Adobe Software List: Which apps do you need?

Objectives: Image editing and processing, graphic design, web and application template creation, 3D modeling
Pros: Feature-rich, powerful
Cons: Complexity, long study time
Version: Mac, Windows, iPad

If you want to edit an image, then surely the first thing you think about is Photoshop. In such a way that the word ‘Photoshop’ has become a means to edit images in general. But Photoshop is not only a photo editor but also a complete graphics editor.

Photoshop can edit images, graphics, and raster text into multiple layers. Edit and export text and vector graphics; and create and edit 3D graphics and videos. Photoshop is not only used by photographers and photo editors; but also by digital artists, graphic designers and artistic directors; and even, by 3D designers and VFX artists.

It’s important to note that Photoshop works with raster graphics; compared to Illustrator (below), it works with vector graphics.

Purpose: Illustration, vector graphic design
Advantages: Rich in features, industry standards
Cons: Expensive vs. Sketch or Relationship Design
Version: Mac, Windows

Purpose: VFX, motion graphics, combination
Pros: Feature-rich, integrated with 4D Cinema
Cons: Not sophisticated enough to produce full film
Version: Mac, Windows

After Effects is software to create the effects of images, graphics motion and combinations. You won’t use it to create an entire movie. It is used to create animations that are posted on the web, in video tutorials or credits.

After Effects is used in the production and post-production of films and television. For tasks such as keystrokes, tracking and synthesis, and creating image effects. Along with being smoothly integrated with other Adobe applications; this app is also compatible with Maxon’s 4D 3D app.

Purpose: Create web templates and apps
Pros: Free Starter Plan, available for Windows (unlike Sketch)
Cons: Sketch remains the industry standard
Version: Mac, Windows, with iOS and Android apps for testing

Is a vector-based UX tool for creating templates for web and mobile applications. You do not create an entire application in XD; but use it to visualize the interface; and determine how all sections work and relate to each other. This helps everything work correctly, before you embark on the final encryption. Note that the XD starter plan is free; and you don’t need to sign up for Creative Cloud to use it.

Purpose: Desktop Publishing
Advantages: Industry Standards
Cons: School
Version: Mac, Windows

InDesign is a page staging software used primarily for printing, but also capable of digital publishing. As the industry standard for the publishing industry; often used by graphic designers; to create posters, leaflets, promotional materials, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books, and eBooks.

Purpose: Organize and edit images
Pros: Outstanding organizational features
Cons: Not as powerful as Photoshop to edit images
Version: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Lightroom is software for organizing and manipulating images. Lightroom is a good tool for a photo studio or photographer who needs to handle a lot of photos. It doesn’t have as many features as Photoshop; so the interface is simpler, easier to use for standard tasks.

Also note that Lightroom’s edits are always non-destructive. This means that both the original image and the edits you have applied are saved separately; so it’s easy to undo changes if things don’t go as you want.

Purpose: Video editing
Pros: Powerful, integrated with other Adobe apps
Cons: Steady Learning Curve
Version: Windows, Mac

Premiere Pro is a comprehensive video editing tool, based on an intuitive timeline. It is widely used in the film and TELEVISION industry, YouTubers and studios; to edit ads, music videos, TV series, and long movies.

Premiere Pro is often used in addition to After Effects, Audition and Photoshop. This is an unbelievable and mastery tool. For this reason, Adobe recently released a lighter video editing app; Premier Rush, for beginners and more ordinary users.

Purpose: Create graphics, websites, and short videos
Pros: Simple to use
Cons: Basic tools
Version: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android

Adobe Spark is an app for creating short graphics, websites, and videos for social media, easily and quickly. It is aimed at marketing and social media professionals, as well as amateurs and beginners who want to create interesting content for Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, but do not have time to learn more complex software such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

Purpose: Digital Art
Pros: Simple, intuitive interface
Cons: Super expensive on the subscription model
Version: iOS version 12.4 or later

A digital art application; imitate some of the best elements of other art programs for iPad. It combines the expression and power of photoshop brushes, with vector accuracy. The Live Brush function allows you to draw with watercolor and oil color; mixing, blurring just like in real life. The interface is simple and intuitive, very suitable for beginners as well as professionals.

Purpose: Video editing
Pros: Emphasis on ease and speed; upload directly to social media accounts
Cons: Not a heavy video editor
Version: Mac, Windows, iOs and Android

Adobe Premiere Rush is a multi-platform, versatile video editing software; process and upload video clips quickly. This program is ideal for social media content creators.

The app supports video trimming, resizing, rotation and color correction; plus a wide range of audio and process editing features. Content stored in the cloud, editable across multiple devices; and have the option to automatically sync, making it easier. Editing and uploading content directly to simple social media platforms. Fully compatible with Premiere Pro.

Purpose: Combine, merge and display optical 3D images
Pros: Unique, easy to use
Cons: actual photos may look fake if not done carefully
Version: Mac and Windows

Simulate, synthesize, and display 3D images based on 2D and 3D models. Photos and materials you can import from multiple sources, including Adobe Stock. Graphic designers use to create mockups, brand visualizations, and packaging designs. The advantage is creating emysy scenes, without having to hold a photo shoot.

Purpose: Create a website
Pros: No need to learn code
Cons: More complex use than other, recently released web builders
Version: Mac, Windows

First created in 1997. Dreamweaver is for those who want to build a website without learning how to code. Today there are many alternatives that offer similar possibilities; not just Adobe’s Muse CC. The main reason to use Dreamweaver in 2020, is that you have used it before. But for those unfamiliar with it, it’s really not a compelling reason.