Commentary: Adobe Reveals Creative Tools Features and Strategy at Adobe MAX

Creative Cloud Desktop Management App

Users who purchase a Creative Cloud subscription--required to use versions of After Effects CC and Premiere Pro CC, as the company is doing away with Creative Suite upgrades--will find a new Creative Cloud desktop management app.

Redesigned as a native application on both Mac and Windows platforms, the new Creative Cloud management application allows seamless connectivity to team members and assets, as well as applications. Connecting to joint asset shares could be beneficial for streaming media producers that need to collaborate with other streaming media and digital media professionals.

Adobe noted that files for Creative Cloud and Creative Suite apps--such as Illustrator or Photoshop--have layers. These layers are retained when files are uploaded into the Creative Cloud, meaning web-based or iOS browsing of Adobe asset files shows not just the individual layers but even visual representations of previous versions of a file.

In addition, the ability to store settings means that a streaming media producer can easily change machines and still maintain customized settings--including keyboard shortcuts--when downloading the same CC point product on a second machine.

This feature allows for rapid preparation of settings on additional machines—currently, Adobe allows Creative Cloud subscriptions to be downloaded onto two machines, be they Mac or Windows--so that a creative content professional can rapidly move between a laptop or desktop and continue to work.

Updates for Creative Suite programs to the new Creative Cloud branding will occur on June 17, 2013.