A New Photoshop: CS4
Usability and Performance Enhancements in New Photoshop CS4 Edition
It’s time for another improved version of Photoshop, and this new version’s full name is “Adobe Photoshop CS4“.
Photoshop CS4 is part of Adobe’s new Creative Suite 4 product line. This line includes various Adobe creative programs that spread across print, web, mobile, film, and video production. It is also Adobe’s biggest software release to date which encompasses 13 products, 14 integrated technologies, and eight services! Wow, that’s a lot of creativity, but let’s get back to the new Photoshop CS4.
My first thoughts upon hearing about a new Photoshop edition were “What could they possibly do to make it better? It already has everything.” While it seems that way to me, Adobe was able to subtly, but noticeably, improve on their flagship product with several convenience and performance enhancing features.
Photoshop CS4 has many new features, some subtle but appreciated improvements, and, as always, a few frustrations. To me the most important change was how Adobe completely renovated the way adjustment layers work. Instead of being tucked away in dialogue boxes, they are now in an adjustment layer panel. Also, they are easier to reach, much more intuitive, and include an important new adjustment layer called “vibrance”, which provides subtle color enhancement.
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