Adobe on Thursday morning released Photoshop Express public beta, a free internet-based application that easily and quickly edits and applies non-destructive digital effects to photos. As a beta product, Adobe promised it would solicit user feedback on product features and functionality and continue to evolve the product over time. The application leverages Adobe's image editing technology and allows users to store up to 2GB of images online for free, make edits to photos, and share them online with using social networking site such as Facebook. The free service, which offers a variety of photo management tools, is available online as a beta product, but the company did not provide any details on a final release date.

The online application allows users to make standard edits, such as removing blemishes and red-eye, converting to black and white, cropping and resizing, and much more. In addition, the software offers functions such as Pop Color which selects an object in an image, mutes the background color of the photo and allows the user to swap the object's color so it "jumps off the page." Other sketch-effects tools help enable photos to look like drawings and a Distort feature can distort facial features or objects within the images for a comical or artistic effect.

Adobe's Photoshop Express also offers a variety of sharing options, including uploading and showing off photos and slideshows in an online "Gallery" hosted by Adobe, or conveniently embedding or linking photos to social networking sites and personal blogs without having to leave the application. Slideshows options include animation that "makes photos float and fly across the screen, allowing for viewer interactivity and unique presentation styles."

"Photoshop Express is the latest step Adobe is taking to leverage the advanced technology that underpins its award-winning creative products and deliver it to new online communities," the company said. "In early 2007, Adobe also announced the availability of Adobe Premiere Express, an online video editing and mash-up tool on partner sites such as MTV and Photobucket. Adobe Premiere Express leverages the functionality found in Premiere Elements, a fully-featured desktop video editing program."

Adobe said an Internet connection and an up-to-date Flash Player 9 are required for the public beta, but it is available to US residents-only in English. The company warned that users may experience slow performance if accessed outside of the US. Future plans include availability in other languages and countries.