Adobe Ships Photoshop 7

Updated image-editing program adds Painting Engine and easy file-management tool.

PCWorld.com Staff

Adobe has begun shipping its newest version of Photoshop, updating the well-regarded image-editing software by adding a painting engine with many customization options and new file-management functions.

The newly released Adobe Photoshop 7.0 runs under Windows XP, as well as earlier versions of the Windows operating system. It is also available in a version for Apple's Mac OS X.

The product has an estimated street price of $609. Upgrades cost $149 for registered users of earlier versions, and Adobe is offering a training CD with upgrades and new licenses for an introductory period.

File Manager Added

Photoshop's new File Browser automatically creates an image directory of thumbnail views, which is easy to view and sort. The thumbnail images can also be rotated, ranked, and batch renamed. The File Browser also provides a window onto a digital camera, allowing users to view image file information contained in the camera.

Another new Photoshop tool is the Healing Brush, designed to provide easier photo-retouching functions. The tool operates similarly to a combination of a smart cloning tool and a paste command, to help smooth blemishes or bumps on pictures. The new Painting Engine provides effects that were previously available only in Painter software from Adobe's rival Procreate (formerly Corel). The Painting Engine tools enable users to digitally simulate traditional painting techniques.

A new Auto Color function works like Photoshop's existing Auto Contrast and Auto Levels tools. It lets users automate those functions and then refine the image manually.

Add-Ons, Accessories

A new Scripting Support plug-in lets Photoshop 7.0 users automate repetitive tasks, such as applying commands to multiple documents and automating workflow. It can be downloaded now from the Adobe site.

Photoshop 7.0 also incorporates ZoomView technology from Viewpoint, so users can link to a site and deploy images online.

Shipping with Photoshop 7.0 is ImageReady 7.0, which supports Web-production tasks involving Web graphics and animation, and integrates with AlterCast, Adobe's imaging server software.

The four Adobe Collections suites are also upgraded to support Photoshop 7. They include the Design Collection, Digital Video Collection, Publishing Collection, and Web Collection. Upgrades from Adobe Photoshop Elements are available directly from Adobe for $499.