Introduction to Adobe CS5

PROFITT CurriculumGraphic Design Module 1Graphic Design Fundamentals

Adobe CS5

Adobe Systems (commonly referred to simply as Adobe) is a software company which develops computer applications for creative development.

Includes many programs tailored to different areas of design including print, video, and interactive.

CS5.5

Creative Suite (CS) refers to a collection of applications used for the same type of design.

5.5 refers to the edition of the applications. As of this writing, CS5 is the most recent edition.

Note: There are differences between all of the versions as changes are made and new features added. However, with a basic understanding of one version of the program, it is possible to figure out how to use past versions.

CS5.5

The three programs transcribers-in-training will learn are:

Photoshop Illustrator InDesign

Each program is tailored for one specialty

Photoshop

Used for editing and manipulating raster images

Generally, if you need to make changes to a photograph you use Photoshop.

Illustrator

Used for creating vector images Illustrator will be most useful when

creating Tiger graphics.

Note: Vector and raster images will be discussed later in this lesson

InDesign

A desktop publishing program used to develop precise page layouts.

When combining many images and type, InDesign is the best choice.

Notes

Many of the features of these programs overlap so you may think you can do everything using only one. While this may be true, each program is tailored for one specialty.

Learning to use the correct program is the most efficient way to work and gives the most options when making edits.

Notes

There are also many other applications created by different software companies which have similar functions.

Corel Draw is similar to Illustrator

Quark is similar to InDesign

The Adobe products were chosen because of their popularity but any familiarity with these other programs will help you learn faster because of the comparable functions.