Book excerpt: The perfect primer for learning Adobe Photoshop, whether you're new to it or updating your skills Create logos, edit images, and design without fear in Adobe Photoshop, once you learn the essentials. This clear, task-based book covers them all, from navigating the user interface to how to identify design elements, paint and draw in Photoshop, apply layer styles, correct and adjust color, and much more. Each chapter provides clear step-by-step instruction as well as illustrative, full-color images and examples. Before you know it, you'll have the skills to start a design career with Photoshop. What's more, if you're preparing for the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exam for Visual Communication using Photoshop, this thorough guide is the perfect preparation. Covers Photoshop essentials for beginners and assists ACA candidates preparing for the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) for Visual Communication using Photoshop certification exam Explores how to identify design elements, paint and draw in Photoshop, apply layer styles, correct and adjust color, and more Covers the five basic areas required for the ACA Photoshop exam, including setting project requirements, identifying design elements when preparing elements, understanding Adobe Photoshop, manipulating images, and evaluating digital images Provides downloadable files that readers can use while going through the tutorials in the book