There are a few quick answers to this question:
– Yes, you can permanently buy older versions of Photoshop as a one-time purchase.
– No, you cannot permanently buy the latest versions of Photoshop. Adobe now only offers Photoshop through a subscription model.
– While you can’t buy the latest Photoshop outright, you can purchase a perpetual license for older versions like Photoshop CS6.
Can I buy Photoshop CS6 permanently?
Yes, you can still purchase older versions of Photoshop as a one-time, permanent purchase. Photoshop CS6 was the last stand-alone version of Photoshop before Adobe switched to a subscription-only model.
CS6 was released in 2012 and is now over 10 years old. However, it still contains many of Photoshop’s core image editing features and is a viable option for those looking to own Photoshop permanently rather than paying a monthly or annual fee.
New sealed copies of Photoshop CS6 are still available from some retailers. You can also find used copies for sale. Once purchased, you can install and use CS6 on your computer permanently without any recurring fees.
Adobe ended support for CS6 in 2017, meaning they no longer provide updates or bug fixes. However, the software will still function on modern Windows and Mac machines. The outdated status of CS6 is the tradeoff for getting permanent use of Photoshop.
Downsides of buying Photoshop CS6
While you can still purchase CS6 outright, there are some downsides to consider:
- No latest features – CS6 lacks all the new tools and capabilities added in CC versions.
- No updates – As mentioned, Adobe no longer provides updates or support for CS6.
- Compatibility issues – Though CS6 works on modern OSes, you may encounter bugs or quirks.
- Difficulty purchasing – New boxed copies are becoming harder to find as stock dwindles.
For most users, especially professionals, these limitations make CS6 an imperfect solution. But for hobbyists and casual users, having an older but permanent copy of Photoshop may be preferable to paying a monthly fee.
Why did Adobe switch to a subscription model?
In 2013, Adobe launched Creative Cloud (CC) and made two major changes to how Photoshop was offered:
- Photoshop would now only be available through a CC subscription
- New features would be added continuously rather than through numbered versions
This switch from one-time purchases to a subscription service enabled Adobe to realize several key benefits:
- Recurring revenue model – Instead of sporadic income from version upgrades, Creative Cloud gave Adobe reliable recurring revenue.
- Combat piracy – The cloud-based subscription model makes it harder to use pirated copies of Photoshop.
- Add new features faster – By releasing incremental updates, new capabilities can be rolled out as they are ready.
- Broaden accessibility – Lower subscription prices opened up Photoshop to wider range of users.
The transition to subscriptions was met with some pushback from users accustomed to one-time purchases. However, Adobe has stuck with the Creative Cloud model and it now appears to be an industry standard for creative software like Photoshop.
What are my Photoshop purchase options?
Currently, there are only a few options for acquiring Photoshop:
1. Creative Cloud Subscription
Creative Cloud plans give you access to download the full version of the latest Photoshop along with 20GB of cloud storage. When your subscription ends, you lose access unless you renew.
Adobe offers the following CC subscription options:
- Photography plan – $9.99/month
- Single App plan – $20.99/month
- All Apps plan – $52.99/month
The Photography plan includes Photoshop along with Lightroom for photographers. The Single App plan gives you Photoshop plus 100GB storage. The All Apps plan provides access to Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, and all of Adobe’s creative apps.
2. Buy Photoshop CS6
As mentioned previously, you can still purchase a disc copy of Photoshop CS6 to own it permanently. Prices range from $200-$500 on the resale market depending on whether it’s new or used.
This option allows full use of Photoshop CS6 with no recurring fees. Just keep in mind CS6 does not get updates and lacks features like cloud syncing.
3. Use Photoshop Elements
Photoshop Elements is Adobe’s budget photo editing software aimed at casual users. You can purchase a new copy for around $99. Elements provides a stripped down Photoshop experience focused on essential image editing tools.
This is more of an alternative to Photoshop than traditional Photoshop itself. But it does allow permanent access to Photoshop-style software.
Can I get Photoshop discounts or deals?
While Creative Cloud plans are the only way to access the latest Photoshop versions, Adobe does offer discounts and deals on subscriptions:
- Annual vs. Monthly plans – Annual plans are slightly cheaper per month than going month-to-month.
- Student and teacher discounts – Students and teachers can get over 60% off the regular price.
- Business/enterprise pricing – Companies can negotiate customized deals for large numbers of subscriptions.
- Free trials – Adobe provides 7-day free trials for new users to test out Photoshop.
Buying CS6 used or on sale can also yield some cost savings versus paying for an ongoing Creative Cloud subscription.
Third party sellers may offer discounted Photoshop codes, but buyer beware. These can sometimes be abusing education pricing or region restrictions.
Conclusion
While perpetual licenses are no longer available for the latest Photoshop versions, you still have a few options:
- Get Photoshop through a Creative Cloud subscription plan, taking advantage of discounts when possible.
- Purchase an older used/new copy of Photoshop CS6 outright.
- Consider alternatives like Photoshop Elements that allow a one-time purchase.
The subscription model has become the norm for Adobe’s creative suites. But if you don’t need the newest tools and features, owning Photoshop CS6 may still be viable depending on your image editing needs.