Illustrator CS4 Bible [Paperback]

Ted Alspach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 24, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0470345195 | ISBN-13: 978-0470345191 | Edition: 1

The ultimate comprehensive guide to everything from drawing basics to advanced techniques

• Adobe expert Ted Alspach reveals the latest on Illustrator CS4’s new features and thoroughly explains how to integrate Illustrator with the rest of Creative Suite 4
• Teaches you step-by-step how to create designs that work beautifully, whether in print or online
• Covers the basics of drawing, painting, coloring, and uncoloring
• Offers essential tips for mastering paths, masks, blends, patterns, transparency, and type
• Introduces you to enhanced Smart Guides and a new Crop Area tool
• Demonstrates how to work in multiple pages with CS4’s new Artboard tool
• Packed with practical tips and tricks to improve designs and conquer the Web with scripts and online design techniques

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Adobe insider Ted Alspach helps you unlock the power of Illustrator CS4

If you rely on Illustrator every day, you can't afford to be behind the curve. This comprehensive guide is just what you need to become current and stay that way, from drawing basics to advanced techniques. Adobe expert Ted Alspach reveals the latest on Illustrator CS4's new features, thoroughly explains how to integrate Illustrator with the rest of the Creative Suite, and, best of all, teaches you step-by-step how to create designs that work beautifully, whether in print or online.

• Learn the basics of drawing, painting, coloring, and uncoloring

• Master paths, masks, blends, patterns, transparency, and type

• Become super smart with enhanced Smart Guides

• Work in multiple pages with Illustrator's new Artboard tool

• Use pages of practical tricks and tips to improve your designs

• Conquer the Web with scripts and online design techniques

• Use multiple Artboards to layer multiple pages

• Strengthen illustrations by using advanced techniques

• Create exciting artwork from basic typography

About the Author

Ted Alspach is the author of more than 30 books on graphic design and publishing, including Illustrator For Dummies and previous editions of the Illustrator Bible. Ted spent eight years at Adobe on the Illustrator and Creative Suite product management teams, enabling him to provide a unique perspective on getting the most out of Adobe Illustrator CS4.

Product Details

• Paperback: 784 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (November 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470345195
• ISBN-13: 978-0470345191
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most complete Illustrator CS4 resource, January 9, 2009

By 

Rain Wilber (Barre, MA. USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Illustrator CS4 Bible (Paperback)

Ted Alspach really covers all the angles of using CS4 to the fullest extent. In this book you will really find enough information that might take perhaps two or more books to cover the same ground.

Another book may teach you different ways to do a same task in Illustrator, but as long as the creativity is in you head, this instruction guide will clearly demonstrate just about every possible situation one will encounter using the program.

Ted does a great job of pointing out exactly which features tend to be more important than other features and treats them accordingly in the book. Certain tools (such as the pen tool) that can seem a little difficult to figure out on Illustrator are given a wonderful in depth treatment that covers all aspects of its usage including things like Bezier curves etc.

All the keyboard shortcuts are included in an appendix that can be cut out with a razor blade and kept as a handy mini reference pamphlet.

You will really have spent your money well if you are interested in learning everything about the latest Illustrator.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, March 2, 2010

By 

J. Truitt "monkey business" (Lititz, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Illustrator CS4 Bible (Paperback)

So far, I have been able to find everything I was looking for. There are so many tips that are not in other Illustrator books. It's my understanding that Ted Alspach was one of the original designers of the Illustrator software and so he has unique insight as to how the software works.

3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reference, August 3, 2009

By 

Robert L. Sapp Jr. - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Illustrator CS4 Bible (Paperback)

This is a very good reference that talks to you and shows you how to accomplish things. I use it quite often.

Good Job and thank you,

--Leon