Adobe Configurator

John Nack introduced Adobe Configurator today. From what I’ve seen in the video, It looks like this little AIR application will be very handy for managing different workflows within Photoshop.

The concept of the application is easy: it lets you create your own Photoshop panels with the tools, actions and widgets you need to get a certain task done. These panels are easy to share with colleagues, clients, students, … Here are some ideas on how Adobe Configurator may fit in your workflow.

Adobe Configurator for Web Design studios

Let’s say you’ve designed a really nice website that runs on a CMS so your client is able to update the website. Your client has very little knowledge of Photoshop and needs to do some basic image editing to make his pictures have the right look-and-feel.

1. Make a panel with the tools your client needs to do the task.
2. Add some meaningful instructions to your panel. Make sure to use clear language so your client doesn’t have to call for support each time he wants to update his website.
3. Teach your client how to use the panel in Photoshop.

Adobe Configurator for Teachers

Take a look at the video and you will know how this application can help you with teaching Photoshop. There’s a nice example of a tutorial Russel Brown has built. I will definitely use the application when it’s there to teach my students how this will help them to manage their workflow.

Some more workflow thinking…

I would like to see the tools of other CS4 applications added to Configurator. It would be a great thing to optimize my workflow within InDesign and Illustrator too. A feature that I really want is being able to combine the tools from different CS4 applications, in a way that Apple Automator works. Take a look at this situation:

1. Optimize some pictures for your website.
2. Click a button to send the pictures to a Dreamweaver template.
3. Add some text to go with your pictures.
4. Click a button to update your website and show the new page in your default browser.