If you’re looking to unlock the power of Adobe Photoshop for free on your PC or Mac in 2025, you’ve come to the right place! Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular and powerful photo editing software available, but its cost can be a barrier for many. However, there are ways to access it for free legally—whether you’re looking for a trial version, special offers, or free alternatives. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to get Adobe Photoshop without spending a dime.
1. Try Adobe Photoshop Free Trial
Adobe offers a convenient 7-day free trial of Photoshop, allowing you to explore all its premium features without any limitations. This trial is an excellent option if you need Photoshop for a short-term project or if you simply want to try it out before committing to a subscription. To get started, just visit Adobe’s official website, select the free trial option, and create an Adobe account. Once signed in, download the installer for your operating system and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. After installing, you can dive right into using Photoshop for 7 days, with full access to all its tools and features. However, remember that after the trial period ends, you’ll need to purchase a subscription if you wish to continue using Photoshop.
2. Explore Adobe Photoshop Alternatives
If you’re unable to access Photoshop for free or are simply interested in exploring other options, there are several excellent free alternatives that you can use on both PC and Mac. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful, open-source image editor that offers a highly customizable experience similar to Photoshop, making it an ideal choice for many users. Krita is another open-source program, especially suited for digital painting and creative image manipulation. For those looking for a more straightforward option, Paint.NET is a simple yet effective image editor for Windows, boasting an intuitive interface. Additionally, Photopea is a web-based photo editor that closely resembles Photoshop in both layout and functionality, and it’s free to use directly in your browser. These alternatives provide great versatility for both basic and advanced editing needs without the price tag.
3. Adobe Photoshop for Students and Teachers (Discounted)
If you’re a student or teacher, Adobe offers significant discounts on Photoshop through its educational pricing, making it a more affordable option. Although this isn’t a free solution, it can still save you a lot compared to the regular price. To take advantage of this offer, you’ll first need to verify your status as a student or educator through Adobe’s verification process. Once verified, you can access the Adobe Education Store, where you can purchase Photoshop and other Adobe software at a reduced rate. After purchasing, you can easily download and install the software, just like any other Adobe product. While it isn’t free, the educational discount is one of the best ways to get Photoshop at a budget-friendly price.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Special Offers
Occasionally, Adobe runs special promotions and offers where you can access Photoshop for free or at a discounted price. These limited-time deals can include free access to Photoshop for a short period, bundled offers (like getting Photoshop along with other Adobe software such as Lightroom), or discounts during major sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. To make sure you don’t miss out on these opportunities, it’s a good idea to sign up for Adobe’s newsletter, which will keep you informed about upcoming promotions. Additionally, following Adobe on social media is a great way to catch any special offers as they’re announced, helping you take advantage of great deals when they arise.
5. Be Cautious of Unofficial Sources
While it may be tempting to download Photoshop from websites that claim to offer it for free, it’s essential to avoid these sources. Downloading software from unofficial sites can expose your computer to malware or viruses, compromising your data and security. Additionally, using pirated software can lead to legal consequences, and you may end up with unstable versions that are prone to crashes and malfunctions. To ensure you’re using a safe, reliable version of Photoshop, always download it directly from Adobe’s official website or other trusted platforms. By doing so, you protect your computer, stay within the law, and ensure that you’re getting the full functionality of Photoshop.
Conclusion
In 2025, there are several ways to download Adobe Photoshop for free on both PC and Mac, whether it’s through the official free trial, using alternative software, or exploring educational discounts. Be sure to follow the step-by-step guides above to get started, and avoid any third-party websites that offer illegal versions of the software. With Photoshop, you can create stunning images, manipulate photos, and unlock your creative potential—but it’s important to use it safely and legally.