Cloud storage platforms offer a convenient solution for maintaining backup copies of our documents, eliminating the need for manual backups. However, the capabilities of the cloud extend far beyond file storage. It provides the flexibility to run applications directly through web browsers, eliminating the need for downloading and installing software.
For Microsoft 365 subscribers, accessing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is possible directly from the browser without the need to install any applications. Similarly, Xbox Cloud Gaming enables users to play a wide range of games in the cloud. This functionality is also available in certain Adobe applications, including Photoshop, providing users with the ability to utilize powerful software without the need for local installations.
Use Photoshop without downloading
The version of Photoshop provided to Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers differs from the desktop application, offering a more streamlined version with essential features for quick editing on computers without the software installed. Despite being a simplified version, it still allows users to work with layers and masks, which are fundamental aspects of the application that provide essential versatility.
To access the online version of Photoshop and edit files stored on our computer or on Adobe’s servers, or create new ones, we need to follow a specific process. After entering our Adobe Creative Cloud subscription credentials, we can access the application directly via the web using a provided link. However, users of the desktop version will notice that the comprehensive menu bar containing all the options available in the application is not accessible in the online version.
The online version of Photoshop offers a set of basic editing functions accessible through the left-side toolbar. It is important to note that this version is not intended for creating images from scratch, but rather for editing existing content. Therefore, it may not be a suitable replacement for the desktop application, especially for users looking to use it on any computer with limited capabilities. It is worth mentioning that the Adobe web version was announced in 2021 and is still in the beta phase, which means users may encounter occasional malfunctions or issues during its use.
Furthermore, the online version lacks the integration of Adobe’s new Artificial Intelligence capabilities, which allow users to remove and add objects, change backgrounds, or generate new content seamlessly and magically, without requiring advanced photo editing knowledge. This powerful feature enables users to achieve impressive results by editing various types of images with their creative imagination.
In addition to Photoshop, Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers have access to other tools through any web browser. These tools include Acrobat for editing PDF files, Lightroom for managing photo libraries stored on Adobe Cloud, and Adobe Express for creating banners, posters, postcards, and more. All content created or edited using these platforms is stored directly on Adobe’s servers, providing a seamless and centralized workflow.
Alternatives to Photoshop online
If the functionalities provided by the online version of Photoshop are too limited and do not meet your requirements, a convenient and free alternative is to utilize the Photopea website. Photopea is an online editor that allows users to work with Photoshop files and offers nearly identical functions to Photoshop, along with a similar user interface.
Notably, Photopea is also compatible with files created using Adobe Illustrator, GIMP, as well as the file extensions .XD and .PDF. Moreover, it supports a wide range of RAW formats, enabling users to work with various types of image files without the need to download any applications onto their computers.
