Adobe Photoshop - Best Version

15 replies
Which Adobe Photoshop is best version for a beginner to learn to edit PSD? Before I make investment to purchases I need some recommendations.
#adobe #photoshop #version
  • Profile picture of the author AnimalSpirit
    Hey fgrimes,

    If you are low on the investment and you are just starting out then I would recommend CS3 or CS4. They are very similar and both have almost the same features that you can find in the latest version of CS5. If you are looking for the cheapest photoshop software then I would ask not which version to buy, but rather where to look for it. You can find many websites that sell this software for different prices. I would recommend to look around.

    Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author fgrimes
    I just found out I can purchase C5 for a really big discount. There are many discounts for students and faculty check this link out. JourneyEd.com - Academic Software Discounts!
    If I didn't have the option to purchase on discount than I would buy the older version. I have often wondered about the differences in the versions. You clarified it.

    Thanks for providing me some direction.
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    • Profile picture of the author jbyte
      Used cs3 and now using cs5, I do not think there is a correct version for a beginner since it's an advanced piece of software anyways.

      There is a trial for the latest version, I think it's for 30 days. That should provide enough time to determine if you can use it.
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  • Profile picture of the author fgrimes
    That is also some good advice to use the trial. I am thinking of taking a class since you indicated it is advanced piece of software.
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    • Profile picture of the author jbyte
      You may not need a class to actually use the software, you might if you want to do learn design techniques.
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      • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
        Just a thought from an old programmer/designer - You can get earlier versions for a song at places like ebay. I've been using PS 5.5 for years - personally and professionally. It's fairly easy to use, and it does everything I've needed as far as web design, banners, print graphics, I could go on and on.

        I still use it because I know it, and can be productive (quick) with it. I can easily design webpage layouts, use those layouts to create all the graphics for the page, and I can clean up/edit hundreds of photos in no time flat (I used to do all of this stuff for a living).

        I have a copy of CS3, and I'm sure it's a better program than 5.5, but I can already be eminently productive with 5.5, and it would take awhile for me to get up to speed w/CS3. It's a bit more complicated.

        joe
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  • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
    When I first started learning the ropes I used the more affordable Photoshop Elements. Now I run CS5 because there are several features I needed.

    CS5 is a great piece of software and really is worth the extra dough. You can also try learning the ropes of digital editing by downloading GIMP for free--but do keep in mind that it has a different workflow.
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  • Profile picture of the author christopher jon
    I'm still using Photoshop CS and love it.

    I had upgraded as far as CS3 but I didn't care for the changes all that much and to be honest I didn't need any of them. No point buying expensive updates that I'm not going to use and don't need.

    If you're broke, buy a used copy of the oldest version ( CS and up ) that your OS supports or pick up photoshop express. It'll do everything you need it to do and it's far far far cheaper. It's something like $80 compared to whatever photoshop is going for these days, a couple hundred I'm sure.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gail Sober
    I bought version 5 on Ebay a while back really cheap. Had to since I lost my hard drive and my version 7 was an upgrade so had to put 5 on 1st.

    V.7 does pretty much anything I need to do (5 did too!)

    Then again, GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program looks like it will edit psd files also and it's free. Similar to photoshop.
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  • Profile picture of the author txconx
    Really, it depends on what you plan on doing with it and how much time you plan to spend on mastering the finer points.

    I had Photoshop 7 on my computer for years and never really learned how to use it - just enough to be dangerous. I have since learned how to use it and have upgraded all my Adobe software to CS5, which I'm loving.

    I suggest the free 30-day trial before you buy. GIMP drove me crazy, primarily because I was used to Photoshop - IMO, PS is a lot easier.
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  • Profile picture of the author Casper C
    CS5 is a thing of beauty. Learn to use it and you will be unstoppable.
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  • Profile picture of the author iuditg
    CS 5 is awesome !! The new updates owns hard
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  • Profile picture of the author seoinkent
    if you just want to do stuff to do with web design, then nothing wrong with good old Photoshop 7, yup we dont need HDR lalala, infact I found cs5 too bloated for my needs. And why we are at it, forget dreamweaver, use notepad, its free, ok Notepad ++ and Xampp. Yup so photoshop 7 is my fav!!
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    • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
      Originally Posted by seoinkent View Post

      if you just want to do stuff to do with web design, then nothing wrong with good old Photoshop 7, yup we dont need HDR lalala, infact I found cs5 too bloated for my needs. And why we are at it, forget dreamweaver, use notepad, its free, ok Notepad ++ and Xampp. Yup so photoshop 7 is my fav!!
      Big fan of Notepad ++ myself!

      Then again, GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program looks like it will edit psd files also and it's free. Similar to photoshop.
      Everybody I know that's used Gimp loves it - If you aren't already used to PS, it might be a good solution for you. And like Gail said, it's free!
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      • If you are a student, you can't beat Adobe's academic licensing.

        A few months ago, I picked up Adobe Creative Suite 5 Production Premium for $449.00 (plus S/H). The academic version contains the same features and allows you to upgrade in the future.

        It's a great deal.
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