In Photoshop CS3, you could import 3D objects created by other applications. Where CS4 scores over its predecessor is that now it is possible to create 3D objects and even manipulate them.

Adobe has also enhanced the color range feature. In the Color Range window, there's a new option called 'Localized Color Clusters'. When you click on any one color of the image, Photoshop takes the shade of a very small area around the point you clicked. This makes for a very precise color selection.

Now Photoshop CS4 can create 3D images. Go to 3D menu and press 'New Shape From Layer' which shows the different styles of 3D shapes for applying your ideas.	The image on the left was displayed without selecting 'Protect Tones' and looks slightly blurred, while the one the right (where we used this feature, looks much sharper.

Photoshop CS4 introduces a new feature, 'Masks' panel, that creates and modifies pixel based layer masks and vector bases masks. It has also included new dynamic features like Density and Feather, as well a new 'Invert' option. You can even use the 'Del' key now to delete masks.

Other tools that have seen makeovers are the Dodge, Burn and Sponge tools. The earlier versions provided either too white or dark shades over objects such as the skin of a person.

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