The Difference Between Photoshop and Photoshop CC - Graphics Mob (2024)

The difference between Photoshop and Photoshop CC is that Photoshop refers to the brand of Photo-editing software by Adobe while Photoshop CC refers to the subscription-based package of software offered since 2013.

The two terms refer to the same software, Photoshop is simply the umbrella term referring to all the releases since 1987.

The question you may have intended to ask is, what is the difference between Photoshop CC and Photoshop CS6?

Difference between Photoshop CC and CS6

Photoshop CC refers to the subscription-based release of Adobe’s photo-editing software launched in 2013 (CC standing for Creative Cloud) while Photoshop CS6 refers to the last of the Creative Suite releases that were one-time purchases last offered in 2012.

There were a few significant feature updates between Photoshop CS6 and CC, the major one being integration into the new Creative Cloud, which allows seamless use with other Adobe apps and easy access to cloud libraries, Behance, and adobe stock right on the app interface.

Just like in the CS annual releases, Photoshop CC gets a few new features and bug fixes every turn of the year. So far there have been yearly releases including 2013’s CC (version 14), CC 2014 (version 15), CC 2015 (version 16 and version 17), CC 2017 (version 18), CC 2018 (version 19), CC 2019 (version 20), 2020 (version 21), 2021 (version 22) and so on.

Listed below are the main differences between Photoshop CC and CS6:

Photoshop CCPhotoshop CS6
Subscription-based (paid monthly)One-time purchase (no longer available)
Higher PC requirements to runLower PC requirements to run
Work in artboardsNo artboards
Supports new file formatsSome new file formats won’t open
Full Adobe support and upgradesNo Adobe support
New features and tools are availableClassic features, no new updates
Works with new pluginsWorks with old plugins

Which is better Photoshop CC or Photoshop CS6?

Photoshop CC, being the updated version of Photoshop CS6, is more powerful, has newer features and tools, and is more reliable considering the support offered. Based on that, Photoshop CC is better.

However, when it comes to pricing, it feels like a rip off and the design community has been vocal against the monthly subscription that they have to pay to use Photoshop CC. To put it into perspective, Photoshop CC 2021 costs US$24.14, at the writing of this article, compared to US$699 to buy the perpetual license for Photoshop CS6.

The Difference Between Photoshop and Photoshop CC - Graphics Mob (1)

This means, in two and a half years, you’d have spent more on the subscription for Photoshop CC than to own Photoshop CS6 forever. Mind you, Photoshop CS6 was still way over-priced compared to its competitors.

Unfortunately, Photoshop CS6 or any of the CS programs are not available for purchase from Adobe. Photoshop currently only sells Photoshop CC as stand-alone software, as a package with lightroom, or as part of the full Creative Cloud subscription. Check pricing at the official Adobe site.

So what are the new features available in Photoshop CC that were not available in CS6?

New features and tools in Photoshop CC

Some of the new features introduced in Photoshop CC 2014

  • Perspective warp: Easily adjust perspective in images, especially those with straight lines and flat surfaces.
  • Print 3D objects: Generates support structures and automatically makes 3D models watertight for printing.
  • Linked Smart Objects: Smart objects are linked to external images. When the source image is updated, the changes automatically update to the smart object layer.
  • Generate image assets from layers: Directly export each layer as an image right on the layers panel.
  • Camera shake reduction improvements: automatically reduce image blurring caused by camera instability.
  • Integration with Behance: share your work on Behance directly on the photoshop interface.
  • Smart Sharpen: This allows you to minimize noise and halo effects using sliders and advanced controls.
  • Spot removal tool: remove visual imperfections, dust and spots.
  • Radial filter: Apply corrections within or outside a radial marquee area.

Conclusion

There are some significant new features added to Photoshop CC. In terms of capability, you can still edit photos in CS6 just as well as you would in CC, the new features just help you work more efficiently. The main difference between CS6 and CC is the monthly subscription in the latter, compared to the former’s perpetual license.

There are free alternatives to Photoshop and Illustrator that work just as well. Check out my article on the 5 best free offline graphic design software.

The Difference Between Photoshop and Photoshop CC - Graphics Mob (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Photoshop CC and Photoshop? ›

Photoshop CC is a more modernized software with some upgraded tools and new tools also added to its library like it has a better brush arrangement, Curvature pen tool, 360 panorama workflows, Adobe stock and many more. While Photoshop has limited tools required for necessary editing.

What is the difference between Photoshop and vector graphics? ›

Photoshop images are raster graphics. Unlike vector images, they are pixel-based. Raster images tend to have more detailed colors and shading than vector images, and they tend to handle detailed textures and precise edits better than vector graphics.

What is the difference between Adobe Creative Cloud and Photoshop? ›

Adobe Creative Cloud is a graphic design and video editing suite that enables businesses to publish print layouts, edit images,... Adobe Photoshop is an image editing and graphic designing software that helps businesses streamline photo editing and compositing...

Is Photoshop CC good? ›

A synonym for photo editing, Adobe Photoshop has long been the app to beat when it comes to image manipulation. Our review of Photoshop CC (2021) awarded it a full five stars, labelling it the 'king of photo editors'.

Which Photoshop version is best? ›

Many professionals and creatives consider Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) to be the best version of Photoshop. Here's why: Regular Updates: Adobe Photoshop CC is a subscription-based service, which means it receives regular updates from Adobe.

What is Photoshop CC for? ›

Photoshop CC is an advanced imaging software used by designers, web professionals, video editors, and photographers to alter or manipulate digital images.

What are the two types of graphics in Photoshop? ›

Vectors and rasters are the two primary types of graphics used in digital design. Vector graphics are based on mathematical equations, which means they can be scaled without losing quality. On the other hand, raster graphics, also known as bitmap graphics, are made up of individual pixels that form an image.

What is the difference between vector and graphics? ›

Unlike raster graphics, which are comprised of colored pixels arranged to display an image, vector graphics are made up of paths, each with a mathematical formula (vector) that tells the path how it is shaped and what color it is bordered with or filled by.

What is vector graphics in Photoshop? ›

What are vector graphics? Vector graphics are digital designs that stay sharp at any size. Two-dimensional digital images are either vectors or rasters. Raster images, also known as bitmap images, are made up of pixels, which stay the same size as you zoom in and out of an image.

Can I still use Photoshop without Creative Cloud? ›

Photoshop is installed in your computer 'locally' it can operate (while Activated) without internet access. You do not have to use the 'Cloud' for anything other than- Install and Activate Ps. Regards. My System: Lightroom-Classic 13.2 Photoshop 25.5, ACR 16.2, Lightroom 7.2, Lr-iOS 9.0.

Is Photoshop CC free? ›

There isn't a free version of Photoshop on the web, however you can try out some of Photoshop's most popular tools and uses online with the help of guided tutorials without creating an Adobe account.

Why is Adobe so expensive? ›

Adobe products are expensive because they are some of the most advanced and popular products in their field. They also have high subscription fees, as well as regular updates and new features. This helps to ensure that users always have the latest version and access to the best features.

How old is Photoshop CC? ›

Adobe Photoshop version history
VersionPlatformRelease date
CS5.1, CS5.1 Extended (12.1.1, 12.0.5)Mac OS X, Windows XP SP3 or newerMay 3, 2011
CS6, CS6 Extended (13.0)May 7, 2012
CC (14.0)Mac OS X, Windows 7 or newerJune 17, 2013
CC (14.1)September 2013
46 more rows

What are the disadvantages of Photoshop? ›

Disadvantages of Using Photoshop
  • The interface may prove to be difficult-to-use for beginners. ...
  • Photoshop occasionally releases untested beta versions or updates. ...
  • Some tools lack progress monitoring facilities. ...
  • New input features may not have an appeal for everyone. ...
  • Photoshop is expensive. ...
  • Less support for vector graphics.
Mar 8, 2024

Why Photoshop is expensive? ›

The high price reflects the value it provides for professional work. Frequent Updates: Adobe invests significant resources into continuously updating and improving Photoshop with new features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes. This o.

Is Photoshop CC free or paid? ›

Photoshop is not free, but you can sign up for a free trial and try the full version of the app, including all generative AI photo editing features like Generative Fill and Generative Expand, for seven days. Or try editing images with the free version of the Adobe Firefly web app.

Which one is better, Photoshop CC or CS6? ›

Photoshop cs6 also has some tools for sharpening an image. To design advanced photoshop editing, professional photo editors use those tools. Adobe Photoshop CC is the better option for beginner photo editors to reduce noises and make the image sharp.

Is Photoshop part of Adobe CC? ›

What's included in the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan? The Creative Cloud All Apps plan has 20+ creative apps, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, InDesign, and Acrobat Pro. You also get templates, cloud storage, and thousands of fonts from the Adobe Fonts library.

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