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A
arbor123
Known Participant
May 6, 2019
Answered

What happens to Photoshop when you stop paying.

  • May 6, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 5190 views

I understand that with LIGHTROOM, when you stop paying, it is still reasonably functional (you can import photos, browse your catalog, etc.), but I cannot find out what happens to Photoshop when you pull the plug.  Does the software just not open at all?  Can you work on a photo but not save it?  Does Bridge work at all?  I am well aware that the image files are MINE, and will not disappear, and I lose the cloud storage..

Adobe is very clear about explaining what happens to Lightroom, but for the life of me, I cannot find similar information on the Adobe website, or anywhere via a Google search.

I will probably pay Adobe for the rest of my life, but I teach classes, and students always ask, "What happens when you stop paying."

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler
    or does it refuse to open?

    There may be a grace period but in effect it will stop opening.

    you MIGHT be able to open the files (PSD)

    I think that referred to other applications (like Gimp) being able to open and edit psd-files (Edit: Though some features may be lost when editing psd files in other applications).

    4 replies

    A
    arbor123Author
    Known Participant
    May 6, 2019

    While a few people have replied to my initial question, no one has answered the question:  What happens to Photoshop when you stop paying.  Per my original question, I KNOW the original picture files are mine and do not disappear.  But does Photoshop retain any functionality at all (a la Lightroom), or does it refuse to open?  Someone speculated that "you MIGHT be able to open the files (PSD)."But does anyone know for sure?  And what happens to Bridge?

        Maybe we can find a guinea pig who will stop paying, making the ultimate sacrifice, and then report back to us in 99 days.

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 6, 2019
    or does it refuse to open?

    There may be a grace period but in effect it will stop opening.

    you MIGHT be able to open the files (PSD)

    I think that referred to other applications (like Gimp) being able to open and edit psd-files (Edit: Though some features may be lost when editing psd files in other applications).

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    May 6, 2019

    Lightroom is the exception (this is the first I heard of this generosity from Adobe). So far as I know, all the other products simply refuse to open. For some, like Photoshop, you might be able to open the files (PSD). For others, like InDesign, you are stuck unless or until you resubscribe.

    John Waller
    Community Expert
    John WallerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 6, 2019

    Adobe is very clear about explaining what happens to Lightroom

    Mainly because Lightroom is a non-destructive editor with a Library. All edits, keywords and metadata are stored inside the catalog or a sidecar file.

    People who have accumulated years of edits and added years of metadata would be rightly ticked off if they could not access their edited files (originals plus editing instructions in the LR catalog) when they stop subscribing. Hence limited access is still available.

    Photoshop stores its layers and adjustments in the PSD file so any software which can read the PSD will allow you to continue editing that file. So you don't need to access Photoshop to continue your edits.

    gener7
    Community Expert
    gener7Community Expert
    Community Expert
    May 6, 2019

    This should help: Can I still use the software if I stop paying for it?

    Your files are kept on your local drive, and are not part of the software. However, your layered files are not editable in software that do not offer Photoshop's features.

    For example you can't adjust an effect that your alternate software does not have.

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 6, 2019
    Your files are kept on your local drive, and are not part of the software.

    But one should maybe also keep the Library files in mind.

    gener7
    Community Expert
    gener7Community Expert
    Community Expert
    May 6, 2019

    c.pfaffenbichler  wrote

    Your files are kept on your local drive, and are not part of the software.

    But one should maybe also keep the Library files in mind.

    Good point.

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