Adobe Photoshop

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Adobe Photoshop is a software application for image editing and photo manipulation developed and published by Adobe Inc.. It has become the industry standard in raster graphics editing, used by professionals and amateurs alike in a wide range of fields, including photography, graphic design, digital art, and web design. Photoshop allows users to create, enhance, or otherwise modify images, artwork, and illustrations. It can alter layers, which are multiple overlapping images that can be independently adjusted or transformed.

History

Adobe Photoshop was created in 1987 by Thomas Knoll and John Knoll. Initially, it was a simple program called Display, but it evolved into Photoshop with the collaboration of the Knoll brothers and the distribution of Adobe Inc.. The first version of Photoshop (1.0) was released in 1988 exclusively for Macintosh computers. Over the years, Photoshop has been updated with many new features and versions, expanding its toolset and capabilities significantly.

Features

Photoshop's features can be divided into several categories such as layering, masking, compositing, and includes various editing functions like cropping, filtering, brush tools, and magic wand tool for selection. Advanced features include 3D imaging, video editing, and image analysis, which have been added in later versions.

Layers

One of the key features of Photoshop is its layering system. Layers allow for complex compositions where images can be manipulated and adjusted without affecting the rest of the image. This includes adjustment layers, layer masks, and blending modes which provide a vast array of editing possibilities.

Tools

Photoshop provides an extensive set of tools for pixel manipulation, including brushes, erasers, cloning tools, and selection tools. The pen tool allows for precise paths and shapes to be created, which can be used for complex selections or creating vector graphics.

Usage

Photoshop is used by a variety of professionals, from photographers and graphic designers to web developers and video editors. Its applications range from simple photo corrections to complex digital paintings and 3D models. Photoshop files have a default file extension of .PSD, which stands for "Photoshop Document." A PSD file stores an image with support for most imaging options available in Photoshop.

Versions

Over the years, Adobe has released numerous versions of Photoshop, each adding new features and improvements. Notable versions include Photoshop CS6, Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud), and the most recent, Photoshop 2021. Each version has contributed to the evolution of the software, introducing tools like Content-Aware Fill, Camera RAW, and improved performance for processing large files.

Education and Training

Due to its complexity and wide range of features, mastering Photoshop can take a significant amount of time and practice. Adobe and various third-party providers offer tutorials, courses, and certifications for those looking to learn Photoshop, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Impact on Industry

Photoshop has had a profound impact on the graphic design, photography, and digital art industries. It has set the standard for digital image manipulation and has become an essential tool for creatives worldwide. Its influence extends beyond professional use, affecting the culture and perception of imagery in digital and social media.