Adobe Photoshop has been helping graphics designers with photo editing software for over two decades. Because of its updated and vast functions and tool availability, this application has been one of the most used ones even after all these years.
And whether you are a beginner or a pro, you must know how to use Photoshop for your work. However, this professional software does not really come for free.
Even though Adobe Photoshop offers a free 30-day trial for first-time users, sometimes, it’s just not enough. And people avoid purchasing subscription packages because they seem expensive to many. Yet, none of these issues has stopped people from using this software. But how?
Well, Photoshop is downloaded worldwide for free using illegal torrent versions. It has made the software more accessible to use and has been helping people to develop their graphics skills. And today, I will discuss Adobe Photoshop version 22 download.
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Adobe Photoshop: Main Features
Photoshop never stays the same because the developers constantly update its tools and features. Call it a hassle if you want, but these updates are adding more and more impressive features to the application.
As a result, you can perform simple to advanced-level editing tasks with Photoshop with more ease. Here are some impressive and commonly used features you will find in Photoshop.
- Layers
The Layer feature panel has several options. You can draw, create designs, align images or texts, or even merge them all independently here. The designer can get full control of this feature as required for editing.
- Color Channels
You can choose any color shade that you have in your photo from the color channel feature. Based on various settings modes, the color channel features can be different.
- Pen Tool
One of the handiest feature tools Photoshop offers is the Pen Tool. It works best if you want to create clipping paths or remove image backgrounds. Pen Tool offers flexibility and better control for editing various images.
- Selection Tool
Whether you need to make adjustments for image subjects or change backgrounds, you will always need the Selection Tool. It is easier to use and helps obtain more detailed results.
- Slice Tool
Snip your images into multiple slices to enhance them with the Slice Tool. Designers use this tool especially to make the images compatible with website qualities.
- Hue/Saturation
Richness and intensity make any image more vibrant and eye-catching. For making such adjustments, the Hue and Saturation features are essential.
- Retouching Tool
The Retouching Tool features several other essential tools such as Healing Tool, Stamp Tool, Red-Eye Tool, Patch Tool, etc. These tools and features play a vital role in removing imperfections or flaw from the image and enhancing it.
- 3D
Creating three-dimensional images has never been easier. Photoshop allows you to add multiple images or a series of photos from various sides to create a realistic 3D image.
Photoshop System Requirements
Now, Photoshop has two types of system requirements. One for Windows devices and another for MAC. And then, there are the minimum and recommended requirements. Here are two tables to help you understand the details.
For Windows
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909) or later, does not support LTSC versions | |
Processor | Intel® or AMD processor with 64-bit support, 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE 4.2 or later | |
RAM | 8GB | 16GB or Up |
Graphic Card | 1.5GB of GPU memory | 4GB of GPU memory, for 4K or greater displays |
GPU with DirectX 12 support | ||
Monitor Resolution | 1280 x 800 display (at 100% UI scaling)) | 1920 x 1080 display or greater (at 100% UI scaling) |
Internet | Internet connection and registration are required for subscription validation, software activation, and online service access. |
Photoshop For macOS
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating System | macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later | macOS Catalina (version 10.15) macOS Big Sur (version 11) |
Processor | Intel processor with 64-bit support, 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE 4.2 or later | |
RAM | 8GB | 16GB or more |
Graphic Card | 1.5 GB of GPU memory | 4GB of GPU memory, for 4K or greater displays |
GPU with Metal support | ||
Monitor Resolution | 1280 x 800 display (at 100% UI scaling) | 1920 x 1080 display or greater (at 100% UI scaling) |
Internet | Internet connection and its registration are required for subscription validation, software activation, and online service access. |
How To Download Adobe Photoshop
Not all users like using illegal versions because of the complications they come with. Good for them because downloading the legal or original version is more appropriate and hassle-free. So here are some ways to download Adobe Photoshop legally.
Check the Free Trial To Know Its Capacity
The good thing about downloading the Adobe Photoshop original version is that you get to avail yourself of a 7-day trial version before paying for subscriptions. That’s correct. You do not need to pay to use the trial version. But once it expires, Adobe will require you to purchase any of its subscription packages or subscription plans to continue using it.
This is how you can use Photoshop’s 7-day trial version.
- First, go to Adobe’s official website.
- If you already have an Adobe account, you can choose the Sign In or Login option.
Or, If you do not have an existing account, you can choose the Create an account option from the Sign In area.
- Then click on the Creative & Design panel on the menu bar to get the extended option. And select Photoshop from under the Featured Products option.
- Once the Photoshop page opens, you can see two options: Free trial and Buy now. Since you want to try the trial option, select Free Trial.
- Next, you will be asked to choose a plan. So check the given details before you select a suitable plan.
- Then, you will get a form to fill out with your name, country code, phone number, payment option, etc. After filling in the details, click on Agree and subscribe to accept the terms and conditions.
- After that, you can download the trial version and use it for the next 7 days.
- And if you do not want to use the paid version after the free trial, you can cancel the plan before the trial expires.
How To Download Adobe Creative Cloud Express
If you cannot decide on the Photoshop trial or paid plans, here is another option for you. The Adobe Creative Cloud Express is a part of Photoshop Analog, and you can use it online. The best part?
It is entirely free, but you can pay a subscription charge if you want to use the premium version. As for the free version, it will not give you the exact copied version of Photoshop, but you will find many handy tools and features here. The tools Adobe Creative Cloud Express offers are simpler and more manageable.
You will get some more essential functions, such as skin defect fix tools, basic retouching, filter application, background adjustments, removing unnecessary items, creating watermarks, etc. But there is a catch. It lacks layer and masking functions, which is a huge drawback for mid-level or professional designers.
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How To Use Photoshop Express App
In this era of using mobile for most tasks and simplifying everything, Adobe has done a great job keeping up. Adobe has developed a mobile application for Photoshop Express. Android or IOS, regardless of what your mobile device is, you can use this application with more ease.
Now, I must clarify that mobile applications and web applications are not the same. So it is best you know their differences so that you do not get confused between these two. Web applications offer a more extended range of functions, features, and tools. It has a more complicated user interface.
On the other hand, the Creative Cloud Express mobile application comes with a simple interface, and the tools are redesigned to make them more accessible. But don’t let that disappoint you because you can still get full access to Creative Cloud.
Another interesting part about this mobile application is that you do not need to pay any subscription charge to use it. You can use a variety of tools and features, edit the settings and share your edits on social media platforms directly from the app.
Downloading the application is pretty straightforward. Just go to your mobile’s app store and search Photoshop Express. Once you find it, download and install the free app on your phone.
These three options allow you to experience Photoshop and similar software and applications for editing photos. In this way, you can do pretty much everything without having to download any torrent version.
Adobe Photoshop Torrent Version: Main Risks
Obviously, no one wants to pay for something that they can get for free. Not only does it save you money, but it can also give you access to all premium tools and functions. That is why most people would dig deeper into the internet to find a free or torrent version.
However, even the free Photoshop application has its limit and comes with some costs. So make sure you the risk of downloading the Adobe Photoshop torrent version.
- No Updates
It is mandatory to update any software or application to ensure you have the latest version with all updated tools and settings. It helps you work more efficiently and without much hassle. But when you download a free or torrent version, you will not get an update.
It happens because downloading the software from a third-party disconnect it from its original source. Thus you will no longer be able to get any updates, and it can cause malfunctions.
- No Users Support
One of the major problems you face when you get a free version is that you no longer get user support. Downloading the application from Adobe will give you access to its user support system.
On the contrary, you do not get that access when you download it from an illegal source. So if you cannot find a tool, a system has crashed, if a tool is not working or the layers are acting up, you must rely on an unreliable source to find help.
- Program Crashing And Bugs
Of course, the legal and free versions will not be the same, no matter how much you think they are. While the legal version is coded originally by its developers, the torrents are coded by hackers. And what happens if these hackers miss any data element or write the wrong one?
The performance will never be the same. You will face bugging issues constantly. Moreover, the Photoshop program will keep crashing. So you will either have to get a paid version or a free version once again, along with all the risks.
- Virus Threat
There is no safety in your data or computer when you download something from an illegal site. That is because these sites do not always have valid authenticity. Thus, you expose yourself to something unknown and unpredictable, like a virus attack.
Trojan and Malware viruses are common threats for any devices that download things from third-party sites or applications. But that does not happen with legal versions because they are programmed to minimize the risk of virus attacks.
- Pop-Up Ads
Don’t you hate it when you are trying to focus on editing that requires a very precise cut but out of nowhere, you get a pop-up ad? That is the last thing any of us want in the middle of the task.
But you can do nothing about these ads, unnecessary notifications, and spamming when you use a pirated or torrent version. Legal Photoshop premium versions help you turn off the pop-ups and annoying ads interruption, something you cannot do with a free version.
- Legal Risks
And I have left off the worst one for the last. The existing law regarding software piracy is no game. You can face some mild to severe consequences if action is taken against you if found involved with illegal software involvements. You can face a judicial proceeding or a minimum $1000 fine. Now, do you think spending $1000 on a legal fine is better than purchasing a $20-$30 subscription?
Best 4 Free Adobe Photoshop Alternatives
Everyone wants the best software for editing images and Photoshop is precisely what one needs for a high-end editing touch. Unfortunately, not everyone has the capacity to afford subscription plans. Still, you will need something that offers maybe not the same but a similar editing experience.
So if a paid Photoshop version is not on your agenda and you do not want to get something illegal, you can look into the alternatives. Here are 4 such alternatives that you can use for free and that are safe. And for your convenience, I have also highlighted some pros and cons of these applications.
Photoshop Alternatives GIMP
After Photoshop, GIMP is pretty much the best alternative you will come across. GIMP, which stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, is an open-source photo editing program. It means you do not need to go through any trial or subscription system to get access to all its functions.
The reason GIMP is so popular among free application users is because of its function and user interface. They are pretty similar to Photoshop, which can easily give you a different vibe. But how about the tools and features it offers?
GIMP allows you to do anything from basic painting to expert-level image retouching. You can change and remove backgrounds, do color correction, use the brush tool, and selection tool, use various effects, etc. Moreover, you can convert images into various formats and edit texts.
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And GIMP also allows you to update it from time to time. Updating the application will modify the tools, kits, settings, and functions and change them to their latest version. And as though these are not enough, you can update these fully-functional applications without any cost.
Features
- Pain Tools (Pencil, Brush, Airbrush, Clone, etc.)
- Brush and Pattern customization
- Flip, Scale, Rotate, Crop
- Color Correction
- Text Layer edit
- Image converter
- Plug-in extends
Pros
- No annoying ads
- Advanced editing tools and functions
- Advanced user interface
- Open source application
- Can be updated without any cost
Cons
- Does not offer upgrades frequently
- Not beginner-friendly
- Freezes sometimes
Price: Free
Canva Photoshop Alternatives
If you are a blogger, designer, or social media person, or prefer exploring getting more creative with editing tools, you can use Canva. It is definitely the best go-to application for many people who like to work with more ease. But why is Canva so popular?
Because it has a style and the new generation loves working with it for the aesthetic vibe it shows. Besides, working with this application is not very complicated. Most people know how it works, making it widely used by designers. And that is not even the best part.
Another reason why Canva is so widely popular is that you do not need to have any prior experience to be a designer here. Why? Because Canva provides you with pretty much everything you need for creating a design. And that goes for designing posters, banners, videos, slides, presentations, etc. You can also edit images and texts using various customizing options.
And not only that. If you are brainstorming to create a banner, poster, or book cover, you can use Canva to find ideas and let your brain rest for some time. This application offers a wild range of canvases for you to create design or edit images. You only need to “drag and drop” whatever you need to add on the canvas. Could anything be simpler than that?
You must know that Canva has both free and paid versions. While the free version offers an excellent workspace, the paid or premium version offers even more dynamic options, tools, and functions.
Features
- Photo and video edit
- Image enhancement
- File converter
- Audio tracks
- 5GB storage capacity
Pros
- 25000+ free template
- Easy to use
- Simple drag and drop option
- A user-friendly design
- Free sample images are available
- Customizable
Cons
- The free version does not offer videos
- The free version does not offer access to many beautiful templates
- The search feature is a bit of a hassle
Price: Canva offers a free version. But to get full access, you must pay a $12.99/month or $119/year subscription charge.
Photoshop Alternatives Pixlr
Pixlr has been one of two frequent go-to photo editors for many years now. This photo editing software is cloud-based and suitable for anyone from beginners to pros. It offers quick and free photo editing tools and features for its users.
Though Pixlr is a free application for all and has plenty of amazing features, you can still choose to be its premium user. Why? Because the paid versions always offer more advanced features for higher-level editing tasks. If you are a professional designer, you will enjoy using the premium features.
Nevertheless, even the free version offers multiple features and tools that will allow you to remove or change backgrounds, change color, add filters and texts, image modifications, along with various other image enhancement tools.
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Another interesting tool Pixlr has is Overlay. To give the image an artistic, eye-catching, and unique appearance, you will find many cool overlays. And you can also align the overlays on various sides of the image according to your choice.
And now, Pixlr has two other versions called Pixlr X and Pixlr E. Pixlr E is mainly developed aiming for beginner editors or designers. On the other hand, Pixlr X is more advanced and suitable for expert editors.
Features
- Multiple design template
- Editing tools
- Background removal tools
- Photo enhancement tools
- Filters and Overlays
- Object removal and correction
Pros
- An excellent alternative to Photoshop
- Easy to use and control
- Comes with pre-made filters for convenience
- Suitable to resize images for social media platforms
- Available as a portable mobile application
- Has a customizable interface
Cons
- Distracting pop-up ads on the free version
- Understanding the tools and settings is confusing at first
- Has better alternatives
Price: Pixplr is generally a free application. But you can get a $4.90/month premium package, or you can pay $14.99/month for a more advanced package.
Photoshop Alternatives Lightroom
My second most-frequent go-to photo editing tool is Lightroom. Developed by Adobe, Lightroom is definitely one of the top-notch editing software for passionate users who take photo editing very seriously. You can edit, modify, and enhance any raw image with just one application.
One of the best features that Lightroom has is its color change, blending, and correction option. With a single tool, you can transform any dull image into a jaw-opening and awe-striking one. Many of its other options offer a similar and familiar vibe to the Photoshop application.
Lightroom also has multiple versions, such as Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic. Lightroom CC is what we know as the regular Lightroom application. It offers free access to its user without requiring any future trial or payment system. Most amateur and photo editing enthusiast prefers the free version, suitable for mobile and desktops.
On the other hand, Lightroom Classic is, just like its name, a classier version of the application. It has a more serious tone, a similar but advanced user interface, and offers more advanced tools.
This version is preferred by professional or expert designers because beginners can find it a bit more challenging. And, of course, you must pay a monthly subscription charge to get access to these features.
Features
- Adjustment brush
- Painters tools
- Photo presets and filters
- Customized appearance
- Crop and rotation
- Video editing
Pros
- Advanced-level free application
- Similar to Photoshop
- User-friendly interface
- Automatically sync photos to cloud storage
- Suitable for enhancing the image
- Available in mobile, tablet, and desktop versions
Cons
- Does not offer layer editing
- Takes a while to load on the PC
Price: You can use it regular version for free. But the premium version costs $9.99/month with 20GB of cloud storage. And you can get 1TB online storage with the package by paying an extra $10/month.
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Final Words
It is natural to go for Photoshop software for editing images because it is challenging to find something better. But getting access to the full version of this application legally is quite impossible. That is why many people look for alternatives like torrents.
But you must know that downloading the Photoshop torrent version is illegal and cause various malfunctions. That is why it is safer to either get a paid version of Photoshop or look for alternative free options. I believe the alternatives I mentioned in this article will help you find your go-to editing software.