Photoshop Portable is not a photo editing application designed by Adobe. Moreover, it doesn’t have the image editing feature Adobe Photoshop CC offers. So, what is Photoshop Portable and is it legal to use it? How does it differ from the standard Photoshop CC for PC? What program in the winner in Photoshop Elements vs Photoshop battle? In this article, I will answer these and other related questions.
Table of Contents
What is Photoshop Portable?
Portable Photoshop is not a free Adobe Photoshop version. This software isn’t a legal, official photo editing application created by Adobe. If you see the Photoshop Portable version available for download on the web, you should understand that it is illegally hacked Photoshop software similar to Photoshop CS5 free version, which can contain viruses and spam. Download only certified Adobe programs.
Photoshop Portable or License Version?
Nowadays, the official Photoshop installation software is available only in one version. This is a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. In contrast, there are so many Photoshop Portable versions on the web, starting from the very first Photoshop CS2, ending with CS6 and Photoshop CC 2018-19. Each version will be different, though there are some common things waiting for you if you decide to download and use Portable Adobe Photoshop.
- Forget about updates. Want to download and install Photoshop CS6 Portable? Want to know what software wins in Photoshop CC vs CS6 battle? Be ready to get the software with lots of bugs and flaws. Put up with them! The thing is that portable versions are permanently disconnected from the network and this means that you will never get any updates. Besides, keep in mind that old Photoshop versions are significantly inferior in functionality and capabilities to Photoshop CC 2019.
- No user support. Using illegal, portable versions of Photoshop, you should remember that Adobe is very strict about such copyright violation. If you have any kind of trouble with your Photoshop CC Portable and contact technical support, you will not receive any help. If you buy Photoshop from the official website, Adobe will be very loyal and try to solve your problem as fast as possible.
- You should get used to various bugs and program crashes. Earlier, I explained that pirated software implies editing source code. Hackers are not very attentive to details, so there is a chance that they have deleted the wrong element. As a result, the program might not be able to perform a certain photo editing action.
What Problems Might You Have?
As I have mentioned earlier, Photoshop Portable, which you can find on the web, is not a legal program supported by Adobe. In other words, this is a hacked Photoshop version, which can lead to many unpleasant consequences:
- You break the law about the illegal distribution of copyrighted material online. In most cases, you’ll be offered a download of Adobe Photoshop Portable from different torrent resources, which presupposes the violation of the existing law. The consequences can be different, starting with the first warnings and ending up with court and a fine in the amount of $1,000.
- Say “hello” to viruses and get ready to take your PC to the repair services. Very often, people who have downloaded Adobe Photoshop Portable notice that their computer began to work slower. The thing is, such software comes “infected” with various viruses, which had been added by unfriendly hackers. Thus, the performance of your PC is reduced. In fact, there are lots of possible viruses, starting from simple advertising, which will constantly appear on your PC, ending with the money theft from your credit card.
All Photoshop versions listed below are not supported by Adobe or are probably pirated and may cause lots of problems:
- Photoshop Lite
- Photoshop Portable Lite
- Photoshop CS5 Portable
- Photoshop CS4 Portable
- Photoshop CS3 Portable
- Photoshop CS2 Portable
- Photoshop Portable CS3 Extended
- Photoshop Portable CS4 Extended
- Photoshop Portable CS5 Extended
- Photoshop CS5 Extended Portable
- Photoshop CS4 Extended Portable
- Photoshop CS3 Extended Portable
What Version Should I Use?
Though Adobe Photoshop does not have many versions available for legal use, there are several other variants, which in terms of functionality and capabilities, are no less weak than the desktop version.
1. PS Express 2021
- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Price: Free
- FixThePhoto’s Rating
(4/5)
If you are one of those who think that Photoshop CC 2019 is a difficult program and requires a lot of time to learn, Adobe Photoshop Express Editor has a more simplified interface and tools that will become easier to manage.
Adobe Photoshop Express Editor is an excellent browser-based image editor. It has a sophisticated interface and basic photo editing tools. Working with its tools (except the curves and filters) is done by changing the value of various sliders and nothing more. Unfortunately, you may only open JPEG format files.
Despite the slightly reduced functionality compared to the desktop version, you can still do professional photo editing using the web version: adjust the background, remove unnecessary elements from the picture, apply a filter or create a watermark. Personally, I would like to add Photoshop CC masks and layers and this is probably the biggest flaw that you have to accept. Still, this is a good and legal alternative to any Photoshop Portable version.
2. Free Trial Version
- Platforms: Windows, Mac OS
- Price: FREE Trial or $9.99/month
- FixThePhoto’s Rating
(4/5)
Adobe Photoshop is the best image editing software for professional image retouching, working with vector graphics, 3D models and web design. Photoshop allows you to create, enhance or otherwise edit images and illustrations.
It is used by millions of beginners and professional photographers, photo retouchers, digital artists, architects, website designers, etc. around the world. This PC photo editing software is translated into 12 highly used languages and there are thousands of free Photoshop tutorials.
Free, completely legal and downloaded from the official Adobe website, Photoshop CC 2019 can be used for seven days. Sound interesting? We are talking about the FREE trial version, which provides you with the latest unlimited Photoshop version completely free of charge. After the trial version expires, Adobe will offer to allow you to continue using Photoshop CC by selecting one of the available plans. To save money, you may use Adobe’s Photoshop student discounts if you work or study at the university.
- If you want to use Adobe software for free, see more about how to get free Adobe Photoshop, free Photoshop Elements, and free Adobe Illustrator.
3. PS Mobile Version
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Price: Free
- FixThePhoto’s Rating
(3.5/5)
Adobe Photoshop Express is a free mobile application for editing images and creating collages. The app is available for iOS, Android and Windows. Photoshop Express Editor has various functions like cropping, adding text and adjusting filters, as well as adjusting the curves, tones and much more. The disadvantage of the mobile application is its speed. Whatever phone/tablet you use, you should get used to lag, especially when it comes to working with RAW files.
Still, you should differentiate the web application from a mobile app, as they are absolutely different. The thing is that the mobile version is made for a smartphone and has a significantly redesigned interface and collection of tools. Besides, the mobile version supports Creative Cloud, which means that you can sync it with your Photoshop CC 2019 and exchange pictures quickly. To use Photoshop mobile, open your store, find Photoshop Express, install it and use it for free.
Photoshop Portable Alternatives
Strangely, but many people have no idea that there are lots of free Photoshop alternatives available on the web. I have tested several programs and included them on this list. Each of the alternatives deserves your attention. You can choose one of them, and use it completely free of charge, without breaking the law and without exposing your PC to various types of threats, which is a real problem if you download Portable Photoshop.
1. Paint Net
Pros:
+
- Simple to use
- Suitable for basic photo retouching and color correction.
- A large number of tools for drawing
Cons:
–
- Doesn’t work on Linux and Mac OS
Paint.Net is an open source image editor for Windows. It has a very simple interface and well-designed tools. A nice feature is that you do not need a powerful PC configuration to use this program. The main tasks that the software is aimed at are basic photo retouching and color correction. You will also find lots of effective tools for digital drawing — various adjustable sliders that regulate colors in the photo, masks and layers, brushes, effects and filters.
As for its flaws, this app is only compatible with Window. Moreover, the interface has not been updated for a long time and, today, it looks a bit outdated and does not fully comply with modern standards.
2. PicMonkey
Pros:
+
- A lot of tools for photo retouching, creating banners and logos
- Excellent tool for working with text
- HUB Cloud storage
Cons:
–
- Won’t suit professional retouchers
PicMonkey is a good online photo editor. The picture editor has many functions, such as photo editing, the ability to organize photos in storage, create various design projects, banners, logos and much more. Using the web editor, you cannot perform professional image retouching. Besides, many tools and features become available only after the upgrade to the paid version.
3. Pixlr
Pros:
+
- Tools and interface similar to Adobe Photoshop
- Supports masks and layers
Cons:
–
- 40% of functions are limited in free access
- Annoying ads
Remember, if you have a reliable internet connection and you don’t mind the lack of plug-ins, this free web application is almost the best among alternatives. It is as effective as Adobe Photoshop CS6, so Pixrl vs Photoshop rivalry is clearly understandable. Upload a photo and you will have access to layers, masks, clone stamps, a collection of tools and everything else that a first-class image editor can offer. As for shortcomings, I can say that Pixlr does not support batch picture editing, but you can always open several photos at once and apply changes to them separately.
Freebies
If you use Photoshop on a regular basis or are going to install the FREE trial version, you probably need ready-made Photoshop plugins as overlays, brushes, textures and actions. You can download and use them completely free of charge by selecting one of available options below or by going to our online store.
Bright Eyes
This Photoshop filter is used to make the model’s eyes more attractive, thus focusing viewers’ attention on this part of the face.
Classic
This action gives a light white shade, which results in a natural looking smile. Your model’s teeth won’t look too shiny and unnatural, as this Photoshop action just brightens them, providing incredibly real and attractive results. Check out my guide about how to whiten teeth in Photoshop without applying actions or brushes.
Cloud Brush
Wish to have clear, distant clouds in your photo? Use this free Photoshop Cloud Brush to perform this task without overloading the photo with lots of white objects. See more about how to install Photoshop brushes and start image editing right now.
Jungles Overlay
With this free Photoshop Rain overlay, you can create a dramatic but romantic atmosphere in the shot. Small raindrops are barely visible in your photos, but it definitely provides the rain effect. See more about how to use Photoshop overlays and edit photos realistically.
Feather Overlay
Use this Free Feather Overlay to add a magical touch to your baby photos. This flawless Photoshop overlay will look realistic, as if it was in the initial photo before photoshopping.
Ann Young
Hi there, I’m Ann Young – a professional blogger,
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