In part 1, "Strolling Before Running," you learn about such computer-graphics concepts as color depth, color reduction, anti-aliasing, and interpolation. This section then teaches you how to acquire images via scanner, Photo CD, and digital camera. You become familiar with how to set your Photoshop preferences, optimize the palettes, and perform a few simple tasks using selections and layers. Part 2, "Basic Magic Using Photoshop," provides an introduction to the new features in this version and shows you how to work with selections, layers, and paths, and use various photo-retouching techniques.

In part 3, "Intermediate Magic and Photoshop," you restore old photographs; create surrealistic images; work with mixed media, such as scans of drawings, Encapsulated Post-Script (EPS) files, and screen captures; and use different color modes. You also create photorealistic composite images. Part 4, "Extended Uses for Photoshop," moves into more sophisticated compositions; a woman winds up sitting in the palm of a man's hand, and you fine-tune the results to make them look believable. You also import files, such as Illustrator images, into Photoshop and apply filters for a variety of special effects. In "Publishing and Beyond," part 5, you learn how to output to different printers, service bureaus, and film recorders and to produce Web graphics and animations.