Adobe Creative Cloud users have an update once again. Adobe has been very busy creating new features for Creative Cloud users. Creative Suite users (CS6) continue to fall behind in features within Adobe programs such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign and others within the Creative Suite. So many new features have been added since the Creative Cloud release, and this cycle will continue moving forward.

Many users do not even realize these new features, many of which would greatly speed their workflow. When a new update for Creative Cloud comes out, be sure to update it. This will give you access to the updates within the various programs you have access to through Creative Cloud.

Included in the most recent update is access to prior versions of Adobe programs should you need them. This is crucial to me since I teach Acrobat and Dreamweaver on a wide variety of versions based on my client’s needs.

It is easy to stay up to date with new features within the programs you use in the Creative Cloud. Once you have installed an update to a specific program such as Photoshop within the Cloud version, click the View tutorials link in the Home category of the Creative Cloud interface. Once there, select the Whats New link at the top of the page. You then get an overview of the new features for the program you updated. Here is the Photoshop new features page as an example.

If you take the time to do this as you update programs, you can pick & choose the features within each program that you use and quickly learn more about those features. The short amount of time it takes to stay up to date is well worth it to speed up your workflow efficiency within those programs. It will also be helpful to update these programs if you’re wanting to use some of the latest plugins for each software package, such as these various photoshop brushes for the latest versions of photoshop as an example.

Want to test out the new CC 2014 version of a program but do not want to disturb your present version? Do not worry, all version CC 2014 programs allow you to install them and keep your present version as it is. Be sure to watch the install screens to be sure you are installing correctly to maintain your present version.

As an example, I am able to keep Dreamweaver CS6, CC & CC 2014 on my same machine as completely separate versions. This capability allows a Creative Cloud user to customize their installations to suit their needs.

Adobe Creative Cloud continues to offer new features without overwriting previous versions of Adobe programs. I continue to be amazed at all the Creative Cloud offers to Adobe users.