There was a time when Photoshop CS programs were slow. Yes, it was slow-running my older Photoshop's CS3, CS2 and CS applications on my iMac (non-Intel) computer. My iMac uses Mac OS X, Version 10.4 with a 1.8 GHz PowerPC G5 processor with 1.5 GB DDR SDRAM memory.
Blessed Speed
The new Photoshop CS4, along with Bridge CS4, gives me the blessing of speed for my older iMac GS5 (non-Intel) computer. My new Photoshop CS4 takes advantage of OpenGL. The new Adobe OpenGL is a hardware and software engine for drawing graphics faster and more efficiently when my iMac is rendering my photo and graphic images.
Working with Adobe Photoshop CS4 Overview
Working within Adobe Photoshop CS4
Bridge CS4 application is the key for opening, sorting and keeping my camera images. Most of my Photoshop CS work is done in the Browser. I single-click the photos that I need for my Photoshop CS4 project. Now I have a group of highlighted photos that can be used in the Browser's Automated menu.
The Photoshop Browser's Sort contains Date Created, Date Modified, Copyright and Custom. You can sort them in ascending or descending order.
Working with the inner core of the Photoshop CS
Photoshop’s Browser's Automated menu contains Batch, PDF Presentation, Contact Sheet II and Online Services. Also, Automated menu contains Photomerge, Picture Package and Web Photo Gallery.
The Photoshop CS4 Browser has Sort capabilities that contain the Filename, Flag, Rank, Width and Height. Also, the CS4 Browser has Sort capabilities that contain File Size, Resolution, File Type and Color Profile.
Photomerge is improved in CS4. The new Photomerge Layouts has Auto, Perspective, Cylindrical, Reposition Only and Interactive Layout.
Now you can make a collage of photos and move them in any order. Also, I can take several sections photos of Rhode Island’s Newport-Pell Bridge without using a tripod. I then take the bridge section photos and join them with Photoshop CS4 Photomerge. I still have to edit the new Photomerge photo for length, size and contrast.
In PDF Presentation, I can turn my photos into Acrobat PDFs and stitch them together. The fun is turning my new creation into a slideshow with various transitions. The PDF Presentation is cross platform that can be used on a Mac and Windows computers.
Working with the 'Outer Core' of Adobe Photoshop CS4
Keyboard Commands
I created one-key letter shortcuts that I use quite often: M for Marquee, V for Moving objects, T for Text, I for Eyedropper and C for Crop. There is a multitude of Toolbox one-key letter shortcuts that you can use or change.
Toolbox uses the Shift bar to get to related tools on the same pop-out menu. For example, to cycle through the Lasso, Polygonal Lasso, and Magnetic Lasso tools, hold down Shift bar and keep pressing "L" key.
Change Keyboard Commands in Photoshop CS4
This means that the Photoshop CS Menu keyboard commands can now be added. For example, I am constantly making changes to my images by changing the photos' contrast and brightness.
Now, without using the computer mouse, I use the Command, Control, and C keys in unison. Like a piano chord, I can now change the contrast and brightness in my digital photographs.
I use Command, Control, and letter keys for adding keyboard commands. This works well within the menus and plugin filters that I use in Photoshop CS4.
Pro Reaction
Photoshop CS4 works well within Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and with native Intel Macs ac OS X 10.5 (Leopard).
I find Photoshop CS4’s Help menu an excellent way to learn the various functions of Photoshop's program.
The new Photoshop CS4 offers flexibility and nondestructive editing. Photoshop has a Welcome screen and improved Help that ease the learning curve for new users. The Help menu is changeable.
Con Reaction
The CS4 Bridge does not work in older Photoshop programs. The Photoshop CS4 supports 64-bit in a Windows only features. Mac users should wait for a future release for 64-bit power.
Final Words
Remember Photoshop remains the industry standard for professional photo editing, graphic design, and digital imaging. Digital photographers will benefit from Adobe Photoshop with its strong digital-camera raw workflow.
Photoshop CS4's Mac System Requirements
Paul Gerstenbluth is President of the ARIE Foundation and is a Macintosh consultant. The ARIE Foundation's mission is to provide VA hospitalized patients with hobby materials and Macintosh Powerbooks that help in their stay and recovery.
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