Introduction

[ LiB ]

Welcome to the world of Paint Shop Pro 8.

First, let me say that I'm not a graphics or digital artist. In fact, I'm not any type of artist. I'm a teacher, and I've written this book with the thought in mind that most of us are not graphics artists . We're simply computer users who want to use our computer to create amazing graphics images. Paint Shop Pro 8 can help you create such graphics.

However, creating terrific graphics is not just a matter of drawing something on your screen. It's many steps put together. Most images are created out of several different objectseach with its own special effectand then assembled to create the final image. Sound complicated? I thought so at first, but it's really not; in fact, the Paint Shop Pro application makes it simple. This book, Paint Shop Pro 8 Fast & Easy , takes you through each process one step at a time.

Fast & Easy guides use a step-by-step approach and are written in an easy-to-understand common lingo. Each step is accompanied by a visual representation of your screen so that you can follow along and make sure you are on the right track.

This book is divided into four parts including three appendixes. In Part I, "Getting Started with the Basics," I show you how to control the tools that are used to create the basic objects. Although it's not the most exciting part of the book, it's certainly the most practical. Look out then! Things start to be lots of fun! In Parts II, "Working with Raster Graphics," and III, "Using Vector Graphics & Text," you learn how to assemble the objects and add special effects as well as the basics of creating graphics elements for publication to the Web. Part IV, "Special Photo Projects," includes steps for a couple of particular photographic projects such as removing red eye from photos. Finally, the appendixes show you how to save time with Paint Shop Pro keystroke shortcuts, list Web sites you can go to for cool Paint Shop Pro accessories, and present examples of just a few of the wonderful special effects.

Through this book, you learn how to create images, but what you create is up to you! Your imagination is the only limit to what you can do with the images after that. This book cannot begin to teach you everything you can do with Paint Shop Pro 8, nor will it give you all the different ways to accomplish a task. What I have tried to do is give you the fastest and easiest way to get started with this fun and exciting graphics program.

[ LiB ]