Photoshop CC vs. CS6: both products are important for professional designers. A common question for many users is what is the best software for them. In this article, we try to differentiate Photoshop CC vs. CS6, which is best for you. Both products are friendly when you do photo retouching service work and other important graphic work. Let’s go details here are
What Is Photoshop CC?
Photoshop CC, or Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud, is a powerful raster graphics editing software developed by Adobe Inc. As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription service, Photoshop CC represents a shift from traditional standalone software purchases to a subscription-based model. This approach allows users to access Adobe’s latest features, updates, and services through the Creative Cloud platform.
Advantages:
Cloud Integration: Creative Cloud offers cloud-based services, enabling you to store, access, and synchronize your files across multiple devices. This is beneficial for collaboration and working on projects from different locations.
Collaboration Features: If you work in a team or collaborate with others, Creative Cloud provides built-in collaboration tools, making sharing files and working on projects easier.
3D Capabilities: Photoshop CC includes advanced 3D editing capabilities, which can be crucial for working with three-dimensional elements in your projects.
Content-Aware Tools: CC versions, including Photoshop CC, feature advanced Content-Aware tools that intelligently fill or move elements within an image, providing powerful options for photo manipulation.
Performance Optimization: The Mercury Graphics Engine in Creative Cloud versions is optimized for performance, leveraging GPU acceleration for faster image processing.
Subscription Model: The subscription-based model can be more cost-effective for those who prefer a lower upfront cost, providing flexibility with monthly or annual payment options.
What Is Photoshop CS6
Adobe Photoshop CS6 is a version of Adobe Photoshop, a widely used raster graphics editing software. The “CS” in CS6 stands for Creative Suite, which was Adobe’s software suite bundling various creative applications for professionals. CS6 was the last version of Photoshop to be released under the Creative Suite branding before Adobe transitioned to the Creative Cloud subscription model.
Advantages:
One-Time Purchase: CS6 is a standalone version that requires a one-time purchase, making it a potentially more cost-effective option for users who don’t need continuous updates.
Stability: CS6 is a stable and mature version of Photoshop. If you have a workflow that doesn’t require the latest features, CS6 can provide reliable performance.
Offline Use: Unlike Creative Cloud, CS6 doesn’t depend on a constant internet connection for installation or usage. This can be advantageous if you often work in environments with limited internet access.
Photoshop CC vs CS6: Which Is Best
Choosing between Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) and CS6 depends on various factors, including your specific needs, preferences, and the nature of your work. Below, I’ll outline considerations to help you determine which version might be best for you.
1. Licensing and Pricing:
Photoshop CC:
Adobe shifted to a subscription-based model with Creative Cloud, providing users regular updates and a monthly or annual subscription fee. This model can be advantageous for those who prefer a lower upfront cost, as it eliminates the need for a significant initial investment.
Photoshop CS6:
CS6, on the other hand, follows the traditional model of a one-time license fee. While this might seem more cost-effective for users who don’t require frequent updates, it lacks the benefits of continuous feature enhancements and improvements available in the Creative Cloud model.
2. Software Delivery:
Photoshop CC:
Creative Cloud offers the convenience of cloud-based services, automatic updates, and easy access to files from different devices. Users can download and install the software through the Creative Cloud platform, and updates are seamlessly integrated.
Photoshop CS6:
CS6 is typically delivered via physical media or digital download. Updates require manual installation of patches or purchasing a new version. This can be less convenient compared to the streamlined delivery system of Creative Cloud.
3. Updates and New Features:
Photoshop CC:
Creative Cloud subscribers benefit from regular updates, ensuring access to the latest features, bug fixes, and improvements. Adobe actively develops and enhances Creative Cloud applications, providing users a dynamic and evolving software experience.
Photoshop CS6:
CS6 is no longer receiving updates from Adobe. While it remains a stable version, users may miss out on newer versions’ latest advancements and features.
4. Collaboration and Cloud Integration:
Photoshop CC:
The cloud-based nature of Creative Cloud facilitates collaboration by allowing users to store, share, and synchronize files across devices. This can be particularly advantageous for teams working on collaborative projects.
Photoshop CS6:
CS6 lacks the built-in collaboration features of Creative Cloud, making collaborative work more challenging without resorting to external file-sharing solutions.
5. 3D Capabilities:
Photoshop CC:
Creative Cloud versions, including CC, have advanced 3D editing capabilities. Users can create, edit, and manipulate 3D objects directly within Photoshop, offering a comprehensive toolset for those working with three-dimensional elements.
Photoshop CS6:
While CS6 does have 3D capabilities, it may lack some of the advanced features and optimizations found in later Creative Cloud versions.
6. Content-Aware Tools:
Photoshop CC:
CC versions, including Photoshop CC, boast advanced Content-Aware tools such as Content-Aware Fill and Content-Aware Move. These tools intelligently fill or move elements within an image, offering powerful options for photo manipulation.
Photoshop CS6:
CS6 introduces Content-Aware tools, but they might not be as sophisticated or refined as those in the CC versions.
7. Performance:
Photoshop CC:
Creative Cloud versions, including CC, leverage the Mercury Graphics Engine for enhanced performance. This engine utilizes GPU acceleration, resulting in faster image processing and rendering.
Photoshop CS6:
CS6 also includes performance improvements but may not be as optimized for newer hardware as the Creative Cloud versions.
8. User Interface:
Photoshop CC:
CC versions feature a modern and streamlined user interface, with regular updates to enhance usability and incorporate user feedback.
Photoshop CS6:
CS6 introduces a refreshed user interface compared to older versions, but it may lack some design updates found in CC.
Conclusion:
Choose Photoshop CC if:
- You value continuous updates and want access to the latest features.
- Collaboration and cloud integration are essential for your workflow.
- You work with 3D elements or require advanced content-aware tools.
- The subscription model aligns with your budget preferences.
Choose Photoshop CS6 if:
- You have a stable workflow that doesn’t require the latest features.
- You prefer a one-time purchase model and want to minimize long-term costs.
- You often work offline or in environments with limited internet access.
Now, you are just at the end of the article Photoshop CC vs CS6. You have read the comparison and review for Photoshop CC vs CS6. Hopefully, you have decided which one will be the best for you.