Photoshop CC vs CS6: Is Upgrading Worth It?

Adobe's Creative Cloud (CC) revolutionized the way graphic designers work by offering a subscription-based model instead of perpetual licensing. However, this shift has left many users wondering whether they should upgrade from older versions like Photoshop CS6 to its more recent counterpart, CC.

In this article, we'll delve into the differences between these two industry-standard photo editing behemoons and help you decide if it's worth making the jump to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Similarities Galore

At first glance, both Photoshop CC and CS6 look almost identical. The user interface (UI) hasn't undergone a radical overhaul since CS6 hit shelves back in 2012. While there are some minor tweaks here and there, overall you'll feel right at home with either version if you've spent countless hours honing your skills within the Adobe Creative Suite.

However, as they say 'Don't judge a book by its cover.' Beneath their seemingly similar exterior lies a world of difference in terms of functionality. Let's dive deeper into what sets these two titans apart:

CC vs CS6: The Feature-Heavy Showdown

Photoshop CC boasts an impressive array of new features and improvements that simply didn't exist in its older counterpart, CS6. Some notable additions include:

* Mercury Playback Engine for smoother performance on high-end hardware

* Content-Aware Move and Patch tools for more advanced object selection

* Camera Raw 7 with enhanced RAW image processing capabilities

On the other hand, CS6 still packs a punch with its own set of powerful features like:

- Smart Object support for non-destructive editing

- Layer Comps for easy state management

- Perspective Warp tool for transforming objects in 3D space

So what does this mean for you? Well, if you're already comfortable working within the CS6 workflow and don't require any of the cutting-edge features that CC has to offer (and let's face it - most designers probably won't), then sticking with your tried-and-tested version might just be the way forward.

But wait! There are other factors at play here too...

CC vs CS: The Perks & Drawbacks

Adobe Photoshop CC offers a host of benefits over its older sibling, including:

* Access to all Creative Cloud applications - that's Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Audition, Dreamweaver and more!

* Regular updates with new features and security patches

* 20GB of cloud storage for storing your projects across multiple devices

However, there are also some potential downsides to consider before making the switch:

* CC requires an active subscription which can add up over time (especially if you're a small business or solo freelancer)

* You'll need reliable internet connectivity at all times in order to access certain features and software updates

* Adobe's cloud-based model may not appeal to those who prefer working offline without relying on the 'cloud.'

The Verdict: Should I Upgrade?

In conclusion, whether you should upgrade from Photoshop CS6 to CC depends entirely upon your individual needs. If you're a heavy user of Adobe Creative Cloud applications and value having access to all its latest features and updates at your fingertips 24/7 then yes - making the jump is definitely worth it!

But if budget constraints or preference for working within a more traditional, offline environment are top priorities, then sticking with CS6 might just be the way forward.

Ultimately, as always: 'Know thyself' before deciding which path to take.

Photoshop cc vs cs6