Adobe Photoshop CC 2017: Features, Updates, and Why It Still Matters
Adobe Photoshop has long been the industry standard for photo editing, digital art, and graphic design. In 2017, Adobe released Photoshop CC 2017, bringing new tools, a smoother interface, and improved performance. Even though newer versions are available today, many professionals and students still use CC 2017 because of its stability, lighter system requirements, and powerful creative features.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the top features of Photoshop CC 2017, how it improved over previous versions, and why it remains a solid option for many users.
What’s New in Photoshop CC 2017?
Photoshop CC 2017 introduced several upgrades that made the design process faster and more intuitive. Some of the standout features include:
1.
- A brand-new search feature allowed users to find tools, panels, menus, stock images, tutorials, and more directly inside Photoshop.
- This was a huge time saver for beginners and professionals alike.
2.
- The Properties panel became more powerful in CC 2017, offering contextual information and quick access to common adjustments.
- For example, when selecting a text layer, users could now edit font, size, alignment, and style directly in the Properties panel.
3.
- Designers working with web and UI projects benefited from the ability to import, open, and edit SVG files directly inside Photoshop.
- Vector artwork could be scaled without losing quality, making CC 2017 a stronger tool for modern design workflows.
4.
- Libraries became smarter, allowing users to share colors, brushes, character styles, and assets across multiple Adobe apps like Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects.
- Perfect for collaborative projects and consistent branding.
5.
- The “New Document” dialog was redesigned with modern templates for print, web, and mobile.
- Users could start faster by choosing pre-made templates or Adobe Stock assets instead of starting from a blank canvas.
6.
- Photoshop CC 2017 ran smoother on lower-end systems compared to newer versions.
- Faster load times, better brush performance, and reduced lag for large files.
Benefits of Photoshop CC 2017
Even though Photoshop has advanced a lot since 2017, this version still offers key advantages:
- User-Friendly for Beginners – The search tool and improved document setup make it easier for newcomers.
- Lightweight & Stable – Runs well on older PCs or laptops without needing high-end hardware.
- Professional-Grade Tools – Includes industry-standard features like layers, masks, filters, and advanced text formatting.
- Affordable Option – Since it’s an older release, many users prefer it for learning Photoshop basics without investing in the latest subscription.
Why Photoshop CC 2017 Still Matters in 2025
While Photoshop 2025 now includes AI and advanced generative tools, CC 2017 remains relevant for several reasons:
- Educational Use – Many tutorials and online courses still reference CC 2017 because of its simplicity.
- Low System Requirements – Ideal for students or designers using older machines.
- Core Features Intact – Tools like the Pen Tool, Layer Masks, Smart Objects, and Filters are just as powerful today.
- UI/UX Design – With SVG support and templates, CC 2017 was one of the first versions optimized for web and app designers.