What is Adobe Photoshop?
Photoshop is a Raster Image editor, which means it is best to be used for pixelated images - web graphics, social media images, professional photography, artwork, or professional mockups. The features of Photoshop include but are not limited to layers, filters, image adjustment, photo editing, animation, simple video editing, simple 3D rendering, etc. Adobe Photoshop has been labeled as the legendarily of graphic design as you can find the definition even under the Cambridge Dictionary or Wikipedia.
What is my opinion of Adobe Photoshop?
With 20+ years of graphic design teaching experience, Adobe Photoshop used to be the only software that can do what it is supposed to, especially for web graphics creation. However, in recent years, with the emergence of open-source or affordable software like GIMP, Pixlr (X or E), Affinity Photo, PicMonkey; or even Canva, Snappa, Visme, Befunky, Gravit, and much more are threatening this legendary position due to the affordable pricing range, free trails with easy-to-use WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) strategy. Especially during the pandemic, many schools are forced to conduct online. Due to the licensing issue, many of my graphic design course outlines were forced to change to open-source software. Surprisedly, students tended to like open-source software like GIMP or Krita more than Adobe Photoshop.
History of Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop, first released in 1988, has become the industry standard for digital image editing and graphic design. Here’s a brief history:
1988 – The Beginning
Photoshop was created by Thomas and John Knoll. Initially, it was developed as “Display” to show grayscale images on a monitor. It caught the attention of Adobe, which acquired the distribution rights, and the software was renamed Adobe Photoshop.
1990 – Photoshop 1.0
The first official version, Photoshop 1.0, was launched. It offered basic features like the ability to edit pixel-based images, layers, and some simple effects. It quickly became popular among designers and photographers.
1992 – Photoshop 2.0
Photoshop 2.0 introduced the landmark feature of layers, allowing users to manipulate different elements of an image independently. This greatly expanded creative possibilities.
1994 – Photoshop 3.0
This version saw the introduction of the Photoshop Plugin Architecture, enabling third-party developers to create plugins that expanded the software’s functionality.
1998 – Photoshop 5.0
Adobe added adjustment layers, layer styles, and vector shapes in this version, providing greater flexibility in image manipulation.
2003 – Photoshop CS (Creative Suite)
Adobe introduced Photoshop CS as part of the Adobe Creative Suite, marking the transition to a new, more integrated way of packaging Adobe software. This version brought smart objects and raw file processing.
2005 – Photoshop CS2
Photoshop CS2 introduced the content-aware fill tool and non-destructive editing, both of which revolutionized editing workflows.
2013 – Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud)
Adobe shifted to a subscription-based model with Photoshop CC, offering regular updates and new features via the Creative Cloud. Cloud storage, improved collaboration tools, and integration with other Adobe apps became key features.
Present Day
Photoshop continues to evolve with powerful AI tools, enhanced filters, improved 3D design capabilities, and mobile versions, like Photoshop Express and Photoshop for iPad. Its integration with Adobe Sensei (AI-powered tools) has further enhanced automation and creativity.
Photoshop’s longevity and adaptability have made it a cornerstone of digital design, widely used by photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, and artists.
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