Quick tips
McClelland has created special settings ("Deke keys") that save time and keystrokes. When you set them up ahead of time--and you will supposedly have done this if you follow the instructions in close order--you should be able to perform certain frequent moves much faster. I did have a problem with Deke keys shortcuts, though. They just wouldn't show up—even though I followed installation instructions several times. Probably my bad somehow.

The layout is very effective for teaching. A few points:

• Great screen shots—lots of pictures of what each move should look like
• End of chapter lists key concepts--and answers in case you didn't get it!
• Index for quick reference
• Provides key strokes in ( ) for Mac
• Tone is light-hearted and encouraging--"Anyone can learn this. It's not hard."
• "Extra Credit" boxes--you can come back to those topics or move on, and you won't be at a loss on the next topic
• "About this lesson" states clear objectives and tells how they'll be achieved. (Having the page numbers here is unusual but helpful.)
• Thorough. Shows multiple ways to do most functions

My favorite things in the world--Keyboard shortcuts!
Bless Deke for thinking the same way I do on this score--I'm always looking for keyboard alternatives to mouse moves. He sprinkles these shortcuts liberally throughout the text. So if you're an old-time keyboard shortcut nut like me, go here for a partial list.

All told, I'd say if you want to learn Adobe InDesign CS and you have to do it in small chunks of time and/or can't attend a class, buy this book. Plus you can use it for review and to learn extra stuff even if you do attend a class.

It's about as easy to use as any training book can be—and hey, I got paid for that weekend project.