Cross-Platform Downloads for Creative Cloud Apps?

[danfitejr]

I'm new to the Adobe system, and about to show my ignorance. I recently made the decision to switch from Mac to PC, and with that decision came the decision to finally upgrade from my long used Mac apps (Final Cut X, Motion, Pixelmator) to their Adobe counterparts in the Creative Cloud. My new computer won't come in for another couple of weeks, but I'd like to go ahead and start getting familiar with the program before I go off to school (I'm a student). With that, I was wondering if anyone knew if it was okay to go ahead and purchase a CC membership and download the apps onto my Mac desktop? Will I still be able to download them to my new Windows laptop when it comes in? Or should I wait? I went ahead and got trials for Lightroom and Premiere, since I have projects relevant to those applications that I can be practicing on. The trial only lasts for 7 days, though. I know that Adobe allows for downloads on 2 (or 3?) different machines once you purchase a membership, but are those downloads applicable across two different OS platforms?

Thanks in advance for your assistance. Glad to finally be an Adobe user.

[John Waller · Accepted solution]

1. Adobe Cloud apps can be installed on as many computers as you like, Mac and/or Windows,
2. You can only activate the installed apps on a maximum of two computers at any one time
3. You can only use one of the activated apps at  time

In short, you lose nothing by signing up now on Mac then switching to Windows later. But you can start learning the software on Mac then switch to Windows. It's 99.9% the same experience.

When your Windows computer arrives, you can leave the Cloud apps activated on the Mac or deactivate them (Help > Sign Out) if you want to free up an activation. Just remember that you've got a maximum of two activations to juggle.

[danfitejr]

Thank you! Like I said, showing my ignorance as the new kid on the block, I know it probably seems basic; I appreciate the help!

[resolutely juxtaposed]

I'm not sure I understand the answer. Could you please clarify further:

Can I have the apps on one Mac computer as well as one Windows computer and seamlessly toggle between them? Or is it more complicated than that?

Thank you!

[John Waller]

Can I have the apps on one Mac computer as well as one Windows computer and seamlessly toggle between them?

Yes.

Seamlessly toggling depends on the app you are using. Lightroom needs to be closed on one before opening on the other because it uses a catalog which is not designed for use by more than one computer at a time.

Can you advise more on what you mean by seamlessly toggling?

[resolutely juxtaposed]

Thank you for you speedy reply.

What I mean is: Can I go work on my Mac, quit out of programs and then go to my Windows and pick up where I left off?

[John Waller]

In short, Yes.

[resolutely juxtaposed]

I'm not sure I understand the answer. Could you please clarify further:

Can I have the apps on one Mac computer as well as one Windows computer and seamlessly toggle between them? Or is it more complicated than that?

Thank you!