Adobe Photoshop is Now on the Web
After nearly two years in beta testing, Adobe's web-based version of Photoshop, a simplified counterpart to the desktop photo editing software, is officially launching to the public. This exciting development was announced on Wednesday, September 27th, marking a significant step forward for digital creatives and photo editing enthusiasts everywhere.
One of the standout features of Photoshop on the web is its inclusion of the popular Generative Fill and Generative Expand tools, which were previously exclusive to the desktop version. These tools are powered by Adobe's Firefly generative AI model and are available for commercial use. They enable users to make quick and precise modifications to images by simply providing text-based descriptions in over 100 languages. These adjustments seamlessly match the original image's lighting conditions and perspective, making complex edits more accessible to a global audience.
Additionally, Photoshop on the web offers many of the essential tools found in the desktop version but with a redesigned layout. This streamlined user interface is designed to provide a more user-friendly experience, especially for new Photoshop users. A noteworthy feature is the Contextual Task Bar, which suggests the most relevant steps to take in your workflow, a valuable tool for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Tools that share similar workflows are thoughtfully grouped together on the toolbar, simplifying navigation. However, experienced users who prefer the traditional desktop interface can easily disable this view.
Adobe is committed to continually enhancing the web-based Photoshop experience. They have announced plans to add several desktop features soon, including the patch tool, pen tool, smart object support, polygonal lasso, and more.
Collaboration is a key aspect of the web-based Photoshop service. Users can invite others to collaborate on projects, making it easier for teams to work together on creative endeavors. Even those without an active Photoshop subscription can view and comment on files, further expanding the platform's accessibility.
It's important to note that Photoshop on the web is not available as a free-to-use service at launch. Instead, it is included as part of Adobe's paid plans for Photoshop, which start at $9.99 per month. Adobe initially explored a "freemium" version of the service last year after the beta release but has since stated that they do not have immediate plans for such an offering. New users, however, can explore Photoshop on the web through free interactive demos and in-app tutorials on Adobe's website before deciding to subscribe.
In summary, the launch of Photoshop on the web signifies a significant milestone in Adobe's commitment to providing powerful and accessible creative tools to a global audience. With its innovative features and seamless integration into Adobe's paid plans, it promises to be a valuable addition to the toolkit of photographers, designers, and creatives everywhere.
Source: TheVerge