Adobe Creative Cloud – First Impressions
You may be looking to get a new Creative Suite package and have heard about the Creative Cloud, so what is it and should you subscribe to it?
In short, the Creative Cloud is a collection of Adobe software that you can access and install from the web. Added to this, however, are some handy extras that allow for storage, collaboration and publishing. So what exactly do you get for your money? Think CS6 Master Suite with a few extras. (Photoshop Extended is included but not Photoshop). Click here to see a comparison of Creative Suite packages.
Installation
Installing from the Creative Cloud really couldn’t be simpler. First install requires you to log into your Adobe account and download and install the Adobe Application Manager, but this takes just a minute or so. You’re then provided with a list of applications that can be downloaded and installed, a double click on the application and the next click you need is to open it, it really is that simple!
On-line Storage and Publishing
Storing files online isn’t new, and there are some great providers out there so what’s the advantage here? Well, using your allotted 20GB of storage, files sync as you would expect making sure that the current edition of a file is the most current but for us Photoshop users there’s more. While accessing the Photoshop file on-line, the states of layers can be changed. So, if you’re with a client you can very quickly show various versions of your image. For Illustrator, users you can step through the pasteboards.
Apart from the file storage Adobe also give you space to host 5 websites and access to all the tools, font management and site management you’ll need.
Cost
Creative Cloud subscription stand at £46.88 a month (inc VAT) in the UK. $49.99 in the US. And so here’s my bugbear; This is an on-line service, no post, packaging or staff to pay for, so why then is the US version £15 a month cheaper?
And what if the storage, hosting and extra services aren’t for you, how does the Creative Cloud compare to the various Creative Suits?
NB: In the calculations below I’ve taken Creative Cloud over two years with a 1 year contract plan, roughly when I speculate the next Creative Suite launch. The use of UK and US is for comparison only. All figures correct 13/08/2012)
| Production Premium |
Design and Web Premium |
Master Suite |
Creative Cloud (Ovew Two Years) |
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| UK | £2007.91 | 2007.91 | £2738.39 | £1125.12 |
| US | $1899 | $1899 | $2599 | $1199.76 |
Should you have a CS3 product, either individual or suite there is a discount running until 31st August. For your location see Adobe.com for more details.
Conclusion
When I first saw the creative Cloud I honestly thought Adobe were jumping on an unnecessary bandwagon. With on-line storage as prevalent as it is what would be the advantage? After a short time I’ve come to change my mind, what Adobe have done here is look to the future, for software delivery and file sharing. With their foray into the tablet world i expect some amazing things to be added to the Creative Cloud in the future, and with it being an online subscription service the consumer will be up to date the day it all happens, wonderful.
Should your interest be in Photoshop and / or Lightroom and no further the expense of the Creative Cloud may seem a little steep, and I’d agree but if you have any interest in learning and utilising the suite this could be an ideal way.
Application Comparison
 Photoshop |
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 Photoshop Extended |
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 Photoshop Lightroom |
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 Illustrator |
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 InDesign |
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 Adobe Muse |
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 Acrobat X Pro |
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 Flash Professional |
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 Flash Builder |
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| Services | |||||
| Device and PC sync |
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| Cloud storage |
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![clip_image002[28]](https://www.tipsquirrel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/clip_image00228.png "clip_image002[28]"){kind=small} Business Catalyst |
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![clip_image004[12]](https://www.tipsquirrel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/clip_image00412.png "clip_image004[12]"){kind=small} Typekit |
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![clip_image006[12]](https://www.tipsquirrel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/clip_image00612.png "clip_image006[12]"){kind=small} Story Plus |
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Some folks might miss the fact that in your chart Lightroom is included with the Creative Cloud and NOT the box product. Creative Cloud users will also get updates quicker on product software vs box product users who will have to wait for the next CS release.
As with the Lightroom addition, customers can expect the offerings & updates of Creative Cloud to expand in the upcoming months.
Two additional features I would like to highlight when you hop on the Creative Cloud:
1. You can install the Programs on a Mac, or on Windows, or a mix. I have a desktop machine running Windows 7 and a Macbook Pro running OS X Lion, and I have the Creative Cloud apps installed on both! Gone are the days of “Cross-grades” when switching platforms, and you can mix and match as desired.
2. When a new feature or version of one of the programs becomes available, you won’t have to wait for the next release of the suite. If Photoshop CS7 is ready in a year, you get it right away if you have the Cloud. If not, you wait for the CS7 suite to be released. At least, that’s the talk from Adobe; we will have to see how that plays out in real life.
mh++