If you are thinking about buying or upgrading Adobe Photoshop, there are a few things to consider. You need to choose the right version and understand the purchasing options.

Photoshop Purchasing Options

There are different ways to buy Photoshop:

  • Photoshop CC: This is the full version of Photoshop. You need to pay a monthly subscription fee. It works on both Windows and Mac.


  • Photoshop Elements: This is a simpler version of Photoshop. It costs less and does not need a subscription. It also works on Windows and Mac.

  • Mobile Apps: Adobe offers mobile apps for iOS and Android. These apps have fewer features than the desktop version.

  • Alternative Software: If you want to save money, you can try other image editing apps. There are free and low-cost alternatives.

Adobe Creative Cloud and Photoshop CC

You cannot buy a boxed copy of Photoshop CC. Instead, you need to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud. You will download Photoshop CC to your computer.

A Creative Cloud subscription gives you:

  • Cloud storage for your projects.

  • Access to the newest version of Photoshop.

  • Other Adobe applications like Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign.

You can pay for a monthly or yearly plan. In the past, Photoshop was more expensive to buy upfront. Now, the subscription fee is lower at first, but it adds up over time.

Photoshop Elements

Photoshop Elements is a cheaper, simpler version of Photoshop. It costs less than $100 and does not need a subscription. If you are new to image editing, this may be a good choice for you.

Limitations of Photoshop Elements

Photoshop Elements does not have all the features of Photoshop CC. Some missing features include:

  • Adjustment Layers: Limited options. No Curves adjustment layer.

  • Layer Masks: You cannot create new masks, but you can edit existing ones.

  • Layer Groups: You cannot create groups, but you can see existing ones.

  • Color Options: Fewer advanced color settings and no CMYK support.

  • Drawing Tools: No Pen tool or Paths panel.

  • 8-bit Mode: Limited support for 16-bit and 32-bit images.

Even with these limitations, Photoshop Elements is still a great choice for basic editing.

Photoshop for Mobile Devices

Adobe has several mobile apps for photo editing:

  • Adobe Photoshop Express: A free app for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. It offers simple edits like cropping and filters. You can buy extra features.

  • Photoshop CC on iPad: A full version of Photoshop for iPad. It has system requirements, so check before installing.

Choosing the right version of Photoshop depends on your needs and budget. If you need all features, Photoshop CC is the best option. If you want a budget-friendly option, Photoshop Elements is a good choice.