Adobe Photoshop is a software application for image editing and photo retouching for use on Windows or MacOS computers. Photoshop offers users the ability to create, enhance, or otherwise edit images, artwork, and illustrations. Changing backgrounds, simulating a real-life painting, or creating an alternative view of the universe are all possible with Adobe Photoshop. It is the most widely used software tool for photo editing, image manipulation, and retouching for numerous image and video file formats. The tools within Photoshop make it possible to edit both individual images as well as large batches of photos. There are several versions of Photoshop, including Photoshop CC, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom and Photoshop Express, a version of Photoshop for iOS with reduced features. Adobe Photoshop is available on its own as a subscription that includes Photoshop Lightroom, and as part of the larger Creative Cloud subscription.

How is Photoshop Used?

Adobe Photoshop is a critical tool for designers, web developers, graphic artists, photographers, and creative professionals. It is widely used for image editing, retouching, creating image compositions, website mockups, and adding affects. Digital or scanned images can be edited for use online or in-print. Website layouts can be created within Photoshop; their designs can be finalized before developers move on to the coding stage. Stand-alone graphics can be created and exported for use within other programs.

What is Photoshop CC?

Adobe Photoshop CC is the Creative Cloud version of Photoshop, available by subscription. It is considered to be the professional-level version of the Photoshop family of products. Photoshop CC is available together with Photoshop Lightroom, or as part of a larger Creative Cloud subscription. Photoshop CC is an advanced imaging software used by designers, web professionals, video editors, and photographers to alter or manipulate digital images. Photoshop is primarily used to edit 2D images, although it does offer some 3D image editing functionality. Photoshop includes image analysis functionality, and can be used to prepare images for use online or in-print.

What is Photoshop Elements?

Adobe Photoshop Elements is the consumer-level version of the Photoshop family of products. Photoshop Elements contains many of the professional capabilities that are found in Adobe Photoshop CC, yet they are provided with more simplistic options designed with an entry-level user in mind. More specifically, it is designed for amateur photographers and digital photography hobbyists. Photoshop Elements is built using the same core digital imaging technology as Photoshop CC. Commonly used capabilities of Photoshop Elements include:

• Manipulating the color of an image.
• Cropping images.
• Repairing flaws, such as dust on the lens or red eyes.
• Drawing on an image with a pen or pencil.
• Adding text to images.
• Removing people or objects within an image.
• Organizing photos for quick access.
• Publishing images online or send via email.

What is Photoshop Lightroom?

Photoshop Lightroom is part of the Photoshop family of products and is primarily used by photographers for batch processing of large volumes of images. Lightroom does have the ability to create and save image presets that can be applied to a large batch of photos at one time. It also features non-destructive imaging tools; so that the original files remain intact. Lightroom has the ability to edit RAW files. The light balance and white exposure can be manipulated or adjusted within a RAW file. However, Photoshop Lightroom does not have many of the operating features or functions of Adobe Photoshop CC or Adobe Photoshop Elements, and uses a different interface.

How much does Photoshop cost?

The cost of Adobe Photoshop varies for each specific Photoshop product. Photoshop Elements costs $100 and can be used forever after purchasing it. This software is considered to have a perpetual license. The cost of the other Photoshop products ranges from $10 per month to $60 per month depending upon the type of subscription and the length of the subscription. The lower cost options include the Photoshop-only apps, while the higher cost options include Photoshop along with other Creative Cloud tools. Discounted plans are also available for students, teachers, and organizations looking to purchase licenses for groups of 10 or more employees.

History of Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop was originally developed in 1987 by the brothers John and Thomas Knoll. Since its original development, Photoshop has evolved from a simple image editing tool to a comprehensive suite for image manipulation. While early versions of Photoshop were produced and distributed by the Knoll brothers, the software was acquired by Adobe Systems and became Adobe Photoshop.

The earliest version of the software released by Adobe came in February 1990. It allowed users to display and save files in multiple formats on early MacOS computers. Users could also adjust the hue, balance, and color saturation of images. There were minimal painting capabilities, as well as soft edge selections. Graphic designers were quick to adopt Adobe Photoshop. From the addition of CMYKcolor support and Duotones in Version 2.0 to the new painting engine and vector text of Version 7.0, each version rapidly become more comprehensive than the last.