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Updates and bug fixes to the popular image-editing software that also allows use on smartphones

Updates and bug fixes to the popular image-editing software that also allows use on smartphones

Vote: (612 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Adobe

Version: 12.0.4

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(612 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Adobe

12.0.4

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Pros

  • High dynamic range
  • Easily accessible and intuitive toolset
  • Smooth workflow
  • Better potential for creativity
  • Masking and cloning takes less time than in CS4 release
  • Content-Aware tool is very effective

Cons

  • There is a learning curve
  • Not compatible with Windows 10
  • The program is heavy, so it requires a capable computer

Adobe Photoshop is image editing software that Mac OS and Windows users can utilize to manipulate photographs or graphics. Although Photoshop CS5 was released in 2010, it is still very relevant today, especially for users using older versions of Windows that need powerful image editing capabilities.

Adobe CS5 Features

Since the release of CS5, Adobe has moved toward a subscription service, which eliminates the need to pay one lump sum for the program. For a low monthly fee, a user has full access to Photoshop CC, which also includes updates so that the software is never obsolete. However, subscription services aren’t for everyone and that’s why there are users that prefer the full version of CS5. Users can carry out a wide range of editing tasks because Adobe Photoshop CS5 gives users the following features:

  • Image handling – An advanced feature that reduces noise and corrects lens aberration problems.
  • Puppet Warp – Enables photographed elements to be subtly repositioned.
  • Faster selection tools – Easier manipulation of images.
  • More advanced text engine – Create ligatures, kerning, leading, and high-grade lettering.
  • Code snippets – Incorporate code snippets where needed.
  • Better cropping tool – The cropping tool uses the “Rule-of-Thirds.”
  • Roto Brush – Mask objects quickly instead of frame-by-frame.

CS5 possesses 40 more features than the CS4 release. These are features that are still very relevant to today’s image editing standards, which is why they are still available in Adobe Photoshop CC. However, there are system requirements that must be met to ensure CS5 is useful.

System Requirements

Because Photoshop CS5 is a 64-bit program, it performs best on systems with a high amount of Ram. You want at least 1GB of Ram and 1 GB of available space on your hard drive. You can also run CS5 on Windows Operating System versions ranging XP Service Pack 3 to Windows 7 or Mac OS X v10.5.7 or v.10.6. If installing CS5 on a Mac, you will need 2 GB of available space on your hard drive.

As for the graphic requirements, you will need to have at least 256 MB of VRAM. Whether running a Windows PC or a Mac, a 16-bit OpenGL graphics adapter will give you the performance you need. If the computer doesn’t meet these requirements, Photoshop won’t work correctly.

The Takeaway

Overall, Photoshop CS5, despite its age, will give you what you need. In fact, it can be too much power for some users that need it for simple photo editing projects. Nonetheless, it is best to have too much power than not enough. If you need advanced photo editing capabilities, CS5 is adequate or you can opt for the Photoshop CC subscription option, especially if you are running a Windows OS higher than Windows 7 or a Mac OS higher than v.10.6. If you are running compatible operating systems, then this graphics suite will give you what you need to get the job done.

Pros

  • High dynamic range
  • Easily accessible and intuitive toolset
  • Smooth workflow
  • Better potential for creativity
  • Masking and cloning takes less time than in CS4 release
  • Content-Aware tool is very effective

Cons

  • There is a learning curve
  • Not compatible with Windows 10
  • The program is heavy, so it requires a capable computer