FAQ - Adobe software
Beginning in the fall semester of 2014, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design has contracted with Adobe to provide all students the latest Creative Cloud ("CC") software collection.
Students will not need to purchase any Adobe Creative applications such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc. See below or contact us with questions. Further details will also be sent ahead of Fall 2014 on acquiring an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription through PCA&D. Popular questions on Creative Cloud are also answered here by Adobe.
Creative Cloud is the complete Adobe bundle of professional applications (i.e. Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator. The complete list is available here) with all the latest features and includes all software fixes and patches.
Adobe has changed the way they deliver software, moving away from an expensive up-front purchase toward budgeting with a subscription plan. Adobe has more information available.
Access to the Adobe CC will made be available before the beginning of the fall 2014 semester. Additional information will be sent to all students via email, and updated information will be posted here as available.
Information will be emailed to students providing a link to a website containing complete instructions on downloading and registering Adobe Creative Cloud. When available to students, that website will provide a redemption code that will make Creative Cloud available for one year. Each year, a new code will be redeemed after student enrollment is verified.
At a minimum, incoming freshman will want to have the following installed on their MacBook Pro ahead of classes:
- Photoshop
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- Flash Professional
- Acrobat XI Pro
Also see the syllabus of each class for any additional software requirements.
If you are already paying for a Adobe CC subscription, you will have two options:
- Allow your subscription to run out and cancel further payments at the end of your term without penalty. You will be able to apply a redemption code from PCA&D to renew access to Creative Cloud for one year.
- Cancel your current subscription early and use the PCA&D redemption code to continue access to Creative Cloud. There is a risk of a penalty for early termination.
Please contact Adobe about discontinuing your subscription in accordance with the Adobe's subscription terms before making a final decision about which option you would like to pursue.
Your access to Adobe CC is dependent on your Adobe ID. In order to use the school's license, you must use a pcad.edu email address. If you originally created an Adobe ID using a personal email address, there is no guarantee you will have access to those same files in the Adobe Cloud. Please make sure you save your files in safe location (i.e. your laptop, external drive, etc.) prior to switching to the PCA&D provided license.
For more information, check Adobe's FAQ, contact PCAD I.T. (pcad-it@pcad.edu) or visit this FAQ in the coming weeks for updated details.
This is a major component of the software to have installed before the start of classes.
Contact I.T. if you have additional questions.