How cheap can you get Photoshop?
The cheapest way to get Adobe Photoshop is through Adobe Creative Cloud. Plans start at only $9.99/mo, which makes it an affordable option for those who want to use the software.
You can buy Photoshop by subscribing to one of the following Adobe Creative Cloud Plans: Photography Plan – US$9.99/mo – Includes Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop on desktop and iPad, and 20GB of cloud storage (1TB available) Photoshop Plan – US$20.99/mo – Includes Photoshop on desktop and iPad.
Is there a free version of Photoshop? Yes, you can download a 7-day free trial of Photoshop. The free trial is the official, full version of the app. It includes all the features and updates in the latest version of Photoshop.
No, Photoshop is available only as part of a Creative Cloud plan. You can choose to buy an annual subscription upfront or pay for a plan on a monthly basis.
Adobe Creative Cloud and Photoshop CC
Unlike many other applications you may have used, you cannot buy a boxed copy of Photoshop CC. Instead, you'll need a subscription plan through Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe's cloud-based software service. Then, you'll download Photoshop CC to your computer.
Adobe offers a free trial for Photoshop, which allows you to use the software for 30 days. After the trial period is up, you will need to purchase a license to continue using the software. If you want to use Photoshop for free, you can download the software from Adobe's website.
Start with Photoshop. Amazing will follow. Photoshop Express is the free mobile app that gives you everything you need to quickly edit and transform images, so they stand out on social and everywhere else. Special offer: Get the full versions of Photoshop and Lightroom for ₹797.68/mo ₹638.38/mo incl.
- Adobe Express (Web, iOS, Android)
- Canva (Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows)
- Colorcinch (Web)
- Pixlr E and X (Web)
- Photopea (Web)
- Polarr (Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows)
- Sumopaint (Web, Mac, Windows)
- Fotor (Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)
A head-to-head comparison.
On a high level, Lightroom is the best tool to manage and process the thousands of photos that live on your devices. Photoshop specializes in greater control to achieve more expansive edits that will help you make a few images look flawless.
- GIMP.
- Pixlr.
- PicMonkey.
- ACDSee.
- Fotor Photo Editor.
- Canva.
- Capture One Pro.
- PhotoWorks.
Is it OK to pirate Photoshop?
Using a Pirated Copy of Photoshop Is a Bad Idea
Not only is it illegal, but it also comes with several disadvantages that can seriously hamper your work and harm your computer. If you're serious about using Photoshop, do yourself a favor and buy the legitimate software.
- Luminar.
- Apple Photos.
- Microsoft Windows 10 Photos.
- GIMP.
- Photo Pos Pro.
- RawTherapee.
- Pixlr.
- Paint.NET.

Do students get a discount on Photoshop? Yes. Eligible students save over 60% on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan, which includes Photoshop. They pay US$19.99/mo for their first year, and US$29.99/mo after that.
PRO TIP: If you are planning to buy Photoshop permanently, be aware that there is no such thing as a permanent license for Photoshop. The software is only available on a subscription basis, so you will need to continue paying for it in order to use it.
What is Photoshop Elements and who is it for? Photoshop Elements 2023 is photo editing software for anyone who wants to edit and create with their photos. It's a one-time purchase that doesn't require a subscription.
So, is Photoshop a one time purchase? No, it is not. Photoshop is a subscription-based software, which means you have to pay a monthly or annual fee to use it. However, the good news is that you can use Photoshop for free if you sign up for Adobe Creative Cloud.
Your subscription may be suspended if your payment isn't received within 30 days after the payment due date. While your account is suspended, you won't have access to your products and services. Adobe may make multiple attempts to charge your payment method(s) for the payment amount owed.
If you cancel within 14 days of the start of your paid subscription, you'll be fully refunded. Should you cancel after 14 days, you'll be charged a lump sum amount of 50% of your remaining contract obligation and your service will continue until the end of that month's billing period.
However, a basic Photoshop subscription typically runs around $50 per year, while some higher-end versions can cost upwards of $200 per year. PRO TIP: When Photoshop is used to edit pictures, the potential for costly mistakes is high.
One reason is that Photoshop is a very comprehensive program. It has a wide range of features and is capable of doing a lot of different things. This makes it a more expensive program to purchase and use.
Do professional photographers use Lightroom or Photoshop?
Many photographers use Lightroom to make their initial edits and then Photoshop for retouching or to remove unwanted objects. Using both tools together means that photographers can reap the benefits of each without having to compromise.
Most beginners will do fine with Photoshop Elements. Advanced and aspiring professionals should pick Lightroom. Only go for Photoshop CC if you want to explore all the possibilities in the world of digital art. It will offer you the most advanced editing experience but it comes with a price.
Camera gear website Shotkit has run a survey of 657 photographers to find out what software they use, and Lightroom is by far the most popular option, with 58% of the vote.
The Criminal Piracy Penalty
Selling illegal software is much worse. For businesses or individuals who are caught selling pirated software, they can be fined as high as $250,000. Additionally, an offender can be jailed for up to 5 years in prison. And they'll have a permanent record of a felony.
The Adobe Genuine Service (AGS) runs validation tests and notifies individuals and organizations that are using non-genuine Adobe apps. The AGS checks for software modifications and invalid licenses.
Software theft is a serious matter. If you or your company is caught copying software, you may be held liable under both civil and criminal law. If the copyright owner brings a civil action against you, the owner can seek to stop you from using its software immediately and can also request monetary damages.
Regular standard price is US$54.99/mo. Terms and Conditions Eligible students 13 and older and teachers can purchase an annual membership to Adobe® Creative Cloud™ for a reduced price of US$19.99/mo for the first year.
- If prompted, select Company or School Account and then enter your password. Or provide your credentials in your school's login screen.
- From the Creative Cloud website, browse for and download your desired app.
Most beginners will do fine with Photoshop Elements. Advanced and aspiring professionals should pick Lightroom. Only go for Photoshop CC if you want to explore all the possibilities in the world of digital art. It will offer you the most advanced editing experience but it comes with a price.
Adobe Photoshop CC
It's perfect for professionals who use it at work every day. The Adobe Creative Cloud offers access to all of Adobe's creative tools including some which are exclusive only on the cloud such as Photoshop Lightroom.