Adobe has started testing a free-to-use version of Photoshop on the web and plans to open the service up to everyone as a way to introduce more users to the app.
The company is now testing the free version in Canada, where users are able to access Photoshop on the web through a free Adobe account. Adobe describes the service as “freemium” and eventually plans to gate off some features that will be exclusive to paying subscribers. Enough tools will be freely available to perform what Adobe considers to be Photoshop’s core functions.
“We want to make [Photoshop] more accessible and easier for more people to try it out and experience the product,” says Maria Yap, Adobe’s VP of digital imaging.
I don’t know why Adobe’s subscription model has always bugged me (I think it was because I was used to buying and owning their product in the past, not renting). After a little digging, I discovered the program Pixelmator for my photoshop needs. It cost about $30 on Apple’s App Store. The only function I wish it had is Photoshops merging of different images shot at different exposures.
I completely understand I sound like a bot (this being my first post here) but I figure it is some info that may help others.
Awesome Tim! I’ll definitely check it out. This topic had come up before (photoshop alternatives) during one of our zoom round tables. Here’s done of the ones others put forward. (From the Zoom newsletter from that session):
"A huge thank you to Jayne Couch Molony ( who always provides us with great info and tips! ) for referencing a cheaper online alternative to photoshop called Photopea. Similar to creative cloud programs, Photopea is subscription-based. It does offer free features—but your ability to save work is unavailable without the subscription.
Artist Shawna Lampi-Legaree recommends another rather robust alternative called the Affinity Suite. With three major app components (Photo, Designer, and Publisher)–Affinity looks to be a pretty powerful suite. Each app is available for around $55.00.
Additionally, another program with your consideration as an alternative to Photoshop is GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP). GIMP is a cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows, and more operating systems. It is free software, you can change its source code and distribute your changes.
Whether you are a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, or scientist, GIMP provides you with sophisticated tools to get your job done. You can further enhance your productivity with GIMP thanks to many customization options and 3rd party plugins."
I should make a post listing free and low-cost software that may be useful to contemporary artists.
Thank you again Tim!!! (Whether you’re a bot or not.)
