Photoshop for the Web by Mikkel Aaland

A review by Phyllis Hartroft & Nina Kohser

Photoshop for the Web by Mikkel Aaland is published by O’Reilly and covers Adobe’s latest version of Photoshop (5.5). As the author of the book states in the preface, "This is by no means a basic Photoshop Book." It assumes a working knowledge of Photoshop. The author recommends Photoshop in a Nutshell for basic procedures and we heartily agree (see Phyllis’review at http://ww.lccsohio.org/Reviews/PhotoShop/PsNutshell.html).

Adobe Photoshop 5.5 software program is essentially the same as version 5.0 and the package even includes the same manual. A small supplementary manual is provided for the added features of Photoshop 5.5 and ImageReady 2.0, a "Streamlined image processing [program] for the Web professional." It is included with Photoshop 5.5.

The purpose of Photoshop for the Web is to focus on the new features in Photoshop 5.5. At the same time, it describes how to manually do the procedures in earlier releases of Photoshop. The book is richly embellished with 160 color illustrations. In addition it contains 230 pages of text and black and white illustrations. It is divided into 12 chapters, ending with ImageReady 2.0 "From Photoshop to ImageReady and back." ImageReady is a small section of the book because many of its shared features can be accomplished in Photoshop 5.5 itself. The ImageReady chapter covers three main features: Slicing (dividing images into smaller parts for faster download), Animation (images in motion), and Rollover effects (for interactive mouse control by users to change an image).

Each chapter explains and describes topics in easily understood narrative. These are followed by step-by-step instructions for the procedures. There are also frequent shaded boxes which emphasize important procedures, special instructions, and recommendations.

The biggest problem in our experience in creating graphics for the Web is to make the file size as small as possible without losing too much quality. Smaller is better for more rapid downloading and display. Also, the desired display size of the image has to match the 72 DPI limitation of the Web.

There are two main formats for Web images: GIF (an 8-bit format) and JPEG (a 24-bit format). GIF, but not JPEG, supports transparency and is smaller file size but it is not as good as JPEG for full color photographs. The book explains the crucial and subtle differences between the two formats and gives specific recommendations when to use each. A newer graphics file format is PNG which is gaining support as an alternative for GIF and JPEG formats. It is covered in detail in the appendix.

The Type tool is the subject of a separate chapter which includes special effects using filters and layers. Especially in this chapter and in Navigational Graphics, the author refers to valuable tips and techniques contributed by professional Web designers. Many other features are covered, including backgrounds and laying out pages. Color management is described in context in appropriate chapters and sections.

Photoshop for the Web is a thorough, detailed book and much to its credit, it is easy to use and easy to find specific procedures. It is very readable and in fact the user can sit down, relax, and read descriptions and explanations that augment the step-by-step procedures. This book makes the Photoshop program much more user-friendly — it really does!

The book retails for $29.95 and can be purchased directly from O’Reilly at 800-998-9938 or www.oreilly.com

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