New Features of Photoshop CC 2014
It seems like every time Adobe updates Photoshop lately, it has become easier to work with, more intuitive, and more helpful overall. Adobe just released a new updated version of most of its software titles. Photoshop received a few new updated features. In this post, I’ll be covering the best new features of Photoshop CC 2014.
Path Blur
Path Blur is a great new feature in Photoshop, and is probably one of my favorites. Using the pen tool, you can create a path that specifies where a blur will be applied. This is extremely handy when you want to apply a blur to a specific area and have it follow a certain contour. To bring up this option, go to Filter> Blur Gallery> Path Blur. You use the push pin to draw the path of the blur that you want to apply. You can click and drag each point to change the curvature of the path. You can also make adjustments to how the blur is applied, it’s strength, and how much it tapers off. I am glad to see a decent amount of control with this feature. You could apply this blur to things like water and flowing rivers, controlling where they flow.
Spin Blur
Spin blur does just what the name suggests. You can apply a blur filter to give an object the effect of spinning. You can apply this to any rotating object. For example, you can apply it to car wheels, or anything else that may pivot or swing in a circular motion. Go to Filter> Blur Gallery> Spin Blur. You can control how strong the blur is, and the elliptical shape overall. You can also control how far the blur is applied out from the center.
Smart Guides
I really like the new guide system. It is much more intuitive for aligning objects. It lets you know how far away the closest objects are in relation to the object you’re working with. This is extremely handy when you’re trying to align objects, or you want a general idea of the spacing between other objects. You’ll also be able to see how far an object is away from the edge of your canvas.
Work With Typekit in Photoshop
Adobe has been working with type kit for quite some time. However, now you can try out different fonts from type kit directly inside of Photoshop. This makes it easy to try out fonts before dedicating yourself to use them. You can activate fonts from Typekit by clicking the light green box in the font section of your Options Bar at the top of Photoshop’s interface. This will integrate Typekit fonts into your workflow, along with your regular fonts.
My Condolences to the Oil Paint Filter
Many people are sad to see this one go, mainly because it’s been such a fan favorite for so long. Photoshop decided to bury the oil paint filter. It is no longer in use and you won’t find it in any of the newer versions of Photoshop. On the other hand, I’m sure Photoshop Masters will find 1000 different ways to create the effect of an oil painting in Photoshop without this feature. Did anybody ever really use this feature? I don’t remember the last time I used it, that’s why I think they got rid of it.
Conclusion
Whiat do you think are the best new features of Photoshop CC 2014? Adobe improved some other areas of the program, but nothing too significant. They have been working on integration with 3D printers, as well as working with 3D effects in general. Also, there are more export options when working with files, but nothing that I would consider to be blockbuster new features. If you want to read more about minor changes, etc., you can find out more here. What is a new feature that you’d like to see added to Photoshop? I’d love to hear what you have to say. Please leave your thoughts int he comments section below.
