A Little Bit of History
Adobe Photoshop, often referred to simply as “Photoshop,” is one of the most recognizable and widely used raster graphics editing programs in the world. The history of the program dates back to 1988, when brothers Thomas and John Knoll began work on what was to become a breakthrough in the way computer graphic designers, photographers and designers use digital tools. From simple image-editing software, Photoshop has evolved into a complex tool that now offers a wide range of features, transforming itself into an industry standard for computer graphics professionals and enthusiasts.
The history of Adobe Photoshop dates back to 1988, when brothers Thomas and John Knoll began developing the application.
Evolution
Photoshop’s beginnings were characterized by limited capabilities, but with each new version, such as Photoshop 1.0 released in 1990, the software gained new features. Versions such as Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop CC introduced tools that allowed users to achieve better and better results in their creative work. Photoshop has become an indispensable tool in image editing, photo retouching, graphic design, web design and many other applications, proving its versatility and adaptability to the changing market.
Influence on Creative
Undoubtedly, Adobe Photoshop has revolutionized the creative industry, changing the way images are created and edited. Thanks to Photoshop’s capabilities, professionals and amateurs alike can push the boundaries of their creativity, completing projects that were once impossible. This powerful program has become a cornerstone of modern photography, advertising and even the film industry, allowing the creation of more complex and visually stunning works.
Availability
Adobe Systems has changed its software distribution model over time from the traditional one-time purchase to a more modern and flexible subscription model. This change allowed users to have constant access to the latest updates and features, without the need for further purchases. The introduction of Photoshop to the cloud, or the so-called Creative Cloud, has made the tool more accessible and convenient to use, regardless of location or hardware
Version Overview
Adobe Photoshop, as the flagship product of Adobe Systems, has gone through a long evolutionary journey, transforming from a simple photo editing program to an advanced tool that has defined the computer graphics industry.
Before Adobe Photoshop achieved iconic status in the graphics world, the first versions of the program were fairly simple, but they were already blazing a trail for future innovations. Version 1.0, released in 1990, was exclusively for Macintosh computers and offered basic tools such as cropping, rotating and resizing images. Quickly, however, subsequent versions began to introduce more advanced features, including layers in version 3.0 and command history in version 5.0, which revolutionized the way people worked with digital graphics.
Adobe Photoshop CS6
Adobe Photoshop CS6, released in May 2012, was one of the most anticipated updates in Photoshop’s history. It was this version of the software that brought a number of innovations and improvements that helped make users’ work more efficient and convenient. Among the major new features were:
- A new user interface, or darker background, which was designed to better focus on the image being edited.
- Content-Aware Move and Patch, which are tools that allow you to intelligently remove or move objects in an image while automatically filling in the background.
- Mercury Graphics Engine, which significantly improved performance, especially for compute-intensive operations.
These and other improvements made Photoshop CS6 enthusiastically received by professionals and amateurs from all over the world. The legacy of this version lives on to this day, being an oft-mentioned reference for new features and improvements introduced in subsequent editions.
Adobe Photoshop CC
After Photoshop CS6, Adobe introduced a new development philosophy for its software, moving from Creative Suite (CS) to Creative Cloud (CC). Photoshop CC debuted in 2013, ushering in an era of continuous updates and innovations delivered through the cloud. Some key features of this version are:
- Synchronization of settings, which means we have the ability to save work settings in the cloud and easily transfer them between different devices.
- Constant updates to the latest versions by which we get access to tools and features as soon as they are released.
- Adobe Stock Integration is direct access to millions of graphic resources, which made it easier to create projects.
Photoshop CC continued on the path set by CS6, introducing features that allowed creators more and more room for improvement.
Current Version
In the latest version of Photoshop 2024, Adobe continues to integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, with a greater focus on automating and simplifying editing processes. Creators can now take advantage of more advanced features, such as an improved layers panel and contextual menus, which significantly streamline workflows and improve creative precision. Adobe also continues to innovate in the area of editing on mobile devices, as seen in Photoshop’s Generative Expand on the iPad, which allows users to expand the canvas and fill empty spaces with content that matches the existing image.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Adobe Photoshop, as Adobe’s flagship product, offers various pricing options to suit different needs and budgets. Photoshop’s pricing history is quite diverse. Starting with a one-time purchase of the CS6 version, Adobe moved to a subscription model with Creative Cloud, which brought changes in pricing strategy.
As of today, Adobe offers various Photoshop subscription options. Here are the current prices and plans:
It includes Photoshop, Lightroom and 20 GB of cloud space, and costs €9.83 per month. This is the cheapest option for individual users primarily interested in photography.
There are also annual subscription plans, which are more cost-effective for users who are confident in using Photoshop on a regular basis. These plans offer a lower monthly rate, but require a year-long commitment.
Adobe Photoshop Single App Plan
You choose from Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro or After Effets. The plan costs about €26.86 per month.
Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan
It includes Photoshop and more than 20 other creative applications, such as Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign and Acrobat Pro. The plan also provides access to 100 GB of cloud space, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts and Adobe Spark.
Check current pricing: https://www.adobe.com/de/creativecloud/plans.html
Subscription vs. Purchase
The difference between subscription options and a one-time purchase of Photoshop CS6 is significant. The subscription model provides continuous access to the latest tools, security updates and integration with other Adobe products. On the other hand, a one-time purchase of CS6 offered a stable version without further updates, but with a lower initial cost.
The subscription model may be more cost-effective for professionals who need the latest features and security. However, for users who do not need regular updates or work in a less dynamic environment, a one-time purchase may be more appropriate.
How To Get Started?
The Photoshop installation process is relatively simple. Users need to create an Adobe account, select the appropriate plan, and download the application through Adobe Creative Cloud. The process is intuitive and provides quick access to the software once the transaction is complete.
It’s worth noting that Adobe no longer offers the option to purchase Photoshop as a one-time product – the only option available is a subscription. However, older versions of Photoshop, such as CS6, are still distributed.
Adobe also offers a 7-day free trial period for Photoshop, during which you can use the full version of the application. About it below.
⭐️ Free Photoshop
In the world of graphics or photo editing, Adobe Photoshop is considered the standard. However, not everyone is able or willing to invest in a subscription. Hence, there are questions about the availability of free versions of Photoshop. Although Adobe does not offer the full version of Photoshop for free, there are several alternatives and options that can satisfy your graphics editing needs without cost
Photoshop for Free With Trial Version
Adobe is offering a 7-day free trial of Photoshop, which is a full version of the application with access to all features and updates. Users can take full advantage of this period to test all of Photoshop’s advanced tools and features. After the trial period expires, users must purchase a subscription to continue using the program.
Download Photoshop: https://www.adobe.com/uk/products/photoshop/free-trial-download.html
Free Photoshop – Legal Sources
When looking for free versions of Photoshop, it’s important to avoid illegal sources and pirated copies, which can violate copyright laws and put you at risk for viruses and other security threats. Legitimate options, such as trial versions and free Adobe mobile apps, are safe and legal.
Promotions
Adobe occasionally offers promotions and discounts on its subscription plans, which can be an attractive option for those looking to save money. Follow Adobe’s official website and partners to stay up to date on current promotions.
An Alternative to Photoshop
Often confused with the full, paid version of Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Express offers simplified photo editing tools ideal for mobile users. Here are some key features:
- “Looks” filters – Photoshop Express offers a variety of filters similar to those known from Instagram, with the ability to adjust the intensity of the effect with a slider.
- “Crop” tool – allows you to rotate and crop images, customizable for various formats, such as Instagram posts or Facebook profile pictures.
- Semi-automatic color correction – includes tools for adjusting light, color, effects, detail and split tones.
- “Spot Heal” tool – designed to remove minor imperfections, although it can sometimes work inconsistently.
- Red-eye correction – a quick and automatic tool for removing red-eye in both people and animals.
- Frames “Borders” – offers different types of borders and frame effects.
- Limited export options – allows you to save images in JPG format only, without the ability to work with RAW files.
The mobile version of Photoshop Express has a similar set of tools, including features for working with text and more precise color settings.The mobile app is available for free.
Learn more:
Photoshop Online
Adobe Photoshop Online, part of the Creative Cloud ecosystem, offers unique capabilities for users who want access to graphic editing tools without having to install the full version of the program on their computers.
- Accessibility – Photoshop Online is accessible via a web browser, which means it can be used on a variety of devices, including those with limited hardware capabilities.
- Functionality – while it offers many of the features available in the full version of the program, its capabilities are limited compared to a desktop installation. Some advanced tools and features may not be available in the online version.
- Performance – since it is a browser-based application, its performance may depend on the speed of your Internet connection and the computing power of your device.
- Collaboration and accessibility – Photoshop online facilitates cloud-based collaboration, allowing easy sharing and collaboration on projects in real time.
Photoshop Download: https://www.adobe.com/pl/products/photoshop/online.html
Adobe Photoshop Online for Free?
💔 There is no free online version of Photoshop however you can try the most popular online tools.
Functions and Limitations
Adobe Photoshop online, like its desktop counterpart, offers a wide range of photo editing and retouching tools, but with some limitations:
- Editing tools – basic tools such as cropping, color adjustment and retouching are available, but more advanced features such as working with layers may be limited.
- Collaboration – allows easy collaboration and file sharing with other Creative Cloud users.
- Cloud storage – users can store their projects in the Adobe Cloud, making it easy to access them from different devices.
Online Work vs. Workflow
For some users, especially those who work remotely or travel frequently, Photoshop online is a convenient alternative. It allows quick changes and adjustments to projects without the need for powerful computer hardware. However, for advanced graphic design projects that require the full functionality of Photoshop, the online version may not be sufficient.
Photoshop online offers flexibility and accessibility for users who need basic editing functions without the need for a full desktop version. Its free version and ease of online collaboration make it an attractive choice for many users, but its limitations may not meet the requirements of more advanced graphics professionals.users can store their projects in the Adobe cloud, making it easy to access them from different devices.
Photoshop Definitely for Everyone?
Photoshop prices and available subscription plans vary depending on users’ needs and requirements. Here are the main groups:
- Professionals – For photography, graphics and design professionals, Photoshop is an essential tool. They often choose a plan with all Creative Cloud applications, which offers access to the entire range of Adobe applications. The cost of this plan is about €36.89 per month.
- Hobbyists and amateurs – These users can take advantage of more affordable options, such as Adobe’s photography plan, which costs €9.99 per month and includes Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Students and teachers – It seems worthwhile to be a student and check who is eligible for this option. Adobe offers significant discounts to the education sector. Students and teachers can get access to the entire Creative Cloud suite for about €19.99 per month.
- Businesses and teams – for businesses and professional teams, there are special team plans that offer additional license management and collaboration tools.
Operation – Learning Photoshop
Turning on Photoshop for the first time can be overwhelming, but there are numerous resources available that can make the process easier:
- Official Adobe tutorials – adobe offers a wide range of tutorials and guides on its website, which are a great starting point for new users.
- Online courses – Platforms like Udemy, Coursera and Lynda offer courses taught by experienced instructors that cover both basics and advanced techniques.
- Books and ebooks – There are many books dedicated to Photoshop, both in print and digital form.
- Video tutorials – YouTube and other platforms are a rich source of free tutorials where experienced users share their knowledge and techniques.
- Adobe forums – Adobe’s official forums are a place where users can ask questions, share tips and solve problems.
- Social media groups – groups on Facebook, LinkedIn or Reddit also offer places where users can share experiences and solve problems together.
- Blogs and articles – photography and graphic design blogs regularly publish Photoshop tips, tricks and tutorials.
The available resources for learning Photoshop are rich and varied, offering options for everyone from the beginner hobbyist to the advanced professional. Using a combination of official Adobe tutorials, online courses, books, video tutorials and community support, anyone can develop their Photoshop skills. We present a fraction of them:
- Skillshare: Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training Course
- Skillshare: Learn Adobe Photoshop Like a Pro: Advanced Techniques
- LinkedIn Learning: Photoshop Essential Training: The Basics
- CreativeLive: Adobe Photoshop CC: the Complete Guide
- PluralSight: Photoshop CC Fundamentals
- Udemy: Photoshop Fundamentals
The courses offer opportunities to learn from basic skills to advanced techniques to specialized applications of Photoshop in various fields such as photography, graphic design and retouching. You’re sure to find something suitable for your skill level and educational goals.
The Future of Photoshop
Predictions and New Features
- Integration with Artificial Intelligence – in future versions of Photoshop, we expect even deeper integration with AI technologies, which can offer more advanced and intuitive editing tools.
- Automation and machine learning – machine learning capabilities can significantly speed up and facilitate some editing processes, such as object selection and retouching.
- Augmented reality (AR) – the development of tools for working with AR can open up new opportunities for designers and artists to create interactive and immersive experiences.
- Workflow and interface – further improvements to the user interface and workflow to make working with the program even easier and faster.
The Role of AI and Machine Learning
- Automatic editing and retouching – AI can offer tools for automatic photo retouching, such as intelligent removal of skin imperfections and automatic color correction.
- Analysis and classification – AI can help automatically tag and classify photos, which is particularly useful for managing large image libraries.
- Styling and creation – AI can offer new ways to style images and graphic creations, for example by simulating the styles of famous artists or generating unique visual effects.
Ethical Implications of PS Development
- Transparency of AI use – as the role of AI in image editing grows, it will be important to maintain transparency about how images are modified to avoid misleading audiences.
- Responsible use of tools – the development of powerful editing tools brings with it the need for responsible use, especially in the context of creating realistic photomanipulations.
The future of Photoshop seems to be driven by innovations in technology, particularly the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These evolving technologies will have a significant impact on the way we use image editing tools, opening up new creative possibilities while posing ethical and social challenges.
