Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a cross-platform image editor for creating, retouching, designing and compositing images and graphics. It is best suited to photographers and designers who need detailed, layered control as well as AI-assisted tools. Its breadth is a strong reason to choose it; the subscription model, especially for premium mobile features, is a meaningful trade-off.

Overview

Photoshop brings image editing and graphic design into a toolkit that includes layers, masks, precise selections, batch editing and RAW support. Those capabilities suit projects that move beyond quick adjustments into targeted retouching or combining multiple images. Cloud sync and access across desktop, web and mobile support work that moves between devices, though a focused editor may be a better fit for people who do not need this range.

Key features

Layers and masking keep elements and edits separable, while precise selections help target particular areas. Together, they give users control over detailed retouching and composites. Batch editing is useful when changes need to be applied across multiple images, and RAW support makes Photoshop relevant to photographers working from camera files as well as finished images.

Generative Fill, Generative Expand and Remove Tool use Firefly models to add to, extend or remove image content. Harmonize adjusts lighting, shadows, colors and other details when blending people or objects into backgrounds, helping with composites. Photoshop also offers Topaz Labs AI models for image upscaling. Its UXP Plugin Marketplace includes integrations such as Slack for Photoshop and Trello for Photoshop.

The browser-based Photoshop application is included in Photoshop plans. The standalone iPhone and Android apps are free, but premium mobile features require a subscription, so users seeking those capabilities should account for ongoing paid access.

Pricing

Photoshop is a paid product with a seven-day trial and a free plan. Adobe offers several plan types, but the named plans below have custom pricing.

• Photography: includes 1TB of cloud storage. It is the option to consider when that storage allowance is the priority.
• Photoshop: includes 100GB of cloud storage and 25 monthly generative credits. This is the standalone option for users focused on Photoshop rather than a multi-app bundle.
• Creative Cloud Pro: includes more than 20 apps, 4,000 monthly generative credits and 100GB of cloud storage. It fits users who need a broader app collection and a larger monthly credit allowance.
• Creative Cloud Pro for students and teachers: includes more than 20 apps and 100GB of cloud storage, making it the multi-app plan for eligible education users.
• Photoshop for teams: includes 100GB of cloud storage. It is the Photoshop-focused option in the business category.
• Creative Cloud Pro for teams: includes more than 20 apps and 100GB of cloud storage for teams seeking the broader app collection.

Photoshop can be purchased on its own or as part of a multi-app plan. Individual, student and teacher, and business categories are available. Compare the included apps, storage and monthly generative credits against the work you expect to do; the plans differ substantially in scope, and the named plan prices are custom pricing.

Platforms

Photoshop supports Android, iOS, macOS, the web and Windows. The web version runs in a browser and is included in Photoshop plans. Free standalone mobile apps are available for iPhone and Android, while premium mobile features are subscription-based.

Who it's for

Photographers who need RAW support and batch editing, and designers who work with precise selections, masks and layered composites, have clear reasons to consider Photoshop. Its generative tools and image-upscaling integrations add options for users who want AI-assisted editing. Someone who needs only a narrow photo workflow, or wants premium mobile tools without a subscription, should weigh simpler or free alternatives.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Layers, masks and precise selections support controlled, targeted edits rather than forcing changes across an entire image.
• Pro: RAW support, batch editing and compositing bring photographer-focused and design-focused work into one editor.
• Pro: Firefly-powered generative tools, Harmonize and Topaz Labs upscaling models extend its options for modifying and blending images.
• Con: Premium features in the free standalone mobile apps require a subscription, limiting the appeal for mobile users who want to avoid paid access.
• Con: The plans range from Photoshop alone to bundles with more than 20 apps, so users should choose carefully based on their need for storage, apps and generative credits.

Alternatives

Photopea is worth considering for a free editor: it has a free account and supports web, desktop and mobile platforms, among others. Its school ad-free access costs $450 a year, billed for the whole school.

Choose Adobe Lightroom if a photography-focused alternative is a better match; it has a free plan and trial, and its Lightroom plan includes 1 TB of cloud storage and 250 monthly generative credits.

darktable is a free, open-source photography workflow application and RAW developer for Linux, macOS and Windows. GIMP is another free option for Linux, macOS and Windows, distributed under the GNU General Public License.

Photomator may suit users working on Apple platforms: its monthly subscription is $7.99 a month and covers Mac, iPad, iPhone and Apple Vision Pro.

RawTherapee is a free RAW-focused option for Linux, macOS and Windows; it does not include digital asset management, printing or uploading features.

PhotoDirector offers a free Essential plan with limited features and no payment information required. PhotoPad is another freemium option across desktop, mobile and web platforms.

For category comparisons, see Photo Editing Software, Panorama Stitching Software and AI Photo Editors.

Verdict

Choose Photoshop if your work depends on precise layered editing, RAW support, compositing and a wide set of AI-assisted tools across desktop, browser and mobile. Its central advantage is the breadth and control of that toolkit; its chief drawback is that paid access and subscription-gated premium mobile features may be more than a focused or occasional editor needs.