CorelDraw 9 Bible

"Complete Coverage"

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book coverTitle: CorelDraw 9 Bible
Author: Deborah Miller http://www.rainwatermedia.com/cd9bible
Publisher: IDG Books, Inc. http://www.idgbooks.com
Publication Date: September 1999
Pages: 942 with CD
ISBN: 0-7645-3315-0
Price: $39.99
Type of Book    
CorelDraw 9 Bible, is a comprehensive guide to CorelDraw 9, an illustration program. It is written for both Mac and Windows users, and the book can be used as an introductory aid for beginners and a useful reference tool for more experienced users. It covers the program's fundamentals and advanced special effects. There are plenty of examples to display the full range of CorelDraw's possibilities: learn how to create Web images using enhanced graphics and 3D editing features; master new features like smart duplication, batch import features, and the flat interface; practice what you've learned with tutorials on the CD-ROM; find out how top graphic designers create dynamic illustrations with CorelDraw; use starter files on CD-ROM to create complex illustrations in half the time; learn how to prepare your files for production to avoid costly problems; and view CorelDraw illustrations in the special 16-page color section. The accompanying CD-ROM includes free clip art samples and software, shareware, and demo software. IDG Books has other books in the Bible series. See their Web site for more information: http://www.idgbooks.com
User Level    
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced computer users. This book is written for a diverse range of users. There are starter tutorial files on the CD-ROM to help graphic novices get through some of the exercises. For intermediate and advanced users, the author pays special attention to new features and tools that let you work more efficiently and creatively.
Review    

CorelDraw 9 Bible is made up of 17 chapters divided into 4 parts. If you are a novice publisher or designer, you can read the book in order because the process of page design is presented in increasing levels of sophistication. If you are experienced, you can read the book in any order--pick the sections or chapters that cover the design issues you want to know more about. The book is very well organized, and even though it is not in color, it has a wealth of illustrations and tables on almost every other page. Each chapter begins with an overview of its information, and ends with a quick summary.

Icons--There are various icons placed in the text to indicate important or especially helpful items:

  • Tip:--Documented or undocumented hints to help you.
  • New Feature: New or enhanced features in Draw.
  • Note: Another way of performing a task or hints to remember.
  • On the CD-ROM: Serves as a guide to the tutorial files located on the companion CD.
  • Caution: This icon is a warning to use caution, as indicted.
  • Cross-Reference: guides you to other information about a specific topic.
  • Shortuct: Provides you with common keyboard shortcuts for commands.
  • Quick Start: This short tutorial, which shows you how to create an image map for use on the Web, gives you a feel for the program and shows you how easy it is to use some of Draw's basic tools and commands.

    Part I: Essentially CorelDraw 9

    Chapter 1: Out of the Box--getting started in Draw; exploring the drawing window; using control elements; getting help; creating lines, shapes, and curves; using geometric drawing tools; selecting and viewing objects; and using the onscreen Color palette.

    Chapter 2: Manipulating Objects--learning what Draw can do; positioning objects on the drawing page; transforming objects; editing elements in your document; and arranging objects.

    Chapter 3: Using the Shape Tool--editing geometric objects; modifying objects with the Shape tool; and using the Node Edit docker and the Property bar.

    Chapter 4: Adding Text to Documents--choosing a text type; using Artistic text; using Paragraph text; specifying text attributes; basic text formatting; customizing text commands; editing Paragraph text; importing text into Draw; using text styles; viewing text statistics; using the writing tools; and transforming Paragraph text.

    Chapter 5: Editing Objects--using the Transform toolbar; working with the Free Transform tools; understanding the Eraser and Knife tools; using Intersect, Weld, and Trim; and working with 3D objects.

    Part II: Draw 9 in the Works

    Chapter 6: Managing Documents--planning ahead; ;using Draw 9's save features; using the Object Data feature; specifying page properties; managing multipage documents; specifying units of measurement; selecting a view; and creating effective layouts in Draw.

    Chapter 7: Orchestrating Objects and Layers--managing objects and styles; working with the Object Manager; managing layers and pages; using graphics and text styles; using color styles; and creating templates.

    Chapter 8: Importing and Exporting Elements--importing images and text; exporting images; understanding OLE; and scanning tips and tricks.

    Chapter 9: Manipulating Bitmaps--bitmap editing basics; cropping and scaling bitmaps; rotating and skewing bitmaps; editing bitmap colors; tracing bitmaps; resampling images; and working with bit depths.

    Part III: Tricks and Tweaks

    Chapter 10: Adding Effects to Bitmaps--discovering bitmap effects; using Draw 9's bitmap filters; and using plug-ins and add-ons.

    Chapter 11: Creating Word Art--discovering the difference: Artistic and Paragraph text; fitting text to a path; embedding graphics in text; creating collegiate-style text; adding drop shadows and highlights; using text as a mask; putting a spin on text; shaping text with envelopes; flowing text around graphics; and adding symbols.

    Chapter 12: Designing with Fills and Lines--choosing a fill; applying uniform fills; using the Fountain Fill dialog box; using special fills; using the Interactive Fill tool; adding mesh fills; creating special effects with fills; using the Eyedropper and paintbucket tools; using the outline Pen dialog box; creating with Artistic Media; and using color adjustment tools.

    Chapter 13: Imaging Possibilities with Special Effects--adding perspective to objects; adding blended effects; using the contour effect; using the Interactive Distortion tool; working with the envelope effect; adding extrusions; working with drop shadows; creating lens effects; working with PowerClips; and using presets.

    Chapter 14: Customizing Draw--configuring basic options; customizing shortcuts; customizing toolbars; customizing menus; working with dockers; creating a library of custom workspaces; customizing filters; specifying associations; customizing color palettes; and using color management.

    Part IV: Making It Public with Draw

    Chapter 15: Using Draw in the Office--developing a common theme; creating an invoice; designing an office newsletter; and creating a brochure.

    Chapter 16: Successful Printing and Output--printing basics; output considerations; specifying basic printing options; specifying PostScript printing options; using color management; working with a service bureau; and creating color separations.

    Chapter 17: Publishing on the Web--creating images for the WWW; creating HTML text; working with Internet objects; working with bookmarks; publishing a Web document; resolving HTML conflicts; exporting objects for the Web; and creating the LACC Web page.

    Appendixes

    Appendix A: Shortcuts
    Appendix B: Resources
    Appendix C: What's on the CD-ROM

    Personal Comments    
    The CorelDraw 9 Bible is a great resource book. It is well organized, comprehensive, and appropriate for all level graphic designers. I really like the Bible series books. The icons are helpful to remind you of information. The pages are full of illustration after illustration.
     

    Graphics: Adobe Illustrator & Adobe Photoshop
    Web Page Editor: Macromedia Dreamweaver 3.0
    Scanner: Hewlett Packard ScanJet 6250C Professional Series

     

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