How to Get Photoshop for Free

You want Photoshop power without the hit to your wallet. Totally fair. Here’s the good news—there are legit ways to use Adobe Photoshop free for a short time, plus free apps and pro‑level alternatives that cover a lot of ground. And if you end up loving the real thing, you can use Fetch Points to turn everyday receipts into free gift cards that cover your subscription.

This guide breaks down every option that actually works today, what’s free vs. paid, and how to pick the path that fits your project and budget.

Quick answer

• Yes, you can try Photoshop free for 7 days through Adobe’s official trial.
• Photoshop Express on iOS and Android is free with basic tools.
• There’s no permanent free desktop Photoshop from Adobe.
• Great free alternatives exist like Photopea, GIMP, Krita, Pixlr.
• Cheapest paid path is Adobe’s Photography plan billed annually.
• Use Fetch Points to redeem gift cards and cover or offset your plan.

Is there a way to Photoshop for free?

Short answer—yes, with limits. Adobe offers a real, full‑featured trial, and there are free tools with Photoshop‑like features. What you choose depends on your deadline and how deep you need to go:

• Adobe Photoshop 7‑day free trial on desktop
• Photoshop Express mobile app with core edits free
• Adobe Express free plan for quick designs and light photo edits
• Photopea in your browser for PSDs and layers free with ads
• GIMP for pro‑grade editing free and open source
• Krita for painting and illustration free
• Pixlr for fast web edits free with ads

Heads up: Avoid cracked installers or “lifetime” downloads. They’re risky, illegal, and often packed with malware.

Which Photoshop version is free?

There isn’t a permanently free desktop Photoshop from Adobe. Here’s what’s actually free and what changed recently.

• Photoshop desktop: Free for 7 days with Adobe’s official trial
• Photoshop on the web: Included with paid plans, not free
• Photoshop Express: Free mobile app with optional premium add‑ons
• Adobe Express: Free plan for templates, quick edits, social graphics

Adobe’s lineup shifts over time, so check Adobe’s site for the latest details and pricing in your region.

Is it possible to install Adobe Photoshop for free?

Yes, for a limited time through the official trial. That’s the safe, legal route if you need full Photoshop for a week.

• Go to Adobe’s Photoshop page and choose Start free trial.
• Create or sign in to your Adobe account.
• Pick a plan, then install the Creative Cloud app and Photoshop.
• Cancel within 7 days if you don’t want to be charged.

If you only need quick fixes, skip the install and use Photopea in your browser or Photoshop Express on your phone.

What is the cheapest way to get Adobe Photoshop?

If you need ongoing access, Adobe’s Photography plan is usually the lowest price and includes Lightroom. Pair that with Fetch Points and your out‑of‑pocket cost can shrink fast.

• Photography plan: Photoshop + Lightroom at a lower monthly price
• Annual billing: Costs less per month than month‑to‑month
• Student and teacher discount: Big break on the All Apps plan
• Promos: Adobe runs limited‑time offers during peak seasons
• Fetch Points: Redeem for gift cards to cover your subscription

Prices vary by region and change often. Always confirm current pricing on Adobe’s site before you commit.

The totally free alternatives to Photoshop

If your project doesn’t require Photoshop specifically, these tools are excellent. Many open PSDs, support layers, and handle pro workflows.

• Photopea: Browser‑based, opens PSD, supports smart objects and text
• GIMP: Desktop app for macOS, Windows, Linux with advanced tools
• Krita: Fantastic for drawing, painting, concept art
• Pixlr: Quick web edits, filters, retouching
• Paint.NET: Lightweight editor for Windows
• Canva or Adobe Express: Templates, social graphics, light edits

Tip: If you’re collaborating with Photoshop users, Photopea often plays nicest with PSD files.

Use Fetch to turn everyday receipts into Photoshop

Photoshop is powerful. Paying for it doesn’t have to sting. With Fetch, you earn Fetch Points on the stuff you already buy. Then you redeem those points for gift cards that can cover your Adobe bill or the app store you use to subscribe.

How it works at a glance

• Download Fetch and create your free account.
• Snap every receipt—grocery, gas, restaurant, online.
• Earn Fetch Points automatically, plus bonuses on featured brands.
• Redeem for free gift cards for Apple, Google Play, Visa, and more.
• Use the gift card to pay for your Adobe subscription.

Example: Redeem your Fetch Points for a $10 gift card, apply it to your Adobe plan, and your monthly cost just dropped. Keep snapping and those points add up.

Step by step: Cover your first month of Photoshop with Fetch Points

1. Download Fetch.
2. Open Fetch and snap your first receipt to start earning.
3. Check the Discover tab for big point-earning offers you can redeem.
4. Link your email and Amazon to catch eReceipts for more points.
5. Hit your goal—say 12,000 points—and redeem for a gift card.
6. Apply the gift card to Adobe or your app store and pay your bill.
7. Keep snapping receipts to cover next month, too.

Pro move: Set a monthly points goal inside Fetch. Watching that number climb is a little addictive in the best way.

Tips to maximize your free window

Want to wring every drop from your 7‑day trial or your free tools? Try these:

• Batch your work: Plan edits, gather assets, clear time before you start.
• Learn fast: Use Adobe’s in‑app tutorials on day one.
• Use cloud docs: Sync files so you can switch devices.
• Save smart: Export layered PSD and a flattened backup.
• Bridge tools: Start in Photopea or GIMP for prep, finish in the trial.

When you really do need “real” Photoshop

Some jobs want full Photoshop. Here’s how to keep it affordable without sacrificing features.

• Pick the Photography plan if you don’t need All Apps.
• Choose annual billing to lower the monthly price.
• Use Fetch Points to offset the cost month after month.
• Watch for seasonal promos on Adobe’s site.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Downloading cracks: Malware risk, no updates, legal trouble
• Forgetting to cancel: Set a reminder before the 7‑day trial ends
• Ignoring mobile: Photoshop Express can handle quick wins fast
• Skipping receipts: Those missed snaps are missed points

FAQs on Photoshop and free alternatives

Is Photoshop free for students?

Photoshop isn’t free, but students and teachers can get a discounted Creative Cloud All Apps plan. The price changes by region and time of year. Verify your academic status with Adobe to unlock it.

How long is the Photoshop free trial?

7 days. You get the full desktop app during the trial. If you don’t want to be charged, cancel before the 7th day ends.

Is Photopea safe to use?

Photopea is widely used and runs in your browser. It shows ads on the free tier. As with any online tool, avoid uploading sensitive images if privacy is a concern. Consider the premium ad‑free version if you use it often.

Can I use Photoshop on iPad for free?

Photoshop on iPad requires a paid subscription after any trial. For free mobile edits, try Photoshop Express on iOS or Android.

Does Photoshop have AI features in the trial?

Yes, the desktop trial includes current Photoshop features at the time you install. Some AI tools use credits and are tied to your plan. Adobe updates this often.

Can I buy Photoshop once and own it forever?

No. Adobe moved to subscriptions. If you need a one‑time purchase editor, consider Affinity Photo, though it’s not free. For free, try GIMP or Photopea.

What file types can the free alternatives open?

Photopea opens PSD, XD, Sketch, and more. GIMP opens PSD with limitations. Krita handles PSD and many painting formats. Always test your files before a big deadline.

Photoshop can be free when you use Fetch

You’ve got options. Use the 7‑day trial for full power. Lean on Photopea, GIMP, or Photoshop Express for zero‑cost edits. When you’re ready to commit, the Photography plan is often the cheapest door in—and your Fetch Points can handle a big chunk of the bill. Download Fetch, keep snapping receipts, keep earning rewards, and keep creating.