How to Get Photoshop CS6 for Free

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  • License: Free Trial
  • Downloads: 44k
  • Version: CS6
  • Compatible: Windows, Mac OS
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Want to use Photoshop without paying for a $10-month subscription? Let’s find out how to get Photoshop CS6 for free outright, as well as the secret dangers of cracked Ps versions, review the best free Photoshop CS6 alternatives and download free Ps actions or overlays.

Unfortunately, Adobe Company has completely refused to create the products of CS line-up recently. The only exception is CS2.

Today, it is impossible to download Photoshop CS 6 full version for free without breaking a law. The only way to get the desired software which I can recommend is to buy a license version on eBay.

As a result, you will get an official program. Of course, it is not supported by developers but, anyway doesn't have any bugs which you can come across in pirate versions.

adobe photoshop cs6 interface

Don’t jump to conclusions that there is no way to get free, officially supported Photoshop version. I have prepared several useful tips on how to get free Photoshop without compromising on important image editing functions.

Photoshop CS6 Free Benefits:

  • An extensive state-of-the-art toolkit
  • Unmatched picture post-processing capabilities
  • Copes well with the editing of various picture formats
  • Simple rendering of business quality pictures
  • Multi-purpose
  • Capable of editing videos or animation layers
  • Effortless transfer of files across different programs

FAQ

What is Photoshop CS6?

This Photoshop version was released back in 2012 and was not part of the Creative Cloud. But it was part of the Creative Suite and could be purchased via a one-time payment without a subscription.

What distinguishes Photoshop CS6 from its earlier versions is almost identical similarity even with Photoshop 2024, with the exception of some modern features. Therefore, CS6 is suitable for use even in 2024.

Can I Use Photoshop CS6 Free?

At the moment, Adobe has completely stopped supporting the CS6 version, and it isn’t possible to download it from the official website. Don’t fall for the trick of sites that offer to download Photoshop CS6 cracks. Downloading such a program may lead to numerous problems with your PC.

How Much Does Photoshop CS6 Cost?

You can still find Photoshop CS6 on Amazon and eBay. They are usually sold by people who purchased the boxed version of the program at the time of its release in 2012. Its price was about $720.

Are There Discounts on Photoshop CS6?

Yes, but only for the latest version of Photoshop CC. You can get a 35% to 60% discount on the Photography Plan or All Apps Plan subscription. I also suggest you pay attention to Photoshop student discounts, which will help you save 60% on all Adobe programs.

Photoshop CS6 Pirate Version

As I have mentioned earlier, there is no free and legal Photoshop CS 6 at the moment. Photoshop portable isn’t an official software too.

But let's imagine a situation that you have downloaded a pirate copy of the software from torrent resources and are reading this article. What are the consequences of such Adobe CS 6 download and what should you expect?

1. Start Looking for a Good Lawyer

5 largest US providers - Verizon, AT & T, Cablevision, Comcast and Time Warner – several years ago introduced a system to fight against the illegal distribution of copyrighted materials on the web. The reason was simple - the growing use of illegal software.

Do you want to know what threatens you can face? The first thing is a warning from the provider. Further, most likely, your access to the Internet will be blocked. Next, you will receive a letter about the trial. And as it often happens, you will be forced to pay a $1,000 fine.

2. Ask Google for the Nearest Repair Center

Are you familiar with viruses? So, I must disappoint you that pirate software and viruses are inseparable. In other words, the probability of infecting your PC is higher than ever.

The answer is simple. When a hacker cracks the source code, he/she gets full access to it, which means he/she can inject the virus into it.

3. You Have to Get Used to Bugs

Earlier, I wrote that pirate software implies editing of the source code. As it often happens - hackers are not entirely attentive to details, which means there is a possibility of deleting the wrong element, and as a result, the program cannot perform necessary action.

4. There Are no Updates

If you have ever used illegal softwares, then you probably know that the main difference of the pirate version from the legal one is the lack of updates. The software you download will be permanently disconnected from the network, which means you will not receive any updates.

Free Photoshop CS6 Similar Versions

If you wish to use Photoshop CS6 free or its other versions without paying, there are several ways of how you can do it.

Photoshop CS6 Free Online

photoshop cs6 online logo
Pros+
  • The web version is efficient and straightforward
  • A toolset for professional picture retouching
  • The picture editor is a go-to option for novices and owners of slow PCs
Cons-
  • Unstable operation
  • Adobe Flash Player is required

Some enthusiasts and beginners are afraid of working in Photoshop because of complicated operation and plenty of functions that require a lot of time to learn. If you are one of them but still want to keep up to the progress and look for the same powerful tools, then pay attention to this program.

It has a simpler interface and tools which are regulated by sliders. Is there anything easier? Moreover, this program has fewer requirements for the operating system.

Photoshop Express Editor

photoshop express editor logo
Mac App Store
download for windows
Pros+
  • May be used offline
  • A version for a smartphone or tablet
  • Multiple tools for color correction
Cons-
  • Few tools for picture retouching
  • Slow operation

Do you often work on a smartphone or tablet? Why not use it for image editing? Photoshop Express Editor is designed not only for PCs and browsers. You can also use it on your smartphone, even without access to the Internet.

Anyway, it can perform basic image editing, edit GIF and RAW files, apply filters or various effects, add watermarks or design various banners.

You can do all this using a mobile application. It is interesting to note that the mobile version supports Creative Cloud, which means that you can sync with Photoshop CC 2024 and transfer photos between them.

Photoshop Free Trial

photoshop cc trial logo
Pros+
  • Unrestricted access to the functionality and capabilities for seven days
  • Access Adobe Lightroom CC
  • Access to Creative Cloud storage
Cons-
  • Very short trial
  • Payment is required after seven days of trial

Are you looking for free Photoshop CC 2024? I mean a trial version which most users consider as a program with limited functionality. You are definitely mistaken if you also think so.

Adobe Company developed a unique system. It allows using the software for seven days to see how this program differs from available alternatives. In other words, you can enjoy completely legal Photoshop functionality for free without any limits.

Free Photoshop CS6 Alternatives

Look through these photo editors that are free Photoshop alternatives in terms of basic photo retouching. You may download them for free and edit photos almost in the same way as Photoshop offers.

1. Paint Net

paint net photo editor
Pros+
  • User-friendly
  • Good enough for a basic image editing
  • Plenty of tools for digital drawing
  • Open source code
Cons-
  • Doesn’t work on Linux and Mac OS platforms

Paint Net is the best free raster graphics editor for Windows with open source. The program has a very simple interface and powerful, well-developed tools.

The main actions you can do are basic photo editing, color correction and a variety of drawing tasks: different adjustable sliders and colors in photos, masks and layers, brushes, effects, and filters.

All in all, Paint Net is a universal option for novice photographers or amateurs who do not need the software with various photo retouching functions.

2. GIMP

gimp photo editor
Pros+
  • Open source code
  • Optimized for weak PC
  • The interface is similar to Photoshop
  • Allows doing professional picture retouching
Cons-
  • Can’t perform professional color correction

GIMP will be the best alternative if you have Linux operating system. To begin with, GIMP is a multi-featured open source graphics editor.

Its interface and functionality are similar to Photoshop. There are many tools for image editing and color correction, text options, masks, layers, brushes, and various effects.

If the open source software doesn't inspire you, you probably don't know about the possibility to add a function or a tool manually. Moreover, you can fix the bug that you have found, without waiting for various updates.

The main disadvantage is that you cannot use full GIMP version for Mac OS. Only the browser version is available, but it is paid.

3. Fotor

fotor online photo editor
Pros+
  • User-friendly interface
  • A large number of seasonal decorative elements
  • Suitable for basic color correction and photo editing
Cons-
  • A limited number of functions without registration

If you look for a program with a very simple interface along with the basic tools for both color correction and photo editing, then pay attention to Fotor. It can become a perfect choice for you due to plenty of benefits.

One of them is the absence of advertising, which is typical for web image editors. Fotor has tools, which you can use to crop and rotate an image, adjust contrast and sharpness, change brightness, apply photo effects, frames, stickers and more.

Photoshop CS6 Freebies

If you use this popular software and are going to install Photoshop Free Trial version, then you need different ready-made Photoshop plugins: brushes, textures, overlays, and actions.

Bright Eyes


The eyes are the windows to the soul, especially when it comes to portrait photography. This action will help make the eyes on the photo vivid and expressive. View more about how to install Photoshop actions.

Chocolate


Chocolate toning always makes images softer, warmer and more atmospheric. This type of Photoshop Matte Actions can add a chocolate tint to any wedding, street, portrait, children or fashion photo.

Foggy Day


With this type of free overlays, you are guaranteed to create a dense fog along with the corresponding cold atmosphere. This PS overlay is especially suitable for gloomy photos of nature and people far from city life, where peace and calmness prevail.

Cinematic


If you want to add a light gloom and a touch of the burning sky, then this overlay is what you need. It will add a densely gray rainy sky to the photo. You can turn your shot, taken with a clear sky and bright sunlight, into a very dramatic or even mystical image thanks to this overlay. View more about how to use Photoshop overlays.

Bokeh


If you can’t get a natural bokeh while photographing, you can add them in Photoshop. Use these free overlays to place on your photos if you want to make them shine.

Adobe Photoshop CS6 Free Download

adobe photoshop cc free trial

Instead of downloading versions of the program from third-party resources that can’t be trusted, it is better to download Photoshop CS6 free from the official website. This way you will avoid system failures and problems with the law.


Ann Young

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more

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