Adobe launches Photoshop CS2

Adobe today announced Photoshop CS2, a major upgrade to the professional application for digital image editing and creation. Available as a standalone software application or part of Adobe Creative Suite 2, Photoshop CS2 offers new features and simplified workflows, including a new Vanishing Point feature, dramatically improved Camera Raw support, an enhanced Spot Healing Brush and Smart Objects to scale and transform images and vector illustrations without losing image quality and create linked duplicates of embedded graphics. Photoshop CS2 also now allows non-destructive editing and the creation and editing of 32-Bit High Dynamic Range (HDR) images for 3D rendering and advanced compositing. It will ship in May for $600 (with upgrades priced at $150).

Photoshop CS2 also enables FireWire Previews to be viewed on a television monitor through a new direct export feature and the company's new Vanishing Point allows users to clone, paint and transform image objects while retaining visual perspective. The new Image Warping feature also allows users to fold, stretch, pull, twist and wrap an image into shape by selecting an on-demand preset or dragging custom control points.

Adobe Bridge and New Camera Raw Features Speed Imaging Workflows

Adobe said that it has updated the File Browser to Adobe Bridge, which functions as a central workspace hub and offers multi-view file browsing and cross-product integration across Adobe Creative Suite 2. Adobe Bridge also provides access to Adobe Stock Photos, a new stock photography service that offers users one-stop shopping--across five stock image providers.

The new Camera Raw 3.0 workflow allows settings for multiple raw files to be simultaneously modified. In addition batch processing of raw files (to JPEG, TIFF, DNG or PSD formats) can now be performed in the background without launching the main Photoshop executable. Photoship also offers integrated, non-destructive cropping and straightening controls, enabling raw files to be easily prepared for final output.

Adobe also said it made improvements to the user interface. Photoshop CS2 now offers task-based menu presets and allows users to create their own custom presets as well as define event-based scripts and time-saving operations that execute automatically when triggered by actions, such as saving or printing a file. The Multiple Layer Controls allow the simultaneous selection and manipulation of numerous layers within a file.

Adobe Photoshop CS2 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.2.8/10.3.8. It will begin shipping in May to customers in the United States and Canada. International versions are expected to begin shipping in late May and early June. The full version is $600, while upgrades from previous versions are $150.