Adobe Photoshop is so dominant when it comes to print and Web-based bitmap-editing that, in many ways, it has come to define the whole field...

Microsoft prepares to march into Adobe territory with its forthcoming suite of graphics and web development software.

Non-destructive image processing and creative filters feature in this comprehensive upgrade to the market leader.

With its improved interface, colour handling, image adjustments and brush-based artistic creativity, DrawPlus moves onto a new level.

Improved interface, object and layer handling, plus integrated 3D painting add greatly to power, usability and value

Macromedia Contribute (March 2003, page 57) caused considerable excitement with its ability to keep site content up-to-date, under control and within budget.

With advanced packages such as the latest Photoshop (to be reviewed next month) Adobe is the leading software developer when it comes to traditional graphic design...

A new interface, drawing engine and programming language, but surprisingly little new power.

When you think of photo editing, the chances are you think of Adobe Photoshop. However, the majority of non-professional users don't need Photoshop's high-end power and can't justify its cost. That's where Paint Shop Pro (PSP) comes in. Its low price is definitely its initial attraction, but that has never stopped it aiming high. At times, as with version 6's introduction of vector layers, it has even left Photoshop trailing behind. However, version 7's minor fiddling was a serious letdown and as time passed, it began to look as if PSP had run out of steam. Version 8, though, shows this isn't the case.You begin to realise how fundamental the overhaul has been as soon as you load the application.

What makes PDF (Portable Document Format) unique is that it can provide an exact electronic replica of any document from any application on all major platforms, including all text, graphics and fonts. It’s an amazingly flexible format with a myriad of uses ranging from electronic manuals and e-books, through secure document exchange and archiving, to multimedia presentation and high-end commercial print.

Throughout its long and chequered career – first under MetaCreations, then Procreate and now Corel – Painter has always stood out as the artistic and creative computer application bar none. The reason is simple: Painter's unique range of natural media brushes.

A questionable interface redesign and greater-than-ever complexity lead to a half-baked feeling.

New effects enable richer design results, while a host of other improvements boost productivity.

Improved interface and drawing capabilities, new photo matching and hand-drawn effects – and it’s still free

QuarkXPress defines and dominates high-end publishing in much the same way as Adobe Photoshop does photo editing.

Improved media handling, Flash video support and greater interactivity see Captivate extend into new areas of training.

A cheap and cheerful approach to Flash but the sheer power it offers is exceptional, as is the price.

Best-of-breed photo management, editing and sharing with great usability and value.

FreeHand has had a long, distinguished career since its launch 15 years ago, but time has caught up with it. While Macromedia concentrated development on its Web-oriented MX applications, FreeHand was put on the back burner and fell seriously behind its main rivals CorelDRAW (see issue 60, p54) and Adobe Illustrator (see issue 51, p88). So, is this latest release evidence of further decline, or has FreeHand finally risen to the challenge?

With its enhanced interface, support for transparency and new collaboration features, it’s the best release in years.