Hands-on instruction makes this a highly valuable and practical guide to Illustrator 8. Users of all levels of expertise, whether working on the Windows or Macintosh platform, can put Illustrator to work right away. There's a substantial introduction to the program at the beginning. Author Deke McClelland helps you create simple drawings using points, precision curves, normal text, customized type treatment, and graphs. Next, you learn how to make advanced, customized images by modifying and combining paths; using schematic tools such as rulers, guides, and grids; applying transformations and special effects; and creating and modifying raster graphics. Finally, you learn all about color in Illustrator, from working with color models to creating gradations and other fills; using Strokes, Brushes, Blends, Masks, and Special Inks; and creating the best printed output possible. An appendix provides keyboard shortcuts for the current version and past two versions of Illustrator, as well as an overview of Illustrator's Actions feature. --Kathleen Caster