In the world of image and photograph editing software, Adobe Photoshop is a prominent name. This software began as a program titled "Display," initially developed as a painting program in the last part of the 1980s and licensed by BarneyScan as part of a software package for their slide scanner. It was not until 1989 that a major step in the evolution of this software was taken; Adobe stepped in, setting the stage for what is now formally recognized as Adobe Photoshop.

Adobe Photoshop is widely accepted as a basic tool for both the professional and commercial artist. Its primary function is to act as a graphic design tool, allowing the user to create or edit digital imagery and photographs. The versatility of Adobe Photoshop's applications operates well beyond the means of the comparatively simple painting program that was its precursor.

Adobe Photoshop features a tool palette that enables the user to develop polished, professional work. Some of the basic components include cropping, changing mode, resizing, and choosing file formats. Supplementing these basic tools is an array of options unique to the Adobe Photoshop software. The user determines how best to use these tools in order to create original print media

For the small business owner, Adobe Photoshop can be used to produce visual media in the form of brochures, advertisements, newsletters and animation. In addition to image editing and manipulation, it also gives the user a multitude of opportunities to fabricate a distinctive design. With the onset of interactive networks between desktop and Web-based applications, Adobe Photoshop is poised to meet the growing standards of the image editing software.

Moving from Paper-Based Media to Web Design

At the outset, Adobe Photoshop was created for the use on Macintosh systems. Today, Photoshop users are given the choice to use this software on both Macintosh and Windows PCs. This development increases the networking capabilities for the software and technology available on today's market. It also emphasizes the versatility of this software to maintain relevancy in the field of media editing technology.

The Internet is quickly becoming an integral part of the business world, from communications and networking to public accessibility. With its various applications, Adobe Photoshop is set to play a significant role in the partnership between small business and media editing technology.

Originally, the design for Adobe Photoshop was developed to facilitate editing control over paper-based media projects. As the need for Web-based technology increased, Photoshop moved the focus to an approach towards imagery built specifically for the Web. In 1999, Adobe Photoshop released the 5.5 versions: the premier web-accessible image editing software on the market. Adobe Photoshop is first and foremost a commercially packaged software providing for the needs of Web users and developers.

Adobe Photosop's Versatility

Based on the applications available with this software, Adobe Photoshop is geared to work for the individual artist, the small business, or the Web-based company. The index of tools featured on this program give designers the means to create an assortment of commercial-quality products. The software's compatibility with Macintosh and Windows PCs grants Photoshop a wider audience in the arena of small businesses.