Adobe Photoshop has been an application used by over 100 million people around the globe for most of their professional and personal needs. More than 3 decades since Adobe released their Photoshop 1.0, which was a very basic version of what it has evolved to over the years into the modern Photoshop we all know and love.
With more than thirteen iterations of this iconic software over the years, the most prominent one being version being the Photoshop CC and Photoshop CS6.
What does the CC mean in Photoshop CC?
This is very simple, the CC in Photoshop CC stands for “Creative Cloud”, which denotes that the software is part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription service, offering users subscription-based services for their latest features and any updates necessary, which makes an excellent choice for you, offering monthly and yearly payment plans.
(A picture of the CC Photoshop logo insert here.)
What does CS6 mean in Photoshop CS6?
Photoshop CS6 stands for “Creative Suite 6”, meaning this software was released by Adobe with the Creative Suite version 6. CS6 was the last major version of Photoshop released before Adobe decided to make the move to a subscription-based service offering many applications for a subscription to their Creative Cloud.
Photoshop CC and CS6: What’s the difference?
1. Licensing and Release:
Photoshop CS6 was released in 2012 as a one-time purchase product. Once you bought it, it was yours to keep forever, with no monthly fees.
Photoshop CC debuted in 2013 and marked a shift to a subscription-based model. Instead of a one-time payment, users pay monthly or annually for continued access and updates
2. Frequent Updates:
Photoshop CS6 doesn’t receive any new updates, as you are stuck with the version you bought.
Photoshop CC, on the other hand, receives periodic update which adds features like
AI tools, bug fixes, and performance issues make it very reliable to use.
3. Performance:
Photoshop CC is optimized for newer hardware and operating systems. It runs faster, supports GPU acceleration, and integrates better with other Adobe apps.
Photoshop CS6 may run slower on modern systems and could have compatibility issues with the current macOS or Windows versions.
4. Storage and Cloud integration:
Photoshop CC includes cloud storage, access to Adobe Fonts, Libraries, Behance integration, and real-time collaboration on files.
Photoshop CS6 has no cloud features, as it predates Adobe’s cloud ecosystem and still uses the storage of your computer.
5. Tools:
Feature | Photoshop CS6 | Photoshop CC (Latest) |
Camera Raw Updates | Limited | Frequently Updated |
AI Tools (e.g, Neural Filters) | Not available | Available |
Select Subject / Sky Replacement | Not available | Available |
Integrated Cloud Workflow | Not available | Full Cloud Support |
Adobe Sensei (AI Engine) | Not included | Included |
3D Tools | Basic | Removed in newer CC version |
6. Overall cost:
Photoshop CS6 had a steep upfront cost of around $699 for standard, or more for extended
Photoshop CC starts at about $20.99/month (as of 2025), making it more accessible initially, though more costly over time.
Which version is made for you
While Photoshop CS6 is a one-time purchase and doesn’t require you to make additional payments along the way, and you own the license to it, a key difference here is that it is old and doesn’t meet the requirements of modern times.
If you are someone who uses Photoshop for personal use, like color grading, background change, and setting picture resolution, then this version of Photoshop is for you, but if you are a professional Graphic designer, then you need the latest and greatest software, which has all the modern bells and whistles necessary to be on top of your game which Photoshop CC offers its users. The new AI features make it easy for any beginner to use Photoshop.
It all boils down to personal preference on what is useful to you.
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