Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 Now Available; Automated Features and Help Tools Simplify Image Editing for Mid-Range Photo Enthusiasts.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 2002

Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE), the leader in network publishing, today announced the immediate availability of Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 2.0, the ideal companion software for digital camera and scanner owners. Photoshop Elements 2.0 software delivers increased power and simplicity to photo hobbyists and amateur photographers who require more flexible and robust image-editing capabilities not found in consumer-oriented software solutions.

The exploding number of digital camera users is creating the need for a new class of image-editing tools. Increasingly, users want access to the power of professional-level products without the steep learning curve. According to a survey conducted by Lyra Research, 38 percent of digital camera users purchased additional image-editing software after discovering that the entry-level solution bundled with their camera was unable to meet their needs.

"The trend towards digital photography continues to be strong, and digital camera users are learning to improve their photos with image-editing software," said Dan Marous, vice president of merchandising for Staples. "Photoshop Elements enables users to easily create eye-catching images and make the most of their photos with software based on the professional standard, Adobe Photoshop. We expect continued customer demand for this powerful, yet easy-to-use digital imaging solution."

"Photo enthusiasts are rapidly adopting digital photography and are demanding software that transcends the basic image-editing features found in consumer software solutions," said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Graphics at Adobe. "Photoshop Elements was created with the specific needs of photo hobbyists and amateur photographers in mind. Adobe is bridging the gap between consumer-focused editing solutions and professional solutions like Adobe Photoshop 7.0."

Interface and workflow improvements in Photoshop Elements 2.0 are designed to make a wide range of editing tasks easy to access and perform. Common tasks such as red-eye removal, cropping and rotating are less intimidating with the new Quick Fix dialog, which promotes more powerful correction capabilities in a single, easy-to-understand dialog window. Users also have instant access to the features they need with automated "how-to" recipes and searchable help files built into the program interface.

Sharing photos is also easier with Photoshop Elements 2.0. New e-mail support automatically optimizes and attaches single images to popular e-mail client software from directly within the program. Now, multiple photos can also be saved as Adobe Portable Document format (PDF) slideshows. Additionally, Photoshop Elements 2.0 supports online printing services with a direct link to Shutterfly.com for easy photo uploading and access to services.

Pricing and Availability

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 is now available in the United States and Canada for an estimated street price of US$99 for all platforms. Registered users of Adobe Photoshop Elements 1.0 or selected digital imaging software products are eligible to receive a US$30 mail-in rebate. Photoshop Elements is available for sale on Adobe.com as well as retail stores, including Best Buy, B&H Photo, Circuit City, CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, J&R Music and Computer World, MicroCenter, Office Max, Office Depot, and Staples. Information about the other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade, and support policies for other countries is available on www.adobe.com. For more information, customers can call 1-800-492-3623.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Founded in 1982, Adobe Systems Incorporated (www.adobe.com), the leader in network publishing, offers a comprehensive line of software for enterprise and creative professional customers. Its products enable customers to create, manage and deliver visually rich, compelling and reliable content. Based in San Jose, Calif., Adobe is one of the world's largest software companies.

Note to Editors: Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.