Why is Adobe Releasing a Public Beta of Photoshop CS3?

The primary reason for this is Adobe’s commitment to the Mac community. You see, earlier in 2006 Apple released new Intel based systems that were blazingly fast. However, without getting too technical, your software programs must be tuned to take advantage of that Intel platform. If they’re not then they can actually be very slow. So, instead of going back and retuning Photoshop CS2 to run on the Intel Macs, Adobe is making the CS3 beta available. CS3 is indeed tuned for the Intel-based Macs, and now it’s available much earlier. Plus, since Windows users make up a large percentage of Photoshop users, they’ve decided to put the beta out for them too. Cool huh?

You keep referring to the company name Adobe. Aren’t you guys Adobe?

Nope. We are not Adobe. Weird question I know but you won’t believe how many people ask us. So, since we’re not Adobe, we don’t make Photoshop or any of the other cool products they make. We do provide kick-butt training on their products though.

What are some of the key new features?

According to Adobe some of the new things you’ll want to check out are: Non-destructive Smart Filters, Quick Selection tool, Refine Edge, Automatic layer alignment and blending, Vanishing Point with multiple, adjustable angle perspective planes, and Black-and-White conversion. However, we’ve kicked the tires of CS3 a bit ourselves and found that the new Bridge has some excellent comparing and slideshow features, as well as the ability to put your photos into stacks. Camera Raw 4.0 beta also has some great features like Split Toning and a new way to work with curves. Cloning has also undergone some heavy enhancements with it’s own palette now. Just check under the Window menu for the Clone Source palette. And finally, as with every version of Photoshop, there are a ton of little things that you’ll discover as you begin working with it.

Are any other CS3 products being released as a public beta?

No, Photoshop CS3 is the only one. However, keep in mind that Photoshop CS3 beta includes Bridge which also has some killer new features in the beta as well.

Is Adobe accepting feedback on the current features as well as any new ones?

That’s a tricky one actually. Well, the answer isn’t tricky so let’s get that out of the way first – No. The reason is that beta software, by definition, is feature complete. This means that the features are locked and now the software is being tested for general release. That said, if you find something wrong or a bug, by all means let them know at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/photoshopcs3/. Also, while your new feature feedback won’t make it into this release, I’m sure Adobe will welcome any suggestions you have for future releases of Photoshop.

Like Photoshop Lightroom Beta, will there be any more releases of CS3?

This is a natural question since Adobe released several versions of Photoshop Lightroom Beta during 2006 – will they do the same for CS3? As of now, according to Adobe, there are no additional beta releases of CS3 planned.

Where do I get support on Photoshop CS3?

Adobe will not be supporting Photoshop CS3 beta. After all, it is beta software so you’re on your own. That said, there is a beta forum at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/photoshopcs3/. Now, don’t forget that the NAPP does have training videos on the new features and how to use them. Finally, if you’re a NAPP member, there is a dedicated CS3 forum on the NAPP member website.

When is the “real” version of CS3 shipping?

Adobe has publicly stated that the next version of Photoshop (and the Creative Suite for that matter) will ship in the Spring of 2007.

How much will it cost?

We have no idea. Sorry, I know you’re hoping for a better answer but we’re just being honest here. The best guess would be to look at past costs of upgrades and full versions and expect something in that ballpark.

Will the CS3 beta ever expire?

Absolutely. When the full version of Photoshop is publicly released you can bet the beta will expire soon after. After all, you can’t have free software forever .

What do I do now?

Start exploring the rest of the learning center. There’s lots of videos, exclusive interviews, and other goodies to keep your Photoshop appetite busy until the sprint. Don’t forget to take Dave Cross’s free CS3 Quickstart online training course (again, its free) at www.photoshoptraining.com.