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Since its inception in 1987, Adobe Photoshop has undergone a remarkable evolution, shaping the way we perceive and manipulate digital images. From its humble beginnings as a simple image editing tool to becoming the industry standard for graphic design and digital artistry, Photoshop has continually pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Let's embark on a journey through time to explore the fascinating history and pivotal features that have defined Adobe Photoshop.

Genesis of Adobe Photoshop:

The story of Adobe Photoshop begins with Thomas and John Knoll in the late 1980s. Thomas, a PhD student at the University of Michigan, and his brother John, who worked at Industrial Light & Magic, envisioned a software that could digitally manipulate images. Their collaboration led to the creation of "Display," the precursor to Photoshop. Impressed by its potential, the brothers pitched the idea to Adobe Systems, leading to the birth of Adobe Photoshop in 1989.

Photoshop Milestones in Evolution:

1. Version 1.0 (1990): The initial release of Photoshop introduced basic image editing functionalities such as cropping, resizing, and color adjustments. Despite its limited capabilities compared to modern standards, it laid the foundation for future advancements.
    
2. Layers (Version 3.0, 1994): One of the most significant features introduced in Photoshop 3.0 was layers. This revolutionary concept allowed users to work on different elements of an image separately, providing greater flexibility and control over the editing process.
    
3. History Palette (Version 5.0, 1998): With the introduction of the History Palette, users gained the ability to undo and redo multiple editing steps, empowering them to experiment with different effects and modifications without fear of irreversible changes.
    
4. Healing Brush (Version 7.0, 2002): Photoshop 7.0 introduced the Healing Brush tool, a powerful feature for seamlessly removing imperfections from images. This marked a significant advancement in retouching capabilities, enabling users to achieve professional-quality results with greater ease.
    
5. Content-Aware Fill (CS5, 2010): Content-Aware Fill revolutionized the process of removing objects from images by intelligently filling in the missing areas with surrounding pixels. This feature greatly streamlined workflows and saved considerable time for users working on photo retouching and manipulation projects.
    
6. Creative Cloud (CC, 2013): Adobe transitioned to a subscription-based model with the launch of Creative Cloud, offering users access to the latest versions of Photoshop and other Adobe software through monthly or annual subscriptions. This shift in licensing marked a new era of accessibility and continuous updates for Photoshop users.
    
7. Adobe Sensei AI Technology (CC 2018 and beyond): Adobe Sensei, the company's artificial intelligence and machine learning platform, has been integrated into Photoshop to enhance various aspects of image editing. From automatic selection tools to intelligent content-aware features, Adobe Sensei continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in digital imaging.

From its humble beginnings as a passion project to its status as an indispensable tool for creatives worldwide, Adobe Photoshop has come a long way. With each new version and feature update, it continues to redefine the possibilities of digital image manipulation and creative expression. As we reflect on its rich history and evolution, one thing remains certain: Adobe Photoshop will continue to inspire and empower generations of artists and designers for years to come.