The home study courses consist of Officially endorsed ACE Courses books, accompanying CD Rom’s containing exercise files and online CertBlaster Exam Preparation Software.
In this book, students will identify the components of the Photoshop environment, learn about the differences between raster and vector graphics, and learn how to use Adobe Bridge.
Students will explore various methods of selecting image areas and will learn how to modify and manipulate selections. In addition, students will also learn how to work with text, layers, and layer effects; how to adjust, retouch, and resize images; and how to prepare images for printing and the Web.
The following topics are covered: File types; The Photoshop environment; and Getting help.
- Unit 2: Working with Image Selections
The following topics are covered: Selection techniques; and Modifying selections.
- Unit 3: Working with Layers
The following topics are covered: Creating layers; Modifying layers; Using Type layers; and Using layer effects.
The following topics are covered: Image modes; Hue/Saturation and Vibrance adjustments; and Levels adjustments.
- Unit 5: Retouching Images
The following topics are covered: Repairing image defects; Painting; Using the Background Eraser; and Using filters.
The following topics are covered: Image resolution; and Image canvas size.
- Unit 7: Preparing Finished Images
The following topics are covered: Images for Web use; Images for print use; Outputting images; Printing an image; and Importing images.
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Advanced Course Book:
In this course book, students will learn how to use color fills, gradients, patterns, and overlays and will also create layer masks, grayscale masks, and clipping masks to show or hide various parts of an image.
Students will then learn how to create and edit paths and convert type to paths. In addition, students will learn how to apply a variety of creative effects, use the Vanishing Point feature and Smart Filters, create layer comps, and prepare images for use in video productions. Finally, students will learn how to work more efficiently in Photoshop.
The following topics are covered: Filling image areas; Gradients and patterns; and Layer overlays.
The following topics are covered: Mask channels; Layer masks; Grayscale masks; and Clipping masks.
The following topics are covered: Creating vector paths; Editing vector paths; Vector masks; and Paths for creative imagery.
- Unit 4: Creative Image Effects
The following topics are covered: Painted effects; Warping; Efficient compositing; Vanishing Point; Smart Filters; Layer comps; and Images for video.
The following topics are covered: Actions; Organizing actions; Batch processing; and Customizing Photoshop.
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Color Printing Course Book:
This course book focuses on the specific information needed to create professional-looking images for high-end business printers and commercial print shops. In this course, students will learn how to optimize color management for print. They will explore various techniques for adjusting the quality of an image and making color adjustments. Students will learn how to use CYMK separations for prepress, customize ink options, and adjust CYMK curves. Students will also explore various options for using grayscale, spot-color, and duotones.
The following topics are covered: Color management basics; Calibration and synchronization; Color space conversion; and Printing with color management.
- Unit 2: Photographic Techniques
The following topics are covered: Digital photo quality; Photographic adjustments; Lens adjustments; and Merging images.
- Unit 3: RGB Image Adjustments
The following topics are covered: Color correction principles; Measuring color; Automatic adjustments; Curves adjustments; Hand-retouching color; and Color replacement.
The following topics are covered: Prepress color settings; Creating color separations; CMYK image adjustments; and Sharpening.
- Unit 5: Greyscale & Spot Colors
The following topics are covered: Grayscale conversion; Spot-color images; and Duotones.
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Web Design Course Book:
In this course book, students will learn how to optimize images for the Web, balancing quality and file size. Students will also explore techniques for slicing an image and exporting the slices. In addition, students will learn how to ensure that their designs work as intended on mobile devices. Then, students will learn how to create Web photo galleries, automate various tasks, and create simple animations.
- Unit 1: Optimising Web Images
The following topics are covered: Web image size; Optimization; Fine-tuning quality; and Creating transparency.
The following topics are covered: Full-page designs; Basic slicing; Advanced slicing and Exporting Web pages.
- Unit 3: Web & Device Features
The following topics are covered: Links and status-bar messages; Device Central; and Zoomify.
- Unit 4: Automating Web Tasks
The following topics are covered: Color and size adjustments; Droplets; Web photo galleries; and Data-driven graphics.
The following topics are covered: Creating animation; and Animation output options.
Pre-Requirements:
There are no particular entry requirements as the course is set out for beginners although students will require their own version of Adobe Photoshop CS4 to complete the home study courses.
Course Duration & Support:
Students may register at any time. The home study courses are designed as self-study courses but if you have any problems you can email our email support. As the home study courses are self study you can complete in as little or as long a time as you prefer, and we do not impose a cut-off date for study.
Assessment:
Assessment is in the form an Adobe Certified Expert Examination. Examinations are in a multiple choice/multiple answer format and are 90 minutes in length each.
Qualification:
