$600+ is a lot to upgrade from my CS4 suite to the CS5 suite but I think I’ll do it. I’ve been using the trial and here are my top 5 favorite improvements.
1. When duplicating folders, CS5 doesn’t put “copy” on all the sub layers
I’m a neat-nick and this is huge. I often duplicate layer groups and hate that in previous versions of Photoshop it would append the word “copy” to EVERY sub layer. If you want things nice and tidy it means you have to edit the name of every layer and delete the word “copy”.
CS5 is great. It places the word “copy” after the root folder that was duplicated but doesn’t do it for the sub layers and folders. No more duplicating the folder into a new empty file and then transferring it back… CS5 gets it right.
2. Layer folder depth increased to 10
For whatever reason folder depth has always been limited to 7 folders. Because I have a development background I organize the heck out of my PSDs. With older versions of Photoshop I’ve found that I quickly hit the 7 levels deep max and end up frustrated.
In Photoshop CS5, the folder depth max has been increased to 10- I haven’t had a situation where I’ve needed more yet but I’m sure that I will. 3 more levels in great! I’d ask for 20 if my feedback meant anything to Adobe but I’ll take what I can get.
Folder depth increased to 10! Rock and Roll!!
Note that with a lot of levels you really need enough screen real estate to see the layer group names. I have two monitors at home and a big one at work so my layer palette is pretty wide.
3. Moving groups with the move tool is much faster
This is a subtle one but it’s huge in it’s affect. In CS4 and below I’ve noticed that when I have a lot of layers in a group or when I have a lot of programs running, moving layer groups with the move tool can be pretty slow. I think I’ve noticed this even when I’ve only had a layer or two in a group.
In CS5 it’s freaking awesome! Complex layer groups move much quicker and smoother. I know that my speed has increased because of this improvement. In fact, I think overall, I’m able to do whatever I want without CS5 lagging at all- that, and I picked up a pretty new machine a month ago…
4. Zooming & panning
Zooming in CS5 is a bit different than CS4 and takes a day or so to get used to but it ends up being a lot more fun and effective. I can’t really describe how it works in a simple fashion but it allows you to zoom in quickly to the level you’re looking for.
Panning is also pretty cool. In CS5 when you pan it continues to “slide” after you let go of your mouse. Again, not what you’re used to but I like it more after using it for a while. Things are more fluid and fun.
5. Simpler brush options
In CS4, and previous versions, the brush options under the brush tool we’re a bit overwhelming (we’ll, let’s just say that they are when contrasted with CS5). In CS5 Adobe has simplified the brushes drop down to a much more concise set. I’m not at work so I can’t compare with CS4, but if you’ve used CS4, you’ll get my point.
Simpler brush options in CS5
Final Thoughts
I’ll definitely be upgrading to the CS5 suite. I’m going to wait until my trial expires but I feel like it’s worth it. If for no other reason, it just seems to run a lot faster. I do have a new machine but I have CS4 on my new machine too and it just doesn’t feel the same.
$599… Adobe I wish it was more affordable, but not if that meant you’d have to skimp on features. I can’t wait to see where we are in a few years. Exciting stuff!!
Happy mocking!
