What is the difference between Adobe Photoshop, illustrator and Fireworks?

If you have ever ventured down the confusing world of Adobe's graphic software, then you're probable confused by the difference between Photoshop, Fireworks and illustrator. After all, at a primary look, they seem more or less a similar eh? yet, there square measure some basic differences.

First of all: Photoshop (CS5: us $699.00)

Photoshop is without doubt the most standard commercial Adobe software. It's well celebrated for incredible photo editing capabilities. Photoshop, being a raster graphics (also called icon graphics) application (like limping and paint), it interacts directly with the pixels that compose the images. This makes it a great program for modifying already existing images since it will do virtually anything, but it's not useful for the creation of graphics.

Now for illustrator (CS5: us $599.00)

Illustrator might look similar to Photoshop at a primary glance, but it's very different. illustrator is a vector graphics program. this means that the image is not composed of pixels, but rather of mathematical constructs. Per example, in a raster graphic program like Photoshop, when you draw a line, it's simply a series of colored pixels, whilst, in a vector program, a line consists of 2 dots which area unit connected together by a computer algorithm. you can modify and move these dots as you wish.

Vector graphics are fine suited for the creation of digital imaging like logos. They also provide a better print output since they are not resolution-dependent. If you wished to stretch a formation image in order to print it to a really massive sign, it would eventually blur or pixelate. this won't happen with vectors. The downside of vector graphics is that they can't be used to modify raster graphics, such as photos and scanned documents, and so do not give advanced photo editing capabilities.
Finally, Fireworks (CS5 us $299.00)

Fireworks is somewhat more confusing than the preceding programs. It's in some kind of "grey spot" between Photoshop and illustrator. By "grey spot", I mean that it has both raster and vector options, but doesn't excel in neither of them.

At now, you may be wondering, why would Adobe Systems take the time to create a 3rd graphic software that has no clear advantage over illustrator and Photoshop? Well, in fact, Adobe failed to create Fireworks. They acquired it back in 2005 when Adobe bought Macromedia. thanks to this, Fireworks integrates harmoniously with other former Macromedia products such as Flash and Dreamweaver. Fireworks is also much better for internet graphics development. It supports better image compressions and offers you the option to create animated GIFS.

In Conclusion

Finally, if you're not looking for "hard-core" graphic capabilities, you may need to consider Fireworks. it has fantastic web support and a better price ;) Otherwise, those of you want to create really professional logos and print-oriented graphics will like illustrator. And if you wish to make impressive photo editing, buy Photoshop.