How to go about getting Academic Version of Photoshop

[camera shy]

I may be getting a new camera for Christmas
But, I think that my old photoshop version will not do..
I'd like to get CS5 but can only afford the academic version.

How does that work ?

[KenJulio]

To get the academic version you'll need to be a student or a teacher and be able to show your eligibility.

[KenJulio]

You need to meet their requirements to be able to purchase the academic version of their software

Adobe.com Site Requirements

[cajunautoxer]

What's the difference with the academic version? I'm assuming they mail you the software?

[KenJulio]

There are no differences between the retail and academic version.

In the past, they had restricted the academic verison to not be upgradeable. That has since changed.

[Jaymoney$]

Originally Posted by ken74

There are no differences between the retail and academic version.

In the past, they had restricted the academic verison to not be upgradeable. That has since changed.

well, technically there is no difference as far as the software/application itself but the packaging is different.

[venchka]

For non-profit use only as I recall.
Personally, I would try Lightroom first. You might save yourself some cash. It is offered at a very attractive student rate.

[Steve Balderrama]

Originally Posted by venchka

For non-profit use only as I recall.
Personally, I would try Lightroom first. You might save yourself some cash. It is offered at a very attractive student rate.

+1. For 80% of people lightroom is probably a better choice than photoshop.

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by venchka

For non-profit use only as I recall.

this is correct as well.

[Phisch]

It is only for non-commercial work. I suggest getting Lightroom, too.

[texkam]

FYI. If you get the academic version all subsequent upgrades are full price. Sadly, I found out there is no such thing as an academic upgrade for teachers.

I personally think this sux for teachers. I would think it would be in Adobe's best interests to do everything they can to encourage teachers to use and stay current with their software, so I made it a point to tell them I would be introducing open source alternatives to my students. You might find lightroom + the occasional use of GIMP might meet your needs.

[T1ckT0ck]

Lightroom is awesome. When I upgraded to an iMac recently I purchased CS5 and LR3 as part of my investment. Ive used CS5 only a handful of times, but edited an entire wedding I shot in LR. Im kinda mad at myself for spending the money on CS5...I mean that could have been half of the lens I want...oh well live and learn. It comes down to personal choice because there are alot of things you can do in CS5 that you cant in LR (i.e. dodge, burn, layer masks, etc) but for most organizing and editing/effects, LR does a great job.

[Steve Balderrama]

Originally Posted by T1ckT0ck

Lightroom is awesome. When I upgraded to an iMac recently I purchased CS5 and LR3 as part of my investment. Ive used CS5 only a handful of times, but edited an entire wedding I shot in LR. Im kinda mad at myself for spending the money on CS5...I mean that could have been half of the lens I want...oh well live and learn. It comes down to personal choice because there are alot of things you can do in CS5 that you cant in LR (i.e. dodge, burn, layer masks, etc) but for most organizing and editing/effects, LR does a great job.

Lightroom does much of the burning and dodging much more intuitively, and automatically creates the masks as they are needed. In fact local editing controls ( local sharpness, contrast, exposure, etc) are easier to deal with in Lightroom.

[picman]

Be aware that there are Academic versions and Student/Teacher versions. They are apparently the same software with different licensing and pricing.

I work for a university, when we buy Academic versions we have to provide the retailer proof that we qualify for academic pricing. When the box comes the serial number for activating is in the box like a regular retail purchase.

Accidentally purchased a student/teacher product. (only licensed for personal use btw) serial number comes only after submitting proper paper work to an Adobe verification co. That one got returned.

Ran across this Abobe faq for the student/teacher version. Couldn't find one for the Academic version.

academic software discounts faq, academic discount software faq | Adobe

+1 on the Lightroom - I might throw in Elements

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by venchka

For non-profit use only as I recall.
Personally, I would try Lightroom first. You might save yourself some cash. It is offered at a very attractive student rate.

The last call that I made to Adobe said that the non-commercial restriction had been removed in the latest version (CS5)

I know that in CS2 the restriction existed, but it no longer does

from a section of the FAQ that Brian linked to above:

How can I use my software — during and after school?
Do Adobe Student and Teacher Editions have restricted functionality?
Student and Teacher Editions have all the features and functionality of the commercial versions. The software may be used only on a privately owned computer, and the user may not transfer or resell ownership of the Adobe Student and Teacher Edition license.

Is there a time limit on using an Adobe Student and Teacher Edition?
Eligible users who purchase an Adobe Student and Teacher Edition receive a perpetual license that does not have a time restriction.

Can I use my Adobe Student and Teacher Edition software for commercial use?
Yes. You may purchase a Student and Teacher Edition for personal as well as commercial use.