Mac OS versions that will run CS5

[Daniel Karaczun]

I bought a new computer in 2017 and have continuously upgraded to 10.15 and wish I hadn't. What is the latest version of the Mac OS that is 100% compativle with CS 5 on any Mac?

[Akash Sharma · Accepted solution]

Hi there,

Here's the system requirements for Photoshop CS5: https://www.adobe.com/store/en_us/popup/software/photoshop5extended/systemreqs.html

For more info, see https://helpx.adobe.com/in/photoshop/kb/photoshop-and-macos-catalina.html#Arelegacyorperpetualversio...

Thanks,

Akash

[D Fosse]

It ran under Mojave, but with issues and some workarounds may be required. Catalina is out of the question.

[jimtgleeson]

You speak true. My current Mac is running Mojave and I can run my CS5 Creative Suite on it. Illustrator occasionally crashes, and has a hard time turning images into .png's, but it is doable. I have an old alien trash can mac 2013 and still runs the software decently.

[Derek Cross]

You might consider upgrading to Photoshop CC2020 to match your new computer and its OS.

The newer versions have a number of useful new features.

The Photography Plan costs just $10 a month and includes Photosho updates as they become available and Lightroom.

[Susan1674]

So, yeah that's an option. Issue for me is every few years I would spring for the full suite, beginning at ground zero. They cost thousands to get all of the apps needed to design what I wanted.

The last suite I purchased was CS5 and as a pragmatic consumer, dad taught me to make things last. Why would anyone buy something that will be unable to work in the near future? 

When I purchased the suite(s), there was never any talk about phasing out the CDs and changing over to a monthly subscription rental. In order to use the fully purchased software I can only use an older computer.

Adobe should offer a program to those of us who plopped down thousands and thousands in their company under the reasonable assumption there would be updates, but not full conversions from ownership to renting. 

This also happens with Quickbooks too. 

And Apple's sales pitch of extremely pricey G5 Towers which will allow for future expansion. After buying three towers under the guise of future expand-ability, Apple no longer pushes this story.  It's called false advertising. Or it is simply changes in technology which should not punish the consumer. 

[D Fosse]

You're missing a major part of this equation: the environment is constantly changing. That's why software stops working after a while, and why "perpetual" licenses aren't perpetual at all.

In fact, a subscription model is by far the best way to deal with this, as it provides running updates at no extra cost, keeping the customers current at all times.

I suggest you work out the numbers over time. You'll see that subscription is cheaper and more efficient overall.

[Victor38838873egns]

It still works with High Sierra.

I moomentarily upgraded my Mid-2015 MBP to Big Sur 3 years ago but software incompatibilities made me revert to High Sierra.