It can't be denied Adobe's software products are essential in graphic designing and digital editing, for both students and professionals.
However, legally availing Adobe products can cost a fortune. Add to that it's a live service, so it means you have to pay monthly just to use its editing software.
Pirating Adobe is no better alternative as you are exposing yourself to malware, hacking, and data extortion.
Still, it doesn't mean there are no other ways to learn how to use Adobe products. Here are some methods you can use to legally and safely avail Adobe products online:
Seven-Day Free Trials
If you really want to use the actual Adobe apps, like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Lightroom, then the seven-day free trial is the only option you can afford for free.
Adobe does not offer a free version of its mainstream software on the web. You really need to pay $20.99 per month for each app or an entire suite plan for $52.99 per month.
However, if you are still learning how to use Adobe apps, the software company offers free online tutorial lessons for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Lightroom.
To avail of the seven-day free trial, go to the Adobe Creative Cloud, and select a plan of your liking. Click the Start Free Trial button.
There, you can sign up your Adobe ID and download the free trial app. After seven days, you can decide if you want to continue with your subscription or not.
Adobe Creative Cloud Membership
Another option to avail of some of Adobe's products is to be part of its Creative Cloud membership.
Adobe offers a free membership for Creative Cloud. Even if you are not subscribed to a plan, you can enjoy a few products with a few limitations.
A free Adobe Creative Cloud includes access to "Free Mode" of Adobe Character Animation, Express, Fresco, Premiere Rush, and Firefly.
For iOS users, they can also avail of a free access version of Adobe Aero.
A few select Adobe Fonts come with the free subscription.
The free Creative Cloud can be availed by going to Adobe's website and signing up for an Adobe ID the same way when registering for the seven-day free trial.
Adobe Suite Alternative Options
If the free products Adobe offer is not enough for your needs or liking, then there are still other similar software that can perform the same tasks the Adobe apps do.
DaVinci Resolve is a close competitor of Premiere Pro for its impressive post-production audio and color correction tools that many professionals prefer the former to the latter. Much better, it's free!
If it's a photo editing you want, then Pixlr and RawTherapee are excellent alternatives. Both offer great tools for non-professional uses.
For graphic designers, BoxySVG and Inkscape are good options for creating complex gradients and textures. Both software has also had much simpler UIs, so it's not hard for beginners to learn from them.
Of course, there is still the Canva option with its free templates, graphic elements, and in-hand instructions to learn to design. After all, Adobe is not the only way to master digital designing and editing.
