Adobe is once again putting up the price and tightening the screw on the users

[Vivi_Ram]

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/05 ... -features/

There's a huge tidal wave of a backlash building up against Adobe now. Practically everyone is going to be forced to pay more - "upgraded" as they call it.

Further, I always knew this would happen, and it's finally happening. They are reducing the number of generative AI "credits" to a measly 25, instead of the present 500. If AI is just a feature, and you're already subscribing, then why should I pay more to use one of the features? It's like buying a car and then having to pay the car manufacturer more every time I want to go beyond a certain speed limit. But whatever. I'm not paying for my own subscription. My company does.

This is a good opportunity to speak louder about PL. Also, I'm now training copywriters on PL. Showing them how to do basic photo edits.

Edit: I have literally never used generative fill in Photoshop. It is a white elephant. Not only did no one ask for it, it is completely wrong in it's first principles. Using the work of creatives to degrade creatives.

[bruce1951]

The "problems" is that just about every tutorial or YouTuber uses Adobe products. New comers almost feel abliged to also use Adobe products. Until that trend is broken only the "smart" folk will seek other products.

And Adobe know it.

I've been tempted to go to the darkside. I love Lightrooms linear and radial gradients. That would be a great feature in PL. Hint!

[der_fotograf]

What is wrong with the gradients in PL? Did I miss something?

[bruce1951]

LRs linear and radial gradients have nodes/ handles that can shape the selected area.

[shijan]

Screen Shot 2025-05-27 at 8.03.36 AM.jpg

[bruce1951]

Hmm. What have I been missing?

[der_fotograf]

Obviously a lot :mrgreen:

[bruce1951]

Just an assumption and sometime I've never explored. Some experimenting over the next few days it seems.

[Vivi_Ram]

The "problems" is that just about every tutorial or YouTuber uses Adobe products. New comers almost feel abliged to also use Adobe products. Until that trend is broken only the "smart" folk will seek other products.

And Adobe know it.

I've been tempted to go to the darkside. I love Lightrooms linear and radial gradients. That would be a great feature in PL. Hint!

I completely agree. This is definitely a huge part of the problem. Even pirating Adobe serves their purposes and perpetuates the problem. The only solution is a shift away from Adobe's ecosystem. Which, unfortunately, is quite tough, because they're so entrenched. This is one reason why I support as many projects as I possibly can. With hard-earned cash, and not just words. I also educate people about what's wrong with Adobe, and what alternatives are available.

[Vivi_Ram]

Screen Shot 2025-05-27 at 8.03.36 AM.jpg

I just realised that PL does not allow you to skew the gradient angle for circular gradients, which is something I do all the time to draw photo realistic reflections on surfaces. See image below. Is that possible in PL? If not, this is something that would be great to have.

Gradient.jpg

[shijan]

One of the main problems for mass user is that PhotoLine UI still looks less pretty than Ps. It don't inspire artists and photographers. Customized UI icons partially fix this problem. Also macOS version still don't have single window mode. This especially became a problem with macOS Big Sur+ UI.
Also some basic most usable tools are still far from perfect:
- Remove Brush" is less accurate and less "smart" than in Ps. It just can't seamlessly heal scratches on grainy photos or film scans.
- Layer Styles size is too small, which makes them near useless in normal design work.
- 8-bit only brush engine.
- Text can't be aligned to real edges of the letters, same as in most other apps.

All those small problems where requested and suggested long time ago https://www.pl32.com/forum3/viewtopic.php?t=6952

[Vivi_Ram]

- Remove Brush" is less accurate and less "smart" than in Ps. It just can't seamlessly heal scratches on grainy photos or film scans.
- Layer Styles size is too small, which makes them near useless in normal design work.
- 8-bit only brush engine.
- Text can't be aligned to real edges of the letters, same as in most other apps.

I agree that Layer Styles can be vastly improved, and brushes definitely need to support 16-bit. The Text not aligned to real edges is a complaint, but it is not a deal breaker for me. It should be made consistent with other apps.

I however think the greatest barrier to entry is the UI. It is not just not pretty, it not at all intuitive. I realise that intuition is nothing more than a habit formed by repetition in most cases, but there is still vast room for improvement. I've also pointed out the need for non-modal windows, which would be a step in the right direction. But I don't need to go over it again. In short, I agree with you @Shijan.

[der_fotograf]

Also macOS version still don't have single window mode.

No need for it. I like it as it is. Much more versatile than single window apps.

This especially became a problem with macOS Big Sur+ UI.

The »issue« is located in your head, but not in the software.