APEX Web Media, an established source for in-depth and cost-effective software training solutions, has just released a new Quark 8 tutorial video course designed to help people learn how to use QuarkXPress 8. Available both online or on CD , the training series is suitable for a wide variety of users, from students just taking their first steps into page layout and publishing to design professionals looking to learn what the newest version of Quark’s program has to offer. Cyndie Shaffstall, publishing industry veteran and director of QuarkAlliance, delivers a project-based course that is strong on fundamentals for the beginner but advanced enough that users who have worked with InDesign or older versions of QuarkXPress will still have plenty to learn.
For version 8 of their respected layout software, QuarkXPress has introduced a host of changes designed to regain clients who have been lured away by Adobe’s competitive pricing of InDesign and its integration within the Adobe Creative Suite. The new simplified user interface is front and center, with the number of tools in the workspace cut in half but each given a wider range of capabilities. Quark committed heavy research to studying how working professionals use desktop publishing software in their everyday projects, and the new interface is built with common design demands in mind. Going further, QuarkXPress 8 supports full drag and drop functionality with the Adobe’s Creative Suite, new typography and language tools and web-friendly exporting options with HTML and Flash.
Lessons in the QuarkXPress 8 Tutorial follow a logical progression. Shaffstall first introduces the workspace, layouts and projects and then breaks down specific tools and features as they’re needed to complete the sample projects. The unique training format includes a real-time preview of the application in use, so that users get to see techniques first-hand and never have to wonder whether they’re in the right place. To make it even easier to follow along, the work files used in the instructional tutorial videos are included with the course disks or as downloads for those watching online.
As with all training titles offered by APEX Web Media, the QuarkXPress 8 Tutorial Video series is created to work within a wide variety of schedules and budgets. Because the course is divided into shorter subject-specific videos, users can easily skip ahead or repeat lessons according to their needs, and a full panel of video controls within each lesson allows users to rewind, fast-forward or pause the instruction at any point to ensure that they can learn at their own pace. The low price point offers an affordable alternative to corporate training seminars, and special rates apply for educational institutions and multiple user purchases.
More information about the QuarkXPress 8 Tutorial CD can be found at the APEX website:
http://www.computer-
Special information about the online version can be found at this address:
http://apex.vtc.com/
