CS2 Forum

[fallbrook]

I am considering upgrading to the CS2 version. I was wondering if there is a site like this one for CS2 users? I find this site extremely helpful and am concerned I won't get the help I need once I make the transition.

[Wendy]

Hi Ruthie ...

There isn't really a Photoshop forum quite like this one .. there is the NAPP forum but more people there use Photoshop professionally.

Quite a lot of people here use both Elements and Photoshop so if you get stuck then there will always be someone to help you out :)

Wemdu

[fallbrook]

Well that's great to hear. So you're saying there are people here who are skilled in areas like Channels and more detailed Curves? Where would someone post a Q as I don't see an area for CS2 Q's?

[skstarkiller]

I am a PS CS2 user and an Elements User. I agree with Wendy. While the people on the forum over at www.photoshopuser.com are helpful, it is more a pro user forum. I like the helpful, friendly family feel over here. I check these forums daily and only check over at NAPP every couple days.

Ask away and I am sure you'll get helped.

[mrod]

I second what Phil & Wendy said. I use both, and check the boards about the same as Phil does.

The people here are great. I've found the people on the NAPP boards to be very nice and gracious as well, but it's a different climate. Like Wendy and Phil said, more professional. Fun, though. Don't get me wrong. I like both areas. I think this board is more active as well. Questions here usually get responses quickly. On the NAPP boards, sometimes a question can go unanswered for a few days, for whatever reason.


Mike

[fallbrook]

Mind if I ask why you would use both E5 and CS2? When would one software be better to use than the other?

I will check out the other forum, but I know right off the bat, that I will feel more 'intimidated' by asking Q's to professionals. I think this forum is more 'user friendly'. But I'm delighted to here that I will still get Q's answered if I feel the need.

[jo]

I resisted CS2 for a loooonnnngggg time, but there are a few things I decided I couldn't live without. Smart objects (a demo of the CS3 beta) probably threw me over the edge. But PSE5 has a much nicer way to deal with layer styles with the new "sunflower" that lets you add drop shadows, glows, etc. all at once. We'll see what CS3 has to offer. Right now I'm trying to learn CS2 -- things are arranged a little differently so it's a challenge to locate everything. I joined the NAPP but haven't been to their forum yet.

[fallbrook]

Just out of curiosity, what does CS stand for anyway? Is CS3 the latest version and how does it differ from CS2?

[skstarkiller]

I use both because I am a professional graphic designer, but I also do training to help churches learn how to use Photoshop Elements to create their own custom graphics.

CS = Creative Suite. CS3 is in public beta right now and should be released sometime this spring.

[jo]

I think CS stands for Creative Suite, but the real Creative Suite is a bundle of Photoshop CS2 with other software.

CS3 is just available as a beta version right now and will be released soon, I hope. It has a few more cool tricks in its bag.

[mrod]

I'm a teacher, and was teaching PSE in my tech classes. That's how I started (although I've played around with PS since some earlier Mac versions--had no clue what I was doing though).

I became intrigued with CS2 after attending a workshop put on by NAPP and taught by Dave Cross. Right now, it's more for personal growth and challenge, but who know what the future may hold...:D

Phil, I'd be interested in talking with you about the work you do in churches! Some of the logistics, etc.

Mike

[skstarkiller]

Phil, I'd be interested in talking with you about the work you do in churches! Some of the logistics, etc.

Mike

Send me a PM or email me at phil (at) out of the mud.org

[Carbone]

I don't want to look too bad but.. the problem is that even if we are a lot of users of PSCS around here (myself included), it doesn't translate into full Photoshop discussion too often.

Layer styles, for example, are a feature which is huge in Photoshop, where it's limited in PSE5 and basic at best in PSE4 and down. Unfortunately, even if we're very friendly, you're less likely to read anything about it on PET. Same is true for Vanishing Point, the tile maker, actions, paths, text tool, wood texturizer, full colour management, etc. Those features you won't hear about, unless you join some other forum, because 97% of the users around here are PSE users, rather then PS users.

That should not prevent you from visiting here, but keep in mind that the "good stuff" is probaby covered at lenght elsewhere, NAPP for starters ;)

Ray

[Ritage]

There is also the Adobe Photoshop Forum. This is the one for Windows:

http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/?14@756.KxlfghPbYH9@.ee6b366

There is also one for Mac.

I suppose nobody mentions it, because all those professionals over there have a bit of a reputation for not being overfriendly with what they think of as stupid questions. (Of course, we know there is no such thing!)

However, when I first got CS2, I learned a tremendous lot from that forum, reading most posts starting several month back and working my way forward over several weeks. And I never even asked a question myself, the info is all there, one doesn't have to ask.

Rita

[Wendy]

Rita ...

Its just fine over there as long as you don't ask any questions ... but they are just so rude to people :(

Wendy

[Pauline]

You will find there are lots and lots of tutorials on the net for the full version of PS. Also get something like the photoshop bible (I have both regular and professional edition) to help you with questions. While I have been using cs2 for about 6 months now I can honestly say I have barely touched the surface of what there is to learn. It's an extensive program and I love it. Elements is also terrific, but PS gives you more options..........A LOT MORE options!

If you run into a snag you might be able to get help here, but like Ray said, this is primarily a forum for elements but some of us do use both. There are also at least 3 photoshop magazines out there if not more, and the list of books......well just do a search at amazon. Lots of resources.

[Robyn]

Mind if I ask why you would use both E5 and CS2? When would one software be better to use than the other?

I wonder that too. I've only been using CS2 for about 3 months, and I really love it.

.............but I would NEVER leave here, it's family!

[Wendy]

Well ...

... I keep all the versions of Elements so that I can check things out when someone asks a question :)

Wendy