Class Descriptions

ADOBE SOFTWARE

Adobe
Acrobat

Outline

PitStop Pro

The core of our two-day, in-depth workshop reveals solutions for creating and editing successful PDFs for web and print — including how to build fill-in forms and electronic forms for internet or intranet use. We also can teach you Acrobat PRO's new features, including how to preview and print color separations, preflighting and inspecting PDFs, creating verified PDF/X-1a files, new Distiller functions (runs native in Mac OS X), plus paper capture and catalog.

Adobe
Photoshop

Level 1
Level 2

Learn this powerful photo manipulation program — including selections, layers, color adjustments, color modes, file resolution, file formats, and more in our 1- or 2-day classes!
   For customized classes OR focused at your site sessions, including Advanced Color Management, and Advanced Photo Retouching, please email your request to I.D.E.A.S. (Photoshop Elements is available as one-day class.)

Adobe
InDesign

Page Layout Outline

Adobe
InCopy
Outline

The comprehensive features of this powerhouse publishing program will be explored—in as much depth as you choose. In the Beginning-Intermediate class, we will show you how to import files and transition from other layout programs, how to create/modify master pages and style sheets, the best ways to handle text, graphics, color swatches, tables, special effects, and much more. Some of the topics covered in the intermediate-advanced classes: intricate tables, book features, TOCs, indexing, preflighting, and handling your typography and fonts.Classes can be customized around your specific projects and educational needs.
Contact us for more information and to review our syllabus.
   NOTE: If you are an experienced user and switching to InDesign from either PageMaker, FrameMaker, MS Publisher, or Quark, ask about our custom two-day intensive class.

3-Day InDesign CS3 classes are recommended for entry-level students in order to cover the basics and the new features.

Adobe
PageMaker

Page Layout Outline

Step-by-step instruction on this page layout workhorse commonly used for newsletters, flyers, and other collateral materials (one or two day classes available).

Adobe FrameMaker

Level 1
Level 2
Structured

Learn how to manipulate this complex page layout program — especially useful for long documents, such as technical manuals. If your job or project requires technical writing and dissemination, this is the class to take — from I.D.E.A.S., the professionals who can meet your objectives and specifications. Structured FrameMaker, importing tags, and exporting to web can be covered in customized classes or at your location. Contact us for customized outline, training modules, and references.

Adobe
Illustrator
Outline

Learn the premier vector illustration program used throughout business and government sectors. Topics include: basic shapes, pen usage, layers, color swatches, and more.

Adobe
GoLive
Outline

Yes! You CAN put a website together without knowing mind-boggling code... AND, it can be eye-catching, user-friendly, and dynamic. Learn how, as our webmaster shares tips and techniques garnered over years in the business of effective communication.

Adobe
Dreamweaver
Outline

Get those ideas out of your head and onto the webpage! Learn the secrets of one of the leading programs for creating dynamic world-wide-web pages. Concepts and timesaving details will be shared from an experienced instructor (who also happens to be an award-winning graphic designer versed in creating websites since 1995). Based on time alloted and attendee interest, may include a half-day of Intro to Flash, for a look at the basis of creating special effects for your websites.

Adobe
Premiere Pro
Outline

Powerful, yet easy-to-use, Adobe Premiere is one of the most popular cross-platform digital video editing programs. This hands-on course will show you how to use Premiere's interface and tools, how to assemble a video from different clips, edit the clips, add transitions and titles, import sound, and much more. You will see how Premiere works seamlessly with Photoshop and Illustrator. In addition, we will cover the steps to export your files for use on the Web, to videotape, for DVD, and more.

QUARK SOFTWARE

QuarkXPress

Page Layout Outline

Basic-Only Outline

Master the art and science of page layout with the program that set the standard in the publishing and printing industries. Since 1988, I.D.E.A.S. has trained many professionals — at publishing companies, advertising agencies, government contracting firms, and universities — on this classic desktop publishing tool.
  Whether you have used Quark in the past, or now use FrameMaker, PageMaker, Microsoft Publisher, or other page layout program, this is the ideal two-day workshop for you! For those experienced with Quark, we can include answers to your questions on using the many utilities and plug-ins for QuarkXPress. Contact us for an outline or with your specific requests for customized course content.

FILEMAKER SOFTWARE

FileMaker Pro

Level 1
Level 2

Do you suffer from the confines of an unruly database? Have you inherited the cryptic notations of a predecessor? Do you want to maximize your resources? We can help you! Get your databases organized and productive with a bona fide, certified trainer. Master the specifics on importing/exporting, merging, global changes, formats, and more. Troubleshoot your databases and make them behave.
   Offered "at your site" for optimum results or in our state-of-the-art classroom for a step-by-step approach.

MICROSOFT SOFTWARE

Microsoft Publisher

Learn to make the most of this underrated page layout program and brush up your skills with Publisher in this succinct one day class. May include your questions on Microsoft Word, Excel, Explorer, Access, PowerPoint, and the interrelation of your Office programs.

Microsoft Office
Outlines

Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Access
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft FrontPage

SPECIALIZED CLASSES OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY BY I.D.E.A.S.

Design for
Print & Web

File Prep and PreFlighting for Prepress & Printing

Resolve PRINTING and OUTPUT issues
Ever have trouble with a file that you sent to the printer? Or are you working at a prepress or printing company that receives problem files? It's ok... everyone has experienced “glitches” at one time or another! But certain mistakes are costly and careers have been broken over this pesky issue. Now, you can gain the skills and strategies you need to supercede or eliminate those time-consuming and dollar-wasting errors. Resolve problems by learning the PROPER methods for: preflight, collect, check, "pdf", transmit, modify — and successfully output your files. Become a troubleshooter who gets the job done. Educator has 20+ years of experience in the REAL-LIFE trenches of publishing, pre-press, and printing.

Font Management & Typography

Get a handle on your FONTS
Make your typography work for you on the computer — either Macintosh or Windows. Learn how to handle frustrating "font conflicts" by gaining the skills and confidence you need to troubleshoot the typical errors floating around your desktop. Round up the usual suspects and get a handle on your system. Find and fix font dilemmas from imported and translated files. Successfully deal with substitutions and error messages. You CAN turn out professional pages — Don’t get bitmapped again. Educator shares knowledge from 20+ years of experience in the REAL-LIFE world of traditional and electronic graphic design, publishing, and printing.

Certification Training

TUTORIAL for CERTIFICATION TESTING is available on many of the programs we teach. In addition, we can provide you with a certificate stating that you have received instruction from our authorized trainer when you register for the beginning, intermediate, and advanced series of I.D.E.A.S. classes for any program. It's up to you what you want to review to maximize your results, as you determine your own success by taking the official test independently afterwards. Contact us for more information on this valuable option to improve your skills and credentials.