# Adobe Photoshop

> raster graphics editor with limited vector graphics and 3D graphics editing capabilities

**Wikidata**: [Q129793](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q129793)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_Photoshop)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/adobe-photoshop

## Summary
Adobe Photoshop is a professional raster graphics editor developed by Adobe Inc., first released on February 19, 1990. It is the industry standard for photo manipulation, retouching, and digital art, offering tools for 2D and 3D design. Initially created by Thomas and John Knoll, it revolutionized digital imaging and remains a cornerstone of creative workflows.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: February 19, 1990, by Thomas and John Knoll.
- **Developer**: Adobe Inc. (founded in 1982, headquartered in San Jose, California).
- **Primary Use**: Raster graphics editing, photo retouching, 3D modeling, and digital painting.
- **Operating Systems**: Compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, and iPadOS (since 2019).
- **Business Model**: Freemium and software as a service (SaaS) via Adobe Creative Cloud.
- **File Formats**: Native PSD format; supports JPEG, PNG, GIF, and others.
- **Competitors**: Indirect alternatives include Figma (vector graphics, 2012) and Blender (3D modeling, 1998).
- **Versions**: Notable releases include Photoshop CS6 (2012) and the transition to subscription-based CC (Creative Cloud) in 2013.
- **Cultural Impact**: Over 87 international Wikipedia entries and 32 million social media followers (as of 2023).

## FAQs
### Q: When was Adobe Photoshop first released?
A: Adobe Photoshop was first released on February 19, 1990.

### Q: What is Adobe Photoshop used for?
A: Photoshop is used for photograph manipulation, retouching, 3D modeling, and creating digital art. It supports raster graphics editing and integrates with Adobe’s Creative Cloud ecosystem.

### Q: Is Adobe Photoshop free?
A: No, Photoshop operates on a freemium model with a subscription-based service through Adobe Creative Cloud. A free trial is available, but full access requires a paid plan.

### Q: What are popular alternatives to Photoshop?
A: Indirect competitors include Figma (vector graphics and prototyping) and Blender (free 3D modeling). Other alternatives like GIMP offer similar raster editing capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Adobe Photoshop is a transformative tool in digital design, setting the standard for photo editing and visual creation. Its introduction democratized high-end image manipulation, enabling professionals and hobbyists to achieve complex effects without traditional darkroom techniques. As part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, Photoshop integrates with other industry-leading tools (e.g., Illustrator, Premiere Pro), fostering seamless workflows. Its impact extends beyond software, influencing language (“photoshopped”) and shaping industries like advertising, photography, and web design. Continuous updates since 1990 reflect its adaptability to technological advancements, from 3D modeling to AI-driven tools like Content-Aware Fill.

## Notable For
- **Industry Standard**: Dominates professional graphic design, photography, and digital art.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Available on Windows, macOS, and iPadOS, with cloud-based syncing.
- **Extensive Toolset**: Supports raster, vector, and 3D workflows, with features like layers, filters, and AI-enhanced editing.
- **Cultural Influence**: The term “photoshop” is widely recognized as a verb for digital image manipulation.
- **Continuous Innovation**: Regular updates since 1990, incorporating AI (e.g., Neural Filters) and cloud collaboration.

## Body

### Development History
Photoshop was created by Thomas Knoll (developer) and John Knoll (interface designer) and first released in 1990. Initially called “Display,” it evolved into a powerful tool after Adobe acquired the rights. Key milestones include the introduction of layers in version 3.0 (1994) and the shift to a subscription model with Creative Cloud in 2013.

### Core Features
- **Raster Editing**: Pixel-based tools for retouching, compositing, and color correction.
- **3D Capabilities**: Supports 3D modeling, rendering, and texturing (introduced in 2007).
- **AI Integration**: Features like Content-Aware Fill and Neural Filters leverage machine learning for automated edits.
- **File Formats**: Reads/writes PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, and specialized formats (e.g., DICOM, Cineon).

### Compatibility
Photoshop runs on **Microsoft Windows** (since 1985), **macOS** (since 2001), and **iPadOS** (since 2019). It requires a minimum of 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended) and a multi-core processor for optimal performance.

### Business Model
Transitioned from perpetual licenses to a **subscription-based SaaS model** in 2013 via Adobe Creative Cloud. Offers individual, student, and enterprise plans, with pricing starting at $20.99/month (as of 2023).

### Cultural Impact
- **Terminology**: “Photoshopping” is widely used to describe digital image alteration.
- **Community**: Active forums, tutorials, and plugins (e.g., Nik Collection, Topaz Labs) extend its functionality.
- **Education**: Widely taught in design schools and used in professional certifications.

### File Formats
- **Native**: Photoshop File Format (PSD), supporting layers and masks.
- **Supported**: JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, PDF, and 3D formats (OBJ, STL).
- **Specialized**: DICOM (medical imaging), Cineon (film scanning), and RAW files from digital cameras.

### Notable Versions
- **CS6 (2012)**: Final perpetual license release, featuring Content-Aware Move and 3D enhancements.
- **CC 2015**: Introduced Adobe Stock integration and improved brush controls.
- **CC 2020**: Added the “Object Selection Tool” and enhanced AI-driven workflows.

## References

1. [Source](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-frame-animations.html)
2. [The Birth of a Killer Application: Ten Years of Photoshop](http://www.designbyfire.com/pdfs/history_of_photoshop.pdf)
3. [The Birth of a Killer Application: Ten Years of Photoshop](https://www.designbyfire.com/pdfs/history_of_photoshop.pdf)
4. [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html)
5. [Photoshop auf dem iPadJanuar 2020 (Version 1.1.1). 2020](https://helpx.adobe.com/de/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-ipad-fixed-issues)
6. [Informationen zum Aktualisieren veralteter Versionen](https://helpx.adobe.com/de/photoshop/kb/legacy-version-updates.html)
7. [Photoshop CC 2017.1.1 (May 2017) Update Now Available](http://blogs.adobe.com/crawlspace/2017/05/photoshop-cc-2017-1-1-may-2017-update-now-available.html)
8. [Get the Goods: Announcing Updates to Photoshop CC, Dimension CC, and More Today. 2017](https://theblog.adobe.com/get-the-goods-announcing-updates-to-photoshop-cc-dimension-cc-and-more-today/)
9. [Fixed issues in Photoshop CC](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html)
10. [Photoshop desktopJanuary 2020 (version 21.0.3) release](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
11. [February 2020 (version 21.1.0) release. 2020](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
12. [April 2020 (version21.1.2) release. 2020](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
13. [May 2020 (version 21.1.3) release](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
14. [June 2020 (version 21.2) release](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
15. [July 2020 (version 21.2.1) release](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
16. [August 2020 (version 21.2.2) release](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
17. [September 2020 (version 21.2.3) release](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
18. [September 2020 (version 21.2.4) release. 2020](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
19. [October 2020 (version 22.0) release. 2020](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
20. [Keep Photoshop up to date. 2020](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/uptodate.html)
21. [Keep Adobe Photoshop up to date](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/uptodate.html)
22. [March 2020 (version21.1.1) release (English). 2020](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html#photoshop-desktop-fixed-issues)
23. [Adobe Photoshop on desktop release notes. 2025](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/whats-new/photoshop-on-desktop-release-notes.html)
24. [Source](http://www.designbyfire.com/pdfs/history_of_photoshop.pdf)
25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
26. [Source](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/xpfd4t9n395qn6?hl=en-us&gl=us)
27. [Source](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/xpfd4t9n395qn6?hl=en-gb&gl=uk)
28. [Source](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/supported-file-formats-photoshop-cs6.html)
29. [Source](https://github.com/usnationalarchives/digital-preservation/blob/master/Still%20Image%20Formats/NARA_PreservationActionPlan_DigitalStillImage_20190801.pdf)
30. [Source](https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/file-formats.html)
31. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
32. [Source](http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/PRONOM/x-sfw/47)
33. Quora
34. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
35. YouTube API
36. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
37. Know Your Meme