Description
Adobe Creative Suite is a collection of software used for graphic design, video editing, web development, and photography. It includes Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and compositing, Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration, and Adobe InDesign for layout and page design for print and digital media. Each program has its own set of micro-skills, ranging from basic functions like creating new documents and using drawing tools, to more advanced techniques like photo manipulation, designing complex shapes, and managing large-scale projects. Mastery of these skills allows users to create professional-grade visual content and effectively manage workflows across different programs in the suite.
Expected Behaviors
Fundamental Awareness
At the fundamental awareness level, users are expected to understand the basic purpose and functions of Adobe Creative Suite. They should be able to recognize the interfaces of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, identify their tools, and have a basic understanding of concepts like layers in Photoshop, vector graphics in Illustrator, and the use of templates in InDesign.
Novice
Novices should be capable of performing simple tasks in Adobe Creative Suite. This includes creating new documents in Photoshop, using basic drawing tools in Illustrator, setting up layouts in InDesign, applying simple filters in Photoshop, creating basic shapes in Illustrator, adding text to a document in InDesign, and saving and exporting files.
Intermediate
Intermediate users should be comfortable with more complex operations. They should be proficient in working with layers in Photoshop, creating complex shapes using Pathfinder in Illustrator, designing multi-page layouts in InDesign, retouching photos in Photoshop, using the pen tool in Illustrator, applying styles and effects in InDesign, and managing color profiles across the suite.
Advanced
Advanced users are expected to master sophisticated techniques such as advanced photo manipulation in Photoshop, detailed illustration creation in Illustrator, and development of interactive PDFs in InDesign. They should also be adept at using masks and channels in Photoshop, working with gradients and blends in Illustrator, implementing master pages and styles in InDesign, and integrating workflows across the suite.
Expert
Experts should be able to execute highly complex tasks such as intricate compositing in Photoshop, designing intricate vector graphics in Illustrator, and managing large-scale publication projects in InDesign. They should also be skilled in developing custom brushes and patterns in Photoshop, scripting and automation in Illustrator, advanced typography and grid systems in InDesign, and optimizing performance and efficiency across the suite.