Adobe Photoshop is a commercial software and it does not have a completely free version. However, Adobe does offer a free trial of the latest version of Photoshop which allows you to try the software for a limited period of time before deciding to purchase it. The duration of the free trial varies, but it is usually around 7 to 30 days. During the trial period, you will have access to all of the features and tools in the software and can use it for personal or commercial projects. Once the trial period ends, you will need to purchase a subscription or license to continue using the software.
5 legal ways to get free Photoshop software
- Adobe Creative Cloud Free Trial: Adobe offers a free trial of the latest version of Photoshop and other Creative Cloud apps. This trial lasts for 7 days and allows you to use the full version of the software without any limitations. Once the trial period is over, you will need to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud to continue using Photoshop.
- Adobe Photoshop Express: Adobe also offers a free, simplified version of Photoshop called Photoshop Express. It’s a web-based, mobile and desktop application that offers basic editing tools and features. It’s suitable for simple image editing tasks.
- Photoshop CS2: Adobe Photoshop CS2 is an older version of the software that was released in 2005, Adobe provided Photoshop CS2 for free, along with the serial number, for both Windows and Mac. However, this version is no longer available for download and support.
- Use Photoshop Online: Adobe also offers a web-based version of Photoshop called Photoshop Online, which you can use for free without downloading any software. It offers basic editing tools and features and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
- Photoshop alternatives: There are several free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop such as GIMP, Krita, Paint.NET, Inkscape and other image editing software that offer similar functionality and features. These are open-source software, and you can use them for free without any limitations.
It’s important to note that obtaining Photoshop or any software through illegal means such as downloading it from a torrent site or a sharing platform is illegal, and can lead to serious consequences.
Why Shouldn’t You Use the Pirated Version of Photoshop?
Using a pirated version of Photoshop is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Not only is it against the law, but it also violates the terms of service of the software, and it can put your computer at risk of malware and other security issues.
Additionally, using a pirated version of Photoshop can lead to various technical issues such as crashes, compatibility problems, and lack of updates and support. You may also not be able to access new features and tools that are added in the new version of the software.
A paid subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Photoshop, is not that expensive compared to the benefits you get from using a legitimate version of the software. A paid subscription offers regular updates and access to new features, as well as customer support and resources. Furthermore, using a legitimate version of the software ensures that you are using a version that has been tested and is known to be safe and stable.
Adobe Photoshop CS2
Adobe Photoshop CS2 is an older version of the software that was released in 2005. However, Adobe has since then retired the support for this version, and it is no longer available for purchase. But, in 2013 Adobe provided Photoshop CS2 for free, along with the serial number, for both Windows and Mac. The reason for this is that the software’s activation servers were shut down, and Adobe wanted to ensure that customers who had purchased the software in the past would still be able to use it. It’s not available to download anymore, and you can’t get the free version of Photoshop CS2 from Adobe’s website.
Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Elements is a simplified version of Adobe Photoshop that is designed for amateur and hobbyist photographers. It includes many of the basic features of Photoshop, such as cropping, resizing, and color adjustments, but it also includes additional features that are geared towards photo editing and organization, such as automated photo editing tools, photo collages, and a built-in organizer to help you manage your photos.
Free trial
Adobe offers a free trial of the latest version of Photoshop and other Creative Cloud apps. This trial lasts for 7 days and allows you to use the full version of the software without any limitations. Once the trial period is over, you will need to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud to continue using Photoshop.
A paid subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Photoshop, is very affordable, costing less than the price of a cup of coffee at Starbucks. It provides an access to the latest software, updates, customer support and more. The free trial period lets you test the software and see its value before subscribing.
Free Photoshop Alternatives
These are some of the popular free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop. Each of these programs has its own set of features and capabilities, so you may want to try a few of them to see which one works best for you.
- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source program that can be used to edit and manipulate images. It has a wide range of tools and features that are similar to Photoshop, and it supports various file formats including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
- Krita is a free, open-source digital painting and illustration software that is popular among digital artists. It includes a wide range of brushes, filters, and tools that can be used to create digital art.
- Paint.NET is a free image editing software for Windows that includes basic tools such as cropping, resizing, and color adjustments. It also includes advanced features such as layers and plug-ins.
- Inkscape is a vector graphic editor, which is an open-source software, similar to Illustrator, free to use and has a lot of features that allow you to create vector illustrations.
- Pixlr Editor is a free online image editor that includes basic tools such as cropping, resizing, and color adjustments, as well as advanced features such as layers, filters, and text tools.
- Seashore is an open-source image editing software for Mac users that includes basic tools such as cropping, resizing, and color adjustments.
- Sumo Paint is a free online image editor that includes basic tools such as cropping, resizing, and color adjustments, as well as advanced features such as layers, filters, and text tools.