Version 1.5 of InDesign has several new features, including the ability to place text along a path and justify lines of type vertically (that is, adjust the leading to fill out a text frame). This edition of the book refers to these new features, although some get only a cursory mention. For example, one of the coolest new tools is the eyedropper, which can copy and apply text or graphic-formatting attributes quickly. But the usefulness of this tool, particularly with respect to text attributes, never is fully explored in a tutorial. On the other hand, the book does have extensive information on the new ability to create clipping paths from Photoshop alpha channels, which even allows choosing from multiple saved clipping paths.

The original edition of this book had an index that was less than thorough; this seems to have been corrected here. Keep in mind, however, that the Classroom in a Book series is best when you read the book from front to back, following along at your computer. The books in the series generally are less effective for jumping around and troubleshooting. Although Adobe InDesign 1.5: Classroom in a Book doesn't make the best desk reference, you can refer back and apply the lessons to your own projects once you've finished. New users especially will appreciate the well-constructed exercises, which incorporate many features, tools, and issues in each lesson. --Angelynn Grant