Lesson 2: Buying Photoshop /en/photoshopbasics/what-is-photoshop/content/ Introduction If you're thinking about purchasing or upgrading to the latest version of Adobe Photoshop, there are some important things you'll need to consider before you buy. For example, you'll need to learn more about the different purchasing options and choose the version of Photoshop that's right for you. Photoshop purchasing options If you're interested in buying Photoshop, you have several different options to choose from: • Photoshop CC: If you want to buy the full version of Photoshop ( Photoshop CC), you'll need to pay a monthly subscription fee for.

If you have a Mac get Pixelmator for only $25. Much better to use AND the training videos are well organized on their website. After using it for a month I deleted Adobe Photoshop and good riddance, too. For Windows or Mac try OnOne Software.com Creative Photo Suite. This gem makes me smile and dance when I edit photos.

Photoshop CC is available for both Windows and Mac. • Photoshop Elements: If you don't need all of the features of the full version of Photoshop, you might consider buying instead. Photoshop Elements is available for both Windows and Mac. • Mobile apps: If you want to edit photos on the go, there are a few different Photoshop mobile apps available for iOS and Android. However, these apps will be less powerful and offer less control than the full desktop software. • Alternative software: If you don't need all of Photoshop's features—or if you're trying to save money—there are many other image editing applications you can use.

You can check our our lesson on to learn more about some free and low-cost applications you might be able to use instead. 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. A Creative Cloud subscription includes other benefits, such as cloud-based storage for your Photoshop projects. You'll also receive the newest version of Photoshop whenever it's made available, so you'll never have to worry about upgrading to the most recent version. You can subscribe to Creative Cloud for about $10 per month (or about $120 per year).

Previously, you could purchase a boxed copy of Photoshop without a subscription, but it would typically cost more than $700. While this means the cost of entry for using Photoshop is much lower than it was in the past, keep in mind that this subscription fee will add up over time, especially if you plan to keep the subscription for several years. You can also buy other Adobe applications through Creative Cloud, such as Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign. There are different plans and pricing options available, depending on your needs.

Go to on the Adobe website to learn more about purchasing a Creative Cloud subscription. If you still have questions about how Creative Cloud works, you can visit Adobe's page.

Photoshop Elements If you don't need all of Photoshop's features, you might consider purchasing instead. You can think of Photoshop Elements as 'Photoshop Light'—it gives you access to some of the most popular features from the full version, but it usually costs less than $100 and does not require a subscription. If you don't have a lot of previous experience with image editing, Photoshop Elements may be a good option for you. Missing features in Photoshop Elements Below, you'll find a list of some of the main limitations of Photoshop Elements.

These are somewhat advanced features, which is why they're not included in Elements. If you've never heard about some of the things we mention below, don't worry—we'll talk more about many of these features later in this tutorial. • Adjustment layers: Elements has a limited selection of adjustment layers. For example, you won't be able to create a Curves adjustment layer, though it does have a similar feature you can use. • Layer masks: Elements does not allow you to create layer masks. However, you will be able to edit layer masks for adjustment layers.

You'll also be able to edit existing layer masks when working with files created in the full version of Photoshop. • Layer groups: Elements does not allow you to create new layer groups. However, you will be able to view existing groups when working with files created in the full version of Photoshop. • Color options: Elements does not include as many advanced options for fine-tuning color, such as the Channels panel.

It also has limited support for working with different color profiles and color spaces (such as CMYK). Update windows 7 driver for free. • Drawing tools: Elements does not include several of the commonly used vector-based drawing tools found in Photoshop, such as the Pen tool or the Paths panel.