Photoshop is a graphic editing software by Adobe Systems, enabling users to create, modify, and enhance images, artwork, and illustrations. It provides tools for photo manipulation, retouching, color correction, and graphic design. Widely used by photographers, graphic designers, and artists for digital imaging projects, it supports multiple layers, filters, and various file formats.

  • 01Pros and cons from reviewers
  • 02Main features
  • 03What is Photoshop?
  • 04How Photoshop compare to similar software?
  • 05Who is Photoshop best for according to our reviewers?
  • 06Photoshop Reviews

What is Photoshop?

Adobe Photoshop is a top-tier graphic editing software developed by Adobe Systems. It enables users to create, modify, and enhance images, artwork, and illustrations. It primarily supports raster graphics but also has limited capabilities for text and vector graphics editing. Key features include layers, filters, brushes, text tools, and plugins for added functionality. It's commonly used by photographers for photo editing, graphic and web designers for image creation and modification, and artists for digital painting. Available on Windows and Mac OS platforms, it operates on a subscription-based model as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Adobe Photoshop is a versatile tool essential in various creative fields.

Pros from reviewers

  • Variety of editing tools: Photoshop offers a plethora of editing tools that can make any image look professional. It also provides one-click filters that automatically blend with the uploaded image, making it easy to design anything from logos to posters

  • Unique and memorable graphic content: Photoshop's most significant feature is its ability to generate unique and memorable graphic content that connects with audiences. It also enables the refinement of photographs and other photo-related artworks

  • Cloud storage: The ability to store designs on Adobe Creative Cloud and continue working on any machine with Photoshop is a significant advantage. This feature allows for flexibility and convenience in the design process

  • Comprehensive tool for digital design and editing: Photoshop allows users to create a wide range of digital content, from GIFs to AVI videos, and even advanced 3D object design. It is a one-stop solution for graphic designers

  • Advanced selection tools: Photoshop offers advanced selection tools such as the magic wand, quick selection, and pen tools. These tools speed up the design process by enabling precise and complex element selections. Other features like advanced retouching tools, camera raw, advanced color correction, and smart filters also improve the quality of designs.

Cons from reviewers

  • High learning curve: Photoshop's vast array of tools and features can be overwhelming for beginners, making it difficult to master without extensive practice or training

  • Performance issues with large files: The software often hangs or crashes when working with large files that contain many layers, causing delays and frustration

  • Inconsistent commands: Photoshop uses different commands than other Adobe products, which can be confusing and inconvenient for users who work with multiple Adobe software

  • Pricing and cancellation policies: Many users have reported dissatisfaction with Photoshop's pricing plans and cancellation policies, which they find to be deceptive and customer-unfriendly

  • Limited compatibility with older systems: Some users have reported that Photoshop requires the latest operating system to function, which can be a problem for those using older machines.

Main features

Starting Price

N/A

Free Plan

No

Layers and masking

Advanced selection tools

Content-aware fill

Adjustment layers and filters

3D design capability

Adobe Express and Photoshop are both powerful tools for photo editing and graphic design, but they cater to different user needs and workflows, which can significantly impact your choice between them.


Adobe Express is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, offering a user-friendly interface and basic editing tools tailored for quick photo enhancements. It's ideal for beginners or users who prioritize ease of use and efficiency. With Adobe Express, you can perform common editing tasks such as adjusting colors, cropping images, and applying filters with ease. Its mobile-friendly platform makes it convenient for editing on the go, catering to users who need quick edits without the complexity of a professional-grade software like Photoshop.


In contrast, Photoshop is the industry standard for professional photo editing and graphic design, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced tools and features. It's favored by photographers, designers, and artists worldwide for its...

photoshop logo

Photoshop

Design, create, and innovate without limits

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Adobe Express

Easily create social graphics, flyers, logos, and more with premium tools and templates.

2 months free on Adobe Express

Save up to $20

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Adobe Creative Cloud and Photoshop are both products by Adobe but serve very different purposes, suited to varied creative needs and workflows.


Adobe Creative Cloud (ACC) is a comprehensive subscription service that offers access to a wide array of Adobe’s software tools designed for everything from graphic design and video editing to web development and photography. This suite includes well-known applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Lightroom, and many others. The major advantage of ACC is its versatility, providing professionals and creatives with the tools needed for a multifaceted approach to digital content creation. This subscription also includes additional services like cloud storage, which allows for easy sharing and collaboration, and regular software updates to keep all tools current with the latest features and security measures.


Photoshop, on the other hand, is a specific tool within the Creative Cloud suite and is also available as a...

photoshop logo

Photoshop

Design, create, and innovate without limits

logo creative cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud

Great design starts here

23% off for 1 year on Adobe Creative Cloud

Save up to $165

Get Adobe Creative Cloud deal

Who is Photoshop best for according to our reviewers?

  • Novices: Photoshop is a comprehensive yet straightforward program that allows even novices to create impressive projects. Despite its steep learning curve, once the basics are grasped, users can easily build on it to become professionals.

  • Graphic Designers: These users utilize Photoshop for creating a variety of digital designs, including GIFs, AVI videos, logos, and posters. The software's comprehensive toolset and free templates make it a one-stop solution for their design needs

  • Marketing Professionals: Photoshop allows marketing professionals to create unique and memorable graphic content that connects with their audience. The software's ability to refine the finish of photographs and other photo-related artworks is a significant feature for this group

  • Web Designers: For web designers, Photoshop simplifies their work by enabling them to bring any concept to fruition. Its multilingual availability, user-friendliness, versatility, and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal tool for this user group

  • Photographers: Photoshop is a powerful tool for photographers, offering a variety of editing tools that can enhance even phone camera images to a professional level. The software's one-click filters are particularly useful for this user group

  • Photoshop Reviews

    4.0

    Photoshop rating

    4.7

    Ease of use

    4.6

    Customer service

    4.6

    Value for money

    4.7

    Likelihood to recommend

    4.5

    Features

    24 Photoshop Reviews

    4.0 (24 reviews)
    Leave a review
    • Christina Johnson

      Two Decades with Photoshop: A User's Perspective on Adobe's Subscription Model

      I've been a loyal user of Photoshop for over two decades, starting with Macromedia products and then transitioning to Adobe after the buyout. Photoshop has always been my go-to tool, and I was a proud owner of Photoshop CS6. When Adobe decided to stop all updates to CS6 and introduced the Creative Cloud (CC) on a subscription service, I was intrigued and decided to give it a shot in 221. Due to some personal health issues and time constraints, I found myself needing to cancel my subscription. To my surprise, I discovered an 'early cancellation fee'. After 41 months of consistent payments, it felt like I was locked into a payment plan for a product I was unable to fully utilize. However, after reading the early cancellation policy, I realized it was designed to ensure the company's sustainability. It's clear that Adobe is committed to providing high-quality products and services, and this is one way they ensure they can continue to do so. I've had a long and enjoyable journey with Adobe's products, and despite the changes, I still support the company and its current sales practices. It's important to remember that there are competitive alternatives available, even free ones. But in my experience, the quality and capabilities of Adobe Photoshop are unparalleled. I would highly recommend doing thorough research before committing to annual payments for any computer program. But if you're looking for a top-notch, professional-grade photo editing software, Adobe Photoshop is definitely worth considering!

      September 15, 2024

    • Stephanie Johnson

      Embracing Adobe Photoshop: A Dynamic and Evolving Tool!

      I absolutely love Photoshop for its capabilities, results, and ease of use. It lets me fully express my creativity, allowing me to dream, create, play, design, and imagine as much as I want. I taught myself how to use this program, which wasn't the easiest path, so I would suggest seeking help in training. Out of the 40+ photo and design programs I use, Adobe Photoshop is my favorite. The choice of program depends on the client's needs and the simplest way to meet their requirements. But for my personal use, it's definitely Photoshop!

      September 9, 2024

    • Natalie D

      Embracing Creativity: Exploring Photoshop's Camera Raw for Non-Destructive Photo Enhancement

      As a photographer, I appreciate Photoshop's Camera Raw feature. It allows me to adjust and enhance my photos in a non-destructive way

      September 2, 2024

    • Quinton G

      Appreciating Adobe's Unique Pricing and Customer-Friendly Services

      I absolutely adore the unique pricing schemes for their services. When I decided to cancel my Adobe Stock subscription, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I only had to pay 5% of the remaining months' (year's) fee, which was a great way to save money. This was all for a service that generously provided 1 stock images a month, and the fact that they didn't roll over if I didn't use all 1 in a month was a great incentive for me to utilize all the resources available. I find this practice innovative and extremely customer-friendly. As soon as the year ended, I eagerly renewed my subscription and I can't wait to continue using their stock services.

      August 27, 2024

    • Isolde

      Advanced Editing Tools Enhance Precision in Work

      The software's advanced editing tools, such as the Pen tool and Magic Wand, have been instrumental in refining my work down to the smallest detail

      August 19, 2024

    • Grace Jones

      Exemplary Customer Service Experience with Photoshop

      I recently had an experience with Photoshop that really showcased their customer service. A few days before my renewal, I decided to cancel my contract. To my surprise, I received an email stating my account was suspended. Upon reaching out to them, they promptly offered to cancel my account, demonstrating their flexibility and willingness to accommodate my needs. I was initially concerned about being charged again due to my expired credit card, but their proactive approach eased my worries. It's refreshing to see a company that's so responsive and considerate. It makes me wonder if there are any national agencies I could recommend them to for their excellent service!

      August 11, 2024

    • Gloria

      Unleashing Creativity with Superior Photo Editing & Graphic Design Tool

      This software allows me to create marketing materials that facilitate clear communication with my end users. Its most significant feature is its ability to generate unique and memorable graphic content that connects with my audience. It also enables me to refine the finish of photographs and other photo-related artworks. The software has a steep learning curve due to its vast diversity, but once I grasp the basics, I can easily build on it to become a professional. It integrates seamlessly with any business, as long as there's an expert to leverage its functions. The main drawback is the learning curve. If I plan to use it without much practice, I'm in for an unpleasant surprise. It can be difficult to integrate into my business if I don't have someone knowledgeable on how to use it effectively.

      August 5, 2024

    • Lauren

      An Unexpected Adventure with Photoshop's Billing and Customer Service

      I've had the most unique experience with this company, Photoshop! They were so keen on ensuring I had access to their software that they accidentally charged me thrice for the same transaction. Their website is so packed with features that it took me a while to figure out how to cancel my subscription. I had to get in touch with my bank to sort out the issue, but Photoshop was so persistent in providing their service that they tried to charge me from different accounts under various names. Their customer service is like a hidden gem, and when I finally found it, I had the most interesting chat with an assistant who had a rather unusual name, Hardon. He was so committed to keeping me as a customer that he couldn't refund the extra charges. Instead, he offered me extra months of service for free! It felt like a surprise birthday gift, like finding out that the watch you thought you lost was actually returned to you, and now you have two!

      July 29, 2024

    • Michael Smith

      Mastering the Power of Photoshop: A User's Perspective

      Overall, I enjoy using Photoshop. I've been a user for many years and continue to appreciate its capabilities. It's a powerful tool for image editing. However, I'm not fond of the fact that Photoshop uses different commands than other Adobe products.

      July 23, 2024

    • Mary J

      Photoshop: The Ultimate Tool for Digital Creativity

      The versatility of Photoshop is truly impressive. I use it for everything from photo retouching to creating digital art. It's a software that continues to evolve and improve, meeting the demands of the industry

      July 16, 2024

    • Donald M

      Embracing Adobe's Cutting-Edge Updates: A User's Experience with Lightroom

      I absolutely love how Adobe is always on the cutting edge with their software updates! Over the holidays, I found out that Lightroom now requires the latest OSX to function optimally. It's amazing how they're constantly pushing the boundaries to deliver the best possible experience for users. My trusty 212 Mac, which I've upgraded over the years, has been a champ at running Lightroom. Now, I'm thrilled at the prospect of investing in a new Mac to fully harness the power of the latest Lightroom version. Plus, the transition to a subscription-only service has been a breeze! It's like Adobe is always one step ahead, ensuring we have access to the latest features and updates. I'm all in! 🙌

      July 8, 2024

    • Mark D

      Unparalleled Image Editing Tool Experience

      As a web designer, I find that Photoshop has greatly simplified my work, enabling me to bring any concept to fruition. Its multilingual availability makes it an ideal tool for graphic design and image editing. I've experimented with various image manipulation tools in the past, but Photoshop is by far my preferred choice due to its user-friendliness, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It's suitable for both novices and experienced users and can handle virtually any image manipulation task. Since I began using Photoshop for my designs, I've observed a significant enhancement in my work. The software allows me to work seamlessly and add a refined touch to my designs. It also supports working with multiple layers for independent element manipulation. Advanced selection tools such as the magic wand, quick selection, and pen tools have sped up my design process by enabling precise and complex element selections. Other features like advanced retouching tools, camera raw, advanced color correction, and smart filters have also improved the quality of my designs. However, there are a few.

      July 2, 2024

    • Shirley Smith

      My Rollercoaster Experience with Photoshop

      I've had a truly enlightening experience with Photoshop. I've been a loyal customer for some time now and the product itself is absolutely fantastic. The pricing plan, while traditional, has a certain charm to it and the customer service is always an adventure. Recently, I found myself engaged with the annual plan, which was an unexpected surprise. When I reached out to discuss it, they generously offered me a discount, stating that there was no other way to cancel. I later discovered that I had been slightly misinformed, which led to an additional payment of around 8, but it was a learning experience. When I contacted support for the fourth time and explained my situation, they unexpectedly exited the chat! It was a thrilling experience and a unique way to interact with a customer.

      June 25, 2024

    • Grady D

      Exploring Photoshop: A Worthwhile Investment

      I was thrilled to take advantage of the free trial of Photoshop! It gave me a chance to explore the software before making a commitment. Yes, there was a fee to cancel, but considering the high-quality features and capabilities of this app, I found it to be a worthwhile investment. I'm definitely going to continue using this app! What a remarkable company!

      June 16, 2024

    • Terry

      Revolutionizing Design: Exploring Limitless Creativity with Photoshop's 3D Tools

      The 3D tools in Photoshop have opened up new possibilities for my design work. They are easy to use and integrate seamlessly with the rest of the software

      June 10, 2024

    • Mary C

      Comprehensive and Competitive Software

      I think Photoshop is the perfect entry point into the editing world. Even as a novice, I can create impressive projects with just a few tools. It's one of the most comprehensive yet straightforward programs in the Adobe suite, allowing for a range of work including photo editing and graphic design. Although it may not have the best vector resolution like Illustrator or specific features like InDesign, it's overall very complete. However, I've noticed differences compared to other programs, such as resizing texts and objects, and sometimes I've had to wait a while for certain features to be ready for use.

      June 1, 2024

    • Xiomara G

      Photoshop: My Long-Standing Love Affair

      I've been using Photoshop for years, since my training in 2000, and I absolutely adore it. Over time, Photoshop has significantly evolved and I enjoy the convenience of using the online apps instead of constantly purchasing and upgrading disks. It's immediate and extremely useful. I confess I'm not using its full potential, but that's my fault, not the product's. I chose Adobe Photoshop because I was trained in it years ago and it's my comfort zone.

      May 25, 2024

    • Larry

      Streamlining Workflow with Customizable Photoshop UI

      Photoshop's user interface is intuitive and customizable, which makes it easy for me to streamline my workflow and increase productivity

      May 19, 2024

    • Ralph Johnson

      Photoshop: The Ultimate Photo & Graphics Editing Powerhouse

      Photoshop provides me with numerous excellent tools that make photo editing and graphic design easier. It also offers many fixes for most bugs, so I don't experience any problems with this tool. I switched to Adobe Photoshop because I feel more comfortable working on Windows.

      May 13, 2024

    • Elizabeth N

      Powerful Image Editing with Precision and Creativity

      its wide array of features allows me to create and edit images with precision and creativity. The layering system is particularly useful, enabling me to build complex designs with ease

      May 7, 2024

    • Olivia B

      An Unexpected Journey: My Experience with Photoshop Subscription

      I had the opportunity to try out a free trial of Photoshop and was so engrossed in exploring its features that I completely forgot to cancel! Consequently, I ended up subscribing for the second month for just £23.99. When I decided to cancel, I was surprised to find a £131 early cancellation fee. However, I realized that this was part of the monthly payment plan I had chosen. It was a valuable lesson in understanding the terms and conditions more thoroughly. Despite this, I must say, the overall experience with Photoshop was enlightening and worth every penny!

      April 30, 2024

    • Marilyn W

      Unbeatable Image Editing and Social Media Design Tool for Graphic Designers

      In summary, I consider Photoshop to be a comprehensive tool for digital design and editing. I can create everything from GIFs to AVI videos within the software, making it a one-stop solution for graphic designers. It even allows for advanced 3D object design, although it tends to lag in this area. I hope future updates will address this issue. I appreciate the variety of editing tools available that can make any image look professional, even those taken with a phone camera. The one-click filters that automatically blend with the uploaded image are particularly useful. I can design anything from logos to posters in Photoshop, and the free templates are a great starting point for my work. The ability to store my designs on Adobe Creative Cloud and continue my work on any machine with Photoshop is a significant advantage. However, the software does have its drawbacks. It often hangs and crashes when working on large files with many layers, which can be frustrating for both me and my clients.

      April 21, 2024

    • Marie Martinez

      Adobe Photoshop: An Indispensable Tool for Graphic Designers

      As a professional graphic designer, I find Adobe Photoshop to be an indispensable tool in my work

      April 15, 2024

    • Kevin Brown

      Unable to Disable Auto-Renew Feature

      There's no option to disable auto-renewal in Photoshop. I must wait until a month before my renewal date to cancel, or else I'm stuck for another year. When I finally manage to cancel, they send an automated email stating my payment method has failed and they'll keep trying to collect payment. Although the product is excellent, it's not worth the hassle.

      April 13, 2024