Adobe has been the leader of the pack for almost 20 years, and Photoshop 7 continues to innovate and set the standard for image editing software. The number of new features introduced this time around is staggering, and after using the product for a few days I had to wonder how I ever got along without them.
The most notable addition is the file browser. In previous versions, locating the file you wanted could be a lengthy and frustrating process. Now, based on your preferences, you can have the entire contents of a multiple format image folder thumb-nailed for you to peruse all at the same time.
Those familiar with Photoshop will immediately notice a new addition to the toolbar -- the healing button. With its curious Band-Aid icon sticking out like a sore thumb, I couldn't wait to find out what its purpose was. I was delighted to discover that it removes and repairs problems associated primarily with scanned images: scratches, dust -- even hair. At firs, I had trouble discerning why I would want to use it instead of just employing the cloning tool. That is, until I realized that the healing tool removes these sorts of blemishes while leaving an image's original lighting and texture intact. You have to see it to believe it.
There are many other improvements and additions: new filters, a new pattern tool, data-driven graphic templates, and improved memory management that all but eliminates those annoying errors that have plagued previous versions. I also absolutely loved the adjustments to the color selecting tool -- you can now mine color from anywhere on your screen without having to first drag an image you want to use into Photoshop.
If the price alone isn't indication enough (around $600,) let me assure you that while Photoshop 7 can crop photos, shrink file sizes and easily add silly, gratuitous special effects to your holiday images, it has been created with the serious graphic designer and Web developer in mind -- the learning curve is steep. Remember -- before you spend a fortune on an expensive program, make sure you figure out what your specific requirements are going to be. If you fall into a more casual user classification, Adobe also creates a 'Photoshop Lite' version for the fledgling photo editors out there under the name Photoshop Elements ($100).
