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December 26, 2013
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How to install CS5 Windows on a Mac? [was:Question]

  • December 26, 2013
  • 1 reply
  • 502 views

I purchased the Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended and Adobe InDesign CS5 about two years ago.  At the time I was using a PC laptop.   My software arrived with books and CD's for downloading.  I now have a MacBook Air and would like to load my software onto this machine.  My Mac does not have a CD rom slip.  I was wondering if I can download the software from my Adobe account somehow using the same serial numbers for the products, without being re-charged for the products?  I'm the same owner, just upgrading to a newer computer.  Does anyone have a good solution for me?  I am not a computer wiz.  The Mac is a learning curve for me also.  The hardware on my MacBook Air can accommodate the programs.  Not sure of the best way to do this.

Is there also a way to have Adobe Flash on a Mac?  I've noticed many web sites won't pull up full content on my Mac due to it not having Adobe Flash.  Does Adobe now offer a solution for this?

Thanks so much!

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Correct answer John Waller

I was wondering if I can download the software from my Adobe account somehow using the same serial numbers for the products, without being re-charged for the products?

Sadly, your Windows CS5 serial number is tied to the Windows operating system. It will not work on a Mac.

There is a platform swap process (to swap from Windows to Mac and vice versa) but it only applies to CS6.

http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/order-product-platform-language-swap.html

Your options:

  1. Upgrade to CS6 for Mac (known as a crossgrade). You can use your CS5 Win to qualify to upgrade to CS6 Mac.
    http://www.adobe.com/products/catalog/cs6._sl_id-contentfilter_sl_catalog_sl_software_sl_creativesuite6.html
  2. Join the Cloud and pay a monthly membership fee. Cloud membership entitles you to install the software on Mac and/or Windows. You're not tied to a specific operating system.
    http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud/buying-guide.html

1 reply

John Waller
Community Expert
John WallerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 26, 2013

I was wondering if I can download the software from my Adobe account somehow using the same serial numbers for the products, without being re-charged for the products?

Sadly, your Windows CS5 serial number is tied to the Windows operating system. It will not work on a Mac.

There is a platform swap process (to swap from Windows to Mac and vice versa) but it only applies to CS6.

http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/order-product-platform-language-swap.html

Your options:

  1. Upgrade to CS6 for Mac (known as a crossgrade). You can use your CS5 Win to qualify to upgrade to CS6 Mac.
    http://www.adobe.com/products/catalog/cs6._sl_id-contentfilter_sl_catalog_sl_software_sl_creativesuite6.html
  2. Join the Cloud and pay a monthly membership fee. Cloud membership entitles you to install the software on Mac and/or Windows. You're not tied to a specific operating system.
    http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud/buying-guide.html