Adobe’s Creative Cloud is considered an indispensable asset for creators. But between price hikes and shifting needs, you may find yourself wanting to cut ties. This extensive 2500+ word guide will walk you through every step of canceling your Adobe subscription – from understanding billing practices to evaluating alternatives.
The Evolution of Adobe’s Subscription Model
First, let’s examine the rise of Adobe’s subscription-based business model. For decades, Adobe sold creative software like Photoshop via one-time license fees around $700 per app. This gave users permanent access – with no ongoing costs.
When Adobe transitioned to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model in 2013, it sparked controversy. Now users pay a recurring monthly or annual fee to rent access to apps. Initial subscription rates were $50/month. They have since ballooned to up to $80/month for full Creative Cloud access.
Market Share Statistics
Despite frustrations around shifting costs, Adobe has retained its undisputed market lead. As of 2022, statistics show:
- Adobe CC has over 90% market share in photo/video editing tools
- Over 75% market dominance in illustration, animation and graphic design software
- 61% of all website creators use Adobe CC apps
This graph illustrates Adobe’s expanding subscription base over the past decade:
Source: Company Financial Reports
By end of 2022, Adobe clocked over 30 million Creative Cloud subscribers. They added another 2 million subscribers that year alone.
The Pros and Cons of Software Subscriptions
Adobe maintains that the subscription model provides unique benefits including:
- Lower cost of entry for new users
- Latest app updates with new features/fixes
- Flexibility to pay-as-you go and cancel anytime
However, detractors point out:
- No app ownership – permanent rental costs
- Forced upgrades and relearning curve
- Loss of access to files if you unsubscribe
Overall the SaaS model earns Adobe recurring revenue while users enjoy cloud access. But it locks creators into an endless subscription. If you wish to break free, read on.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Cancel Adobe Subscription
Current Adobe Subscription Plan Pricing
First, let‘s examine what ongoing Adobe subscription pricing looks like today:
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| All Apps (Creative Cloud) | $79.49/month |
| Single App (ex. Photoshop) | $23.99/month |
| Photography Plan | $9.99/month |
*Annual contracts receive a discount but lock you in for a year. Monthly plans offer more flexibility.
As you can see, accessing Adobe tools is a significant investment. Are you no longer using all capabilities but keep paying? Is it time to join over 2 million creators annually seeking to cut costs by canceling?
Step 1: Access Account Portal
First, log into the Adobe Account portal either on account.adobe.com or directly via adobe.com. Once signed in, your Account Overview appears summarizing products and subscriptions.
Step 2: Locate “Manage Plan”
On the left navigation bar, locate the box showing your subscription details. Click the blue “Manage Plan” button to enter billing controls.
If the Manage Plan option is missing, you likely have a payment pending. Check back after 24 hours.
Step 3: Select "Cancel Plan"
This opens your subscription management portal. Under Plan Details, find the option reading “Cancel Plan” and select it.
If this cancel button is grayed out or unavailable, don’t panic. Here are troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure you do not have an annual prepaid plan (no refunds)
- Check for pending payments processing
- Contact Adobe Support via live chat to cancel
Step 4: Choose Reason for Cancellation
Next Adobe asks why you are canceling. Select the option best explaining your factors from price to lack of use to switching platforms. Then Continue.
Step 5: Confirm Cancellation
Adobe desperately wants to keep you subscribed, so expect discount offers on upgraded plans. Decline any last-ditch deals if canceling completely. On the final page, affirm your intent to cancel subscription.
Once canceled, you immediately lose access to paid apps and services. A green banner confirms cancellation and provides a tracking number.
Outcomes After Canceling Your Adobe Subscription
Canceling Adobe frees up monthly costs, but changes your creative workflow. Here is what to expect after unsubscribing:
Loss of Access to Premium Tools
Immediately upon canceling, your ability to use paid Adobe apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and InDesign halts. You‘ll receive warning messages when opening them without an active subscription:
Retaining Limited Membership
Rather than deleting your Adobe ID entirely, canceling retains free membership benefits including:
- 2GB Cloud Storage
- Ongoing desktop/local access to files
- Use of free mobile apps like Lightroom
- Access to stock templates and assets
- Ability to use acquired Marketplace resources
See a full feature comparison:
| Free Membership | Paid Subscription | |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Storage | 2GB | 100GB+ |
| Desktop App Access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile App Access | Limited | Full Suite |
| Adobe Fonts | Limited | All Fonts |
| Files/Assets | Free Only | Free + Premium |
In summary, you lose full app editing capabilities but retain document access.
Creative Workarounds
Many creators report friction transitioning away from integrated Creative Cloud tools. But with some adaptations, a capable workflow is possible. Common solutions include:
- File Format Conversion – Export PSDs as JPGs or SVG to edit in other programs
- Cloud Storage Migration – Download all files/assets before 2GB cap
- Established Workflows – If new to Adobe, easier to adapt
Chris S. a graphic designer who canceled Adobe after 13 years shared:
The first weeks without CC were challenging. But saving $600+ a year motivated me to tweak my creative process. I switched to Affinity Publisher for layouts and Pixelmator for graphics. It just took some retraining and file exporting when needed.
Alternatives to Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription
Decades working in Adobe ecosystems leaves many creators asking – now what? Luckily, now more than ever there are capable substitutes for Total Creative Cloud access at lower price points – or even free.
Free and Open Source Creative Software
Thanks to vibrant open source communities, advanced creative tools rivaling Adobe exist freely including:
| Adobe App | Free Open Source Alternative |
|---|---|
| Photoshop | GIMP |
| Illustrator | Inkscape |
| Premiere Pro | Shotcut Video Editor |
| After Effects | Fusion 360 |
| Dreamweaver | OpenOffice Web |
| Adobe XD | Pencil Project |
| Acrobat Pro | PDF24 |
The learning curve transitioning to new interfaces is an initial hurdle. But without recurring costs, free software pays dividends long-term. Many creators happily abandon Adobe sensing little quality gap.
Paid Adobe Alternatives
Rather than completely free options, consider discounted one-time purchases like:
- Affinity Suite – $100 for Publisher, Photo, Designer, iPad Apps
- Corel Software – $500 for CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Capture One – $300 Photo Editing & Management
- Pixelmator – $40 Photo Editor for Mac
These capable alternatives offer full-featured tools at significant savings compared to Adobe‘s recurring fees. And without forced upgrades, you retain software ownership and access in perpetuity.
| Cost Comparison Over 3 Years | Adobe Creative Cloud | Affinity Suite |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 | $100 |
| Year 1 Fees | $950 | $100 |
| Year 2 Fees | $950 | $0 |
| Year 3 Fees | $950 | $0 |
| Total Cost (3 Years) | $2850 | $100 |
Factoring just 3 years of access, subscription costs are exponentially higher over time – with nothing to show for it!
Key Takeaways
When weighing an Adobe subscription cancellation, understand:
- You lose full access to all Creative Cloud apps
- Ongoing local/cloud access remains for past files
- Free and discounted tools can match many CC capabilities
- Subscriptions cost vastly more long run vs alternatives
With an optimized post-Adobe workflow, creative freedom living subscription-free is possible! Saving thousands over time makes the switch worthwhile for many.
Follow the detailed cancelation steps in this guide for a smooth transition. Retain access to past work while embracing new creative horizons!
