Newbie Question: Affordable alternative to Photoshop

[bdurfee]

I just switched to Mac about 3 weeks ago and am loving it. I've been working in Windows using old software: Photoshop and Fireworks CS3. (I REALLY like Fireworks.)

I don't have $50/mth in my budget right now to buy new Adobe software. What is a great and affordable alternative to Photoshop and/or Fireworks.

 

[vansmith]

Adobe does (or used to) offer customers the opportunity to migrate licences across platforms. Word on the street is that CS3 will run on Yosemite so technically, assuming you can get the licencing to work, you might be okay. Give Adobe a ring and see if they'll transfer your licence as a first step.

 

[RadDave]

I just switched to Mac about 3 weeks ago and am loving it. I've been working in Windows using old software: Photoshop and Fireworks CS3. (I REALLY like Fireworks.)

I don't have $50/mth in my budget right now to buy new Adobe software. What is a great and affordable alternative to Photoshop and/or Fireworks.

Well, if the previous suggestion about license transfer does not work out for you, then a Mac OS image program often recommended here is Pixelmator, a $30 purchase (you'll have to check the website to see about a 'free' trial?). Another powerful image program and FREE is called GIMP - has a steep learning curve in my limited experience a number of years ago on a Linux laptop. Let us know what you find - this is an oft asked question. Good luck - Dave

 

[Exodist]

I was going to recommend the same that Dave did...
But just to point out, Adobe has the Photographers Package for $9.99 +tax that has both Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop CC. Plus some more free software to go along with it. This is what I use.. You have to sign up for a yearly subscription, however you still pay monthly if you want. So for $120 a year, you get the latest version of both and never have to worry about upgrade cost. When new version or update is out, you instantly download it.

That said, for most people Pixelmator is freaking awesome.. It took some time for me to learn as I am used to GIMP.. I know seems backwards huh.. But check out the tutorials or even a video I have on my youtube channel. That said, stay away from Photoshop Essentials, its crap at $100!! Your much better off with Pixelmator..

 

[BudVitoff]

Photoshop (Elements)

I have always used Photoshop Elements (PSE), which has a single purchase price until you decide to upgrade to a new version. I have a ball with PSE and I haven't begun to use a lot of its power, so I don't seem to need the extra power that (the real) Photoshop offers.

 

[Exodist]

I have always used Photoshop Elements (PSE), which has a single purchase price until you decide to upgrade to a new version. I have a ball with PSE and I haven't begun to use a lot of its power, so I don't seem to need the extra power that (the real) Photoshop offers.

You should really try Pixelmator. It is not as limiting on your creative control as PSE is. Plus its only $30.. Doing more with less cost is always better..

 

[TattooedMac]

There is a NEW kid on the block, and its name is called Affinity Photo. Its currently in the Beta, but it is IMHP the Photoshop killer.
They already have a Illustrator killer in Affinity Designer and I have been using it extensively to make icons, and it blows me away. Check the video out and the 1,000,000% Zoom Video
The Affinity Photos, is very powerful too, with a few bugs lying around, but give it a try in the Beta stage, and jump on the sales, when they first launch, as the did with Affinity Designer, I picked it up for $24 AUD.

I love Pixelmator, but this new kid on the block has some serious clout.

EDIT : Oh and because of these 2 beauties, I have now stopped my $9.99/mth Adobe Photo Package Happy camper.

 

[Exodist]

I will get the BETA asap.. Looks great, I will still keep my subscription because Ps is cross platform and gets more viewers.. But if AP can take off and be a hit with Mac users, it should generate enough revenue (via my tutorial videos) to pay for its self.