How do you import/ paste pictures using CS5?

Question

Completely new to Indesign.  Before a couple of hours ago didn't even know program existed.  Downloaded CS5 Trial version.
I'm Used to MS Publisher/ MS Word etc., WYSIWYG interface.
I'm creating a magazine.
How do I import/copy/paste a picture to the page?  Just a simple photograph.  I want to be able to copy a picture, or import a picture and have it appear on my page so that I can adjust the edges and add text on top of it.
Is it possible to do this?  If so, why can't this program have a simple step by step instead of making post on a public forum this question.
You figure, if I don't know how to copy/paste a picture in this software, having just spent 2 hours trying to figure it out, I need really basic, step by step instructions.
This program needs a serious, I'm brand new, what the *_____ do I do next tutorial?
Thanks in advance.
RustyACE

Answer 1

If you weren't able to do everything in whatever programs you're now proficient in, from the first instant, without any learning effort, then please don't bash InDesign or Adobe, or any other application that's not magically intuitive. However, if you were instantly productive in those other applications, and they serve your needs, perhaps you'll benefit from staying with them, and using your time to develop richer content and designs, rather than investing time and effort in the admittedly round-about and indirect learning path that's necessary with InDesign and other complex powerful applications like it.
Regarding tutorials and other introductory materials, if you haven't followed the links indicated in the lower-left corner of the Welcome screen, please click Getting Started, and Resources. You'll find a very rich collection of videos and other forms of free Adobe learning materials.
The Welcome screen appears by default when InDesign is first installed. It's possible to turn it off by ticking the Don't Show Again check box in the lower left area of the screen. Help > Welcome Screen restores the screen.
For even more resources, search Google for terms like "InDesign free online training materials," and "InDesign free online tutorials," without quotes, to find these items on Adobe's site, as well as on sites all over the InDesign universe. Also, Google searches for specific topics, like importing or pasting graphics, are very productive, though it may take you a while to learn to create narrower search scopes by becoming familiar with InDesign's terminology. Include "InDesign" without quotes in the search terms for the most relevant found results.
HTH
Regards,
Peter
Peter Gold
KnowHow ProServices
RustyACE1 wrote:
I appreciate the help.
It may be a wonderful program, and create some awe inspiring magazines.  But for $700, it really needs get some Google type tutorials that explain the basics step by step.
A common interface, that is used by the adobe product line is the exact reason why I've never purchased their products.
I'm sure there are millions of folks like me that know just enough to be dangerous.
So far, I've imported a script, had to change it using MS Frontpage to work with CS5.  Imported 96 page PDF document, format each page, then add and delete pages, import pictures, add text, lock them down, fix errors, and create an even number page document so that I can publish it.
All I can say, is thank God, they let me try before I buy.  This will give me time to tinker in there.  But come on folks, just because you can design the most complicated software, doesn't mean that you actually create the most complicated software.
Take the approach, that you might like some new customers, and actually bring them along and show them what to do.
As I learn the interface, I'm sure it's just as nice as french bread with butter, but for now, I'm having to scrape the mold off of something I found in the dumpster.
I'm sure, I'll learn to love it, but for now, for the love of software programmers outthere, create a product that can be used by average folks.
RustyACE