It is all too easy, especially if you are following a traditional manual, to get what we can call application tunnel vision. You think Numbers are just for Spreadsheets, or Pages for writing, and the color options are only for professional designers. I want to show you that simply by changing this approach, by learning to think laterally across the full range of iWork applications, and by facing the obstacles from different or unusual angles, you will not only find solutions but will also discover the full potential of iWork and just how cleverly it can work for you.

The beauty of iWork is that it is intuitive—sometimes you may feel that it knows what you want to do before you know yourself and is already pointing to a solution.

The examples in the following sections are taken from across the iWork spectrum, from working with colors, spreadsheets, and photos, to editing text.

And remember, when you get stuck, don't panic!