Adobe’s Creative Cloud is a giant in the world of creative software. Packed with industry-standard tools like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and InDesign, it’s the go-to choice for professionals across multiple fields. But with the hefty price tag of the “All Apps” plan, the big question is: does it make sense for someone who isn’t using these programs to make a living?
Let’s dive in and find out!
What’s in the Box? Adobe’s Creative Cloud All Apps
Before anything else, let’s unpack what you actually get with this subscription. The “All Apps” plan truly lives up to its name. You’ll unlock the doors to Adobe’s biggest and most popular paid apps:
- Image Editing: Photoshop, Lightroom, Photoshop Express (including any paid tiers)
- Video Editing: Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition
- Graphic Design: Illustrator, InDesign
- And More! This includes tools for 3D design, animation, web development, and even some handy free applications.
To get the full picture, check out Adobe’s complete list of included apps, and their overview of how Creative Cloud works.
Okay, But Who Should Spring for the “All Apps” Plan?
Here’s where things get interesting. Since the All Apps plan clocks in at $59.99-$89.99 per month, it’s definitely not a casual decision. Let’s break down who might truly gain a lot from this investment:
- The Creative Multitasker: You can’t be pinned down to a single medium! Photography, graphic design, a bit of video editing… You crave it all. In this case, getting the “All Apps” plan avoids the headache of choosing between specialized plans, letting you instead download what you need and focus on your next idea.
- The Experimenter: Maybe you’re still discovering what kind of creative work lights your fire. Trying each Adobe app to see what feels best could be just what you need. If you find one or two areas you love, you can later switch to a smaller, specialized plan later.
- The Savvy Student (Or Teacher): Did you know students and teachers can snag a massive discount? If you qualify, the “All Apps” plan drops to a very tempting $19.99/month for your first year (and $29.99/month afterward). This makes experimenting with a wider range of tools much more budget-friendly.
- The “I Need More Than One Plan” Person: Adobe offers smaller bundles, like “Photoshop + Lightroom” for photographers. However, what if you want both that AND access to Illustrator? You’ll need to manage multiple plans if you don’t opt for “All Apps”, which gets messy fast.
Situations Where “All Apps” Might NOT Be the Best Fit
It’s important to be realistic! Even with its allure, there are a few scenarios where the “All Apps” plan might be overkill:
- The One-Trick Pony: If all your creative energy flows into, say, photography and nothing else, a dedicated plan for Lightroom and Photoshop might suit you better (and save you money).
- The Non-Adobe Fan: Some disciplines have amazing alternatives to Adobe’s offerings. If you adore DaVinci Resolve for video or Capture One for photo editing, sticking with those and bypassing Adobe altogether might be wiser.
- The Free App Enthusiast: Adobe has some surprisingly powerful tools available for free, from the mobile app Premiere Rush to Photoshop Express. If you’re happy with the limits of these no-cost options, a paid plan is probably unnecessary.
A Few Extra Things to Think About
Let’s touch on some other factors that might sway your decision:
- Adobe Perks: Beyond the apps themselves, your subscription includes benefits like Adobe Fonts (thousands of typefaces for your projects) and cloud storage. These add-ons might sweeten the deal for you.
- The Ease of “One and Done”: Having all your creative tools within a single subscription means less confusing payments and account management. That peace of mind can be worth its weight in gold!
- Trial Periods: Remember, you can always try Adobe’s free trials to get a feel for the tools before you commit.
The Verdict: Should You Take the Plunge?
Ultimately, the answer boils down to your individual needs:
- If you thirst for the ability to hop between different creative disciplines using best-in-class software, the All Apps plan could be a fantastic investment.
- If you want room to experiment, especially at the student discount, it might be the perfect way to find your creative niche.
- If you need several Adobe subscriptions in one place anyway, the convenience of “All Apps” is undeniable.
However…
- If you’re firmly set on a single tool or happy with non-Adobe options, you probably won’t use enough of the plan to justify the cost.
- If free apps satisfy your needs, save your money!
A Final Note for the Curious The world of creative software is ever-evolving, with free and affordable alternatives popping up all the time. Don’t hesitate to explore beyond Adobe and see if there’s a solution out there that’s a perfect fit for your workflow and your wallet.
