How to Get Photoshop for Under $20 a Month: A Comprehensive Guide

Published on 21 June 2023 7 min read

2. Student and Teacher Discounts

8. Alternative Software Options

9. Adobe Promotions and Special Offers

Photoshop is a powerful and versatile tool for graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists. If you've been wondering how much Photoshop costs, or how to get it for under $20 a month, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various options and discounts, helping you find the best deal for your needs.

1. Understanding Adobe Plans

Before diving into the different ways to get Photoshop for under $20 a month, it's essential to understand the Adobe plans available. Adobe offers several Creative Cloud subscription plans that include Photoshop:

Single App Plan: This plan gives you access to Photoshop only, costing $20.99 per month. It's ideal for users who don't need other Adobe apps.
Photography Plan: Priced at $9.99 per month, this plan includes Photoshop, Lightroom, and 20 GB of cloud storage. It's perfect for photographers who want to use both Photoshop and Lightroom.
All Apps Plan: For $52.99 per month, you get access to all Adobe Creative Cloud apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more. This plan is suitable for professionals working with multiple Adobe applications.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the Adobe plans, let's explore some ways to get Photoshop for under $20 a month.

2. Student and Teacher Discounts

Did you know that Adobe offers significant discounts for students and teachers? If you're currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution or are a teacher, you can save up to 60% on Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions. The discounted All Apps Plan costs only $19.99 per month, well below our $20 target. To access these discounts, you'll need to provide proof of eligibility, such as a valid school email address or other documentation.

So, if you're wondering, "how much is Photoshop for students or teachers?", the answer is that it can be as low as $19.99 per month—remember, this includes access to all Adobe Creative Cloud apps, not just Photoshop! This is an incredible deal for those who qualify and want to enhance their creative skills.

3. Adobe Photography Plan

Are you a photography enthusiast looking to get Photoshop at an affordable price? Look no further than the Adobe Photography Plan. This plan is designed specifically for photographers and includes both Photoshop and Lightroom for a low monthly cost of $9.99. Yes, you read that right: under $10 a month!

With the Photography Plan, you'll have access to essential tools to edit, organize, and share your photos. So, if you're asking yourself, "how much is Photoshop with the Photography Plan?", the answer is just $9.99 per month, along with Lightroom. This is the perfect option for photographers of all skill levels who want to enhance their images without breaking the bank.

4. Purchase Older Versions

If you're wondering, "How much is Photoshop if I purchase an older version?", you might be in for a pleasant surprise. You can often find older versions of Photoshop at a significantly lower cost than the latest edition. While they might not have all the most recent features, these older versions still have plenty of useful tools and capabilities to help you edit your photos effectively.

You can look for older versions of Photoshop on online marketplaces like eBay or even from trusted friends or colleagues who have upgraded to the newest version. Keep in mind, though, that Adobe no longer supports these older versions, so you won't receive updates or technical support. But if you're comfortable working with an older version and you want to save some money, this option could be an excellent fit for you.

5. Third-Party Discounts

Another way to save money and answer the question, "How much is Photoshop?", is to look for third-party discounts. Some websites and companies partner with Adobe to offer exclusive deals to their customers or members. For example, you might find a Photoshop discount through your school, workplace, or even a photography club you're a part of.

Keep an eye out for these deals, as they can vary greatly and might only be available for a limited time. Be sure to only purchase through reputable sources, though, to avoid any potential scams or unauthorized sellers. By taking advantage of third-party discounts, you can enjoy the benefits of Photoshop while keeping your budget intact.

6. Group Purchase Discounts

If you're wondering how much Photoshop is and you're not the only one in your circle interested in the software, group purchase discounts could be a great option for you. Adobe offers volume licensing for businesses, schools, or other organizations that need multiple licenses for their members.

By purchasing a group license, you can significantly reduce the cost per person, making Photoshop more affordable for everyone involved. This can be especially helpful for small businesses or teams working on creative projects together. Just remember that group purchases typically require a minimum number of participants, so make sure you have enough interested parties before moving forward with this option.

7. Creative Cloud Free Trial

Still unsure about how much is Photoshop worth to you? Adobe offers a seven-day free trial for the Creative Cloud suite, which includes Photoshop. This way, you can test out the software and experience its features before committing to a monthly subscription.

By signing up for the free trial, you'll be able to use the full version of Photoshop without any limitations. This gives you the opportunity to determine if the software meets your needs and whether it's worth the investment. After the trial period, you can decide if you want to subscribe to one of the available plans or explore alternative options. Just remember to cancel the trial before it ends if you don't wish to continue, as it will automatically convert to a paid subscription.

8. Alternative Software Options

If you're still wondering how much is Photoshop worth, and whether it's the right choice for you, it's always a good idea to explore alternative software options. Some of these applications may offer similar features at a lower cost, or even for free! Here are a few popular alternatives to Photoshop:

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): GIMP is a free and open-source image editing software that offers many similar features to Photoshop. It's a great option for those on a budget or just starting out in photo editing.
Paint.NET: Another free photo editing tool, Paint.NET is user-friendly and offers a range of features for basic to intermediate image editing tasks.
Affinity Photo: Affinity Photo is a powerful and affordable alternative to Photoshop, with a one-time purchase price instead of a monthly subscription. It's available for both Windows and macOS users and is known for its speed, power, and precision.
Pixelmator Pro: Exclusively for macOS users, Pixelmator Pro is a feature-rich image editing software that provides an intuitive and accessible interface. It's a great option for those looking for a more affordable alternative to Photoshop on Mac devices.

By exploring these alternatives, you can better understand the value of Photoshop compared to other options. This can help you make an informed decision about whether Photoshop's features and price point are the best fit for your needs.

9. Adobe Promotions and Special Offers

Another way to answer the question "how much is Photoshop" is by keeping an eye out for Adobe promotions and special offers. Adobe occasionally offers discounts or bundled deals on their software, which can help you save on Photoshop and other Creative Cloud applications. Here are some tips on how to find these promotions:

Adobe's website: Check Adobe's official website regularly for updates on promotions, discounts, or special offers. These deals may be time-sensitive or have limited availability, so it's important to stay informed.
Subscribe to Adobe's newsletter: By subscribing to Adobe's newsletter, you'll receive information about the latest deals and promotions directly in your inbox. This can help you stay up-to-date on any special offers that may lower the cost of Photoshop.
Follow Adobe on social media: Adobe often shares information about promotions and discounts on their social media channels. Be sure to follow them on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news on deals and offers.
Participate in events or webinars: Adobe sometimes offers discounts to attendees of their events or webinars. By participating in these events, you may find exclusive promotions or deals that can help you save on Photoshop.

By staying informed and taking advantage of Adobe promotions and special offers, you can potentially lower the cost of Photoshop and make it more accessible for your needs.

10. Keep an Eye Out for Sales

Lastly, when trying to figure out how much is Photoshop, don't forget to consider sales from other retailers. While Adobe may offer promotions and discounts on their website, sometimes other authorized resellers provide even better deals. Here are some tips to help you find these sales:

Online retailers: Keep an eye on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo, as they may have sales on Photoshop or Creative Cloud subscriptions from time to time.
Brick-and-mortar stores: Physical stores may also offer discounts on Adobe products, especially during special events like Black Friday or end-of-year clearance sales. Be sure to check local retailers for deals on Photoshop.
Comparison websites: Use comparison websites that track the prices of software products from various retailers. These websites can help you find the best deals on Photoshop and other Adobe products.
Join online communities: Participate in forums or online communities related to graphic design, photography, or other creative fields. Members of these communities often share information about deals and discounts on Photoshop and other software tools.

By keeping an eye out for sales and being proactive in your search for discounts, you can find more affordable options for Photoshop that fit your budget. Remember, with some research and patience, you can save on your Adobe software and focus more on your creative projects.

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