[UPDATE (Jan. 2017) – Adobe just stopped selling CS6 entirely – here’s why.]
You most likely already know the news that Adobe ended the Creative Suite line (there is no CS7), and that new releases of all the CS tools (and more) have been relaunched as “CC” – and these new versions are available only via a Creative Cloud membership…
At the same time, Adobe is continuing to sell 2012’s CS6 version for people that prefer the traditional licensing model instead of CC subscriptions, though statistically fewer than 1 in 5 customers are still going that direction.
Meanwhile, the 15 new CC applications have brought hundreds of new features and enhancements compared to CS6, with more being added all the time through ongoing upgrades that are included free with all memberships… Thus far, the latest CC tools have been getting nearly 5-star reviews from customers, as they sign up at the rate of 65,000 per week. But still, because of the relative newness of the Creative Cloud offering, some confusion abounds and there remain a few big myths floating around out there.
So all in all, there has been a lot of change to digest over the past year, and folks often ask us which route is best to take – what are the pros and cons of each option?
In response, we thought we’d put together a practical feature list for the two major choices that should help you decide when comparing them side-by-side…
And so here it is, the comparison chart – just click on any of the highlighted links in the table to find out more about that topic:
| Important Attribute |
Creative Cloud |
Creative Suite 6 |
|---|---|---|
| For product-by-product differences, see CC vs. CS6 Features | ||
| Install and use all the top Adobe applications | Yes | No |
| Benefit from the latest/greatest release, CC | Yes | No |
| Upgradeable to future versions | Yes | No |
| All ongoing product upgrades included | Yes | No | Over 1,000 new features added since CS6 | Yes | No |
| Buy at higher price to own a static version | No | Yes |
| Pay a lower monthly membership price | Yes | No |
| Apps continue to run if subscription ends | No | N/A |
| Can purchase prepaid in advance if needed | Yes | Yes |
| Can buy just one tool if that’s what you want | Yes | Yes |
| Supported on next Windows/Mac OS versions | Yes | No |
| Run tools locally on desktop, not over web | Yes | Yes |
| Can activate on up to two of your computers | Yes | Yes |
| Can install on both Windows and Mac OS | Yes | No |
| Use without a continual Internet connection | Yes | Yes |
| You decide when/if to install your upgrades | Yes | Yes |
| Available in dozens of countries worldwide | Yes | Yes |
| Includes multiple language use & switching | Yes | No |
| Can run on same machine as older releases | Yes | Yes |
| Can easily move it between two systems | Yes | Yes |
| Can get a software disc/DVD from Adobe | Yes | No |
| Includes library of exclusive training/tutorials | Yes | No |
| Can try it out first with a free 30-day trial | Yes | Yes |
| Covered by full 30-day return/refund policy | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing discounts for owners of older CS tools | Yes | Yes |
| Student & Teacher discounts are available | Yes | Yes |
| Volume licensing for groups is available | Yes | Yes |
| Special package offered for photographers | Yes | No |
| Can use short term, turn on & off as needed | Yes | No |
| Has a free level of membership & use, for all | Yes | No |
Do you have any further questions about the comparison or your decision? Just ask them below and we’ll get you answers fast!
See Also
- The 10 most common myths about Creative Cloud
- How to save 60% with the Student & Teacher Editions
- Download free Adobe books (choose over 30 titles)
- Don’t need full Cloud? Get PS + LR for $9.99/month
- Free Adobe Stock! Download 1,000,000+ top images
- How to join Adobe’s Creative Cloud for free
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@Daniel
Great reply Daniel. And btw, I got my CS6 for free with an online photography gear purchase.