Adjustments

Adobe is very proud of the new Adjustments palette in Photoshop CS4. And I can see why. It permits you to access any and all adjustment layers--which rank among the most powerful and forgiving features in Photoshop--from a consistent and convenient launch pad. Plus, there's a small chance that the palette might encourage newbies to switch from static color adjustments to dynamic ones. Okay, so that's hopeful thinking but that's Adobe--always hopeful.

But as your representative in the Phar Phlung Phield of Photoshop Aphairs, I can likewise see how you, as a long-time Photoshop user, might not be so crazy about the Adjustments palette. The classic adjustment layer is one of those it-ain't-broken-so-don't-go-fixin'-it features. The dialog boxes were familiar and they worked just fine as was, thank you very much. From this perspective, quite frankly, the introduction of the Adjustments palette has gone and thrown a money wrench into everything.

But here's the thing: Virtually everything that used to work still works. The shortcuts are different, but every one of them is still there in some way, shape, or form. The old functions are there, if displaced. In fact, just one actual feature has been put out to pasture (tho I hope to see it one day exhumed). And fortunately, we get something even better in return.

You know, on second thought, this might work better if you ask the questions and I just answer them. So shoot. Read more »