Adobe Photoshop 7.0 / ImageReady 7.0

Adobe Photoshop is an image-editing solution for print based graphics and the Web. It has been tightly integrated and combined with Adobe ImageReady to create a production platform for both Web and print professionals alike. The tools in the two programs look and behave similarly wherever possible, and a special "jump-to" icon allows users to instantly transfer a project from one program into the other, complete with all of its attributes and revision history for complete undo/redo functionality between the two programs.

Through its integration with ImageReady, Photoshop includes many features specifically focused on the creation of Web-based graphics. The "Save For Web" window allows the user to preview the resulting image as they balance image quality versus type of compression. A slicing tool automatically auto slices an image based on a user defined area and creates the HTML table necessary for displaying the sliced image. Additional tools allow users to easily create JavaScript rollovers, optimized animated GIFs, and advanced layer effects.

Other key features in later versions of Photoshop (6+) include drawing tools supporting the inclusion and editing of vector shapes, text, and masks; and the ability to save and reuse layer "styles" consisting of frequently used layer settings. Improvements targeted specifically to Web graphics include "weighted optimization" which allows the compression settings of an image to vary within specific areas (not restricted to rectangular sections), and image mapping tools supporting polygons and ellipses.

Highlights of the latest version of Photoshop (7) include a file browser, painting engine, and the new "Healing brush." The File Browser allows for the organization of images via thumbnail displays, including a batch rename function; the Painting Engine "allows users to simulate traditional painting techniques," and the Healing Brush is specifically for photo retouching, allowing for the removal of dust, scratches, wrinkles, etc. in photos without disturbing other characteristics of the image itself. Additional new features include a scripting plug-in that allows for the automation of repetitive tasks via AppleScript, JavaScript, or VBScript; an enhanced rollover palette; and the ability to apply partial transparency /transparency dithering to images.

Photoshop 7 is now available with an estimated street price of $609 (upgrades from previous Photoshops, $149; upgrades from Adobe Photoshop Elements, $499). Photoshop is also included in Adobe's multi-product "Collection" suites: including the Design Collection, the Digital Video Collection, the Publishing Collection, and the Web Collection (visit Adobe's site for current Collection pricing).