The cost of Adobe Photoshop has become a more complex question since Adobe transitioned to a subscription model. After the 2013 launch of Photoshop CC, one-time purchases became a thing of the past. This article explores the different ways to access Photoshop, including subscription options and alternatives if subscriptions aren’t your preference.
alt=A promotional image showcasing Adobe Photoshop's interface and features.
Adobe Creative Cloud Subscriptions
The only way to obtain the latest version of Photoshop is through an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. This service offers a suite of creative tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Dreamweaver, and more. Several subscription plans are available, catering to individuals, businesses, and students.
Photoshop for Individuals
Individual users can subscribe to Photoshop through Adobe Creative Cloud for $23 per month. However, a more cost-effective option is the Photography plan, bundling Photoshop and Lightroom for around $10 per month. Even if you don’t plan to use Lightroom extensively, this bundle remains the most affordable way to access Photoshop.
For users requiring more than one Adobe application, the All Apps plan provides access to the entire suite for $60 per month. While this represents a higher initial investment, it becomes more economical than subscribing to two or more individual apps.
Photoshop for Students and Teachers
Students and teachers can access the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop, for a discounted rate of $20 per month. While the Photography plan is still cheaper for those solely needing Photoshop, the student/teacher discount on the All Apps plan offers significant savings compared to the regular $60 monthly price. However, remember that these discounted prices are subject to change.
Photoshop for Businesses
For professional use, Adobe offers Creative Cloud for teams, enhancing collaboration. The Adobe Express Premium plan with Photoshop is available for $38 per month, while the All Apps plan for businesses costs $90 per month. The business plans include additional features like Illustrator, Adobe Firefly, Acrobat Pro, and access to Creative Cloud Libraries for asset sharing. Whether the added cost justifies the benefits depends on your specific business needs.
alt=A cat looking at a laptop screen displaying the Adobe Photoshop interface.
Obtaining Older Photoshop Versions
While Adobe no longer officially sells Photoshop CS6, the last non-subscription version, you might find copies on second-hand marketplaces like eBay. However, purchasing software this way carries risks, such as invalid activation codes. Additionally, you’ll miss out on newer features and mobile app access. This is a last resort for those who absolutely need Photoshop but refuse a subscription, but proceed with caution.
Adobe Photoshop Elements: A Lighter Alternative
For less demanding editing tasks, consider Adobe Photoshop Elements, available for a one-time purchase of $100. A bundle with Premiere Elements is also available for $150. Photoshop Elements offers photo importing, smart organization features, and basic editing tools. A 30-day free trial is recommended to evaluate its suitability.
Exploring Photoshop Alternatives
Beyond Adobe, other companies offer excellent photo editing software. Serif’s Affinity Photo is a strong contender, with a one-time purchase option priced at $35 for a single device or $83 for Windows, MacOS, and iPadOS. Promotional discounts are often available. A free trial is recommended to explore its features.
FAQs
How to get Photoshop for free?
While a completely free version of Photoshop doesn’t exist, a free trial is available. Less expensive options include Adobe Photoshop Elements and Photoshop Express.
Is there a way to buy Photoshop without a subscription?
No, a standalone, perpetual license for the full version of Photoshop is no longer offered. Photoshop Elements is the closest alternative for a one-time purchase.
Is there a free alternative to Photoshop?
Yes, several free alternatives exist, including GIMP, Pixlr, and Photoshop Express. Each offers a different feature set, catering to various needs. Researching comparisons like GIMP vs. Photoshop can help determine the best fit.
