Photoshop

Photoshop
Name	Adobe Photoshop
Developer	Adobe Systems
Initial release	1988
Latest release	2024
Programming language	C++
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, macOS
License	Trialware, proprietary

Photoshop is a raster graphics editor developed by Adobe Systems for image creation, compositing, retouching, and digital painting. It originated as a boutique tool for professional photographers and graphic designers and later became a mainstream standard across industries such as advertising, film, publishing, and web design. Its ecosystem includes plug-ins, scripting interfaces, and integration with cloud services and hardware vendors.

History

Developed in the late 1980s by Thomas Knoll and John Knoll, the application grew from a pixel-manipulation program to a full-featured suite adopted by agencies and studios. Early commercial distribution involved partnerships with companies like Adobe Systems and hardware vendors such as Apple and Aldus Corporation for desktop publishing workflows. Adoption accelerated with the rise of digital photography propelled by manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, and Sony, and with the emergence of standards from organizations such as the Joint Photographic Experts Group and the World Wide Web Consortium. Institutional uses expanded through collaborations with multimedia pioneers at Adobe Systems and training programs at art schools including the Rhode Island School of Design and the Royal College of Art.

Major milestones included the introduction of layers, advanced color management aligning with standards from the International Color Consortium, and integration with creative cloud services influenced by cloud platforms from Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. Industry recognition came via awards and inclusion in curricula at institutions such as the Savannah College of Art and Design and professional organizations like the Society of Publication Designers.

Features and Tools

The software suite provides pixel-level editing, nondestructive adjustment layers, blending modes, and masking tools used by professionals at studios like Industrial Light & Magic and broadcasters such as BBC and NHK. Core tools include brush engines inspired by digital painting work at Weta Digital, selection tools refined through research at universities such as MIT and Stanford University, and pen tools compatible with tablet hardware from Wacom. Color workflows support profiles from the International Color Consortium and print standards used by firms like Pantone and presses run by companies such as Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG.

Advanced capabilities extend to content-aware fill technologies drawing on research from institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, Berkeley, 3D compositing used by visual effects houses like Framestore, and video frame editing adopted by post-production facilities such as Technicolor. Automation via scripting supports languages and runtimes associated with JavaScript, while integration with creative pipelines aligns with asset management systems used by studios like Pixar and broadcast workflows at National Geographic.

File Formats and Compatibility

Native document support centers on a layered proprietary format maintained by Adobe Systems, while interoperability relies on standards including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and PDF developed respectively by the Joint Photographic Experts Group, the Internet Engineering Task Force, the Aldus Corporation (later integrated into other standards), and the International Organization for Standardization. Color management compatibility is achieved through ICC profiles defined by the International Color Consortium. Print production workflows commonly reference ISO standards such as those from the International Organization for Standardization and paper and ink specifications used by firms like FSC-certified printers. Exchange with 3D applications leverages formats supported by studios like Autodesk and open formats used by the Khronos Group.

Versions and Platforms

Originally sold as boxed software, distribution evolved to subscription-based delivery managed by Adobe’s Creative Cloud, competing with platforms from Corel Corporation and software vendors such as Serif (company). Desktop editions run on Microsoft Windows and macOS and interoperate with mobile companion apps available on platforms from Apple and Google. Enterprise deployments integrate with identity providers like Okta and asset systems used by corporations such as IBM and Accenture. Accessibility and internationalization efforts reference standards from the W3C and language support informed by linguistic research at institutions like Harvard University.

Usage and Applications

Professionals use the editor across industries: photographers at agencies like Magnum Photos, illustrators connected with publishers such as Penguin Random House, and filmmakers at studios including Warner Bros. Graphic design firms serving clients like Nike and Apple Inc. rely on its typographic controls and layout features. Scientific imaging workflows in research labs at NASA and medical imaging departments within hospitals use calibrated color and measurement tools. Education programs at universities like University of the Arts London incorporate it into curricula for courses in visual communication and multimedia production. NGOs and advocacy groups such as Amnesty International and political campaign teams use visual assets created in the application for outreach and fundraising.

Licensing and Legal Issues

Licensing is proprietary and has evolved from perpetual licenses to subscription models administered by Adobe Systems, influencing procurement strategies at corporations like Dell and governmental agencies such as those in the European Union member states. Legal matters have included disputes over intellectual property and derivatives involving media companies like Getty Images and cases touching on rights managed by collective bodies such as the Copyright Office (United States). Discussions about ethical use, manipulation, and attribution involve standards and guidelines promoted by professional organizations like the American Institute of Graphic Arts and regulatory frameworks influenced by laws in jurisdictions represented by institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights.

Category:Raster graphics editors