# Thomas Knoll

> American software engineer

**Wikidata**: [Q617053](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q617053)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Knoll)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thomas-knoll

Here’s the structured biographical entry for Thomas Knoll:

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## Summary  
Thomas Knoll is an American software engineer and computer scientist best known as the co-creator of Adobe Photoshop. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he developed the foundational code for Photoshop in the late 1980s alongside his brother John Knoll, revolutionizing digital image editing.

## Biography  
- Born: April 14, 1960, in Ann Arbor, Michigan  
- Nationality: United States  
- Education: Huron High School, University of Michigan  
- Known for: Co-creating Adobe Photoshop  
- Field(s): Computer science, software engineering  

## Contributions  
Thomas Knoll, alongside his brother John Knoll, developed the initial version of Photoshop in 1987. Originally called "Display," the software was designed for grayscale image editing on Macintosh computers. Adobe Systems licensed the program in 1988, releasing Photoshop 1.0 in 1990. Knoll contributed to core features like layers, color correction, and file format support (e.g., PSD). Photoshop became the industry standard for digital image manipulation, transforming photography, design, and visual arts. Knoll continued working on Photoshop at Adobe, refining its algorithms and functionality through multiple versions.

## FAQs  
### Q: Who created Photoshop?  
A: Thomas Knoll co-created Photoshop with his brother John Knoll in the late 1980s. The software was later licensed by Adobe Systems and released in 1990.  

### Q: What did Thomas Knoll study?  
A: Knoll attended the University of Michigan after graduating from Huron High School in Ann Arbor. His education laid the groundwork for his career in software engineering.  

### Q: Is Thomas Knoll still involved with Photoshop?  
A: Knoll worked at Adobe for many years, contributing to Photoshop's development. While his current involvement is unclear, his foundational work remains integral to the software.  

## Why They Matter  
Thomas Knoll's creation of Photoshop democratized digital image editing, enabling professionals and amateurs alike to manipulate photos with unprecedented precision. The software redefined industries like graphic design, photography, and advertising, becoming synonymous with digital creativity. Without Knoll's work, modern visual media—from social media content to blockbuster films—would lack the tools that shape their aesthetics.  

## Notable For  
- Co-creating Adobe Photoshop (1990)  
- Pioneering digital image editing tools  
- Developing the PSD file format  

## Body  
### Early Life and Education  
- Born April 14, 1960, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  
- Attended Huron High School and later the University of Michigan.  

### Career and Photoshop Development  
- Developed the precursor to Photoshop, "Display," in 1987.  
- Collaborated with brother John Knoll to expand the software's capabilities.  
- Licensed Photoshop to Adobe Systems in 1988; Version 1.0 released in 1990.  

### Legacy  
- Photoshop became the industry standard for image editing.  
- Knoll's work influenced digital art, photography, and design workflows worldwide.  

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2630258/)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013