Course objectives:
-Use quick mask mode, alpha channels, and layer masks to isolate image areas. Create clipping groups to use one layer's contents to mask another's
-Create vector paths as tools for selecting images, for creating transparent areas in images to be used with other applications and for drawing shapes
-Create colour swatches, gradients and patterns, all of which can be saved and loaded in sets for convenience
-Create layer styles that can apply effects, colours, patterns and gradients in one step
-Use the background eraser and the extract command to create complex masks quickly and accurately, even for images with indistinct edges and very fine details
Course content:
Masking and layers
-Editing quick masks and alpha channels; editing selections in quick mask mode; viewing colour channels; creating alpha channels from selections; editing alpha channels
-Layer masks; working with layer masks
-Grayscale masking; creating a soft vignette mask; painting a mask with varying opacity; creating a layer mask in an adjustment layer
-Clipping groups; creating clipping groups; clipping adjustment layers to image layers
-Using liquify filter
Vector paths
-Vector path concepts
-Creating vector paths; using the freeform pen tool; saving and loading paths; using the pen tool
-Editing paths; moving sub paths and path points; add, delete and convert anchor points; using path tool shortcuts; combining paths
-Using paths for masking; making a selection from a path; creating an image clipping path; creating a layer clipping path
Swatches, gradients, patterns
-Swatches; creating and using swatches; using fill shortcuts to fill areas
-Gradients; using and creating gradients
-Patterns; creating seamless tiles with the tile maker filter
Layer types and styles
-Fill layers; creating solid colour, gradient and pattern layers
-Drawing and painting shapes; creating and combining shapes with the shape tools; stroking text converted to paths
-Layer styles; applying and creating layer styles
Advanced masking
-The background eraser; preparing an image for complex; complex masking with the background eraser
-The extract command; using the extract command
-Using channels
Filters
-Smart filters
-Lighting effects
-Combining filters
Web graphics
-Overview
-Optimising images for the web
-Saving images for the web
Other Recommended Programmes
-Adobe Illustrator Levels 1 and 2
-Adobe Acrobat Professional
-QuarkXPress Levels 1 and 2
-Adobe Flash Levels 1 and 2
-Adobe Dreamweaver Levels 1 and 2
-Microsoft FrontPage Levels 1 and 2
