Contents
Introduction ix
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CD
and Downloads xi
Chapter 1 Digital Imaging Fundamentals 1
Pixels: Digital Building Blocks 1
Understanding Resolution 3
Image Mode 5
Bit Depth 10
Time to Move On 10
Chapter 2 Photoshop’s Interface 11
Understanding the Interface 12
Chapter 3 Acquiring Digital Images 25
Digital Cameras 25
Scanners 31
Importing from CD/DVD 34
Stock Photo Services 35
Public Domain Images 36
Chapter 4 Sizing Digital Images 39
Resolution Revisited 39
Resampling 40
Resizing an Image 42
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vi Contents
Chapter 5 Selection Tools and Techniques 53
Basic Selection Tools 54
Additional Selection Commands 61
Intermediate Selection Techniques 63
Advanced Selection Techniques 71
Advice on Selections 77
Chapter 6 Painting and Drawing Tools 79
Working with Color 80
Painting Tools 85
Eraser Tools 106
Drawing Tools 106
Chapter 7 Layer Masking 111
Layer Mask Essentials 111
Mask Creation Strategies 115
Refining Masks 121
Advice on Masks 124
Chapter 8 Compositing with Layers 125
What Are Layers? 125
Why You Need Layers 126
Working with Multiple Layers 132
Creating a Panorama 138
Auto-Aligning Layers 140
Chapter 9 Using Blending Modes 143
About Blending Modes 143
Blending Modes in Action 147
Contents vii
Chapter 10 Color Correction and Enhancement 153
Approach to Color Correction 153
Primary Image Adjustments 154
Useful Image Adjustments 167
Not-so-useful Image Adjustments 178
Chapter 11 Repairing and Improving Photos 181
Image Selection 182
The Retoucher’s Toolbox 183
Restoration in Action 194
Chapter 12 Using the Type Tool 209
Role of Type 210
Choosing Fonts 210
Using Vector Type 212
Character Panel 214
Paragraph Panel 220
Modifying Text 222
Chapter 13 Layer Styles 227
Adding a Layer Style 228
Working with Layer Styles 237
Chapter 14 Maximizing Filters 241
Filters Defined 241
Preparing to Use Filters 242
Understanding Filter Interfaces 243
Getting the Best Results 247
The Guide to Standard Filters 249
viii Contents
Chapter 15 Actions and Automation 281
Actions 281
Automate Commands 289
Scripts 298
Automation with Adobe Bridge 304
Chapter 16 Printing, PDF, and Specialized Output 311
Professional Printing Options 311
Desktop Printing Options 313
Printing Commands 314
PDF Essentials 317
Specialized File Formats 321
Specialized Processes 328
End of the Road 334
Bonus Exercises 335