United States of AmericaThe Document Tabs feature pleased the entire crowd.
University of Nevada Reno
Event DetailsWe had a good turnout for the Reno InDesign User group’s last meeting for 2008. Our chairperson, Jim Cooper, presented "live" examples of many InDesign CS4 features.
With an almost equal number of PC and Mac users in attendance, he took care to point out at least one subtle difference (Application Frame option) between platforms. The Document Tabs feature pleased the entire crowd.
He proceeded with a demonstration of Live Preflight, emphasizing that it is one of the most compelling reasons to publish using CS4. He simultaneously gave us some good reasons for re-discovering the Welcome Screen, while showing us an example of overset text in the preloaded templates. He said Adobe put that there on purpose. Jim seems to have a knack for combining demonstrations with suggestions for practical use.
We saw Spread Rotation in action, followed closely by some new layout enhancements (Smart Guides/Dimensions/Spacing). He joked that if we were prone to migraines, we should move our InDesign objects around slowly at first, until we got used to the feature. We learned how to turn off these features, along with the Show Transformation Values feature in Preferences.
From there, we got a chance to see Spread View Rotation, Power Zoom, One-Click Guide Deletion, and a walk-through for customization for the Links Panel. Jim also gave a quick tip on options for handling embedded-image situations. Speaking of images, one of the coolest and time saving features he showed was how, by default, InDesign will proportionally constrain a placed graphic as we draw its frame with the "loaded" cursor.
Maybe the biggest "hiccup" of the evening was when he tried to show us Smart Text Reflow. He did make up for it with some examples of things we can do to enhance our experience while we were waiting for a chance to upgrade. This included Multiple-Language spell check, Story Editor view, a non-mainstream use of the Eyedropper tool, taking advantage of the Notes Panel, and creating/maintaining a "custom" dictionary.
Jim also followed up on one of the themes from our User Group Summer Series, interactive PDF. With improvements to the Buttons panel (and accompanying Sample Buttons), we saw how even the "graphically impaired" (as he called himself) can create a practical and pleasant screen-reading experience. He pointed to the new Page Size options available in CS4 as evidence that even traditional print publishers should take advantage of interactive publication opportunities, with such intuitive tools now at their disposal.
We concluded with our raffle, and there were two lucky winners of Adobe CS3 Suite software and one winner (Jeff) of InDesign CS4.
As always, we are grateful to Adobe for their continued support of the User Group program.
Thanks also to Peachpit Press (www.peachpit.com), O’Reilly (www.oreilly.com), and Apsiva (www.apsiva.com) for their generosity.
We also offer special thanks to the Bring Bri Justice foundation, for assisting us in our raffle.
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Launch Tour
New York: January 16, 2009
Chicago: January 21, 2009
Los Angeles: February 19, 2009
Learn everything you need to know about the new Adobe Creative Suite 4!
This one-day seminar brings the best of both worlds: in the morning, get an overview of what’s new in Adobe Creative Suite 4 directly from some of Adobe’s best presenters; in the afternoon, two tracks—design and web—given by renowned industry experts, provide in-depth information, tips and tricks, and productive techniques. Whether you’ve already upgraded to Adobe Creative Suite 4 or are still deciding, this is your chance to get all the info you need!
For more details or to register (only $49), go to www.mogo-media.com.
Photoshop World Conference & Expo
Boston: March 25-27, 2009
Three extraordinary days of Photoshop, photography, and design training, packed with the latest products, cutting-edge technologies, bonus classes, and social events. IDUG member benefit of $150 discount! (See your Member Benefits page for details.)
For more information or to register, to go www.photoshopworld.com.
Remember to check back on this site for ongoing information on industry events.
Jim pre-invited us to the January User Group meeting — January 15th at the offices of the Glenn Group. Early-arriving attendees will be treated to a short tour of their newly-remodeled, environmentally-enhanced offices. Check out their website at www.theglenngroup.com to view some of their work and a few pics of the building.
