Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator Article

By David Peters

Many people have heard of the Adobe programs Photoshop and Illustrator, but who knows what the differences are? People may argue that the two programs are basically similar, but their functions and capabilities are actually quite different. Adobe Illustrator takes the basic ideas presented in Photoshop and expands on them into an entirely new level.

Digital photographers everywhere have heard of Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop can be used to enhance any existing image giving it a professional level, quality look. You can add borders and frames or tweak a picture to a perfection that could never be possible with just a digital camera. Almost anything imaginable is possible thanks to the Photoshop software and with the endless number of tips and tutorials available, Photoshop is made quick and easy to learn and use.

Abobe illustrator is a different program entirely. Illustrator is a vector-based drawing program that allows you to create your own unique graphics. Adobe illustrator graphics can be used in print, online, in video, and even on your cell phone. Want to create your own background for your cell phone? It's possible when you have adobe illustrator, and something that can't be done with photoshop alone.

Adobe Illustrator makes possible what can't be done with Photoshop alone.You can find endless amounts of information on both programs on the web. Tips and tutorials for both Illustrator and Photoshop are found in abundance. Chat rooms, forums, and discussion groups on both programs are only a click away. You will never be at a loss for information on either Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop.

While photoshop does have some photoshop drawing and vector art tools, the tools are nothing compared to what is available on adobe illustrator. With a vast array of templates that can help you get started and a number of different drawing tools, you can create your own unique graphics and artwork using adobe illustrator. You can create unique graphics with photoshop, but you must start with a base image and your tools are limited in comparison to adobe illustrator. For the serious graphic designer, adobe illustrator is the best program to use. However, if your drawing needs are small, photoshop will probably work just as well.

Many Photoshop tutorials do not cover Photoshop drawing in great detail, so look for those tutorials specific to drawing for the best information. The same goes for Photoshop tip pages. It is seldom that you will find large amounts of information on drawing and vector art tools. But to make your digital images perfect, Photoshop is the program for you with plenty of information available. With the abundance of info on the subject, you won't be able to stop form touching up every photo you take.

Adobe Illustrator works a bit differently. Photoshop adds a new look to existing images but Illustrator can actually create the new images themselves. Adobe Illustrator can be a great asset to the graphic designer. With its easy to use tools and tutorials available over the Internet, Illustrator is both versatile and indispensable.

There's no reason you cannot work with both adobe photoshop and adobe illustrator to create brand new images or polish existing ones. The two programs have some basic, shared components, so by mastering one you will already have a working knowledge of using the other. To make your images as stunning as possible or to create graphics that no one else has seen before, you can use both adobe photoshop and illustrator. There is no reason to pick between the two and use only one program if you have uses for both. Because the two programs and their uses are so different, it's probably preferable to use both adobe programs for your digital photography and image creations.

Both programs are unique in their abilities and will make great additions to your software library. Both the digital photographer and the graphic designer will find a vast number of uses for both programs in creating the best and most professional images. Mastering these programs is easy with all of the tutorials, tips and information readily available online for Photoshop and Illustrator. The more you learn about these Adobe programs and experiment with using them, the more possibilities you will unlock in your own creativity. Have fun! - 17943

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