CS4

CS4, short for Creative Suite 4, is a software suite released by Adobe Systems in October 2008. It represents the fourth generation of Adobe’s Creative Suite, following CS3 and preceding CS5. CS4 bundles a range of applications used for graphic design, web development, video production, and document publishing, with an emphasis on improved workflow integration across the included programs.

The suite includes flagship programs such as Photoshop CS4, Illustrator CS4, InDesign CS4, Dreamweaver CS4, Flash CS4 Professional, Fireworks CS4, After Effects CS4, Premiere Pro CS4, Encore CS4, Acrobat 9 Pro, Bridge CS4, and Soundbooth CS4. These tools cover image editing, vector graphics, page layout, web design, animation, video editing, and audio work. CS4 also introduced broader cross-application features and an updated asset management workflow designed to streamline project pipelines between programs.

CS4 was offered in several editions to suit different creative workflows, including Design Premium, Web Premium, Production Premium, and Master Collection, with availability for both Windows and macOS platforms. The suite emphasized centralized access to assets and improved interoperability among the included applications, contributing to more cohesive production pipelines for professionals in design, video, and publishing.

In the subsequent years, CS4 was superseded by CS5 and later became part of Adobe’s transition away from standalone Creative Suite releases toward perpetual upgrades and, later, the Creative Cloud model. CS4 remains a historical reference point for the evolution of Adobe’s integrated software suites and their approach to cross-application collaboration.