Are you a graphic designer, photographer, or digital artist looking to get your hands on Adobe Photoshop without breaking the bank? While Adobe’s flagship image editing software is not free, there are several ways to access it without paying a dime. In this article, we’ll explore the various options to get Photoshop on your computer for free, including free trials, student discounts, and alternative software.
Free Trial: The Official Way to Get Photoshop for Free
The most straightforward way to get Photoshop on your computer for free is to sign up for a free trial on Adobe’s website. Adobe offers a 30-day free trial for Photoshop, allowing you to test the software and its features before committing to a paid subscription.
How to Sign Up for a Free Trial
To sign up for a free trial, follow these steps:
- Go to the Adobe website and click on the “Free Trial” button.
- Choose the plan that includes Photoshop, such as the Photography plan or the Creative Cloud All Apps plan.
- Fill out the registration form with your email address, password, and other details.
- Download and install the Creative Cloud desktop app.
- Launch the app and sign in with your Adobe ID.
What to Expect from the Free Trial
During the 30-day free trial, you’ll have access to the full version of Photoshop, including all its features and tools. You can use the software to edit photos, create graphics, and design digital art. However, keep in mind that the free trial is only available for new customers, and you’ll need to provide credit card information to sign up.
Student and Teacher Edition: Discounted Photoshop for Eligible Individuals
If you’re a student or teacher, you may be eligible for a discounted version of Photoshop through Adobe’s education program. The Student and Teacher Edition of Photoshop is available at a significantly lower price than the regular version, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
How to Qualify for the Student and Teacher Edition
To qualify for the Student and Teacher Edition, you’ll need to meet Adobe’s eligibility criteria, which includes:
- Being a student or teacher at an accredited educational institution
- Having a valid school email address or student ID
- Being able to provide proof of eligibility upon request
How to Purchase the Student and Teacher Edition
To purchase the Student and Teacher Edition, follow these steps:
- Go to the Adobe website and click on the “Students and Teachers” tab.
- Verify your eligibility using your school email address or student ID.
- Choose the plan that includes Photoshop, such as the Creative Cloud All Apps plan.
- Purchase the plan and download the software.
Alternative Software: Free and Open-Source Options
If you’re not interested in using Photoshop or can’t afford it, there are several alternative software options available that offer similar features and functionality. Some popular free and open-source alternatives to Photoshop include:
- GIMP: A popular open-source image editing software that offers many of the same features as Photoshop.
- Krita: A free and open-source painting and image editing software that offers a wide range of brush engines and tools.
- Canva: A free graphic design software that offers a range of templates, design tools, and collaboration features.
Comparison of Alternative Software
| Software | Features | Price |
| ——– | ——– | —– |
| GIMP | Image editing, painting, and manipulation | Free |
| Krita | Painting, image editing, and illustration | Free |
| Canva | Graphic design, templates, and collaboration | Free |
Free Photoshop Alternatives for Specific Tasks
If you only need to perform specific tasks, such as photo editing or graphic design, there are several free alternatives to Photoshop that can help. Some popular options include:
- Pixlr: A free online photo editor that offers a range of tools and filters.
- PhotoScape: A free photo editing software that offers a range of tools and effects.
- Gravit Designer: A free graphic design software that offers a range of tools and features.
Comparison of Free Alternatives
| Software | Features | Price |
| ——– | ——– | —– |
| Pixlr | Photo editing, filters, and effects | Free |
| PhotoScape | Photo editing, tools, and effects | Free |
| Gravit Designer | Graphic design, tools, and features | Free |
Conclusion
Getting Photoshop on your computer for free is possible, whether through a free trial, student discount, or alternative software. While Photoshop is a powerful and feature-rich software, there are many other options available that can help you achieve your graphic design and photo editing goals without breaking the bank. By exploring these options, you can find the best solution for your needs and budget.
Is it possible to get Photoshop on my computer for free?
Yes, it is possible to get Photoshop on your computer for free, but there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind. Adobe offers a free trial version of Photoshop that you can download and use for a limited time, usually 30 days. This trial version has all the features and functionality of the paid version, but it will expire after the trial period ends.
Alternatively, you can also consider using free and open-source alternatives to Photoshop, such as GIMP or Krita. These programs offer many of the same features and tools as Photoshop, but they are completely free to download and use. However, keep in mind that they may not have all the advanced features and functionality of Photoshop.
How do I download the free trial version of Photoshop?
To download the free trial version of Photoshop, you’ll need to visit the Adobe website and sign up for an Adobe account. Once you’ve created an account, you can navigate to the Photoshop product page and click on the “Free Trial” button. This will take you to a page where you can download the trial version of the software.
During the download process, you’ll be asked to provide some basic information, such as your name and email address. You’ll also need to agree to the terms and conditions of the trial version. Once the download is complete, you can install the software on your computer and start using it right away.
What are the limitations of the free trial version of Photoshop?
The free trial version of Photoshop has some limitations compared to the paid version. For example, the trial version will expire after 30 days, and you won’t be able to use it after that. Additionally, the trial version may have some features and functionality disabled or limited.
Another limitation of the trial version is that you won’t be able to save your work as a PSD file, which is the native file format of Photoshop. This means that you won’t be able to open and edit your files in the future unless you upgrade to the paid version. However, you can still save your work as a JPEG or other file format.
Are there any free alternatives to Photoshop that are worth using?
Yes, there are several free alternatives to Photoshop that are worth using. GIMP and Krita are two popular options that offer many of the same features and tools as Photoshop. GIMP is a free and open-source raster graphics editor that offers many of the same features as Photoshop, including support for layers, filters, and effects.
Krita is another free and open-source painting and illustration software that offers many of the same features as Photoshop. It has a wide range of brush engines, including customizable brushes, and supports many file formats, including PSD. Both GIMP and Krita are available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Can I use the free trial version of Photoshop for commercial purposes?
No, the free trial version of Photoshop is not intended for commercial use. Adobe’s terms and conditions specifically state that the trial version is for personal, non-commercial use only. If you plan to use Photoshop for commercial purposes, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid version.
Using the trial version for commercial purposes can result in serious consequences, including legal action from Adobe. If you’re unsure about whether your use of Photoshop constitutes commercial use, it’s best to err on the side of caution and upgrade to the paid version.
How do I upgrade to the paid version of Photoshop?
To upgrade to the paid version of Photoshop, you’ll need to visit the Adobe website and sign in to your Adobe account. From there, you can navigate to the Photoshop product page and click on the “Buy” button. This will take you to a page where you can choose from a variety of plans and pricing options.
Adobe offers a range of plans, including a basic plan that includes Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as a more advanced plan that includes additional features and tools. You can choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget, and Adobe will guide you through the payment and installation process.
Are there any discounts or promotions available for Photoshop?
Yes, Adobe occasionally offers discounts and promotions for Photoshop. For example, students and teachers may be eligible for a discounted version of Photoshop, known as the “Student and Teacher Edition.” This version is available at a significantly lower price than the regular version.
Adobe also offers a range of promotions and discounts throughout the year, including holiday sales and special offers. You can check the Adobe website for the latest deals and discounts, or sign up for the Adobe newsletter to stay informed about upcoming promotions.