First Look – Adobe will soon release an experimental software called Configurator, which will allow users to create their custom panels that house often accessed menu items and advanced features. Here is a first look at the application.  

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Some time ago we noted that software developers are facing an increasingly serious UI dilemma with software that grows in size and adds features with every new version. Sooner or later, developers and product managers face tough decisions to clean up software interfaces - or have to come up with new ideas how to integrate more and more features into menu structure and maintain a lightweight feel at the same time.

Microsoft follows a strategy of scenario-aware menus in its Office 2007 software – a concept that clearly isn’t entirely flushed out yet. Corel chose a more dramatic approach that allows users to change the location as well as look and feel of every button and menu item. You can even simulate the interfaces of competing software packages.

Adobe felt it was time to rethink the usability of Photoshop with the upcoming CS4 version as well. The image editing software has never been particularly easy to use software and understanding the entire feature set takes months and often even years of dedication. However, Photoshop is used by so many different types of users, wall of which do not need the entire functionality and in many cases use a very limited number of features and tools. The new Configurator, scheduled to become available as a free download from Adobe’s web site later this month, caters to those groups and allows users to create custom panels with a certain set of tools.

We have had a chance to play around with the AIR-based software for some time and found that it is very intuitive to use and enables users to integrate virtually any function of Photoshop in a custom panel. Besides tools and most menu items, you can include images, videos (SWF), scripts and actions (macros) in a menu with custom dimensions. You can even include a Photoshop CS4 search feature.

Finished panel designs can be saved and exported for use in Photoshop. There is also a packaging option that enables users to share their panel designs. The complete approach is somewhat reminiscent of what users have been able to in applications like Microsoft Word for more than a decade: Extract certain features of the software and position those buttons and menu items in an easily accessible place. However, the Configurator approach goes a bit further as macros and scripts can be integrated without much effort. The general user interface of Photoshop, by the way, cannot be changed.

Still, I do not believe that every experienced Photoshop users will be compelled to design a custom panel. Most Photoshop users are used to a certain workflow and shortcuts that may remain much more efficient than a custom-designed panel in most cases. But while I was playing with the software for some time, I thought that this would be a fantastic tool to create a custom “TG Daily Panel” for our freelance writers and editors. We spend significant time to train new staff members on Photoshop such as Photoshop and a panel that would focus the attention on the features we need would reduce that time by a considerable margin. It is also somewhat obvious that the Configurator can be used to create workshops for certain advanced image editing features that require multiple steps. I would not be too surprised, if websites will be offering custom workshop panels for download in the near future.

A downside of the software is that only panels for Photoshop CS4 can be created at this time. However, once the Configurator supports more than one application - and allows users to access features of multiple applications through one panel – this concept may become much more powerful than it is at this time.

Keep an eye on this application. It may make your everyday life with Adobe’s applications much easier.

Oops!

Oct 06, 2008 07:20     

"We spend significant time to train new staff members on Photoshop such as Photoshop " You should focus on training your staff to spellcheck your articles.
Typo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

Re: Oops!

Oct 06, 2008 09:08     

It is a fun word search to spice up the day. Like this one, "wall of which do not need the entire functionality".
tomt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

Re RE: Oops!

Oct 06, 2008 19:14     

Lmao! This is funny stuff- Oh wells, respect to the site, this is my number 1 news source. I
Blake report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

When is configurator scheduled to launch?

Nov 16, 2008 07:38     

When will configurator be available as a download? If the Beta version available somewhere?
Sean Dupré report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0