Eyes Wide Open:
After just two days, I learned enough to share a detailed review with the intent of helping my fellow professional designers make an informed decision, not to discredit Adobe, iTunes, Apple or anyone else mentioned, or not mentioned.
For just $9.99, it's a great product for most PS users. It's perfect for designing from scratch and includes the core tools and features that PS is known for. It does lend great mobile functionality.
Here's a few things you need to know that the reviews and Adobe forums don't tell you.
Keep reading if you perform any of these tasks; intake complex image files created by other sources (especially via email), preflight images or layouts, qualify large high-quality print files, or anything of this nature.
FILE IMPORTING:
The app does not 'import' email attachments. You have to save the attachments to your photo gallery then open in PST. The photo gallery doesn't recognize eps, psd, tiff or ai files. There's no method to get these files from email into PST. It doesn't retain clipping paths in jpg files. So you're very limited.
CREATIVE CLOUD (CC):
Adobe forces you to work in CC. There are no options to import a file outside of your photo gallery when using iPad. If you're on your PC, yes. But then you wouldn't need the app. From iPad, your only option is to 'import' a file from your photo gallery to CC (limitations detailed above) or open an existing file from CC into PST. That's it!
LIMITED FILE SIZE:
The app does allows up to a 12 megapixel file. The app will downsample any larger file to 4000x3000mp which means you throw away precious data! If you work on web-based files, this is not a problem. This is a 'mega' problem for print-industry designers if you design product packaging, do page layout, advertising, marketing pieces, etc. Though PS is not your typical interface for these tasks, it's helpful to be aware of the limitations.
SAVING / SHARING FILES:
The only option for saving a file from within PST is 'save'. Files are stored locally then synced to your CC account in a default format of .psdx. You can share links to files via email from CC or PST from which your recipient can download the file. PST will email an actual file attachment in psdx, jpg, psd or png format. CC gives you 2GB free space, which isn't much in Design Land. For emergency, on-the-fly, until-you-can-get-back-to-your-computer designing…it could be helpful. But, honestly, who really designs like that? CC sells monthly memberships for those that require more space. I can gear the ka-ching from here!
FTP:
Neither CC nor PST communicates with FTP interface, including WeTransfer, DropBox, YouSendIt, Box, etc.
TECH SUPPORT:
I called Adobe PhotoShop support to troubleshoot:
1. The Adobe PS experts weren't aware this product existed.
2. They had no supportive documentation to troubleshoot this app.
3. The reviews for tutorials are very poorly rated, though I did not use any of them personally.
4. Adobe doesn't sell this product. It's available through Apple iTunes only. Adobe points to iTunes. iTunes points to Adobe.
5. Adobe recommended I use the forums for help, which I had already scoured and found nothing on importing emailed attachments to PST or CC.
SUMMARY:
Yes, it's only $10 and, like I said, great for most users. The tools and functionality are very generous for the money. For those of us living the complex design life, it may not be such a good match.
Happy creating,
Linda