Photoshop Elements 4: Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks

reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Books that are a “ how to guide “ offer an insight into working with a variety of applications. Some of these books work like a text book, detailing how to use the applications and utilize a wealth of text. Some don't always make for easy reading. But the better ones simplify the instruction by dividing the tutorials and focusing upon step-by-step approaches, using a visual oriented system that makes the learning easy and fun. Such a book is Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.

This 229-page book is divided into six chapters, which span the 100 instructional tips and tricks. The authors have divided the book into these six sections to teach about working with layering; using filters and effects; mastering type, shapes,brushes; working with photos; working with print, color and the web, speeding things up; working with other element tools; organizing your photos; working with creations in organizer; and exploring the features in Photoshop organizer. Both of the authors have designed several books in the Visual series of books. Their experience is demonstrated through their mastery of of the Photoshop through their easy to read yet comprehensive visual laden tutorials.

The colorful screenshots are integrated within the instruction. Numbers inside in red dots highlight the easy to read step-by-step instructions. Application laden screenshots demonstrate how the tools can be utilized to complete carefully designed tasks. The visuals not only save time but illustrate how to make your graphic endeavors more productive.

Each task spans two pages. Under the prominent task number on the top right page is a colored bar. Easy to read, the color bar, on the top of the exercise pages, indicate the difficulty level of each task. The difficulty rating can help differentiate which of the tasks to try first or can target the particular level of your expertise. The lowest level demonstrates a new spin on a common task. The second level, introduced a new skill or task. The third, combines multiple skills requiring in-depth knowledge while the forth requires extensive skill and may involve other technologies. I was glad to see also that these same rating levels are also listed in the beginning of each chapters’ tasks so at a glance, you can see which difficulty levels integrate into the tutorials of each chapter set of tasks. I thought this to be very helpful in gauging the level of expertise as compared to using the novice, intermediate and advance rating. Looking over the tasks gave a better understanding of the complexity of the tasks needs using the tools and the final outcome that needed to be performed.In addition, extra tip sections inserted in the tasks were highlighted. These included “Did you know?” “Customize it, ” “Put it together, ” “Caution.”

The book and the exercises are well thought out. Exercises like gif animation, text patterns, plug ins, use of scratch disks, use of the brushes and many of the 100 tutorials are not only interesting but help the user learn how to use the applications. The book also includes how to use images beyond working with your photographs. Making a calendar, postcards and much more can help spark your inner creativity while using the software in different ways you might not have thought.

Easy to understand, well laid out with 100 interesting tasks, there is something for everyone to learn or take to the next level of expertise. What more could you want from a book that helps you in many ways, visually lays out the instructions and gives you a better understanding while using Photoshop Elements 4? This book is not a textbook but an instructional visually based manual for learning how to make your photos better and using the images in different ways. For the price and what can be learned regarding Photoshop Elements 4, this book is a great buy.