Adobe “Essentials” for Long-Time Users

[stevehall]

Adobe “Essentials” for Long-Time Users

Subject: Proposal for Adobe “Essentials” Versions of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign

Dear Adobe Team,

I have been an Adobe customer for decades and continue to use Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign almost daily on a part time basis. I’m 73 years old and semi-retired, but I still design logos, ads, brochures, and identities for national and local clients. Adobe remains the clear pathway for producing professional files for print and advertising.

My challenge is that Creative Cloud has become increasingly focused on AI, social media, and features I don’t use. At this stage of my career, I don’t need every update or the full Creative Cloud suite. What I value most is stability, file compatibility, and the essential tools I’ve used for years.

I would like to suggest that Adobe consider releasing “Essentials” versions of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign:

• Core tools only – logo, layout, photo editing, type, and print prep.
• No AI, social, or cloud extras – just the essentials that made Adobe great.
• Lower cost – affordable for semi-retired designers, educators, and hobbyists who want to stay in the Adobe ecosystem but don’t need every advanced feature.

This would help long-time loyal users like me continue with Adobe, rather than being forced to look at alternatives with steep learning curves like Affinity Suite. It would also allow Adobe to retain a community of older professionals who still advocate for your products.

Thank you for considering this idea. I hope Adobe can offer an “Essentials” path for those of us who want to stay in the family, even as our professional needs and budgets change.

Sincerely,
Steve Hall

 [Personal information removed by moderator.]

[rebadler]

I agree with Steve. I am newly retired, and want to continue using some of the Adobe products but far less than when I was a professional working person. I would love to see a "retiree" type of plan that is lower cost and just has essential tools so that we can continue using them for our volunteer or community work.

[stevehall]

I agree with Rebadler. He is right about the transition in retirement from paid work to volunteer or community work. Probably half my time is spent on work for my church and community.

[kglad]

this is unlikely to gain traction.