Adobe, Linux Support, and the Linux Foundation.

[gai.ra.III]

While generally I've only lurked the Adobe forums I've finally worked up guts to post this. I also know that about every 1-2 months this question is asked but I think it deserves a another go around.

My premises is this:

Adobe joined the Linux Foundation in 2008 for a focus on Linux for Web 2.0  Applications like Adobe® Flash® Player and Adobe AIR™. Currently Adobe holds a silver membership status with the Linux Foundation. So why in the world do they not have any Creative Cloud Programs available in Linux without the need for WINE and other such workarounds. I think it's a sucky move to support the Linux Foundation and use Linux in the back-end while not doing anything to support actual Linux users who have for at least a decade requested Adobe desktop products on Linux. Sure it's going to take a lot of manpower, financial resources, etc. But to truly support Linux and the Linux Foundation I think it's necessary that y'all do make things like Photoshop and Lightroom available for the Linux desktop. In any regards the wider Linux community would most likely help with testing and debugging programs. We're used to it.

[Nancy OShea]

Reality check time.  If you work in the film / TV industry which is the Premier Pro target user group, I guarantee you won't be on Linux equipment much longer.  Don't blame Adobe for what the industry does. 

Freeware for Linux might be more your speed at this point.

https://www.tecmint.com/best-free-video-editing-softwares-for-linux/

[eduwardjr]

When are CC going to be available for Linux distros?

[John T Smith]

Probably never https://community.adobe.com/t5/the-lounge/waiting-for-linux-native-softwares/td-p/10943296

[Nancy OShea]

Adobe have special mobile apps for use with iOS & certain Android devices.  I'm afraid that's as good as it gets.

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/faq/mobileapps.html

[mat26613614rajl]

Hello, I have a linux fedora operating system installed on my pc and it is really wrong that as your customer I cannot use your applications in my operating system please add support for linux

[Test Screen Name]

Adobe don't support anything but the most popular (money making) systems. If you're using an open source system like Linux, you would be better off exploring the open source world, rather than hoping commercial vendors will hop to it. They have had decades to do this, and I think we can see now that they never will - at least until Linux surpasses Mac OS in numbers.

[Nancy OShea]

It will never happen.  Creative Cloud system requirements clearly state you must have a supported Windows or Mac operating system.  Linux for desktop is not supported.

Before you purchase a subscription, make sure your computer meets the minimum CPU & GPU requirements. Most Creative Cloud apps work on:

• Windows 11 (64-bit), Window 10 versions 21H2, 21H1, 20H2, 2004, and 1909 (LTSB branches are not supported;)
• macOS 12 (Monterey), macOS 11 (Big Sur), macOS 10.16 or 10.15 (Catalina).

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html

If you want to use online or mobile services instead, look at Adobe Express.

Premium Adobe Express ($10/month).

• Creative Cloud Express app (web and mobile)
• Premiere Rush (desktop and mobile)
• Photoshop Express (mobile)
• Spark Video (mobile)
• Spark Page (mobile)
• Adobe Portfolio + hosting
• 100 GB of cloud storage
• All premium templates and design assets including the collection of over 160 million royalty-free Adobe Stock photo collection.

https://helpx.adobe.com/express/using/express-overview.html

[potatoe1]

Hi Adobe Team and Reader,

I feel that are there many people who use Linux that want to have an official version of Adobe apps installed on their computer without having to run it through software. Another option would be to decrease as many operating system checks as possible so that Linux users can at least run it through a .exe software in Linux.

Thanks,

potatoe1

[jane-e]

@potatoe1 

We don't know what Adobe is working on or not working on, as they do not pre-announce. Currently 3.8% use Linux according to W3 Schools.

Jane

[Messa-]

As many of you know, Adobe's Creative Cloud applications are currently only supported on Windows and macOS. However, there is a growing number of users, especially developers and graphic designers, who have adopted Linux as their primary operating system. According to the most recent statistics:

- Linux desktop market share has grown to an estimated 3-5% globally and continues to increase every year. Though this may seem small compared to Windows and macOS, it still represents millions of users. 

- Among developers and tech professionals, Linux adoption rates are much higher, with many surveys showing rates between 10-30% depending on the specific field and location. 

- For graphic designers and visual creatives, Linux usage has also grown significantly in recent years, with estimates of 5-10% of designers now relying mainly on Linux distributions like Ubuntu. 

The main reasons for this are Linux's low cost, stability, and customizability. It allows these users to have a reliable platform for their work without the large licensing fees of macOS or compatibility issues of Windows. 

However, the lack of Adobe Creative Cloud support on Linux presents a major roadblock. Many designers and developers have expressed frustration at not being able to access these industry-leading tools on their preferred operating system. They are forced to maintain inefficient dual-boot or virtual machine setups just to run CC apps.

Native support for Linux would allow Adobe to better serve this growing customer base and help cement Creative Cloud's position as the de facto standard in creative software. It would remove barriers for Linux users who want to subscribe and generate more subscribers and recurring revenue.

Porting the CC tools to Linux technically should not be an insurmountable challenge given their web technology foundations. And it would garner goodwill among developers and enthusiasts who could help expand Linux's capabilities and market share further.

Therefore, we encourage Adobe to consider bringing Creative Cloud to Linux as a priority. The case for doing so only becomes more compelling as Linux adoption continues rising globally each year among creators and professionals. Please share your thoughts on this important issue.

[John T Smith]

This says Cloud on Linux will NOT happen https://community.adobe.com/t5/the-lounge/waiting-for-linux-native-softwares/td-p/10943296

Nobody here has anything to do with company policy - you need to contact Adobe
Adobe, 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110-2704 USA Tel: 408-536-6000 Fax: 408-537-6000

[kglad]

and linux is going nowhere.  look at the stats.

[Messa-]

I would switch to Linux for work straight away. At the moment I'm on Mac and privately on Linux. Linux offers many advantages over Windows and Mac. But i will write Adobe.

[kglad]

it may be the best os ever created but its market penetrance has remained flat over 20 years.

[Peru Bob]

I would switch to Linux for work straight away.

By @Messa-

There aren't enough of you, statistically, for it to make financial sense for Adobe to embrace Linux.

[Angelus187]

Good day Everyone

Has Messa mentioned, Adobe Creative Cloud has long been the go-to for design and creative professionals, offering indispensable tools for graphic design, photography, video editing, and more. Currently available primarily for Windows and macOS, extending its compatibility to Linux would present numerous significant advantages.

Firstly, integrating the Adobe Creative Cloud suite on Linux would vastly expand the potential user base. Linux, as an open-source operating system, is gaining popularity across various sectors including businesses, servers, data centers, and even home users. Providing access to powerhouse tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects on Linux would offer a comprehensive professional solution to Linux users, enhancing Linux's appeal in creative professional environments.

Secondly, the move to Linux could also offer technical advantages. Linux is renowned for its stability, security, and performance, making it an attractive choice for demanding production environments. Since macOS is based on BSD, a Unix-based architecture similar to Linux, porting Adobe Creative Cloud to Linux should theoretically be feasible. By providing optimized versions of its software for Linux, Adobe could leverage the technical similarities between macOS and Linux to deliver a smoother and more reliable user experience.

Additionally, Linux's open-source ecosystem fosters innovation and collaboration, potentially spurring the development of new features and enhancements for Adobe products.

Thirdly, Linux compatibility could cater to the needs of professionals working in heterogeneous environments. Many businesses use a mix of operating systems, including Linux, to meet various requirements. Offering Adobe Creative Cloud on Linux would streamline workflows and ensure seamless collaboration across different platforms, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

In conclusion, bringing Adobe Creative Cloud suite and its products to Linux would not only expand its reach but also leverage the technical advantages of the Linux platform while meeting the needs of diverse professional environments. This move could empower Linux users with the same powerful creative tools enjoyed by Windows and macOS users, fostering innovation and creativity across all operating systems.

Regards,

Angelus

[Peru Bob]

@Angelus187 

You aren't addressing the people who can make that happen.

[John T Smith]

Scroll up to my March 02 reply

[kglad]

@Angelus187 

all your points are irrelevant.

[Milton3866833885aa]

What versions of Linux do Adobe apps work best on?

[kglad]

adobe apps are not linux compatible.

[Deriathan]

Because people cant switch to Linux when their productivity software is not working there ...

[kglad]

i doubt adobe would change linux's market trajectory.

[guyb85148015]

The real issue is not just making Adobe  Creative Cloud available to run on Linux at present, but the future when it is said that four hundred million computers will have to be scrapped because of Windows 11 next year. Millions of those computers could be saved and most likely improved if converted to some form of Linux. Many of these computers will be in private hands by people who subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud. They will have little choice but to abandon Adobe in favour of some replacement. That will cost Adobe in immediate terms and limit further expansion. In short, it would be a bad business decision not to do it.

[kglad]

maybe.