Adobe Acrobat 5 Master Class [Paperback]

Pattie Belle Hastings (Author), Bjorn Akselsen (Author), Sandee Cohen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Master Class | Publication Date: July 15, 2002

Did you know that you could use Adobe Acrobat to create slideshows and presentations? Many people don't realize that Acrobat PDF files can be used for more than just sharing cross-platform, visually accurate copies of their documents with colleagues and customers. This gorgeous, full-color book--384 pages in length--uses case studies to demonstrate Adobe Acrobat's myriad uses as a sophisticated, multi-purpose,interactive tool.

You can also use Acrobat to embed sounds, actions, and interactivity in PDFs--this book shows you how. This full-featured guide also offers instruction on how to set up a digital signature for yourself and add security features to PDFs so you can sign contracts and other legal documents and share them safely and digitally.

In addition, the book covers some of the more commonly known features of the full version of Adobe Acrobat 5--using the comments tools, making eBooks, searching PDFs for keywords, setting opening preferences for your readers, and designing interactive forms. And, of course, it shows you the various ways you can make PDFs from other leading applications.

As an added bonus, the print book comes with a companion CD-ROM that demonstrates how to use Acrobat to create movies, interactive crossword puzzles, maps, and more. You'll be surprised at all you can do with Acrobat by the time you're done reading this must-have reference!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Did you know that you could use Adobe Acrobat to create slideshows and presentations? Many people don't realize that Acrobat PDF files can be used for more than just sharing cross-platform, visually accurate copies of their documents with colleagues and customers. This gorgeous, full-color book--384 pages in length--uses case studies to demonstrate Adobe Acrobat's myriad uses as a sophisticated, multi-purpose,interactive tool.

You can also use Acrobat to embed sounds, actions, and interactivity in PDFs--this book shows you how. This full-featured guide also offers instruction on how to set up a digital signature for yourself and add security features to PDFs so you can sign contracts and other legal documents and share them safely and digitally.

In addition, the book covers some of the more commonly known features of the full version of Adobe Acrobat 5--using the comments tools, making eBooks, searching PDFs for keywords, setting opening preferences for your readers, and designing interactive forms. And, of course, it shows you the various ways you can make PDFs from other leading applications.

As an added bonus, the print book comes with a companion CD-ROM that demonstrates how to use Acrobat to create movies, interactive crossword puzzles, maps, and more. You'll be surprised at all you can do with Acrobat by the time you're done reading this must-have reference!

About the Author

Pattie Belle Hastings is an artist, educator, and partner at Icehouse Design in New Haven, Connecticut. Currently an Assistant Professor in Computer Science/Interactive Digital Design at Quinnipiac University, she is also an Acrobat 5 Adobe Certified Expert.

Bjorn Akselsen has worked extensively in the field of information architecture. He holds an MFA in design from Yale University and currently is a principal of Icehouse Design, a firm specializing in print and Web design for education, the arts, and the humanities. Icehouse has won numerous awards and has been featured in many books internationally.

Sandee Cohen is the graphics curriculum coordinator at the New School University Computer Instruction Center in New York City. In addition, she is also a frequent speaker at the Seybold, Thunder Lizard, and Macworld Expo conferences.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Adobe Press (July 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201748835
• ISBN-13: 978-0201748833
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,613,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, September 22, 2002

By 

J. Erb (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adobe Acrobat 5 Master Class (Paperback)

When you see this book you'll first marvel at how great it looks, the design is superb. But design doesn't make a book, in this case it simply enhances the expert teaching provided by the authors. The authors have managed to impart the power of Acrobat 5 to the reader.

I'm relatively new to using Acrobat and had no idea it was full featured as it is. This book walks you through real world layouts, scenarios and examples that keep you in awe. It's very easy to understand and it's very through. Adobe should give these authors thanks since I'm sure this book will help promote sales of Adobe Acrobat 5! If you haven't delved into Acrobat yet, grab this book and be prepared to be amazed and impressed.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly sitting at the feet of the Masters, September 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Adobe Acrobat 5 Master Class (Paperback)

This book is exceptional on many levels.

From the very first moment you pick it up and open it, you know you are dealing with the best of graphic design. The pages are laid out with great taste. All the elements work together on the page. You can read the body copy with no pictures jumping up in the way of your thoughts. Then you can look at the bottom of the pages to follow the step by step instruction. Mr. Akselsen and Ms. Hastings deserve an award for their ground-breaking design.

Reading the book copy is like inviting three friends over for dinner to discuss everything from interactive design to using Acrobat's tool. Each chapter starts with background material that is so much deeper than just Acrobat. It's the kind of discussion that makes you think hard about the purpose of your project. Anyone can tell you how to create a link. These authors talk about why and when you should or should not.

Finally, there are beautiful pages that feature the work of accomplished designers who are using Acrobat in ways I would have never expected. Acrobat files that look like Flash pages. Acrobat files that are like interactive Director documents. Acrobat files that are games, puzzles, interactive maps. It made my head spin.

Oh, and did I mention the incredible CD that comes with the book???? You don't just look at the examples and lessons in the book. You can open the actual documents and follow along, take them apart, and see how they were put together. This is better than any Classroom in a Book. And way beyond what anyone else has written about Acrobat.

This book isn't just the best of the bunch for learning Acrobat, it's the book that all other computer books should be aspiring to be like.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adobe Acrobat 5!, September 13, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Adobe Acrobat 5 Master Class (Paperback)

I've used Adobe Acrobat at work, but was not remotely aware of all the capabilities of the software till I opened this "Master Class." I found the book easy to use, inviting to read, and full of helpful examples. The design is beautiful. I like the fact that you can choose your own level, use the "quick guide" or go more in depth, if you choose. I highly recommend this book, both for beginners and more advanced users.