How to Install Photoshop 2025
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:
- Install Photoshop 2025 on desktop and web platforms
- Set up and manage your Adobe account properly
- Start your 7-day free trial and understand what happens when it ends
Introduction
Getting Photoshop 2025 up and running is your first step into photo editing. This chapter covers everything you need to know about installing the software and setting up your Adobe account. We'll walk through each step of the process, from downloading the software to making the most of your free trial period.
Lessons
Installing Photoshop 2025 on Your Device
Here's how to get Photoshop 2025 installed and ready to use.
Step 1: Pick Your Platform
Decide whether you need Photoshop for desktop or web use. Desktop gives you the full range of features, while web offers basic editing tools through your browser.
Step 2: Download from Adobe
Head to adobe.com and find Photoshop 2025. Click the download button and wait for the installer file to save to your computer.
Step 3: Run the Installation
Open the downloaded file and follow the setup wizard. It'll guide you through choosing installation location and other preferences.
Step 4: Connect Your Adobe Account
The installer will ask you to sign in or create an Adobe account. This links your software to your subscription and settings.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection during installation. A dropped connection can corrupt the files and you'll need to start over.
Setting Up Your Adobe Account
Your Adobe account manages everything related to your Photoshop subscription and settings.
Step 1: Go to Adobe's Website
Visit adobe.com and look for the "Sign In" option at the top right. Click "Create an account" if you don't have one yet.
Step 2: Fill in Your Details
Enter your email address and create a strong password. Adobe will also ask for basic information like your name and country.
Step 3: Verify Your Email
Check your inbox for an email from Adobe. Click the verification link to activate your account. This usually arrives within a few minutes.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile
Add any additional information Adobe requests. This helps them provide relevant updates and support.
Keep your login details somewhere safe. You'll need them every time you update Photoshop or access your Creative Cloud files.
Making the Most of Your Free Trial
The 7-day free trial gives you full access to Photoshop 2025 without paying upfront.
Step 1: Start Your Trial
When you first open Photoshop, you'll see a trial option. Click it to begin your 7-day period. The timer starts immediately.
Step 2: Explore the Interface
Spend time getting familiar with the workspace. Try opening an image and experimenting with basic tools like the brush, selection tools, and filters.
Step 3: Test Key Features
Focus on the tools you're most likely to use. If you're into portrait editing, try the healing brush and adjustment layers. For creative work, experiment with blend modes and effects.
Step 4: Set a Reminder
Mark your calendar for day 6 of your trial. This gives you time to decide whether to subscribe before your access ends.
The trial includes everything a paid subscription offers. Use this time to work on real projects, not just random experiments.
Practice
Open Photoshop 2025 and complete these tasks:
- Import a photo from your computer
- Use the crop tool to adjust the image size
- Apply a basic filter from the Filter menu
- Save your edited image in JPEG format
- Explore the main toolbar and identify five different tools
This hands-on practice helps you understand the basic workflow and interface layout.
FAQs
How do I activate my 7-day free trial?
Open Photoshop 2025 after installation. You'll see a trial option on the welcome screen. Click it and follow the prompts to start your 7-day access period.
What happens when my free trial ends?
Photoshop will ask you to subscribe to continue using it. Without a subscription, you won't be able to open the application or access your Creative Cloud files.
Can I use the same Adobe account on multiple devices?
Yes, your Adobe account works across different devices. You can install Photoshop on your desktop and use the web version on another computer with the same login details.
What if the installation fails?
Try running the installer as an administrator and temporarily disable your antivirus software. Make sure you have enough disk space and a stable internet connection.
Jargon Buster
Adobe Account – Your personal profile for accessing Adobe software and services. It stores your subscription details, preferences, and Creative Cloud files.
Creative Cloud – Adobe's subscription service that includes Photoshop and other creative software, plus cloud storage for your projects.
Free Trial – A 7-day period where you can use Photoshop 2025 with full features before deciding whether to subscribe.
Desktop vs Web Version – Desktop Photoshop offers complete functionality, while the web version provides basic editing tools through your browser.
Wrap-up
You've now got Photoshop 2025 installed and your Adobe account set up. Your free trial gives you a week to explore the software and decide whether it meets your needs. The next chapter will introduce you to Photoshop's interface and basic tools, so you can start editing photos right away.
Make the most of your trial period by working on actual projects rather than just browsing features. This gives you a realistic sense of how Photoshop fits into your workflow.