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.
Article comments
1 - Michael
I could use some help with my InDesign. I'm using Indesign CS on my Mac. The problem is that I managed to hide all the panels from my InDesign. The program opens normally and the upper panel shows that InDesign is in use and open, but all the other panels and toolboxes are gone and I can't do anything with the program except to open my works.
Could you guys give some advice, I would REALLY appreciate it...
2 - Barbara Payne
Hi, Michael. I wrote that review a couple of years ago, and I haven't used InDesign since. Why not try a Google group for designers? Somebody will have the answer for you in no time!
Thanks for reading.