Member Avatar for coumarin

I just got an Adobe CS3 bundle containing: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat. I would love to find a good book about integrating those, is there such a thing? I saw one of the Dummies series but I have not had such good luck with them. I have not tried the Bible series, and there is one for CS3 suite, does anyone else out there have any suggestions?

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If the goal is a "magic book" that shows how the apps actually work together, look for a project-based, workflow-focused guide rather than a feature-by-feature manual. and were right that practice matters; since already has experience in each program, the fastest payoff is running complete jobs that force asset handoffs and output checks.

A practical starter workflow to practice on a real project (for example, a one-page brochure):

  • Prepare artwork in Photoshop using nondestructive edits and keep layered PSDs at print resolution (300 ppi for images destined for print).
  • Create logos and complex vector shapes in Illustrator; convert type to outlines or embed fonts only when sending to external vendors who lack them.
  • Place the PSD and AI files into InDesign via File > Place so links are maintained. Use paragraph and object styles, consistent swatches, and synchronized color settings across apps.
  • Before delivery, use InDesign Package to collect links and fonts, export to a print-ready PDF (PDF/X where appropriate), and run Acrobat Preflight to catch color, font, or transparency issues.

Look for books or courses that include downloadable project files and cover color management, linking vs embedding, packaging, and PDF/X output. Combine a suite-level workflow book with one solid app reference for the tool you use most. Note: CS3 is older—check system compatibility before relying on it for production, and keep backups of working files and serials.

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Member Avatar for HI2Japan

Don't listen to what other people recommend for a book. Everyone learns different so what I find to be very useful, you might think is useless. What I do recommend to people who ask is to learn one part of the program. Use it and understand it. Then read that part of the book, if what they say makes sense to you, that book should be good for you.

Member Avatar for buddylee17

Learn them one at a time based on your current interest. If you want to edit pictures, start with Photoshop. If you want to create nice vector graphics, start with Illustrator. All of the programs are considered the industry standard in there purpose. Just pick one and get started. There are plenty of tutorials available on the web. Also remember, Google is free and better than any single book.

Member Avatar for coumarin

Thanks. I am familiar with all 3 though. Oh boy, am I! I have been doing Photoshop since, well, I hate to admit how long. But...I am still on Photoshop 7. Things have changed since then. Illustrator, well I found out about its vectory goodness three years ago, and though I am not as good at Illustrator as I am Photoshop, I can cut a mean image map when I have a mind to. InDesign I got when it was in the 1st or 2nd revision and I have been savoring it's crunchy capabilities but not every day.

So, I guess that I am looking for the magic book which shows me that I can so too tie them all together (like the box says you can) and how do you use the new things that have popped up while I was just fiddling around with the old versions.

Any thoughts on that would be appreciated. It may be best if I just jump in or do the tutorials which come with them or Google my answers. I don't know and I do value your opinion on this. I just don't think I made myself clear enough. Thanks!

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