Adobe Photoshop CS5 CS5 is the best version of Adobe Photoshop that I have ever used. It starts up quickly, has an improved interface that allows me to work more efficiently, and includes new features like Content Aware Fill. The only problems with this software are the price tag and compatibility with Windows 8. As much as I would love to use this program every day, it is currently too expensive for me to purchase at $700 for a full-time design student. Adobe should also make sure their software works smoothly on Windows 8 so designers don't have another issue they need to deal with when upgrading or purchasing programs in the future. Adobe Illustrator CS5 The new functionality in this version of Illustrator is particularly useful, with all the tools in the toolbar being redesigned. Adobe is also touting the benefits of using it on tablets so designers don't have to lug around a desktop computer at all times. It has both visual and color-focused artboards, allowing me to create illustrations that are easier to work with. The new features also allow me to save my work more efficiently when compared with previous versions of this program. There are still some issues that I would like resolved, though, such as the inability to save certain symbols when I create multiple-layered illustrations. Adobe After Effects CS5 After Effects CS5 makes it easier to create movies with the addition of several new features. It also increases the speed at which I can compose in this program by allowing me to work in its team collaboration feature more easily. I like that it allows my team members and I to collaborate without having to download anything, unlike many other similar programs. This program is compatible with my Cintiq, which is really helpful when I am working on designing movie credits or logos with lots of text in them. The only thing that I don't like about After Effects is that it does not share fonts between Illustrator and Photoshop, so if the font is not available on both programs, I cannot use it. Adobe InDesign CS5 Adobe InDesign CS5 is a fantastic layout and page-design program. It has a ton of new features like linked graphics and better color controls. With the ability to map my colors on the fly, I can more easily make changes to my designs without having to rework anything else on my page or in my document. The new features of this version of InDesign include more fonts and label options for users, making it even easier for me to create client logos that will be used on different print materials. The only downside to this program is that I have to pay twice as much as what other students are paying for the suite because of my Mac OS X operating system, which makes it very difficult for me to justify buying it. Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 The new features in Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 are very helpful when creating complex websites. I enjoy using the new symbol tools the most because they allow me to quickly add a graphic or an image that can then be modified across my site in a variety of ways. The built in support for HTML5 and CSS3 is also extremely helpful when troubleshooting any code issues with clients who have old computers or phones. 81eaaddfaf 24
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