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Course Name
Adobe InDesign CS3: Essentials

Contact Hours: 10

Course Description


Ranging from casual hobbyists to the most seasoned professionals, our users quickly learn new software applications and broaden their knowledge of programs currently used. Narrated in an entertaining format by industry experts and leading authors, our video-based software training titles are critical tools for anyone wanting to learn tips, techniques, and best practices from the most respected names in the business.

Adam's combination of real-world design experience, technical expertise, and training background make him an ideal InDesign CS3 software guide. In Part 1, he shows you how to navigate the new Adobe InDesign CS3 interface as well as all the paragraph, text, and character options available. In Part 2 you'll learn how to insert Photoshop, Illustrator and PDF files into your work and how to create and transform shapes and effects. Plus, you'll learn necessary skills for using color, working with layers, and preparing your designs for final output.

The student will have access to this course for 1 year. This self-directed course can be completed within 90 days or sooner depending on time and learning capabilities of the student.


Outcome
By completing this course you will:
  1. Learn to navigate the new user interface, customize important preferences, and create document presets and templates.
  2. Discover how to place multiple Photoshop and Illustrator files with just a few clicks and make all your images fit your layout with ease.
  3. Unleash the power of new transparency effects including bevels, glows, and gradient feathers.
  4. Save time with object styles, text wrap, and lots of tips and tricks along the way.
  5. Give your documents a professional polish with lessons on paragraph formatting options, indents and spacing, hyphenation, and formatting text with styles.

Assessment
Project files are included with this course to aid in your learning. There are no exams or tests.


Outline

Part 1

Lesson 1: QUICK START TOUR OF INDESIGN CS3 
  • Creating a New Document
  • Creating Guides
  • Placing Photoshop® Files
  • Placing Illustrator® Files
  • Using Transparency Effects
  • Placing & Formatting Text
  • Exporting to Adobe PDF
Lesson 2: CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE
  • Navigating the New Interface
  • Introducing the Control Panel
  • Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Customizing Menus
Lesson 3: ADJUSTING APPLICATION PREFERENCES 
  • Adjusting Interface Preferences
  • Customizing Typography
  • Adjusting Units, Grids & Guides
  • Customizing Spell Check
  • Controlling Display Settings
  • Handling Files & Clipboards
Lesson 4: WORKING WITH DOCUMENTS 
  • Creating New Documents
  • Working with Document Presets
  • Working with Templates
  • Opening Existing Documents
  • Missing Fonts & Outdated Links
  • Saving Backwards for Compatibility
Lesson 5: NAVIGATING INDESIGN DOCUMENTS
  • Navigating Pages & Layers
  • Zooming & Panning in a Document
  • Previewing a Document
  • Exploring Adobe Bridge®
Lesson 6: USING GUIDES & GRIDS 
  • Working with Margins & Columns
  • Setting Up Rulers
  • Working with Guides
  • Using Advanced Guide Techniques
Lesson 7: ADDING TEXT TO YOUR LAYOUTS
  • Understanding Frame Types
  • Formatting Text
  • Selecting Text
  • Placing Text Content
  • Threading Text Frames
  • Creating Text on a Path
  • Auto-Flowing Text Stories
Lesson 8: CHARACTER FORMATTING OPTIONS
  • Choosing Fonts
  • Controlling Font Size & Leading
  • Exploring Character Options
  • Adjusting Tracking & Kerning
  • Using the Eyedropper Tool
Lesson 9: PARAGRAPH FORMATTING OPTIONS
  • Controlling Alignment Options
  • Understanding Indents & Spacing
  • Controlling Hyphenation
  • Creating Drop Caps
  • Using Optical Margin Alignment
Lesson 10: FORMATTING TEXT WITH STYLES 
  • Creating Paragraph Styles
  • Applying Styles
  • Understanding Next Styles
  • Clearing Style Options
  • Redefining Styles
  • Importing & Managing Styles
  • Managing Styles
Lesson 11: DESIGNING WITH TABS & TABLES 
  • Formatting Text with Tabs
  • Creating, Selecting & Navigating Tables
  • Formatting Tables & Cells
  • Saving Time with Table & Cell Styles
  • Final Comments & Credits
Part2

Lesson 1: PLACING PHOTOSHOP® FILES
  • Introduction to Placing Photoshop Files
  • Scaling Images
  • Modifying Object Layer Options
  • Frame & Content Fitting Options
  • Placing Multiple Files
  • Managing Linked Images
Lesson 2: PLACING ILLUSTRATOR® & INDESIGN® FILES
  • Placing Illustrator Files
  • Placing InDesign Files
  • Working with Snippets
  • Using Libraries
Lesson 3: WORKING WITH SHAPES & TEXT WRAP
  • Creating Shapes & Frames
  • Customizing Shapes
  • Transforming Shapes
  • Aligning & Distributing Shapes
  • Applying Text Wrap
Lesson 4: WORKING WITH COLOR & SWATCHES
  • Applying a Stroke Color
  • Choosing Colors in the Color Panel
  • Creating New Color Swatches
  • Working with Gradient Swatches
  • Managing Swatches
Lesson 5: WORKING WITH LAYERS
  • Creating Layers
  • Putting Content on Layers
  • Managing Layers
Lesson 6: EFFECTS & TRANSPARENCY
  • Introducing Transparency
  • Using Transparency
  • Exploring New Effects
  • Finding Transparency
Lesson 7: INTRODUCING OBJECT STYLES
  • Creating New Object Styles
  • Applying Object Styles
  • Updating Object Styles
  • Defining Default Object Styles
Lesson 8: PREFLIGHT, PRINT & PDF
  • Preflighting Files
  • Packaging for Output
  • Understanding Printing Options
  • Exporting to Adobe PDF
  • Final Comments & Credits