Book Reviews by d.a.w. DESIGN
Photoshop and Dreamweaver Integration
By Colin Smith
REVIEW
A review of some random chapters
Chapter 2
UNDERSTAND AND USE COLOR AND IMAGERY TO REINFORCE THE MESSAGE
Everything to do with color, talking with color, color anatomy, choosing colors. An in-depth look into Photoshop’s color palette/picker and creating your own colors. It also explains to you why you should still be using “web- safe” colors, the swatches pallet and building your own color palette. Some very good information on color combinations and colors that complement each other for the beginner and I would say for the more advanced user also. And what about choosing a texture to add to your entry page, I never thought to do that, very neat idea. This chapter also explains about tiled backgrounds, creating tiled backgrounds, and creating seamless backgrounds in photoshop. The last part of chapter 2 is giving you some good advice on choosing the right images for a web site.
Chapter 7
STREAMLINING THE PROCESS —
USING CASCADING STYLE SHEETS AND TEMPLATES
To simplify the process of building a web site, learning to create Cascading style sheets (CSS) and Dreamweaver templates are essential. This chapter explains how to create CSS in Dreamweaver, attach a style sheet, modify one, and the advantages of creating your own CSS style in Dreamweaver. You are also shown how to create templates, use them, modify, add content, create hyperlinks, change appearance of a hyperlink, and convert a page to a template.
Chapter 11
ADDING THE COOL FACTOR
This chapter kicks off with using frames to create an image gallery in Dreamweaver. You make a left frame for thumbnail images and make a main frame to show a larger version of the thumbnail image. You get involved with setting frame properties and creating pages to load into the frame. Targeting the frame so that the right image/page loads into the right frame. Considerations in using frames. This chapter also shows you how to make a picture gallery using photoshop automation tools. I was pleased to see in this chapter creating an iframe. Boy did I have fun and games when I first did an inline frame (iframe). Not many Dreamweaver books show you how to do an iframe the easy way. I’m pleased to say this is the second book that shows you how its done the easy way. Rolling along its creating pop-up windows and jump menus. Many people think these are the same. They are not as you will find out. If you ever wanted to know how to stretch a website to fit the browser then the “Building a Liquid Site” is what you want. My thoughts on the chapters
The content of the chapters are truly amazing and no doubt should please the majority if not all.
The mix of Photoshop with Dreamweaver I feel is well balanced, especially with the importance of both programs. The handy tips and notes throughout the book are essential, I feel a good book. In a nutshell these chapters are perfect.
Marks:
Suggested retail $39.99
