Photoshop Free Download & Free Options
Which Photoshop options genuinely cost nothing, where the Windows and macOS downloads come from, and what to check before you install. Independent of Adobe; every download button opens the official or owner-authorized source and names it first.
- Windows & Mac
- Safe download guidance
- System requirements
- Installation help
No-cost routes
Ways to use Photoshop without paying
Three routes cost nothing: Adobe's time-limited trial of the desktop editor, its browser and mobile tools, and permanently free editors from other developers. Which fits depends on whether you need the full desktop application or just need to finish an image.
Photoshop free trial
Adobe offers a time-limited trial of the desktop application for Windows and macOS.
- Installs the full desktop editor for the trial period.
- Requires an Adobe account sign-in during installation.
- Trial length and current terms are set by Adobe — check the official page before starting.
Photoshop on the web
Browser-based editing for lighter tasks, without a desktop install.
- Runs in a modern browser, so no installer is needed.
- Opens and edits PSD documents stored in the cloud.
- Availability and included features are defined by Adobe.
Mobile options
Adobe publishes mobile photo-editing apps for phones and tablets.
- Useful for retouching and quick composites away from a desktop.
- Feature sets differ from the desktop application.
- Check the store listing for current availability in your region.
Trial length and pricing are set by Adobe and change by region, so we link to the official page rather than quoting figures. The full comparison, including education pricing, is on how to get Photoshop free.
Authorized sources only
Windows or Mac
Both platforms install through Adobe's own installer. This site links outward and names the destination on every button; it does not re-host installers.
Windows
DesktopThe desktop editor for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 class systems, installed through Adobe's installer.
- 64-bit Windows only
- Administrator rights needed to install
- GPU acceleration for many filters and transforms
macOS
DesktopA native build for Apple silicon, with Intel support on the releases where Adobe still lists it.
- Runs natively on Apple silicon
- Intel support depends on the release
- Installs through the Creative Cloud desktop app
Not sure which route applies to you? The download guide covers sources, file verification and what to do if a download stalls.
At a glance
What you are installing
Fields maintained by this site's owner to match the source they link to. Anything unconfirmed stays blank rather than being estimated.
Software
Adobe Photoshop
Publisher
Adobe Inc.
Platforms
Windows, macOS
Licence
Subscription (free trial available)
Version
Not configured
Windows file size
Not configured
Mac file size
Not configured
Updated
Not configured
What the editor does
The tools people come looking for
From layer-based composites to RAW photography workflows.
Layers
Stack images, adjustments and text on separate layers so each part of a composite stays editable.
Selections and masking
Isolate a subject, refine the edge and apply changes to only part of an image.
Retouching
Remove blemishes, dust and distractions using healing and clone tools.
Text and typography
Set type directly on the canvas with control over spacing, weight and alignment.
Filters and adjustments
Apply colour grading, blurs, sharpening and creative effects non-destructively.
RAW photography
Develop camera RAW files with wide-latitude exposure and colour control.
Before you download
Will it run on your machine?
The desktop editor is demanding on memory and disk. Check your platform first so a trial period is not spent troubleshooting.
Windows
- Operating system
- Windows 10 (v22H2) or Windows 11, 64-bit
- Processor
- Multicore Intel, AMD or ARM processor with SSE 4.2 / AVX2 support
- RAM (minimum)
- 8 GB
- RAM (recommended)
- 16 GB or more
- Graphics card
- GPU with DirectX 12 support (feature level 12_0), less than 7 years old
macOS
- Operating system
- macOS Sonoma 14 or later
- Processor (Apple silicon)
- Apple M1 chip or later
- Processor (Intel)
- Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit and SSE 4.2 support
- RAM (minimum)
- 8 GB
- RAM (recommended)
- 16 GB or more
After downloading
Installing it
The same sequence applies on Windows and macOS. The full walkthrough includes troubleshooting for failed installs.
Choose an authorized source
Start from Adobe's own site or another source the software owner has authorized. Check the address bar before you download anything.
Download the installer
Save the installer to a folder you can find again, such as Downloads.
Open the installer
Run the downloaded file and allow it to make changes when your operating system asks.
Sign in when asked
Desktop installation normally requires signing in with an Adobe account so the licence can be applied.
Permanently free
Free alternatives worth knowing
If you need an editor with no time limit, several mature tools open layered PSD files.
Photopea
BrowserA browser-based editor with a layout familiar to Photoshop users. Nothing to install.
PSD: Opens and saves PSD
GIMP
DesktopA long-established open-source image editor for Windows, macOS and Linux.
PSD: Opens PSD; exports to its own XCF format
Krita
DesktopOpen-source painting and illustration software with strong brush engines.
PSD: Opens and saves layered PSD
Trust and safety
Download Photoshop safely
Most problems people describe after downloading an image editor come from where the file came from, not the software itself. These four habits avoid nearly all of them.
Official and authorized sources
Use Adobe's own download pages, or a source the software owner has explicitly authorized. We link out rather than re-hosting installers.
Avoid modified installers
Repackaged or patched installers can carry unwanted software, and you cannot tell what was changed inside them.
Check the destination
Read the domain in your address bar before a download starts. Every outbound link on this site names where it goes.
No fake download buttons
We use plain links and never disguise an advertisement as a software download.
Common questions
Photoshop download questions
Short answers to what we are asked most. The full list is on the FAQ page.
Popular guides
Ready to download Photoshop?
Start from the download guide: it names the authorized sources for each platform and shows how to verify the file you get.