Palette + Photoshop — Brushes, Smart Objects, Live Updates, and more

The latest and greatest additions for Photoshop in PaletteApp 2.2

Palette
Palette
Jul 10, 2017 · 4 min read
PaletteApp 2.2 marks the release of major brush control improvements for Photoshop

By: Andy Hayes

We’re proud to introduce our latest release of PaletteApp (version 2.2), incorporating many features and fixes requested by our amazing community of creatives.

This post — much like the update itself — focuses on the many Photoshop improvements we’ve added. For other apps, please see the release notes for a full overview of the latest.

Jump to:


Advanced Brush Controls for All Modules

Palette offers extensive control over Photoshop brushes with every type of module.

PaletteApp 2.2 marks the release of major brush control improvements for Photoshop. We’ve had numerous requests from designers, digital artists, retouchers, and many more — this update marks a major leap forward in supporting these creative professionals’ needs.

Here are a few highlights of our PS Brush integrations:

  • Added slider and dial support for complex brushes and brush tools : Air, Bristle, Erodible, and Mixer Brushes; plus Blur/Sharpen/Smudge, and Dodge/Burn tools.
  • Improved slider and dial support for all Basic Brush parameters: Angle, Flow, Hardness, Opacity, Roundness, Spacing, and Size.
  • Improved button support for navigating brush tools: Change advanced brush shape, Change brush mode, Flip X/Y, Sharpen erodible brush, and Toggle Load/Clean behaviour for mixer brush.
  • Added Quick Start profiles: New profiles dedicated to Airbrush, Basic, Bristle, and Erodible Brush tools join our current Quick Start profile offerings (PS Art & Design, PS Retouching).

Live Updates in the Notification Panel

Palette’s intelligent Notification Panel displays the status of any tool as you adjust it.

How do you overcome distraction and see the most relevant information at-a-glance when using such an incredibly complex program as Photoshop?
This is something we’ve grappled with, both in our creative endeavours and in trying to improve Palette.

Our intelligent Notification Panel now shows live updates for every Photoshop tool we support.

With only the most relevant information displayed, you can simplify your PS interface and enjoy a larger view of the image canvas. Edit without distraction; there’s no need to take your eyes off your work to open tool panels or change workspaces.


Smart Filter Support

Palette automatically creates Smart Filters when their corresponding modules are used (upper right).

A non-destructive Photoshop workflow doesn’t have to mean endless adjustment layers — for those who prefer to work with smart filters, we’ve added support.

Just like with adjustment layers, Palette automatically creates a smart filter attached to the currently selected layer. See the .gif above for an example of how smart filters are seamlessly added while making the adjustment.

All Smart Filter controls include Range (dials and sliders) and Sensitivity (dials) to fine-tune responsiveness

Here’s everything we’ve added:

  • Brightness (incl. legacy; sliders and dials)
  • Contrast (incl. legacy; sliders and dials)
  • Exposure (sliders and dials)
  • Offset (sliders and dials)
  • Gamma (sliders and dials)
  • Vibrance (sliders and dials)
  • Saturation (sliders and dials)
  • Toggle Smart Object/Rasterize (buttons)

Updating to PaletteApp 2.2

Figure 1 — Help Menu
  1. Select Help > Palette Updates (see Fig. 1)
Figure 2 — PaletteApp Update Screen

2. Select Check for Updates (see Fig. 2)

3. Select Update

Figure 3 — Reset Palette Screen

4. If prompted to Reset the Palette Screen, please remove all modules except the Core (module with screen) and select “Update” again.
(see Fig. 3)

5. Re-Attach your dials, buttons, and sliders. Enjoy version 2.2!


Do you want to be featured, or have an idea for an article? Send me a message at ahayes@palettegear.com

Palette

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Palette

Palette is building a new generation of personalized peripherals. Magnetically connecting sliders, dials and buttons for faster editing. Partnered with Adobe.

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