Adobe introduces - Photoshop for iPad

Photoshop for iPad was first announced at Adobe MAX in October 2018 and since then everyone has been eagerly waiting for its official launch. Finally, the wait is over!

For the last couple of months I have been testing the beta version of the app on my iPad Pro so had time to get familiar with the features and interface. It is a much more robust version of Photoshop than the previously introduced apps (Photoshop Fix and Photoshop Mix), nevertheless it is far from being the equivalent of the full desktop application.

In summary, I would estimate that Photoshop for iPad in its current launch state only has around 30% of the functions and features of the desktop version. Although it took some time to adjust to the interface, after a few hours of using the app you can easily get used to it.

Want to learn more? Watch my step by step tutorial on how to create a fan art composition from a few snapshots from the Joker movie:

You can follow along this creative process by downloading the Photoshop for iPad app from the App Store, and the images from this Milanote board.

To get the layered PSD file and feedback on your designs join our Pro Membership.

Use #yesimadesigner when sharing your work on social media and we will feature it on this board with a link to your account.

Pros:

  • User-friendly, simplified interface
  • Streamlined tools
  • Apple Pencil support
  • Interface adapts to working in Portrait mode
  • Support for Cloud Documents
  • Touch shortcuts
  • Gestures

Cons:

  • No time-lapse recording
  • No offline mode
  • No view rotation
  • Smart Objects are not yet supported
  • No Curves adjustment
  • Adjustments are only available as layers
  • No Layer Styles and only one filter (Gaussian Blur)
Luckily most of the features missing in the current version are being actively developed and planned to be added in future updates. Below is a list of some of these features:

I believe that Photoshop for iPad is already a brilliant tool that provides a very similar experience to the desktop version, while still utilising the advantages of the touch screen and Apple Pencil support. 

It is a strong first version that will only get better with future updates.

UP NEXT

Creative Cloud 2020 New Features

Get up-to-date with all the new features introduced in the 2020 release of Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Click here

About the author 

Martin Perhiniak

Martin Perhiniak is a Certified Adobe Design Master and Instructor. He was voted to be one of the top 10 Adobe instructors in the world by student feedback in 2015. In his online courses besides the technical knowledge you need, Martin will also teach you a lot about design principles, compositional techniques and plenty of best practices that he picked up and developed while working as a designer and retoucher on projects such as Pixar’s Cars and Toy Story, BBC’s Dr Who or Mattel’s Team Hot Wheels. He feels it his mission to share his insights of the design industry and its latest trends with beginners and creative professionals around the World.

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