Software Review

Adobe Photoshop 6.0
reviewed by Robyn Fischer

Haven't we all heard that "a picture says a thousand words"? Well, imagine a photograph telling even more.
Perhaps you're looking to touch up some old photos that you dug out of your mother's closet or you want to correct the color of some scanned images. Maybe you want to add a rosier touch to your family's faces. This is definitely the program to purchase.
Photoshop 6 can do that and so much more. It's handy for advertising agencies, photo stores for restoration and ordinary people like you and me who want to spice up our photos. With this program and Inside Adobe Photoshop 6 (see accompanying book review) there is nothing you can't conquer with your photography.
The new edition of Photoshop has really blown the photography market away. Adobe made Photoshop 6 much more accessible than version 5.5. When you purchase the product there is a manual that comes along with it, like most programs. The manual covers well the things changed since version 5.5. That's fine, but if you never used version 5.5 you're out of luck. The best way to get the most out of your investment is to also buy a good Photoshop 6, like Inside Photoshop 6. The chapters (of this book) are labeled with a sense of humor to make for an enjoyable learning experience -- even if the project gets a little frustrating.

Photoshop 6 new features
First, I noticed that the toolbars were already displayed on the screen for you, unlike 5.5. You don't have to hunt for it and there are many more options included. I discovered that when you are making layers, the styles are easy to apply. The new combination of layers and styles open to an array of creative choices for print and Web designers. With the new layers palette you can just toggle it and see what has been previously selected. It is an easy click away.
Also you can alter the text on your images. For instance, you can "warp" the image and create a sweeping effect. I really enjoyed this feature and use it regularly for class projects and ad presentations. My favorite is the Fish. You can make any text look like the shape of a fish. There are also choices of arcs and shells to add a little extra twist to text. You can also wrap your text around an image so that the reader is not drawn from the image itself and perhaps he or she will be more likely to remember the idea. The type tool now has more options. Your mind will start racing with ideas and your Web page or ad will look stunning.
The color engine has many more options than 5.5 and if you move your layout or picture from 5.5 to 6.0 it will adjust, but it will not look exactly the same. That shouldn't be a
deterrent from using the Photoshop 6.0 because it will adjust the colors for you. There are more colors to choose from in this program therefore your image will look more realistic. There are so many more color options to give you a closer match to your image. Cut and Paste can be a tedious job but when you complete it, it surely pays off. Take a look at the gradient editor and you'll realize there are many more options for your ideas.

Internet support
Photoshop 6 will help you to get your page presentable for the Internet and give you ideas on how to save on size by using fewer pixels. You will also be exposed to the new filters of Photoshop and how to combine your 3-D images to your original pictures. Imagine you are creating an ad for apple juice and the hook (no pun intended) is that fish like this drink too. Your job is to put fish in your cup of juice. With Photoshop 6 it's a breeze and you'll pick up on all the ideas of cutting and pasting to create the illusion you desire.
Photoshop 6.0 is designed to help novices and pros. The features are recognizable and there are four different ways to accomplish just about everything you need to do. This program won't hold you back. But, I suggest you use a fast computer. It is a wonderful way to explore and venture into uncharted territory in the visual world.

Requires: Pentium processor. Windows 98, 2000, Me, or NT 4. 64 MB RAM. 125 on your hard drive. 800x600 monitor resolution. CD-ROM drive. $ 609. Upgrade $199.www.adobe.com