Adobe has been through some incredible changes since Photoshop CS2 was released. The acquisition of Macromedia enabled us to build an incredibly strong portfolio of world-class products; and it also enabled us to share software in the form of public betas. First in Photoshop Lightroom, and then later in Photoshop CS3, we were able to speed forthcoming technology to you, our eager users during several months of free, pre-release trial downloads. At the formal launch of the 3rd Creative Suite, we premiered another new member of the Photoshop family in our release of Photoshop CS3 Extended.

It goes without saying that thorough, accurate, well-written text is essential not just to learning this software, but also to keeping abridged of the many changes. Being a passionate Photoshop user since version 3.0, and a former tester of the application, I tend to approach tech editing such texts with a very detailed eye. As of the book you’re holding, I have now had the pleasure of working with Philip Andrews on several different projects. Philip’s work here is true to the diligence and consistency that I’ve come to expect from his writing. Beyond just delivering accurate information, Philip makes certain that it is always up to date and very enjoyable to read. Philip’s descriptions and tutorials make my job as a tech editor very easy, and they deliver to you an easy, approachable style rarely found in software instruction.

My respect and trust for Philip’s work were never more obvious to me than the last time I saw him at Photo Plus East in New York. There I was, on the busy tradeshow fl oor, inundated with a litany of very technical questions, and I looked up to see Philip, patiently waiting for me to fi nd a pause. Realizing that I wasn’t likely to be free anytime soon, I invited Philip to step into the pod and help demo some of his techniques to the eager folks around us. Watching and listening to Philip was like reading his books, I was quickly put at ease by his confi dent and easy going style.

I know that you’ll find this book an extremely valuable reference as you wade through the many new features in Photoshop CS3. I hope and trust that you’ll enjoy your time and learning with it as much as I have.

Have fun,

Bryan O’Neil Hughes

Photoshop Product Manager

Adobe Systems Inc.