I have an old macOS version. How can I install and use Adobe Creative Cloud?

[f1_2025]

Hiya

I have an old macOS version which is incompatible with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud.

I have macOS 10.11.6 El Capitan 2015.

Apple does not support any more OS ugrades to my laptop - so I'm stuck with it.

Is there any way to work around this? Are there any earlier versions of Adobe Creative Cloud that will work with my macOS 10.11.6 El Capitan 2015?

I need it to use Indesign.

Appreciate any help and advice!! 

[kglad]

nothing easy.  you need a closer to current computer to meet specs, https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html

ie, the easiest thing is to purchase a near-current computer.

[Ben M]

Mac OS Sierra is the version after El Capitan and required a Mac from 2009 or later. This means your computer is at the very 16 years old. Even an entry level, last year's model, or used Mac from recent years will greatly outperform your current computer and allow you to run the latest version of Adobe software. I would recommend upgrading your computer.

[Nancy OShea]

Afraid not. It's fair to say that what you have now is a doorstop shaped like a computer.  

Time to get new equipment.

Make sure your new computer meets the minimum CPU & GPU requirements. Most Creative Cloud apps work on these systems, no more than 2 versions back:

• Windows 11 (64-bit) versions 24H2, 23H2; Windows 10 versions 22H2, 21H2;
• MacOS 26 (Tahoe), 15 (Sequoia), 14.7 (Sonoma).

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

- https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/system-requirements.html

Happy shopping!

[Nancy OShea]

You'll get a lot more bang for your bucks with a Windows PC. 

Apple forces you to upgrade whether you want to or not. Windows is more forgiving that way.

[ExUSA]

I'll disagree with this as someone who uses both Mac and Windows daily. Get a Mac mini (starting at US $509 direct from Apple's refurb store) and you'll be fine.

As for forced upgrades, maybe someone missed the whole Windows 11 saga?

[Nancy OShea]

Apple's decision to end support for Rosetta 2 is going to adversely impact Mac users who rely on legacy apps & add-ons. Do some diligent research before you invest in new equipment & operating systems. Understand not just your current needs & budget, but what you'll likely need 5 years from now. 

[ExUSA]

Developers have embraced the move to Apple Silicon, its been five years now. This is not the first transition (16 to 32-bit, 68k to PowerPC to Intel to Apple Silicon, Classic Mac OS to OS X) and Apple customers will be just fine.

Macs hold their value better than Wintel systems, too.

If someone bought a Windows PC five years ago, it might well be unable to upgrade to Windows 11. So, yeah.

[Nancy OShea]

Regardless of flavor, every computer depreciates 15% the moment we exit the store, and further depreciates annually based on standard accounting methods, until the unit has to be replaced. 

Most consumer users are not buying PCs or Macs with the intent to resell them later. Instead, we use them until they no longer serve our needs and then recycle & replace. 

[kglad]

it's unanimous.