Adobe Creative Cloud has become an industry standard for professionals and hobbyists alike, providing a comprehensive suite of powerful and versatile design, video, and web development tools. With its ever-expanding list of applications, it’s important for users to understand the various pricing options available, ensuring they select the plan that best fits their needs and budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the Adobe Creative Cloud pricing structure, current deals, and promotions, as well as provide an overview of its features and tools. Our objective is to help you navigate the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, so you can make an informed decision and maximize your investment.
Adobe Creative Cloud pricing: Summary
Adobe Creative Cloud offers flexible pricing plans for individuals, students & teachers, teams and businesses, as well as schools & universities. For individuals, monthly subscriptions cost $82.49/mo, while yearly plans are available for $54.99/mo (billed monthly, totaling $659.88/yr) or $599.88/yr (billed upfront, equivalent to $49.99/mo).
Students and teachers receive a discounted rate of $19.99/mo for the first year ($239.88/yr, billed either monthly or upfront), with renewals increasing to $29.99/mo after one year.
| Billing period | Individuals | Students & teachers | Teams and businesses | Schools & universities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $82.49/mo | – | – | – |
| Yearly (billed monthly) | $54.99/mo ($659.88/yr) | $19.99/mo ($239.88/yr)* | $84.99/mo** | $34.99/mo |
| Yearly (billed upfront) | $599.88/yr ($49.99/mo) | $239.88/yr ($19.99/mo)* | $1,019.88/yr (84.99/mo)** | $419.88/yr ($34.99/mo) |
| Features | 20+ Creative Cloud apps | 20+ Creative Cloud apps | 20+ Creative Cloud apps | 20+ Creative Cloud apps |
| 100GB cloud storage | 100GB cloud storage | 1TB cloud storage | ||
| 30-day version history | 30-day version history | 180-day version history | ||
| Creative Cloud Libraries for individuals only | Creative Cloud Libraries for individuals only | Creative Cloud Libraries for teams and individuals |
Summary of Adobe Creative Cloud pricing. * $29.99 for renewal (after 1 year). ** per license
Teams and businesses can subscribe to Creative Cloud at a rate of $84.99/mo per license, with yearly plans billed either monthly or upfront at $1,019.88/yr. Schools and universities enjoy a reduced rate of $34.99/mo for yearly plans, billed either monthly or upfront at $419.88/yr. No monthly-only plans are offered for teams, businesses, schools, or universities.
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Best Adobe Creative Cloud deals right now
We regularly review Adobe’s pricing to identify the most attractive offers. Adobe often features limited-time promotions and discounts on its website during major holidays and events, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. To stay informed about their latest deals and announcements, consider following Adobe on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Additionally, there are several permanent deals and discounts available throughout the year:
- 7 day free trial for individuals, students, and teachers, and a 14-day free trial for teams. During this trial period, you can enjoy the full functionality of the Adobe Creative Cloud plan at no cost, provided you cancel before the trial ends.
- 39.4% discount when you pick the yearly (billed upfront) plan as opposed to the monthly plan, and a 33.3% discount when you pick the yearly (billed monthly) plan as an individual.
- 63% off with the education discount, paying only $19.99/mo for the first years ($29.99/mo upon renewal), instead of up to $82.49/mo as an individual. It’s available for eligible students and teachers.
- Several other discounts on individual app plan that we’ll discuss later.
Bundle deals and discounts
- Adobe occasionally provides discounted prices for customers who purchase multiple apps or bundle their subscriptions with other Adobe services like Adobe Stock.
- Creative Cloud bundles may cater to specific industries, such as photography or video editing, providing a more cost-effective solution for professionals in those fields.
How to find the best deals
- Subscribe to Adobe’s newsletter or create an Adobe ID to receive notifications about upcoming promotions and exclusive discounts.
- Regularly check Adobe’s “Special Offers” page on their website to stay informed about the latest deals.
- Explore authorized resellers and third-party websites that may offer Adobe Creative Cloud plans at discounted prices. However, always ensure you purchase from a trusted source to avoid scams or counterfeit software.
Adobe Creative Cloud: An overview
Adobe Creative Cloud is a subscription-based service that offers a comprehensive suite of industry-leading software applications and services designed for a wide range of creative professionals and enthusiasts.
With popular applications such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and many others, Adobe Creative Cloud caters to graphic designers, photographers, videographers, web developers, and more.
Subscribers benefit from cloud storage, seamless integration between apps, access to Adobe Fonts and Adobe Stock, as well as regular updates for the latest features and improvements. Creative Cloud enables users to create stunning visuals, captivating marketing materials, responsive websites, and engaging animations across various platforms and formats.
The service’s cloud-based collaboration features allow users to work efficiently and share files across devices and team members, making Adobe Creative Cloud an indispensable tool in the creative industry.
Key features and tools
- A wide range of software applications covering design, photography, video, web development, and more.
- Cloud-based storage and collaboration features allow users to work and share files across devices and team members.
- Access to Adobe Fonts, a vast library of high-quality fonts for use in various projects.
- Integration with Adobe Stock, offering millions of royalty-free images, videos, and other assets to enhance your creative projects.
- Adobe Creative Cloud Libraries for organizing and sharing assets across applications and projects.
- Regular updates, ensuring users always have the latest features and security improvements.
Industries and professionals that benefit from Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe caters to a wide audience, but it specializes in creative niches, such as:
- Graphic designers: With tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, graphic designers can create stunning visuals for print, digital, and web projects.
- Photographers: The Photography Plan, which includes Photoshop and Lightroom, provides a powerful set of tools for photo editing, organization, and manipulation.
- Videographers and filmmakers: Premiere Pro and After Effects offer advanced video editing and visual effects capabilities, while Adobe Audition is perfect for audio editing and post-production.
- Web developers and UX/UI designers: Applications such as Adobe XD and Dreamweaver provide a platform for designing, prototyping, and developing responsive websites and user interfaces.
- Marketing and advertising professionals: Adobe Creative Cloud’s suite of tools allows for the creation of captivating marketing materials, advertisements, and social media content.
- Animators and motion graphics artists: Tools like Animate, Character Animator, and After Effects enable the creation of engaging animations and motion graphics for various platforms and formats.
Adobe Creative Cloud pricing plans
In addition to the All Apps plan, Adobe provides numerous plans granting access to individual applications or combinations. It is important to note that these options are exclusively available for individual users. Businesses, students & teachers, as well as schools and universities, can only choose from different All Apps plans.
Individuals
Adobe Creative Cloud offers a range of pricing plans for individuals, allowing them to choose from various options based on their needs. Individuals have the flexibility to select a plan that suits their specific requirements, whether it is for personal or professional use.
You can choose to subscribe to a plan that includes access to all the Adobe applications or opt for a single-app plan if you only require access to one or two apps.
| Plan | Price | Software Included |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Cloud All Apps 100GB | Monthly: $82.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $54.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $599.88/yr | All Adobe apps |
| Photography (1TB) | Annual, paid monthly: $19.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | Lightroom Lightroom Classic Photoshop Photoshop Express 1TB of cloud storage |
| Photoshop | Monthly: $31.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $20.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | Photoshop Adobe Fresco Photoshop Express Adobe Express 100GB of cloud storage |
| Lightroom (1TB) | Annual, paid monthly: $9.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $119/yr | Lightroom 1TB of cloud storage |
| Photography (20GB) | Annual, paid monthly: $9.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $119.88/yr | Lightroom Lightroom Classic Photoshop Photoshop Express 20GB of cloud storage |
| Photography (1TB) | Annual, paid monthly: $19.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | Lightroom Lightroom Classic Photoshop Photoshop Express 1TB of cloud storage |
| Illustrator | Monthly: $31.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $20.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | Illustrator 100GB of cloud storage |
| Adobe Express | Monthly: $9.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $99.99/yr | Adobe Express Premiere Rush Photoshop Express Spark Video Spark Page |
| InDesign | Monthly: $31.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $20.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | InDesign 100GB of cloud storage |
| InCopy | Monthly: $7.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $4.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $59.88/yr | InCopy 100GB of cloud storage |
| Acrobat Pro | Monthly: $29.99/mo Annual, paid monthly: $19.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | Acrobat Pro Acrobat Reader Adobe Scan Fill & Sign 100GB of cloud storage |
| Premiere Pro | Monthly: $31.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $20.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | Premiere Pro Premiere Rush Adobe Express 100GB of cloud storage |
| After Effects | Monthly: $31.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $20.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | After Effects 100GB of cloud storage |
| Audition | Monthly: $31.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $20.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | Audition 100GB of cloud storage |
| Animate | Monthly: $31.49/mo Annual, paid monthly: $20.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $239.88/yr | Animate 100GB of cloud storage |
| Substance 3D Collection | Monthly: $49.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $549.88/yr | Substance 3D Modeler Substance 3D Sampler Substance 3D Designer Substance 3D Painter Substance 3D Stager Substance 3D Assets 100GB of cloud storage |
| Substance 3D Texturing | Monthly: $19.99/mo Annual, prepaid: $219.88/yr | Substance 3D Sampler Substance 3D Designer Substance 3D Painter Substance 3D Assets 100GB of cloud storage |
Adobe Creative Cloud individuals
With the single app plan, individuals can access popular applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, and many more. This is a great option for those who have a specific skill set or are looking to explore a particular application.
Additionally, the plans come with unique features like step-by-step tutorials, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, Behance, Creative Cloud Libraries, and access to the latest features designed to help individuals create and share their work efficiently.
Students & teachers
Adobe Creative Cloud offers special pricing for students and teachers, allowing them to access a suite of powerful tools for their creative and educational needs. With a range of subscription plans, students and teachers can choose the one that best fits their requirements.
Creative Cloud All Apps 100GB Plan for Students and Teachers: This plan includes 20+ desktop apps, mobile apps, and web services at a significantly reduced price compared to the standard single-app subscription.
- Yearly plan (billed monthly): US$19.99/month (US$239.88/year)
- Yearly plan (billed upfront): US$239.88/year (US$19.99/month)
Terms and conditions: The special pricing is available only for eligible students aged 13 and older and teachers. The reduced price of US$19.99/month or US$239.88/year is applicable for the first year of the subscription. After the first year, the standard subscription rate of US$29.99/month or US$359.88/year (plus applicable taxes) will apply unless you choose to change or cancel your subscription.
This pricing is exclusive to first-time memberships and is limited to one Creative Cloud annual membership purchase per customer. It is only available for eligible education customers who purchase directly from the Adobe Store or by calling Adobe Sales. This offer excludes OEM, commercial, or volume licensing customers.
Schools & universities
Adobe’s Creative Cloud offers a range of affordable licensing options tailored for K-12 and higher education institutions. With plans designed for workgroups, departments, classrooms, labs, and even entire institutions, Adobe provides access to over 20 creative apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat, as well as easy software management and deployment.
| Feature | Per Named-user License | Per Shared Device | Per Student Pack | Institution-wide License |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small workgroups and departments | Classrooms and labs | Departments with 100 students or more | For broad access across students and faculty |
| Price | Creative Cloud All Apps: US$34.99/mo per user Single App: US$14.99/mo per user | Creative Cloud All Apps: US$330.00/yr per shared device | Creative Cloud All Apps: US$142.00/year per user | N/a |
| Cloud storage | 100GB | – | 100GB per license | 100GB per license |
| Additional | Advanced 24/7 tech support and 1:1 access to product experts. | – | Institutional control, allowing licenses to be reassigned to new students or courses as needed. | – |
| Requires | Educational institution eligibility | – | – | – |
Adobe Creative Cloud schools and universities
Note: Higher education schools that purchase Creative Cloud All Apps also get Substance 3D apps at no additional cost. Substance 3D is currently not available for K-12 customers.
Business
Adobe Creative Cloud presents a diverse selection of plans and pricing alternatives tailored to accommodate the requirements of businesses and organizations. By providing access to an array of industry-leading applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and Acrobat Pro, Creative Cloud empowers businesses to streamline their creative processes and boost productivity.
The platform offers features that simplify administrative tasks and safeguard creative work, making it an optimal choice for enterprises of all sizes.
The Creative Cloud All Apps plan enables businesses to access over 20 Creative Cloud applications, with the exception of Substance 3D apps. This comprehensive plan represents the best value for companies seeking to utilize multiple applications in their creative endeavors.
- Creative Cloud All Apps: US$84.99 per month, per license
- Single App Price: US$35.99 per month, per license
The Single App plan allows businesses to choose one application from the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, tailoring their subscription to their specific needs.
Exclusive business features:
- Centralized Administration Tools: Manage product deployments, applications, and users through a web-based Admin Console.
- Technical Support: Receive advanced 24×7 technical support to keep your creative team running smoothly.
- Creative Cloud Libraries: Share creative assets across applications and devices, keeping your team in sync (included in Creative Cloud plans only).
- Unlimited Job Posts on Adobe Talent: Attract top talent by posting job opportunities on Behance.
- Integration with Popular Apps: Seamlessly integrate Adobe Creative Cloud with apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams, enhancing team productivity (included in Creative Cloud plans only).
- Storage: Receive 1TB of cloud storage per user, with 100GB storage for Acrobat Pro, Lightroom, and InCopy single app plans.
Getting Adobe Creative Cloud apps for free
Although Adobe Creative Cloud applications are generally available through paid subscription plans, there are ways to access and use some of the apps for free. In this section, we will discuss the options for obtaining free access to Adobe Creative Cloud applications and the limitations that come with them.
Free trial options
Adobe offers free trial versions of most Creative Cloud applications, allowing users to explore and test the tools before committing to a paid plan. Here’s what you need to know about Adobe Creative Cloud free trials:
- Trial duration: Adobe Creative Cloud free trials typically last for 7 days, providing ample time to test the app’s features and functionality.
- Access to features: During the trial period, you’ll have access to the full range of features available in the paid version of the app.
- Download and installation: To access the free trial, visit the Adobe Creative Cloud website, select the desired app, and click on the “Free Trial” button. You’ll need an Adobe ID to start the trial, and the software will be downloaded and installed on your device.
Limitations and restrictions
While Adobe Creative Cloud free trials offer a valuable opportunity to test the apps, there are some limitations and restrictions that you should be aware of:
- Trial expiration: Once the 7-day trial period ends, the application will become inaccessible, and you’ll need to subscribe to a paid plan to continue using it.
- One-time trial: The free trial is typically available only once per Adobe ID. Creating multiple Adobe IDs to access repeated trials is against Adobe’s terms of service and may result in account suspension.
- Limited cloud storage: The free trial versions do not include the full range of cloud storage options available in paid plans.
Upgrading from free trials
If you decide that the Adobe Creative Cloud app you tested during the free trial is a good fit for your needs, you can easily upgrade to a paid subscription plan:
- Choose the appropriate plan: Review the various pricing plans available for individuals, businesses, students, and educators to determine the best option for you.
- Upgrade process: To upgrade from a trial to a paid subscription, sign in to your Adobe account, navigate to the “Plans & Products” section, and select the desired plan. The billing process will begin, and your subscription will be activated.
- Seamless transition: Upgrading from a trial to a paid plan is a seamless process, and you can continue working on your projects without losing any work or settings from the trial period.
How to purchase Adobe apps and plans
Purchasing Adobe Creative Cloud apps and plans is a simple process, whether you’re interested in an individual app or the entire suite of applications. In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to purchase Adobe apps and plans, as well as explore the payment options and billing cycles.
Purchasing individual apps
If you’re interested in buying a specific Adobe Creative Cloud app, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere Pro, follow these steps:
- Visit the Adobe Creative Cloud website.Navigate to the official Adobe Creative Cloud website.
- Select the desired app.Click on the app you’d like to purchase, and you will be directed to the app’s dedicated page, which includes detailed information about its features, pricing, and system requirements.
- Choose a plan.Review the available pricing plans for the app, such as the Single app plan for individuals, business plans, or student and educator discounts.
- Click “Buy Now” or “Subscribe”.Once you’ve selected a plan, click the “Buy Now” or “Subscribe” button to proceed with the purchase.
- Sign in or create an Adobe ID.If you already have an Adobe ID, sign in with your account. If you’re a new user, you’ll need to create an Adobe ID by providing your email address and other necessary details.
- Complete the payment.Enter your payment information, review your order, and confirm the purchase. The selected app will be added to your Adobe account, and you can start using it immediately.
Payment options and billing cycles
Adobe offers various payment options and billing cycles to accommodate different user preferences:
- Payment options: Adobe accepts major credit cards, PayPal, and, in some countries, direct debit as payment methods. The accepted payment methods may vary depending on your location.
- Billing cycles: Adobe Creative Cloud plans are available with monthly or annual billing options. The monthly billing cycle allows for more flexibility, while the annual billing cycle often offers a lower overall cost. Annual plans can be paid either in full upfront or in monthly installments.
- Auto-renewal: Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions are set to auto-renew by default. If you wish to cancel or change your subscription, you must do so before the renewal date. You can manage your subscription settings in your Adobe account.
- Refund policy: Adobe offers a 14-day refund window for annual plan subscriptions and a 7-day refund window for monthly plan subscriptions. To request a refund, you’ll need to contact Adobe Customer Support.
Adobe Creative Cloud licensing and downloads
When you subscribe to an Adobe Creative Cloud plan, it’s essential to understand the licensing and download process. This section covers the key aspects of Adobe Creative Cloud licensing, the number of devices you can use with a single license, and how to download and install the software.
Licensing restrictions and multiple devices
Adobe Creative Cloud licenses come with certain restrictions and allowances concerning the number of devices on which the software can be installed and used. Here’s what you need to know:
- Device limit: Adobe Creative Cloud licenses typically allow users to install and activate the software on up to two devices, such as a desktop computer and a laptop. However, you can only use the software on one device at a time. Companies and businesses can use software on multiple devices and across multiple users, as specified in the custom license.
- Device deactivation: If you need to install the software on a new device but have already reached the two-device limit, you must first deactivate the software on one of the existing devices. To do this, open the Creative Cloud app, click on your profile icon, select “Sign Out,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Downloading and installing Adobe Creative Cloud software
To download and install Adobe Creative Cloud applications, follow these steps:
- Create an Adobe IDIf you don’t already have an Adobe ID, sign up for one on the Adobe website. This account will be used to manage your subscriptions and access the software.
- Download the Creative Cloud appVisit the Adobe Creative Cloud website and download the Creative Cloud app for your device. This app serves as a hub for managing your Adobe applications and updates.
- Install the Creative Cloud appOnce downloaded, locate the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Creative Cloud app on your device.
- Sign inOpen the Creative Cloud app and sign in with your Adobe ID.
- Browse the list of available applications within the Creative Cloud app and click the “Install” button next to the app you want to install. The software will be downloaded and installed on your device.
Updating and managing Adobe Creative Cloud applications
With the Creative Cloud app, you can easily manage, update, and uninstall Adobe Creative Cloud applications on your device:
- Update apps: To update an Adobe Creative Cloud application, open the Creative Cloud app, locate the installed software, and click the “Update” button next to it. This will download and install the latest version of the software.
- Uninstall apps: To uninstall an Adobe Creative Cloud application, open the Creative Cloud app, locate the installed software, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select “Uninstall.” Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the software from your device.
How to cancel Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
There may come a time when you need to cancel your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, whether due to changing needs, switching to alternative software, or other personal reasons. In this section, we will guide you through the process of canceling your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and provide information on the associated refund policies.
Cancellation process
Follow these steps to cancel your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription:
- Sign in to your Adobe accountVisit the Adobe website and sign in to your account using your Adobe ID and password.
- Access your plansClick on the “Plans & Products” section in your account dashboard to view your current subscription(s).
- Manage your planFind the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription you want to cancel, and click on the “Manage plan” link.
- Initiate the cancellationScroll down to the “Cancel plan” section and click on the “Cancel plan” button.
- Follow the promptsAdobe will guide you through a series of steps, including providing a reason for your cancellation and reviewing any applicable refund or early termination fee information.
- Review the details and click on the “Confirm & Cancel” button to finalize the cancellation process.
Refund policy
Before canceling your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, it’s important to understand the refund policies that may apply to your situation:
- Annual plan, paid monthly: If you cancel within the first 14 days of your subscription, you’ll receive a full refund. However, if you cancel after the first 14 days, you’ll be charged 50% of your remaining contract obligation.
- Annual plan, prepaid: If you cancel within the first 14 days of your subscription, you’ll receive a full refund. Unfortunately, no refunds are available for cancellations after the first 14 days.
- Monthly plan: You can cancel your monthly plan at any time without any cancellation fees, but no refunds are provided for monthly plans.
Transitioning to alternative plans
If you’re considering canceling your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription due to changing needs, you may want to explore alternative Adobe plans before taking that step:
- Downgrade or upgrade: If you find that your current plan provides more features than you need or lacks specific tools, consider downgrading or upgrading to a different Adobe Creative Cloud plan that better suits your requirements.
- Switch to a different Adobe product: Adobe offers a wide range of products and services beyond Creative Cloud. You may find another Adobe solution that addresses your needs without canceling your entire Creative Cloud subscription.
What’s next?
Now that you better understand Adobe Creative Cloud pricing plans, deals, and options for accessing the apps for free, it’s time to take the next step in your creative journey.
If you haven’t already, we highly recommend signing up for a 7-day free Adobe Creative Cloud app trial that interests you. This will allow you to explore the software’s features and capabilities and help you decide whether a paid plan is right for you. To sign up for a free trial, visit the Adobe Creative Cloud website, select the desired app, and click on the “Free Trial” button. Remember that you’ll need an Adobe ID to start the trial
