Adobe Photoshop has been the mainstay of the UK graphics industry for many years and now it appears the best just got better.

The user interface in newly-launched Photoshop 7.0 looks comfortably familiar.

Most importantly, the product works the same way as earlier versions although there are plenty of exciting new features.

The new version includes full compatibility with Windows XP and Mac OS X. With many designers working on MAC OS machines but while an increasing number of PC-powered design studios emerge, this is a critical step in the right direction.

Features that make Photoshop 7.0 more versatile include a robust built-in browser for inspecting digital images as thumbnails before they are opened.

The new healing brush tool allows the user to remove dust, scratches and other flaws while preserving the image's colour, shading and texture. This could be seen as the single most important photo-retouching tool ever developed.

Web design can be streamlined using Photoshop 7.0's new transparency capabilities and sophisticated rollover controls. A powerful new paint engine and art studio brushes enable even greater levels of creativity while the new automatic pattern maker and an enhanced, easier-to-use liquify tool will expand any digital artist's potential.

Price: £450 plus VAT (upgrade: £99 plus VAT)

Contact: www.adobe.co.uk
Feel good factor: 9 out of 10.