Adobe Photoshop is the world’s most popular image editing software, used by photographers, graphic designers, marketers, and content creators. With its powerful features like advanced retouching, layer-based editing, and smart objects, Photoshop is essential for both beginners and professionals. However, its subscription-based pricing can be a barrier for some users.
The good news is that there are several legal ways to access Adobe Photoshop for free in 2024. If you’ve been searching for “free Photoshop” or wondering if there’s a legitimate way to use it without paying, this guide will show you all the options — no hacks, cracks, or illegal downloads involved.
Can You Really Get Adobe Photoshop for Free?
Yes, but only for a limited time or under specific conditions. While Adobe no longer offers a free, standalone version of Photoshop, it does provide legitimate options for users to access Photoshop at no cost. These options are safe, legal, and don’t require you to download risky cracked versions from third-party sites.
Here are the main ways to get Adobe Photoshop for free:
7-day Free Trial from Adobe’s official website
Adobe Photoshop Express (a free, simplified version of Photoshop)
Student & Teacher Discounts with free access to Adobe Creative Cloud
Access Through Free Trials from Partner Websites or Services
1. Adobe Photoshop Free Trial (7 Days of Full Access)
If you want to access the full version of Photoshop for free, the 7-day free trial from Adobe is the most straightforward option. It gives you complete access to every feature, tool, and update included in the premium version of Photoshop. This is the best way to try the software if you’re unsure about purchasing a subscription.
How to Get the Free Trial
Visit Adobe’s Website and click Start Free Trial. You’ll be asked to create an Adobe ID or sign in if you already have one.
Choose Your Plan (Photoshop-only plan or the Creative Cloud All Apps plan). Don’t worry — you won’t be charged until the 7-day trial ends.
Download and Install Photoshop by following the instructions to install the Creative Cloud app, which will manage your Photoshop download.
Enjoy 7 Days of Full Access with every premium feature available.
Benefits of the Free Trial
Full access to all features, including layers, smart objects, and retouching tools.
No restrictions on file exports or cloud storage.
Ability to explore Adobe’s other Creative Cloud apps during the trial.
What Happens After the Trial Ends?
After 7 days, you’ll be asked to pay for a subscription. If you don’t want to continue, cancel your subscription before the trial period ends to avoid being charged.
Pro Tip: Plan your usage before starting the trial. If you have multiple design projects, line them up so you can complete them during the 7-day period.
2. Use Adobe Photoshop Express (Free, No Trial Needed)
If you don’t need the full power of Adobe Photoshop, consider using Adobe Photoshop Express. It’s a free, browser-based and mobile app that offers simple photo editing tools like cropping, brightness adjustments, and filter effects. This version is perfect for casual users who need quick edits but don’t need advanced features like layers or smart objects.
Where to Access Photoshop Express
Mobile Devices: Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Web Version: Access it directly from your browser at Adobe’s official website.
Key Features of Photoshop Express
Crop, resize, and adjust photo brightness, contrast, and saturation.
Add filters, effects, and text overlays.
Remove blemishes and retouch skin with one-click fixes.
Create collages and combine images.
Limitations of Photoshop Express
While Photoshop Express is a great tool for simple edits, it does not offer advanced features like layer editing, smart objects, or design tools. If you need to create complex designs, you’ll need the full version of Photoshop.
3. Get Adobe Photoshop for Free as a Student or Teacher
If you’re a student, teacher, or educator, you may be eligible for a 60% discount on the Adobe Creative Cloud plan, which includes full access to Photoshop. While it’s not entirely free, it’s a huge discount compared to the full price.
In some cases, schools and universities offer free access to Adobe software as part of their education program. Check with your school’s IT department to see if you’re eligible for free Creative Cloud access.
How to Get the Student Discount
Visit Adobe’s Education Discount Page and check for student and teacher offers.
Sign Up Using Your School Email: Provide proof of enrollment, such as a school email address or student ID.
Enjoy a 60% Discount with access to the entire Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and more) at a much lower price.
Benefits of the Student Plan
Access to over 20 Creative Cloud apps, not just Photoshop.
100GB of cloud storage to store and sync your work.
Full access to the latest features and updates.
Pro Tip: If you’re no longer a student, check if alumni discounts are available through your university.
4. Use Free Alternatives Like Photopea or GIMP
If you’re set on getting Photoshop for free but can’t access the trial or student discounts, you might consider free alternatives. While these alternatives aren’t made by Adobe, they offer similar features, such as photo editing, graphic design, and layer-based editing.
Best Free Alternatives to Photoshop
Photopea
Browser-based tool with no downloads required.
Supports PSD files and has a Photoshop-like interface.
Works with layers, masks, and text tools.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Free, open-source software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Offers advanced photo editing tools, layers, and brushes.
It’s not as user-friendly as Photoshop, but it’s 100% free.
Canva
Web-based design tool for creating social media graphics and marketing materials.
Offers easy-to-use templates, but lacks advanced image editing features.
If you only need to edit photos occasionally or don’t require advanced design tools, these alternatives might be sufficient.
Is It Safe to Download “Free Photoshop” from Third-Party Websites?
No, it is not safe to download “free Photoshop” from unofficial websites. Websites that offer cracked versions of Photoshop often contain malware, viruses, and spyware. These illegal versions expose your computer to security risks, data breaches, and identity theft.
Why You Should Avoid Cracked Photoshop Versions
Legal Risks: Downloading pirated software is illegal and violates copyright laws.
Security Risks: Many cracked versions are infected with malware, ransomware, and spyware.
No Support: If the software crashes or malfunctions, you won’t receive help from Adobe.
The best way to access Photoshop for free is to use the legal methods discussed in this guide. Adobe’s free trial and student discounts offer safe, legal ways to access the software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get Adobe Photoshop for free forever?
No, there is no legal way to access the full version of Photoshop for free forever. Adobe offers a 7-day free trial, and student discounts are available for those in education.
Is Photoshop Express the same as full Photoshop?
No, Photoshop Express is a simpler version of Photoshop. It offers essential photo editing features like cropping, filters, and brightness adjustments, but it lacks advanced features like layers, smart objects, and brushes.
Can I use Photoshop online for free?
Yes, you can use Photoshop Express online for free, but it only includes basic editing tools. For full functionality, you’ll need to use the 7-day free trial of the desktop app.
Is it safe to download cracked versions of Photoshop?
No, cracked versions of Photoshop are illegal and often contain malware, spyware, or ransomware. They can also compromise your personal information.