Try Pixelmator, in the Mac App Store. It's got plenty of features and has completely replaced Photoshop for me.
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Can I still buy or download an older version of Adobe Photoshop?
- Thread starter TH55
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With adobe CC you get access to older versions back to CS6 (CC is now in 2 versions, original and 2014 update)
Did you not read my OP that said I didn't want to spend the money on CC and simply want an older version bc I thought it might be cheaper?
If you have a (legit) serial number for an older version of PS (PS CS6 or before), you can download it via Adobe's website. However, Adobe has stopped selling CS6 directly, and it is no longer available for purchase via a legit source (i.e. B&H, Adorama, etc.). Student & Teacher download versions of CS6 are available from B&H, but you DO have to qualify for them (i.e. verifiable school ID/email).
Although Adobe's subscription program is still viewed with some disdain, their Photography CC program is a good deal - Lightroom and Photoshop for $10 a month.
Your alternatives might be to look at something like Lightroom (only), Pixelmator, or wait to see what Photos for OS X brings.
I'd prefer not to sign up for any subscriptions, and would like to keep it under $30 total as it's going to be one time use
You won't find a legit (or even illegitimate) prior version of Photoshop under $30. You'll need to look at alternatives like Pixelmator.
Stand-alone Photoshop after the shift to subscription...
When Adobe announced they were moving to subscription-only Photoshop and the various creative packages, I did some math and realized that over time I would be paying far more. I don't use Photoshop consistently, but when I do, I use it intensely. Nothing else is capable of standing in.
So I started researching used legal Photoshop and discovered, according to the Adobe licensing as I read it, the app is licensed only to the original buyer and that license is non-transferable. It cannot be legally resold. If someone is more knowledgeable about this, please weigh in.
There are lots of versions of Photoshop for sale on the web, but for the most part these appear to be versions that were originally bundled with various products. As I understand it, when the buyer of one of these versions tries to register or upgrade, Adobe enforces the licensing and then it can get very messy.
Once I realized the situation, I searched for a new legal sealed boxed version of PS6 and found one on the Apple site. It had languished there because very few people buy Photoshop from Apple. So I was able to buy one of the last legal boxed PS6s.
If you do some deep searching, maybe you can find a legal sealed boxed PS6. I seem to remember that Staples Office Supply still had some on the shelves. But the window is closing on any stand-alone version of Photoshop. And as I said, according to the licensing, there is no such thing as a legal purchasable used version.
If anyone has better information, please post it.
When Adobe announced they were moving to subscription-only Photoshop and the various creative packages, I did some math and realized that over time I would be paying far more. I don't use Photoshop consistently, but when I do, I use it intensely. Nothing else is capable of standing in.
So I started researching used legal Photoshop and discovered, according to the Adobe licensing as I read it, the app is licensed only to the original buyer and that license is non-transferable. It cannot be legally resold. If someone is more knowledgeable about this, please weigh in.
There are lots of versions of Photoshop for sale on the web, but for the most part these appear to be versions that were originally bundled with various products. As I understand it, when the buyer of one of these versions tries to register or upgrade, Adobe enforces the licensing and then it can get very messy.
Once I realized the situation, I searched for a new legal sealed boxed version of PS6 and found one on the Apple site. It had languished there because very few people buy Photoshop from Apple. So I was able to buy one of the last legal boxed PS6s.
If you do some deep searching, maybe you can find a legal sealed boxed PS6. I seem to remember that Staples Office Supply still had some on the shelves. But the window is closing on any stand-alone version of Photoshop. And as I said, according to the licensing, there is no such thing as a legal purchasable used version.
If anyone has better information, please post it.
did read it, but figured to chip in, since I think the subscription base is pretty brilliant. I'm happy to have legal software and all versions when needed.
Looks like the OP only needs PS for a single use project, and it seems the trial version will fit his needs for that endeavor.
Indeed, thanks. If I do end up liking photo manipulation and decide to return is Pixelmator the best alternative or is GIMP better?
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Oh ok, gotcha
Try both and make the determination yourself. There are poeple that really like Pixelmator, others Gimp. I'd cast my lot with Pixelmator, because its actively being supported and developed and uses a UI that people are comfortable. as usual YMMV and so you need to try both and make that determination.
The price is shown on the Mac App store. You can find that out easily yourself and its only for OS X (and iOS).
Try it and determine that yourself. If your needs are PC based, then you need to see what's available for windows. I can't answer that, I use photoshop and I have little need to find out what's available on windows as a PS replacement.
All I can say is try it and make the determination if Gimp fits your own needs. I really can't answer that for you. What one person may hate, someone else will like.
Yeah. I guess I'm just looking for the overlap of high functionality and user friendliness.
