Photoshop 7 for Dummies [Paperback]

Barbara Obermeier (Author), Deke McClelland (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764516515 | ISBN-13: 978-0764516511 | Publication Date: May 15, 2002 | Edition: 1st

Adobe Photoshop is arguably the most comprehensive and popular photo editor around. Here are a couple of reasons why: When you work in Photoshop, you're not drawing from scratch; you're editing photos. Secondly, the program keeps you interested with a depth of capabilities that few pieces of software can match. Unlike other computer programs that have caught on like wildfire over the years, Photoshop is both powerful and absorbing.

Just because Photoshop is a pleasure to use doesn't mean that it's easy to master. Directed toward making you comfortable and productive with the program, Photoshop 7 For Dummies points out the features you need to know and shows you exactly how to use them ­– no pain; all gain. You'll discover ways to

• Work with the program window
• Switch between Photoshop and other programs
• Change the number of pixels in an image
• Define colors using the Color Palette
• Get ride of red eye
• Blur the edges of a selected area
• Apply filter effects

Photoshop guru and author Deke McClelland reveals his own techniques for quick and creative image editing, along with specific tips that Photoshop veterans can use to take advantage of the software's new features. Plan to get the hang of

• Producing high quality scans
• Adding background textures, bevels, and text effects
• Harnessing Photoshop's layering features and professional pre-press capabilities
• Applying different types of gradients
• Making a Web Photo Gallery
• Placing your image into PageMaker of InDesign
• Creating your own custom brush

Graphics abound in Photoshop 7 For Dummies, with 16 pages of glossy pictures to show off special issues related to color. You'll find commands for both PCs and Macs and lots of step-by-step instructions to guide your image-editing efforts for print or the Web – in no time!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Edit and retouch images like a pro - no experience required!

Loaded with tips on fixing flaws and creating extraordinary effects

The secrets of Photoshop image-editing - explained in plain English!

Photoshop gives you total control over digital images, whether you want to correct a minor flaw or liven things up with a spectacular special effect. But how do you get the hang of all those tools, palettes, and settings? Relax! With this fun and easy reference, you'll be editing images for print or the Web in no time.

The Dummies Way
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Icons and other navigational aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* Top ten lists
* A dash of humor and fun

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About the Author

Deke McClelland is one of the world's leading experts on digital graphics. Over 3 million copies of his books are in print.
Barbara Obermeier is a graphic designer, university instructor, and coauthor of several For Dummies books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1st edition (May 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764516515
• ISBN-13: 978-0764516511
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars John Nemerovski MyMac.com Book Review, December 6, 2002

By 

Tim E Robertson "Publisher MyMac" (Battle Creek, Mi United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Photoshop 7 for Dummies (Paperback)

I'm saving the best for last, so I hope you're still reading! Deke McClelland sets the standard for Photoshop authors, and MyMac.com plans to cover every item he publishes on the topic. What makes this Dummies entry into the Photoshop 7 arena worth raving about?

Two pages (four sides) of card stock are the first items you encounter when opening Photoshop 7 for Dummies. These quick reference "cheat sheets" present separate Windows and Macintosh keyboard commands for toolbars, selections, layers, palettes, and more. Worth a hefty portion of the price of this book, all on their own.

These authors write with a zippy, witty style that makes learning and using Photoshop fun (almost) and enjoyable (always). Did you know about "Dr. Photo and Mr. Shop"? If not, you need to begin with Chapter One and turn off the phone until you understand the difference.

Both Windows and Mac (OS X) screen shots are plentiful, making this book truly cross platform. Illustrations are bold and easy on the eyeballs, and tutorial steps are printed in bold type. Why don't other publishers realize how important printing and inking are to readers learning difficult material from scratch?

You want tips? How about warnings? Photoshop 7 for Dummies has them in profusion, on page after page. Special mention is given to each feature new to Photoshop 7, for all you upgraders. The brief color section has some mind-expanding examples of projects enumerated within the text.

I'm having a difficult time maintaining focus on this review, friends, because I'm itching to use the book to help me learn tons more about Photoshop 7. So let's stop here, with our highest recommendation of MacMice Rating: 5 out of 5. Bravo, Deke and Barbara. Thanks for your terrific book.

WOULD I BUY IT? Yes, and give it as a gift.

WOULD I USE IT IF IT WAS THE ONLY PHOTOSHOP BOOK AVAILABLE? We should be so lucky!

DO I RECOMMEND IT? Ubetcha.

http://www.mymac.com/book_bytes/fiveps7_12.6.02.shtml

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Little Too Advanced..., March 10, 2005

By 

MSLN - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Photoshop 7 for Dummies (Paperback)

I have always loved the Dummies Series and I will continue to purchase these informative books in the future; However, if you are not familliar with Photoshop to begin with, it's not the best choice.

A lot of the book refers back to previous editions of Photoshop, but the authors swing from one side to another - either thinking that the reader is using a computer for the very first time, or have just purchased 7.0 as an upgrade.

There is no middle ground for folks who have a solid computer background but just need to know what all the Photoshop options and icons do. Way too much of one chapter is dedicated to changing how the main screen is configured.

I would say anyone who is a complete computer novice, yet managed to have moderate usage of the previous PhotoShop versions should benefit from this book.

(And I hate it when authors offer to give a hint, but only if you purchase their OTHER book...)

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Photoshop 7 for Dummies, May 4, 2005

By 

cool ric "coolric" (florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Photoshop 7 for Dummies (Paperback)

Reads like stereo instructions. Too many technical graphics terms for a novice photo editor. I usually like the "for dummies" books but this one falls way short of the mark. I would recomend this book only to a seasoned graphic artist that was already familiar with the terminology.