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I’ve often recommended Photoshop Express as a fantastic mobile editing app, especially if you want to create graphics for social media. you’re able to also purchase a premium version, but is it worth getting? I tested it over an extended period to find out.
The Differences Between Photoshop Express Free vs. Premium
Photoshop Express Premium has a handful of features you won’t find with the free version, such as editing RAW files. You also get access to additional themes for collages and other types of edits that aren’t available with a free plan.
Furthermore, Premium provides full access to the app’s suite of editing tools. If you aren’t sure what you may do with the app, check out this guide onwhat Photoshop Express is and how it works. You can tell if a feature is premium in Photoshop because it will be marked with a purple star, which you’ll also see if you’ve signed up for Premium on your profile picture.
How to Get Photoshop Express Premium
You can get Photoshop Express within the app by following these instructions:
Download:Photoshop Express foriOS|Android(Free, in-app purchases available)
What I Liked About Photoshop Express Premium
Having used Photoshop Express Premium for a while, there are several things that I like and dislike. First, I’ll discuss the things that I am a fan of with PS Express Premium.
1. Editing RAW Files
By far the biggest advantage of using Photoshop Express is the ability to edit RAW files. I almost always shoot in RAW on my Fujifilm camera, and sometimes, I don’t want to edit on my computer. Having Photoshop Express as an alternative option is quite nice, and it’s one of many reasons that I think PS Express is one of theAdobe mobile apps worth using.
RAW editing gives you more options to make deeper edits, and some smartphones are also starting to introduce RAW file editing. So, this feature will be useful even if you don’t have a DSLR or mirrorless camera. An alternative to Photoshop Express for RAW file editing is Lightroom, and if you choose to go for that app instead, check out theseLightroom mobile tips and tricks.
2. Access to More Editing Features
The free version of Photoshop Express has a decent enough selection of features, especially if you’re just looking to make basic adjustments to your smartphone pictures. But at the same time, it’s also nice to have additional tools if I want to switch up my designs a bit.
More specifically, I like how Photoshop Express Premium has more filters to choose from. This is not only nice for editing my designs, but it’s also helpful for testing new things that I might want to hone with my professional photos later.
3. More Customization for My Designs
Another benefit of upgrading to Photoshop Express is that I have much more flexibility when it comes to customization. For example, I can choose from different collage layouts and pre-designed templates to add my images to. As a result, it’s easier to make designs stand out if I want to share different graphics and whatnot.
If you want to make your visuals more striking, consider checking out theseessential basic design elements and how to use them.
What I Disliked About Photoshop Express Premium
I’ve mentioned a handful of things that I like about Photoshop Express Premium, but it’s far from the perfect tool. To help you make a better decision, I’ll also outline two big things I didn’t like—I would actually argue that these are even more important than the pros.
1. It’s Nowhere Near Good as Photoshop for Desktop
I’m not really surprised about this because Photoshop Express is supposed to be a “lite” version of the full Photoshop app. However, if you’re looking for advanced photo editing features, I would recommend getting Photoshop for desktop any day of the week. You’ve got a more comprehensive suite of features, such as better color balance features and access to Camera Raw.
Even though you can edit RAW files on Photoshop Express, I still prefer to use Lightroom Classic on my computer for initial edits and then finetune in Photoshop if needed. You should considerimproving your Photoshop skillsvia keyboard shortcuts, observing the masters, and more if you decide to use the full version.
2. The Premium Features Lack Compared to Other Tools
While it’s true that Photoshop Express Premium gives you more editing features, I’m not sure if I can recommend it to everyone. In my opinion, there isn’t a big enough difference between the free and paid editions to justify upgrading if you’re a casual photo editor.
Compared to other Adobe apps, for example, I think that Adobe Express’s paid version has enough exclusive features to justify the upgrade. Similarly, for other tools, I think Canva’s paid plan is a significant upgrade to the free edition.
Using the free trial for Photoshop Express is a good idea; if you don’t use any of the new features compared to what you did before, you probably don’t need to upgrade.
Is Photoshop Express Premium Worth Getting?
Photoshop Express is worth getting, but only for some people. If you already use an extensive range of in-app features, it’s worth thinking about getting the paid plan. I would also suggest upgrading if you edit RAW files or you want to start doing so, and the same goes for if you’re already pretty advanced at photography and want to enhance your skills further.
However, I’d argue that most people don’t need to upgrade to Photoshop Express Premium. If you only want to add a few filters and access basic features, the free version of Photoshop Express is plenty comprehensive. I would suggest first looking at Adobe Express or Canva if you want more advanced design features.
