In an effort to make its photo-editing software more accessible to more people, Adobe is distributing the online version of Photoshop for free, beginning with a test run in Canada. According to The Verge, Photoshop’s free version will soon become more widely available.
A spokeswoman for Adobe told CNET that the free, web-based version of Photoshop is available and that “all editing functions are available.” However, the service is said to be “freemium,” implying that some services would require a paid membership or upgrade in the future.
According to The Verge, the free edition will feature enough capabilities to “perform what Adobe deems to be Photoshop’s basic functions.” This is a significant upgrade over Adobe’s prior web version of Photoshop, which only enabled users and collaborators to share and comment on projects via a browser.
To test out the free version of Photoshop on the web, users will apparently require an Adobe account, which is also free. Outside of Canada, it’s unclear when free Photoshop will be accessible.
Last year, Adobe released a simple browser version of Photoshop, and since then, Adobe has expanded functionality through upgrades.
Features of Adobe Photoshop
Adobe’s free edition of Photoshop includes a number of features that you may use without having to pay for a membership.
Layers in Photoshop are a great method to get the editing effects you want, and you can utilize this functionality in the new online edition as well.
You may utilize the Transform tool to adjust the size of your graphics as needed if you wish to change their proportions. The Dodge tool may also be used to enhance brightness to select areas of your artwork, while the Spot Healing Brush can be used to eliminate unwanted distractions. These options, as well as a few more, may be found on the left-hand toolbar.
The online edition of Photoshop features a cleaner interface than the desktop version, making it easier to manage your workflow.
Adobe’s Long-Term Strategy
We don’t know when Adobe’s free online version will be made available in other markets.
Adobe hasn’t said which products would be available only to paying clients in the future. Users will still have access to the platform’s most critical features once the transition takes place, according to the business.
Conclusion
Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for visual editing, so the news that it’s testing a free online version will come as welcome news to many designers.
While still in its infancy, Photoshop’s accessible version holds a lot of promise for speeding processes and assisting creative in bringing their visions to reality.
If you live in Canada, you might want to test out the free edition of Photoshop to see if it’s perfect for you. If you reside somewhere else, you have something to look forward to as well.