Article Abstract:
Adobe Systems' $895 Photoshop 4.0 image editing package represents a solid upgrade to this leading offering. The new Actions palette lets users record a series of actions that can be played back onto another image. In addition, a Batch command has been added for applying actions to all images in a folder. This release does not add any major new features, such as new color correction tools. However, its new adjustment layers adds a new level of flexibility in applying a variety of commands. Adjustment layers allow changes or corrections to be applied through an independent layer, so the original image stays the same. The new Gradient Editor performs well, and includes several presets and transparency optoins. Version 4.0 includes several more minor organizational improvements designed to make Photoshopp easier to use.
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Article Abstract:
Scitex America Corp's MaskCutter 2.01 and The Human Software Company's AutoMask 2.0 color processing programs vary in quality, with MaskCutter getter a favorable review and AutoMask getting a less-than-favorable review. MaskCutter costs from $850 to $2,000 and is aimed at the high-end. The more expensive version integrates with Scitex workstations and keeps masks still editable. AutoMask, priced at only $295, is aimed at the low-end market and works as a PhotoShop plug-in. Unlike MaskCutter, AutoMask offers bit-map masks with the option to create transparencies, which makes it particularly good for small areas, such as hair. But AutoMask does not have some important tools that MaskCutter does have, including a zoom tool.
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Article Abstract:
Fractal Design Painter 3.0 offers designers the advantage of an unlimited variety of textures that can be created and applied with the program's brushes. A particularly appealing texture that comes with this version is Ciphertext, which consists of erratic rows of random letter and numbers. The feature allows the creation of 'text-tures,' textures consisting of letters and words. The designer can then fill an image with words without having to work with a variety of text selections to create a type collage. Text-tures are useful for setting a mood or reinforcing data. They also work as backgrounds for brochures. The steps involved in creating text-tures with Fractal Design Painter are discussed.
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