Lynda.com Illustrator CS4 Beyond the Basics

Author: Mordy Golding | Duration (hr:min): 09:42 | Language: English | 1DVD | Released on: 4/3/2009 | Exercise files: Yes | Size ( Compressed ): 883MB | Size ( After Extraction ): 1.04GB

Description
Covering a wide range of topics, from advanced masking to chart creation, Illustrator CS4 Beyond the Basics reveals a whole new level of power, creativity, and efficiency with Illustrator. Instructor Mordy Golding explores how to work with Live Paint groups, get the most out of the Live Trace feature, and take advantage of Illustrator’s wide range of effects. He also discusses advanced transformation techniques, powerful 3D functionality, and important color concepts. Exercise files accompany the course.
Topics include:

* Tracing artwork both automatically and manually
* Mapping artwork to complex 3D surfaces
* Using pressure-sensitive distortion tools
* Recoloring artwork across a document
* Using Excel data to create charts and graphs
* Understanding how transparency really works
* Creating high-quality, press-ready PDFs
* Building efficient files with graphic styles


Table Of Contents
Introduction
Welcome
Using the exercise files

1. The Joys of Live Paint
Introducing Live Paint
Drawing in Illustrator
Creating a Live Paint group
Using the Live Paint Bucket tool
Using Live Paint with open paths
Detecting gaps in Live Paint groups
Adding paths to a Live Paint group
Using the Live Paint Selection tool
Releasing and expanding Live Paint groups
Understanding how Live Paint groups work

2. Converting Pixels to Paths
Introducing the trace options
Setting expectations: Live Trace
Using the Live Trace feature
Understanding how Live Trace works
Making raster-based adjustments
Tracing with fills, strokes, or both
Making vector-based adjustments
Adjusting colors in Live Trace
Using Photoshop with Live Trace
Releasing and expanding Live Trace artwork
Saving and exporting Live Trace presets
Tracing in Batch mode with Adobe Bridge
Turning an image into mosaic tiles
Tracing an image manually

3. Adding Dimension with 3D
Introducing 3D
Setting expectations: 3D in Illustrator
How fills and strokes affect 3D artwork
Applying the 3D Extrude & Bevel effect
Applying a bevel
Showing the hidden faces of a 3D object
Applying the 3D Revolve effect
Visualizing the revolve axis
Applying the 3D Rotate effect
Adjusting surface settings
Understanding the importance of 3D and groups
Preparing art for mapping
Mapping artwork to a 3D surface
Hiding geometry with 3D artwork mapping
Extending the use of 3D in Illustrator

4. Advanced Transformations and Effects
Introducing transformations and effects
Using the Transform panel
Repeating transformations
Using the Transform Each function
Using the Convert to Shape effects
Using the Distort & Transform effects
Using the Path effects
Using the Pathfinder effects

5. Using Graphic Styles
Introducing graphic styles
Applying graphic styles
Defining graphic styles
Previewing graphic styles
Modifying graphic styles
Understanding graphic styles for text

6. Advanced Masking Techniques
Introducing advanced masking techniques
Understanding clipping masks
Using layer clipping masks
Creating opacity masks

7. Working with Color
Introducing color
Considering three types of color swatches
Managing color groups
Understanding the HSB color wheel
Understanding color harmonies
Using the color guide
Limiting the color guide
Modifying color with the Recolor Artwork feature
Using the Edit tab to adjust color
Using the Assign tab to replace colors
Making global color adjustments
Using Recolor options
Converting artwork to grayscale
Simulating artwork on different devices
Accessing Kuler directly from Illustrator
Ensuring high contrast for color-blind people

8. Understanding Transparency
Introducing transparency
Understanding transparency flattening
Exercising the two rules of transparency flattening
Understanding complex regions in transparency flattening
Exploring the transparency flattener settings
Using transparency flattening and object stacking order
Using the Flattener Preview panel
Creating and sharing Transparency Flattener presets
Working within an EPS workflow
Understanding the Illustrator and InDesign workflow

9. Prepress and Output
Introducing prepress and output
Understanding resolutions
Discovering RGB and CMYK "gotchas"
Using Overprints and Overprint Preview
Understanding "book color" and proofing spot colors
Collecting vital information with Document Info
Previewing color separations onscreen
Making 3D artwork look good
Seeing white lines and knowing what to do about them
Creating "bulletproof" press-ready PDF files
Protecting content with secure PDFs
Using PDF presets
Moving forward: The Adobe PDF Print Engine

10. Distorting Reality
Introducing distortions
Using the Warp effect
The Warp effect vs. envelope distortion
Applying the Make with Warp envelope distortion
Applying the Make with Mesh envelope distortion
Applying the Make with Top Object envelope distortion
Editing envelopes
Adjusting envelope settings
Releasing and expanding envelope distortions
Applying envelope distortions to text
Using the liquify distortion tools
Customizing the liquify tools

11. Working with Blends
Introducing blends
Blending two objects
Adjusting blend options
Blending anchor points
Blending three or more objects
Replacing the spine of a blend
Reversing the direction of a blend
Releasing and expanding a blend

12. Creating Charts and Graphs
Introducing charts and graphs
Setting expectations: Graphs in Illustrator
Creating a chart
Importing data
Formatting data
Customizing a chart
Combining chart types
Creating graph designs
Styling and updating graphs
Ungrouping graphs

13. Making Sense of Gradient Mesh
Introducing Gradient Mesh
Understanding the Gradient Mesh feature
Using Gradient Mesh to add contoured shading
Using Gradient Mesh to create photorealistic effects

14. Adding Flair with the Flare tool
Introducing flare effects
Drawing a lens flare
Modifying a lens flare
Using a mask with lens flares

Conclusion
Goodbye


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