Digital Home Thoughts: Adobe's Creative Suite 2 Premium Reviewed

Bridging The Great Divide
Adobe Bridge (Figure 1) is really what pulls this whole suite together. With the ability to not only keep your data managed, but also configure separate workspace layouts (for example lightbox or metadata focus). It also gives one the ability to rate their content and customize his or her own keywords, giving the feel of your own self-managed stock system. Combine this with Adobe's Version Cue, and now you can share your workspace and files with other users (with even check-in / check-out capabilities).


Figure 1: Adobe Bridge acts as the central hub for all your projects, pictures, and files.

Looking at the default interface, you have a Favorites/Folders window to the left, along with a Preview and Metadata/Keyword boxes. Most importantly, in the largest portion of the app (Figure 2) are several options such as Saved File Groups (for easily managing projects), Recent Files, and Recent Folders. Just below these boxes (Figure 3) is another set of tools such as the RSS Reader, Tips and Tricks, synchronized Color Management, and Help. The RSS Reader/Tips and Tricks areas can even be collapsed to allow for more workspace.


Figure 2: Some of the Adobe Bridge options include Saved File Groups, and Recent Files/Folders.


Figure 3: Additional Bridge options such as the RSS Reader and Tips and Tricks.

The Color Management button (Figure 4) is quite useful for those producing print content as it allows you to synchronize the color settings, such as Monitor Color or Prepress, to all of your Adobe programs and content.


Figure 4: Using the synchronizable Color Management, you can insure that your projects are using the same color format no matter what application you use.

Another useful feature of Adobe Bridge is the Stock Photos button (Figure 5). From here you can easily search, download, and purchase stock content from a variety of sources. Or even find a photographer to create your own branded materials. And, since the content is already in Bridge, it takes nothing at all to drag the image directly into the project you are working on (assuming that a comp is available).


Figure 5: Stock photos from a variety of sources are available for purchase and view directly inside of Bridge.

Before Adobe Bridge, I used a conglomeration of the Windows Explorer, Picasa, Paint Shop Pro, and various web browsers to accomplish somewhat the same tasks. And although Bridge does take a bit to get running, it certainly helps in the overall content management area.