Look, no disrespect to Adobe, but downloading Photoshop for the first time is more difficult than it needs to be. True, their system makes sense when you get used to it, and it’s actually quite smart. If you’ve long wanted to try Photoshop but were limited by the subscription fee, this guide could be just the thing you need.
If you want to download Photoshop for free, you’ll use the Photoshop free trial. After the trial ends, you may cancel the plan and pay nothing or continue using Photoshop with one of the Photoshop plans.
I’m here to show you how. It only takes a few minutes, and I’ll be with you every step of the way.
How to download Photoshop on desktop (PC/Mac)
First, you’ll want to open Adobe and navigate to the Photoshop page. Hint: it’s not easy to find.
From there:
- Pick one of the three plans.
- Click the button Free trial.
- Pick a subscription (Monthly, Yearly, Yearly billed upfront)
- Create an Adobe account.
- Enter your payment information (you won’t get billed).
- Download and Install Creative Cloud.
- Download Photoshop through Creative Cloud.

Photoshop is a pretty big app, so it will take a while to download, especially if you’re on a slower internet connection.
How to download Photoshop on a Chromebook
If you want to download Photoshop on Mac for free, you will need to go to the Play Store. From there:
- Launch the Google Play Store.
- Search for “Photoshop.”
- Your first result should be Photoshop Express Photo Editor. Click on it.
- Select Install.

How to download Photoshop on iPad
First, access the App Store on your iPad, which is typically found on the home screen.
Follow these steps:
- Once in the App Store, type in “Photoshop” in the search bar.
- Locate the Photoshop app in the search results.
- Tap the “Get” button next to Photoshop’s name to initiate the download. Depending on your iPad’s security settings, you may be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password, or verify with Touch ID or Face ID.
- After the app completes downloading, you can tap “Open” directly from the App Store or click the Photoshop icon on your home screen.
- Upon opening the app, you’ll see a welcome screen. Here, you’ll be prompted to sign in or sign up, as Photoshop operates on a subscription basis.
Subscribing to Photoshop directly through Adobe’s website offers a wider range of packages and potential benefits compared to the App Store. On Adobe’s site, you’ll find various plans that may include bundled Adobe products, extra cloud storage, or desktop versions. While pricing can seem similar to the App Store, Adobe occasionally offers promotions and bundles not available elsewhere. Plus, by choosing Adobe directly, you ensure your subscription cost fully supports the developers, bypassing Apple’s revenue cut. This direct route often provides better value and direct support for dedicated users.
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