Adobe appears to finally be catching up with the times, having just released a new tool called Adobe Edge that will allow web designers to bring flash-like animations to websites using only HTLM5, JavaScript, and CDD.
The release is apparently Adobe’s effort to recognize the popularity of HTML5 and give their customers the tools that they need to develop high quality content using the HTLM5 standard. Further, while Flash will still be Adobe’s primary tool of choice for high-end content, Adobe is continuing to investigate HTML5 and provide tools for their customers.
The software is currently in Adobe’s “Labs”, but has nevertheless been released to the public with the ultimate goal that interested content developers will help them to improve the tool as it develops.
The interface is said to be similar to Adobe’s current After Effects and Flash Pro, so users will already be somewhat familiar with the software from the very beginning.
From Adobe:
Adobe® Edge is a new web motion and interaction design tool that allows designers to bring animated content to websites, using web standards like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3. This version of Edge focuses primarily on adding rich motion design to new or existing HTML projects, that runs beautifully on devices and desktops.
Further, here’s a list of Edge’s primary features and functions:
- Create new compositions with Edge’s drawing and text tools.
- Import popular web graphics such as SVG, PNG, JPG or GIF files.
- Easily choreograph animation with the timeline editor. Animate position, size, color, shape, rotation and more at the property level.
- Energize existing HTML files with motion, while preserving the integrity of CSS-based HTML layouts.
- Copy and paste transitions, invert them, and choose from over 25 built-in easing effects for added creativity.
While I don’t know much about Edge yet, I am nevertheless very excited to see Adobe finally putting some serious effort into HTML5 tools. Adobe Edge preview one is a free download, available from Adobe Labs. It comes in versions for Mac OS X and Windows 7.
