What macOS to use with CS5 software?

[Marie0D4D]

Hi! I have a mid-2012 macbook pro on which I'm running CS5 versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I've had some major issues with preformance, but I've gotten it to the point where the programs mostly work without any issues, save one. Every time I quit the program, I get a window that pops up saying that it "unexpectedly quit" even though I told it to quit. Looking through the forums here, it looks like it probably has to do with the version of MacOS that I'm running. I'm currently running 10.14.4 Mojave. My main question is if I have to revert to an older version of MacOS, what would be the best version for me to look for? 

Like I said, the programs mostly work, so if it isn't possible to get the right version of macOS I don't think it'll completely ruin me. One thing I've noticed is that the programs run much better if I'm not connected to the internet while I'm using them. That probably has more to do with the computer using less RAM though. Any tips anyone has for helping me to run the programs better would be appreciated!  

[Woodley43]

First remark: I have difficulties to believe, that you efficiently can handle the CS5 suite on a mid 12 MacBook Pro. I need a 27" fast, well equipped iMac plus a 27" (max RAM, SSD etc) plus a second monitor to work with the Adobe CS. The Adobe programs occasionally heat up the processor, which is heard on newer MacBooks or iMacs. I overheated the processor of my 2016  iMac when routinely batch processing 50 raw files... (the newer models have progressive cooling which can be heard, while very warm air is blown ou in the back).

Second remark: after MacOS 10.14 (Mojave), Apple discontinued to support 32 bit programs, such as Adobe CS4-CS6. Therefore, with Catalina (10.15) Adobe CS users were forced to rent the (rather expensive) 64 bit CreativeCloud suite.

Third remark: Never update your McBook Mac OS to Catalina (10.15.X), too many things go wild. In my case I had to "Clean Install" 2 MacBooks (early 2013, late 2018) plus a iMac (2017) in my family. The apparently more stable system MacOS Big Sur can only be installed for MacBooks mid 2013 and later.

Good luck

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Hi @Marie0D4D:

Here are the system requirements for CS5—released in 2010. Note that CS5 has long since reached end of life, meaning Adobe no longer offers any support.

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

~Barb 

[Pickory]

I use Snow Leopard, 10.6 for CS 4, 5, 5.5 and 6.

P.