Photoshop 4

Overall, the new features in Photoshop 4 are impressive, but many features that I've seen in other programs are still missing. Top of the wish list is definitely a modern interface with infinite levels of undo. The lack of artistic natural-media tools is also a drawback, as is the limited support for really huge files. Image management has been marginally enhanced with preview thumbnails of PSD files available from the Windows Explorer, but the changes are limited. The control over gradients has likewise been improved, but still falls way behind the competition's textured effects. Finally, text handling remains weak and vector handling is non-existent.

The end result is a strange brew. Most upgrades work by stealing the best features from other programs, but it appears as though Photoshop has looked at its competitor's strengths and deliberately decided to ignore them. As such, while Photoshop might not be under pressure from the likes of Picture Publisher, xRes, Painter and PhotoImpact, the same can be said in reverse - they can have their market niches. The new Photoshop is still clear leader, but it certainly doesn't offer all users everything they might want.

More importantly, by refusing to learn from the ease of use of much of the competition, Photoshop remains very top-heavy. For the low to mid-range user, this means that the program is needlessly difficult to get to grips with. For those looking to add the occasional image to a report or home page, a modern solution like PhotoImpact (reviewed issue 25, p208) is almost certainly a better bet. For professional photo editors for whom quality can never be compromised, however, version 4 again sets new standards. For these users, Photoshop is still the only game in town and the upgrade a matter of course.

Author: Tom Arah