Play with Photos. Review on Adobe Photoshop 5.5

Adobe PhotoShop is a program, which is really close to my heart. Believe it or not I learned to use the computer not with Word or any other MS office package but with PhotoShop. It was version 4.0 and I was hooked into it. It became a passion and still is.

Adobe PhotoShop 5.5 is the ''webified'' version of the earlier version namely 5.0. With the launch of 5.5 Adobe wanted to make sure that along with its reputation in being the best image editing software it becomes web friendly. PhotoShop 5.5 ships with ImageReady 2.0 which is actually a separate application, technically speaking. Image Ready has a bag full of web tricks that wins your heart the moment you start using it. Slicing, rollovers, image maps become a child's play. Other spectacular features include file size and image quality optimization, animated GIFs and style sheets.

One cool feature about this version is the capability to create lossy GIFs. It is now possible to create a GIF file at nearly the same small size as a JPG with high compression. Adobe has stated that lossy GIF compression ensure to cut down the file sizes up to 50% smaller than a regular GIF with only minor degradation. Ask a web designer about this and he will show all his sparkling teeth. No more sleepless nights for him actually - the classic to be or not be situation is solved - he can create pictures that are approved by the web master with a million dollar smile - wow only 6 kb - let me think - it won't take more than a few seconds to download. I will recommend you for a promotion - you are such a team man. Always caring for the site and me. The designer is thrilled to know and use the Web page image gallery functionality. It is so simple and yet so effective when showing the boss the images that are planned to be used by him.

Not all that's new in PhotoShop 5.5 is Web-related. Some more features of the version are:

''Multiple undos'' for tracking image editing

Editable text for creating high-quality typography

Spot-color channels for incorporating specialty colors into print jobs

Broad range of new workflow and automation tools for greater productivity

New tools for increased precision and control over measurement and selection

Three different degrees of anti-aliasing for type, which greatly improves legibility at small sizes

If you are new and trying to develop your skills please visit the following sites:

https://pixelfoundry.com/

https://mccannas.com/pshop/menu.htm

https://designsbymark.com/pstips/

A small tutorial, which was a real favourite of mine, is given below. You may try your hand and I am sure you will like the result.

Open an image of your choice using the option File Open.

Click on the Rectangular Marquee tool and draw a Selection at the points you would like the fade to take effect.

Select - Feather (Alt + Ctrl + D) In the resultant dialog box type 10 and press ok.

Next choose Select - Feather (Alt + Ctrl + D) again and press Delete to remove the border area. Now De-Select your selection (Ctrl + D)

Create a new layer, Layer - New. Fill it with your desired color. It should be placed under the layer where the original image appeared.

I am sure you would be able to do it even if you are new to this amazing program. Just play around and you will soon marvel at your own creation.

Explore PhotoShop and you will probably find it more interesting than most computer games.