Adobe releases updates to Bridge CC

February 09, 2016

Adobe has updated significant features in Bridge CC with the release of its latest version. Bridge CC is Adobe’s digital asset management app or DAM. Providing designers with centralized access to files and assets that are essential to any creative project or task, it streamlines workflows and helps designers stay organized during any project. Here’s a quick look at all that’s new in this update to the app.

Automated cache deletion

Bridge CC’s central cache is where thumbnails, metadata info and previews live inside of a database. When designers browse or search for files, the centralized access of this database increases their workflow’s efficiency. In past versions, bigger caches meant more disk space used, but Adobe has improved the app’s purging cache capability. As a result, designers now don’t have to worry about their caches ballooning in size because stale cache items get automatically deleted when the app is idle. There’s also a new cache compaction option that establishes cache clean-up when designers exit the app, just in case the database size swells to excessive levels. These two features make the app run smoother and increase the user experience, as both cache and database stay clean over longer periods of time.

On-demand thumbnail extraction

Designers browsing through big sets of digital assets sometimes feel bogged down if the app slows down. One thing Adobe’s done differently in this update is improving the manner in which thumbnails, metadata info and previews get generated. As a result, Bridge CC’s responsiveness increases. The thumbnails, metadata info and previews are extracted on a priority basis just for the on-screen assets, when users pick a folder. Any thumbnails, metadata info and previews for the remaining files will be generated when the app’s idle or on-demand. Here’s what this means in practical terms for designers: They get to work with bulkier folders without the bother of unresponsive states and hangs. As a result, there will be a completely updated Filter panel available prior to any of the thumbnails being generated.

Import from device option (Mac)

In past versions of Mac operating systems, Bridge CC failed to recognize these devices:

iOS mobile devices
Android mobile devices as well as digital cameras connected in MTP or PTP modes

In version 6.2, an alternative to importing media from said devices is a possibility. Designers can select File > Import From Device to import media from the devices. This only applies to Macs and starts Apple Image Capture to bring files into Bridge CC from the devices.

Additional improvements

The Autostack Panorama/HDR feature has been reinstated. Adobe’s focus was on Bridge CC’s performance and stability, which means noteworthy updates to the app’s core technical components. This is the first step in what will be the basis of a tech platform that’s going to allow for continuous, future improvements and development of Bridge CC. Adobe has provided designers with a number of video tutorials and guides for those who want to learn from the company’s experts. Eager designers can find these resource materials right here.