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chloegrice
Participating Frequently
April 25, 2016
Answered

Transfer/upgrade from registered extended version of PS CS4 on doorstop laptop onto new MacBook Air without going to monthly subscriptions?

  • April 25, 2016
  • 2 replies
  • 1667 views

Hi all, I'd appreciate any advice please as I've been going round in circles with this for days now.

I would like to use Photoshop on my new MacBook Air but I don't want to pay a monthly fee. I have a registered version of CS4 on my old machine, with the serial no., but I can't think how to install it onto the Air without going into CC - I really don't want to pay a monthly fee to use a product I already paid for.

So, my question is, is there an older trial version of PS that I could download to the Air and then upgrade from? Obviously I can't put the original disc in as there's no drive. Every trial download that I've found so far installs PS CC.

Thanks in advance!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Terri Stevens

Hi Chloe,

To be honest I'm not sure what the rule was with CS4 , certainly today you are allowed to have Photoshop on up to two machines , but that might not have always been the case. Anyhow you can test. Don't deactivate on the old machine and try installing on the new one. If it accepts your serial then you know it is possible, if it does not then you'll have to deactivate on your old Mac. I tend to agree that for some people CS4 does everything they'll ever need, but as you have been told there is no upgrade route to CS5 now. The big snag with the old versions is of course they won't work with the new Operating systems, more true of Macs than Windows and also because Camera Raw isn't being updated they need Adobe's DNG Converter to work with the latest cameras. The Photographic subscription plan is good value for money, but not if you have spent $1000 in the past buying Photoshop. Not much I can say really, but that's business.

Terri

2 replies

John T Smith
Community Expert
John T SmithCommunity Expert
Community Expert
April 25, 2016

Also be aware that CS4 may not work on El Capitan

CS6 and earlier programs have not been tested and will not be updated to run on Mac El Capitan

-which means that you try to use CS6 and earlier at YOUR risk of having problems

-you may get CS6 and earlier programs to install and run, or you may not (some do, some don't)

-Java https://helpx.adobe.com/dreamweaver/kb/dreamweaver-java-se-6-runtime.html may help

Install CS5 on Mac 10.11 https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2003455 may help (also for other than CS5)

-also a TEMPORARY security change https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2039319

-http://mac-how-to.wonderhowto.com/how-to/open-third-party-apps-from-unidentified-developers-mac-os-x-0158095/

-and more on gatekeeper https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202491

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chloegriceAuthor
Participating Frequently
April 25, 2016

Thanks for all the info John! I don't especially want to run CS4 on El Capitan: I just want to get a version onto the machine which I can upgrade from without buying from scratch, as I have the registered version on the old machine. I've already installed Java but I will check out the other links too. I've been using CS4 for nearly 8 years without any need for support or updates, it's about time I got a newer version I'm really cross about feeling bullied into monthly subscription plan - there should be an option for people like me who only use it as a hobby and don't need constant upgrades...  Thanks again!

K
Kaewngam
Inspiring
April 25, 2016

CS4 does not qualify for any upgrade pricing so even if you install it you would still have to start from scratch if you want a newer version.

Terri Stevens
Terri Stevens
Legend
April 25, 2016

Simply go here Chloe and download the digital media. Remember to deactivate Photoshop under help on your old Mac

Download Adobe Creative Suite 4 products

Terri

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chloegriceAuthor
Participating Frequently
April 25, 2016

Thanks Terri! I thought I'd already tried this download but I guess not - it does seem to be CS4 this time Is it necessary to deactivate on the other machine? I thought it was allowed to be used on two devices?

Terri Stevens
Terri StevensCorrect answer
Legend
April 25, 2016

Hi Chloe,

To be honest I'm not sure what the rule was with CS4 , certainly today you are allowed to have Photoshop on up to two machines , but that might not have always been the case. Anyhow you can test. Don't deactivate on the old machine and try installing on the new one. If it accepts your serial then you know it is possible, if it does not then you'll have to deactivate on your old Mac. I tend to agree that for some people CS4 does everything they'll ever need, but as you have been told there is no upgrade route to CS5 now. The big snag with the old versions is of course they won't work with the new Operating systems, more true of Macs than Windows and also because Camera Raw isn't being updated they need Adobe's DNG Converter to work with the latest cameras. The Photographic subscription plan is good value for money, but not if you have spent $1000 in the past buying Photoshop. Not much I can say really, but that's business.

Terri

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