Photoshop CS4 for Wacom Tablet users

Weston Maggio - wacom.com

It should go without saying that with each version of an application comes new and improved features over the last. Let me confirm it for you… In Photoshop CS4, Adobe outdoes themselves—particularly for Wacom pen tablet users! The latest and most feature-rich version of Photoshop ever brings enhancements that will please the most savvy tablet users and appeal to those looking to add a tablet to their creative workflow.

Streamlined Editing Performance

From the start, CS4 offers the tablet user a new application window from which to work. This new frame work offers a tab-based interface with self-adjusting panels to keep our tools out of the way so that we can stay better focused on our images. That’s right, “panels”. Gone are the use of the word “palettes” and their multi-click functionality. New, panels enable us to apply our enhancements more intuitively and in fewer steps.

Of particular interest are the new Adjustment and Mask panels. Rarely does an image cross my desktop and not get some sort of adjustment. Whether they are to make a simple shift in tonal vale, or a more sophisticated color correction, adjustments (and their associated layer masks) are a staple in my workflow. Now you can apply adjustments as Adjustment Layers with a single click and a slide in the Adjustment panel. Then, using a pressure sensitive pen, you can selectively apply that adjustment to the areas that you want with a great level of control.

Speaking of adjustments, we get a new one in CS4: “Vibrance” gives the user greater control over the saturation of color, preserving delicate tones, such as those found in foliage. The combination of the Vibrance adjustment and a pressure sensitive pen delivers unprecedented control against over-saturation and thus clipping. For example, selectively increasing the saturation of a field of flowers, or other colorful scenes.

Improved Tools of the Trade

Like many tasks in Photoshop, there are numerous ways to arrive at the end result. Some ways are more favorable than others. One of the more highly debated tasks is how best to lighten and darken portions of an image. Historically considered destructive, the Dodge and Burn tools are looking to get a bit more respect among retoucher’s in CS4. And I say they deserve it! Certainly when applied to an overall image layer, they can be destructive, but consider their application with a pressure sensitive pen… Setting the brush so that opacity is controlled by pen pressure, the improved Dodge and Burn tools produce a more natural lightening and darkening effect by preserving the hue of the area being painted. An excellent choice when the job calls for “get it done, fast and clean”. The Sponge tool, which shares a square with Dodge and Burn in the Tool panel, gets an upgrade as well. A check box on the Options bar enables you to take advantage of the benefits found in the Vibrance adjustment. Think of it as a “Vibrance Brush”!

Enhanced Image “Manipulation”

For those that manipulate images—I mean really “manipulate” images—drawing or painting brisk strokes, panning, zooming and otherwise tossing images around for review, you are going to love CS4’s new image-viewing performance.

Leveraging the power (aka GPU) found in modern day computers, PSCS4 can really crunch the numbers associated with drawing (and redrawing) images on the screen rapidly. This is most visible through a swift stroke of a brush/pen across a tablet. Crisper, more responsive lines result in a glorious drawing experience. Add to this, a new dynamic brush resizing feature and fluid canvas rotation, and you’ve got an illustration powerhouse! But photographers and designers fear not, this power isn’t just reserved for those with drawing skills! Anyone that pushes pixels around will totally appreciate CS4’s graceful panning and zooming motions. (Users of Apple’s iPhone will immediately find the “gliding” motion familiar.) With the Hand tool selected, you can literally “flick” your image in any direction with your pen.

Last but certainly not least; I can’t leave off a neat little feature called Spring-loaded keys. Relatively simple, Spring-loaded keys enable you to temporarily switch between tools by holding down a tool shortcut key. Releasing the key after use of the secondary tool, snaps you back to the original tool that you were using. Very cool!

Bottom Line:

If you currently use a Wacom pen tablet, you are going to love Photoshop CS4’s performance. With its enhanced interface, improved toolset and streamlined graphics handling, you’ll see an almost immediate boost in productivity. If you’ve not yet experienced the benefits of a pen tablet, the new features in CS4, combined with its legacy pen-centric functionality, make a most compelling case to add one to your workflow. You owe it to yourself to turn on, and take advantage of the wide set of features in Photoshop designed specifically for Wacom pen tablet users.

About the Author: An Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop and Application Specialist for Wacom Technology, Weston Maggio is an authority on Photoshop instruction. Wes can be regularly found lecturing and instructing experts-to-enthusiasts alike at creative events around the country. For more information about Wes, check out his website at www.westonimages.com. To learn more about Wacom and their line of pen tablets, please visit www.wacom.com.

Wes is also Co-Author of Wacom Tablets and Photoshop CS3