Adobe on Monday officially launched Creative Suite 6, its latest collection of software for design, Web and video professionals, along with the new Creative Cloud, a new subscription-based hub for making, sharing and delivering creative work.
The new Creative Suite 6 features Photoshop CS6, which sports performance and workflow enhancements, as well as advanced tools for 3D design. Adobe said the latest Photoshop addresses the unique needs of the graphic design, video, Web, architecture, medical, manufacturing, and engineering industries.
"Creativity is at the very center of our efforts – both in developing exceptional tools, and enabling our users to create beautiful imagery that stands out from the visual clutter around us," said Winston Hendrickson, vice president products, Creative Media Solutions at Adobe. "Photoshop CS6 is unrivaled in capabilities and power and – as we have seen from the astonishing reception of our recent public beta – has once again captured the imagination of the worldwide creative community. ‘Photoshop magic’ is alive and well with CS6."
Including Photoshop, there are a total of 14 applications in CS6 and four Creative Suites: Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design & Web Premium, available for $1,899, Adobe Creative Suite 6 Standard Design, which is $1,299, Adobe Creative Suite Production Premium, retailing for $1,899, and Adobe Creative Suite 6 Master Collection, sold for $2,599.
Another, new option for those interested in the latest Creative Suite is Adobe's Creative Cloud, which runs $600 per year, or $75 per month on a mont-to-month basis. Those upgrading from an earlier Creative Suite can subscribe to Creative Cloud for as low as $29.99 per month for the first year.
"Creatives get a ton of innovation across CS6, with milestone releases of all our flagship products," said David Wadhwani, senior vice president, Digital Media Business at Adobe. "With CS6 and Creative Cloud, we’re also introducing new products, new mobile workflows and advanced publishing capabilities that show we are laser-focused on ensuring design, Web and video pros have everything they need for the delivery of high-impact content and apps."
New features in CS6 highlighted by Adobe include:
- In Photoshop CS6, designers will experience improved performance, powered by the Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine, enabling near instant results from essential editing tools, including Liquify, Puppet Warp, Transform and Lighting Effects.
- Adobe has built on Photoshop's Content-Aware capabilities with advanced new Content-Aware Patch and Content-Aware Move features.
- Illustrator CS6 debuts a revamped modern interface, and features include a new image tracing engine, easy pattern creation and ability to apply gradients to strokes. The Mercury Performance System delivers speed and stability, including 64-bit support for Mac OS and Windows.
- InDesign CS6 streamlines the creation of multiple layouts from a single set of content with new Adaptive Design Tools — Alternate Layout, Liquid Layout, Content Collector Tools and Linked Content.
- A brand new application, Adobe Muse, enables designers to create and publish HTML5 web sites without writing code.
And Adobe also offered the following highlights for its new Creative Cloud subscription:
- Creative Cloud membership provides users with access to download and install every new Adobe CS6 application announced today and two new HTML5 products, Adobe Museâ„¢ and Adobe Edge preview.
- Creative Cloud integrates Adobe’s creative tablet applications, such as Photoshop Touch, into everyday work - seamlessly synchronizing and storing files in the cloud for sharing and access on any device.
- Creative Cloud members will be able to easily deliver mobile apps to iOS and Android marketplaces and publish, manage and host websites.
- Adobe Creative Cloud members will have access to application upgrades, including new CS point-product features, before they are launched as part of major CS updates, as well as inventive new products and services as they emerge.
- Adobe Creative Cloud membership is US$49.99 per month, with an annual contract. A special introductory offer of US$29.99 per month for CS3, CS4, CS5 and CS5.5 individual customers is also available.
"The urge to be creative is universal, and harnessing the creative spark — in everyone from school children to creative pros — has never been more important," said Shantanu Narayen, president and chief executive officer, Adobe. "Wherever and whenever inspiration strikes, Adobe will be there to help capture, refine and publish your ideas."