Photoshop How To

A couple days ago we featured a tutorial explaining three standout features in the latest Lightroom update, with straightforward tips on using these tools to advantage. Today we're taking a look at the new version of Bridge to keep you up-to-date on how this software has evolved.

Adobe Bridge is a popular file browser used by many photographers who edit images in Photoshop or Lightroom. As you'll see, this week's update includes two relatively small features that can make a big difference. Instructor Matt Kloskowski explains why some Lightroom users use Bridge as their entire photo-management system, and if you're unfamiliar with this software you may want to consider doing so yourself.

The first new feature is pretty simple and is found under the File menu, where you can now create a new window and have multiple windows open at once. If you're wondering why you would want to do this, here's the deal: Kloskowski explains that this option is particularly useful for photographers who organize images with more than one finder window open on their computer.

As Kloskowski says, working in Bridge with multiple windows on the screen "is an easier way to visually  take images and move them around, drag and drop them, and even view multiple folders at the same time." Previously this option wasn't available, and all you had was Bridge's main interface that involved a more cumbersome process.

The second new feature that Kloskowksi considers very useful is found under Bridge's Edit menu. This option is called Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts and can save you a lot of time. In fact, he says "this is a something that Bridge users have wanted  for a long time. Now you've got it."

As you'll see, it's now possible to go in and customize the shortcuts in a way that works best for your particular workflow. Whether you use Bridge for organization—or just to copy, rate and move around image—there are a variety of options for using keyboard shortcuts to make these tasks easier and more efficient.

Bottom line: the latest update to Bridge is neither huge nor earth-shattering. But if you regularly use this software the two features mentioned above will definitely simplify your life. And if you haven't used Bridge in the past, this is the perfect time to give it a try. You may just discover that it's exactly what you need.

After watching this three minute lesson don't forget to check out the helpful Lightroom tutorial mentioned above.  And then head over to Kloskowski's instructional YouTube channel to see what else he has available.