowledge, where layers become your brushstrokes and filters your pigments. From the very first chapter, you're greeted with tutorials that are as step-by-step as assembling IKEA furniture – minus the cryptic instructions. The authors, who might as well be Photoshop wizards themselves, guide you through the enchanted forest of tools and techniques with clarity and finesse.Imagine this: the book is your Hogwarts letter, inviting you to a realm where photo manipulation, digital painting, and graphic design are your core subjects. It's a magical journey that transforms novices into spellbinding creators. Each chapter feels like a lesson from your favorite art teacher, complete with hands-on exercises that have you waving your stylus like a wand.However, even in this realm of enchantment, there are a few quirks. Just as Harry had his challenges at Hogwarts, you might find yourself encountering a hurdle or two. The interface might look a tad different from the latest versions, and some features might feel like ancient spells in a modern-day cauldron. Fear not, though – with a bit of patience and a sprinkle of trial and error, you'll conquer these obstacles faster than you can say "expelliarmus."While the content is a treasure trove of knowledge, it's the exercises that truly shine. They're like potions that transform theory into practice. The more you brew, the more potent your skills become. Be prepared to dedicate time to these exercises – they're not mere "add-water-and-stir" affairs. But remember, every stroke of your virtual brush is a step closer to mastering the art of Photoshop.In the end, "Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book" is your trusty spellbook for all things Photoshop. It might not make you an overnight sensation, but it's a powerful enchantment that, when diligently practiced, can turn you into a true digital sorcerer. So grab your wand (or stylus), flip open those pages, and prepare to make digital art history. Accio, creativity! 🎨✨📚

I have purchased several books in the past for different programs and I must say that Abobe's "Classroom In A Book" guides are abosolutely wonderful. I took the Adobe Indesign class at the local college and the instructor used the Adobe Classroom In A Book for Indesign from cover to end. I wanted to take the Adobe Photoshop class, but figured why pay all that money when the book is a class in itself. This book is easy to use even for those that have had no training in a photo editing program. The lessons cd is awesome and a wonderful tool and addition to the book. If you really want to learn how to use Adobe Photshop this is the book for you, and you will not be disappointed!

I needed the lesson files for a class as well. Luckily, I found them.So, the instructions for finding the lesson files are wrong: start at the cover, turn to page two, and you'll find the Peachpit URL for the lesson files. It doesn't work all that well searching "Where are the Lesson Files?" or scrolling to the end (as the URL is about 6000 locations in the opposite direction).I'm giving this product 3 stars because while I finally got what I was looking for, it took me forever to actually do it (given the poor instructions).

Pleased

super ouvrage sur photoshop.je le conseil quoique un peu chère.mais vraiment très bien fait.c'est une référence dans ce domaine, mais très technique.

Un libro excelente para empezar a utilizar a un buen nivel el programa Photoshop CS5. Muy recomendable para cada uno que quiera mejorar su conocimientos de PS.

I am a Photoshop fanatic ever since the early nineties and upgrade every time a new version comes out.I am perfect or like to think I am, but with each upgrade, I get the Classroom in a Book.Photoshop has a very steep learning curve, in fact, and gets steeper with each upgrade.Learning the basics is similar to walk before run, and like walking(Power Walking)there are technics thatneed to be observed before attempting the complicated steps.I always pick up a rule I may have forgotten with these books as well as learning the new "bells and whistles".There is a disc attached that contains the contents for a lesson, so don't be "smart" get this book.

The book is in perfect condition, thanks!