Tip for 1/2... Adobe Bridge/File Browser

[angedawn]

OK, I have to fess up about the File Browser (if you are using CS2 it opens up the "Adobe Bridge".) I used to use the File Browser back when it was just the "File Browser" under Adobe CS, but once it switched to the new "Adobe Bridge" name, it just threw me off and I quit using it... lol! Seriously, things as small as a name change can send me totally out of my comfort zone (you will all never think the same of me again... lol!).

So, this weeks tip is probably for EXTREME BEGINNERS (and people like me!) who just aren't familiar with the Adobe Bridge (or File Browser). (I really wasn't all that familiar with it in CS either!) If you have never opened this thing up... here's what to do... go to File>Browse in your PS. (CNTR ALT and O is the shortcut for this). It should bring up the File Browser, which might be called the Adobe Bridge if you are in CS2.

I'm exploring the Brige right now but I found out this much. Once the Bridge is open you can nativgate to folders using the familiar window in the top, but check out the bottom of the bridge screen. See that slider (about in the middle). Move that slider around and watch the size of your previews shrink and expand. Nice little feature that is! :) Also those four buttons to the right of the slider will show you different types of views (Thumbnails, Filmstrip, Details and Versions & alternates view). Click through the different types of formats to see which one you like the best.

It's my goal this week to use the File Browser (Adobe Bridge) to navigate my files better and to learn more about this feature of PS! :)

Now, no laughing at me about this... and remember, sometimes the column has way cool advanced tips and sometimes beginner tips... lol! :)

Have a great week everyone! :)

[happyrobyn]

Thanks for this tip Ange. You know ... I accidentally open Bridge a lot when I'm trying to do something else. LOL! But anyway, I went through a phase where I was using it a lot because the pdf previews actually show up and that is great. HOWEVER, I find that it is a total memory hog and slows down my computer to the point I need to close most other windows. Do you have this trouble as well?

And I heard that in the CS3 beta version, the Bridge feature is improved and really cool but again, very unstable at this point (but still a beta version).

Wow! That was quite a ramble. Sorry!!!

[cindyi]

I also played with the 'Bridge and it was cool - yep, you can view all the files, and better yet, if you take the time, you can make your tags for your photos PERMANENT. Very cool feature. But, like Robyn said, a total memory hog and I only had 512 at the time. Now I use ACDSee.

[paintchip]

I've been a fan of PSE4 and the Photo Browser program that comes with this program. I rely heavily on my tags and other features that the browser offers for oranizing files.

I'm looking to install CS2 in the near future. So far the documentation I've seen hasn't addressed whether or not I can transfer my tags from PSE4 browser system into the Bridge system when I do my upgrade. And now hearing about the memory hog issues with the bridge, I'm wondering if I'll want to make the change any-a-who. So here's my question for those of you who are Bridge Users:

1. Do you know if I can transfer my PSE4 Browser tags to the bridge tagging system? I sure hate the idea of having to re-catelog these hundreds of files!

2. Do you know if you can still use the PSE4 browser system along side the CS2 product or if the two have compatibility (or file linking) issues?

3. My next thought is maybe to use the browser system as a stand alone to keep my files organized and viewable the way I'm already accustom to... just not link it up to CS2, but instead use it along side CS2. Anyone have such a set up on your systems?

I'll see if I can get an answer from Adobe on this. But in the mean time was hoping someone here might know.

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BTW - Angedawn... WTG with reaching past your comfort zone and checking the tools you have available to you!

[angedawn]

Paintchip,

I wanted to respond, even though I don't exactly know the answer to your question. Did you hear from Adobe?

[emmyscraps]

You are humbling me with the silly things that I never knew about Photoshop! I use Bridge ALL THE TIME and have never noticed the slider! Another cool feature to play with!

[Catfish21]

Way cool tip - Thank you:)