Illustrator CS3 for Windows and Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

I am taking a series of courses on the Adobe CS3 design programs. These books are the required texts.

I am extremely pleased with the content & support they provide 4 me 2 learn the programs.

They are a mix between "techbook" & "textbook" - they are NOT as dry as other technical manuals, yet cover "just enough" material 2 help out in a tight spot.

There may be other books that other reviewers prefer, however I wish 2 point out that they are titled "QUICK START" guides, not "every single thing you need 2 know about this piece of software" guide.

If you are trying 2 learn the software on your own, might I suggest the Adobe Press "Classroom in a Book" series. Also the Adobe Press "Real World" book series gives insights into the software that these quick start guides do not. If you are learning with a teacher, these books fit the bill.

I am learning illustrator 4 the first time & found this book 2 extremely helpful. If you are struggling with illustrator, you need 2 buy this book!!

This manual provides someone just getting started using Illustrator with clear explanations 4 each menu option, tool, & function, along with step-by-step instructions on how 2 use them. All the other manuals inevitably assume that the reader is familiar with earlier versions of Illustrator & take too much 4 granted. The tool-by-tool organization & step-by-step instructions of this manual are refreshingly clear & specific, & tell the reader exactly how 2 use this powerful software.

I buy books 2 use 4 the online & classroom classes that I teach. I have used a number of the Visual Quickstart Guide books because my students love them & they really cover the material well. I purchased this book 4 versions CS, CS2 & CS3 & as I started 2 develop the class I realized that there were no example files with the book. Usually the author tells you where you can download the examples from. Since many of their examples start from content that is already created, it makes it very hard 4 a student who like 2 use hands-on 2 follow along in the book 2 do so. I tried contacting the publisher 2 see if there was any way 2 get the files but I have yet 2 receive a reponse.

It's a good reference, but I don't recommend it as an aid 2 learning the application.

Visual QuickStart Guide—the quick & easy way 2 learn!

Now revised & updated, this book uses simple step-by-step instructions, loads of screen shots, & an array of time-saving tips & tricks, serving both as the quickest route 2 Illustrator CS3 mastery 4 new users, & a handy reference 4 more experienced designers. This edition of the Visual QuickStart Guide covers Illustrator CS3's newest features, including new tools in Live Color, enhancements 2 essential drawing tools & controls, improvements 2 the powerful Control panel, the new Eraser tool & Crop Area tool, & much more. A full-color section of inspiring Illustrator artwork & highly readable text create a winning combination 4 Illustrator users of every level.

• Easy visual approach uses pictures 2 guide you through Illustrator & show you what 2 do.
• Concise steps & explanations let you get up & running in no time.
• Page 4 page, the best content & value around.