pricing

Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription Model Updates for 2025

A Detailed Analysis

Adobe is set to introduce significant alterations to its Creative Cloud subscription offerings in 2025, with North America experiencing the most substantial changes. This report delves into these updates, outlining the new subscription models, their features, pricing, and considerations for users.

1. Key Changes at a Glance

The long-standing Creative Cloud All Apps subscription will be discontinued in North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico) beginning in June 2025. This pivotal change will see the introduction of two new plans for individual users in this region: Creative Cloud Pro and Creative Cloud Standard.

Existing All Apps subscribers in North America will be automatically transitioned to the more expensive Creative Cloud Pro, which includes enhanced generative artificial intelligence (AI) features. However, these users will have the option to downgrade to the less costly Creative Cloud Standard, which offers reduced access to premium features in Adobe’s web and mobile applications and a smaller allowance of generative credits. New subscribers in North America will only be able to choose the Creative Cloud Pro plan.

On a global scale, Adobe is also adjusting its Photography Plan. The 20GB option will be discontinued for new customers, and the price for existing monthly subscribers will increase.

2. The Evolving Adobe Subscription Landscape

Adobe’s 2025 restructuring of its Creative Cloud subscription model, particularly in North America, reflects the growing importance of advanced technologies like generative AI in creative workflows. A key development is the cessation of sales for the Creative Cloud All Apps subscription in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, effective from 17th June 2025. This strategic move indicates Adobe’s shift towards a tiered subscription structure that places a strong emphasis on generative AI capabilities in its premium offering.

Current All Apps subscribers in North America will find themselves automatically upgraded to a new, more expensive plan called Creative Cloud Pro. This default transition suggests Adobe’s belief that the added value of enhanced AI features in the Pro plan justifies the increased cost for its existing user base. It’s reasonable to infer that Adobe anticipates a growing demand for and reliance on generative AI tools among creative professionals. By making Pro the default, Adobe likely aims to encourage the adoption of these advanced functionalities and potentially boost its revenue.

Recognising that not all users may require or be willing to pay for extensive generative AI features or comprehensive access across all platforms, Adobe is also introducing a more affordable alternative: Creative Cloud Standard. Existing All Apps subscribers will have the choice to manually switch to this plan, which comes with a lower price but also certain limitations. These limitations include a reduced number of monthly generative credits and restricted access to the premium features of Adobe’s web and mobile applications. The introduction of this lower-tier option demonstrates Adobe’s understanding of the diverse needs and budgets of its user base. By offering Standard, Adobe aims to retain customers who are more price-sensitive or whose workflows do not heavily depend on the latest AI advancements or full cross-platform access, thus segmenting its offerings to cater to a broader range of users.

Interestingly, Creative Cloud Standard will not be available to new subscribers in North America, who will only be able to purchase the Creative Cloud Pro subscription. This decision further highlights Adobe’s strategic focus on the Pro tier as its primary offering for new customers in this region. By limiting new subscriptions to Pro, Adobe is positioning it as the standard for a comprehensive creative experience that seamlessly integrates powerful generative AI tools. This move could be interpreted as an effort to maximise initial revenue from new customers and establish Creative Cloud Pro as the benchmark for professional creative software.

3. A Closer Look at Creative Cloud Pro

The Creative Cloud Pro subscription builds upon the foundation of the Creative Cloud All Apps plan in North America, retaining its core functionalities while integrating significant enhancements, particularly in generative AI. This plan is tailored for users who require a comprehensive suite of creative tools and are eager to leverage the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to enhance their workflows.

Subscribers to Creative Cloud Pro will continue to have access to the full suite of over 20 desktop applications previously included in the All Apps plan. This ensures that professionals who rely on industry-standard software such as Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, and Premiere Pro for video editing will maintain uninterrupted access to these essential tools. The continuity of software access is crucial for users with established workflows based on these applications.

In addition to the desktop applications, Creative Cloud Pro includes the same cloud services offered with the All Apps plan. These comprise access to Adobe Fonts, providing a vast library of typefaces for creative projects; the Behance online portfolio service, enabling users to showcase their work and connect with other creatives; and 100GB of cloud storage, facilitating file sharing and collaboration across devices. These supplementary services are integral to the Creative Cloud ecosystem, supporting various aspects of the creative process, from design to presentation.

A key distinguishing feature of Creative Cloud Pro is its enhanced generative AI capabilities. Subscribers benefit from unlimited access to “standard” generative AI features, such as the popular Generative Fill tool in Photoshop. The provision of unlimited access to these core AI functionalities suggests that Adobe anticipates a high level of reliance on these tools by creative professionals. Features like Generative Fill have become increasingly integrated into everyday creative tasks, and removing usage restrictions allows users to fully explore their potential without concern for credit consumption.

Furthermore, Creative Cloud Pro provides a substantial allowance of 4,000 credits per month for “premium” generative AI features. These premium features include advanced functionalities like text-to-image and text-to-video generation powered by the Firefly Video Model. This credit-based system for premium features introduces a usage parameter, which may influence how users incorporate these more resource-intensive AI tools into their projects. The allocation of 4,000 credits translates to approximately 40 five-second AI-generated videos or up to 14 minutes of AI-translated audio or video each month, providing users with a tangible understanding of the practical output achievable with their monthly credit allowance.

Creative Cloud Pro subscribers also gain access to Firefly Boards, Adobe’s new AI-based moodboarding service, currently in its beta phase. The introduction of this service highlights Adobe’s commitment to integrating AI into the initial stages of the creative process, aiming to streamline ideation and foster collaboration. AI-powered moodboarding can offer new and efficient ways to explore creative concepts and gather inspiration, potentially saving time and enhancing the initial planning phases of projects.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of Creative Cloud Pro is the ability for subscribers to utilise non-Adobe generative AI models directly within the Firefly application. This includes models from leading AI developers such as OpenAI (GPT image generation), Google (Imagen and Veo), and Flux (1.1 Pro). This openness to integrating third-party AI models is a significant development, offering users greater flexibility and access to a broader spectrum of AI capabilities within the Adobe ecosystem. By embracing external AI technologies, Adobe acknowledges the rapid advancements in the field and aims to provide users with a comprehensive and versatile AI toolkit, regardless of the model’s origin.

The Creative Cloud Pro subscription is priced at $104.99 per month or $779.99 per year for users in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This represents an increase compared to the previous Creative Cloud All Apps subscription, which cost $89.99 per month or $659.88 per year. This price adjustment is directly attributable to the enhanced generative AI features and the provision of unlimited access to standard AI functionalities. Adobe is positioning Creative Cloud Pro as a premium offering that justifies the higher cost through its advanced AI capabilities and the value they bring to professional creative workflows.

While students and teachers are not eligible to switch to the Creative Cloud Standard plan, they can access Creative Cloud Pro at a discounted educational price. The introductory price for the first year for students and teachers on an annual contract billed monthly is $29.99 per month, with a renewal price of $39.99 per month. This acknowledges the importance of supporting the education sector and provides more affordable access to the comprehensive features of the Pro plan for eligible individuals.

4. Exploring Creative Cloud Standard

The Creative Cloud Standard subscription is a new offering in North America, exclusively available to existing Creative Cloud All Apps customers who choose to manually switch from their current plan. This plan is positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative for users who may not require the extensive generative AI capabilities or the full mobile and web app access provided by Creative Cloud Pro.

Creative Cloud Standard subscribers will still have access to the same comprehensive suite of over 20 desktop applications that are included in the All Apps and Pro plans. This ensures that users can continue to utilise essential creative software like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and Acrobat on their desktop computers. The retention of access to these core applications makes Standard a viable option for users whose primary work is conducted on desktop.

Similar to the other Creative Cloud plans, Standard includes access to essential cloud services such as Adobe Fonts, the Behance network, and 100GB of cloud storage. These services provide valuable supplementary functionalities for managing creative assets, showcasing work, and collaborating with others.

The most significant differences between Creative Cloud Standard and Pro lie in their generative AI capabilities and access to mobile and web applications. Creative Cloud Standard offers a significantly reduced allowance of generative credits, with only 25 credits per month, and these are limited to the standard generative features. This limited access suggests that the Standard plan is designed for users who have minimal or very basic generative AI needs. The low credit count acts as a constraint on the extensive use of AI features, potentially guiding users with more demanding AI workflows towards the Pro plan.

Furthermore, Creative Cloud Standard imposes restrictions on access to the mobile and web editions of Adobe’s creative applications. While subscribers retain full access to the mobile and web version of Acrobat, their access to other applications like Adobe Express, Fresco, Illustrator, Lightroom, and Photoshop on mobile and web is limited to the free versions. These free versions typically have a much more limited feature set compared to the premium versions available with the All Apps and Pro plans. This restriction on cross-platform access could impact users who rely on the flexibility of working seamlessly across different devices and locations with the full functionality of Adobe’s creative suite. By limiting mobile and web access, Adobe is likely aiming to further differentiate the value proposition of the Pro plan, which offers comprehensive, full-featured access across all platforms.

Creative Cloud Standard is priced at $82.49 per month or $599.88 per year for users in the US, Canada, and Mexico. This represents a cost saving compared to both the previous Creative Cloud All Apps plan and the new Creative Cloud Pro plan. The lower price point makes Standard an appealing option for existing users who are less reliant on generative AI or full mobile/web app access and are seeking to reduce their subscription expenses. Adobe is aiming to retain these cost-conscious users by offering a more basic, yet still comprehensive in terms of desktop applications, plan.

It is important to reiterate that Creative Cloud Standard is exclusively available for existing Creative Cloud All Apps customers to switch to; new users in North America cannot subscribe to this plan. This limited availability suggests that Standard is intended as a transitional offering to manage the shift from the All Apps plan, providing a down-grade path for those who do not require the premium AI features of Pro, rather than being a long-term primary subscription option for all users.

5. Understanding the Changes to Photography Plans

In addition to the significant changes to the “all apps” subscription in North America, Adobe has also announced updates to its popular Photography Plans, which have global implications.

A notable change is the discontinuation of the Creative Cloud Photography plan with 20GB of storage for new subscribers after 15th January 2025. This decision suggests that Adobe is streamlining its Photography Plan offerings, potentially encouraging new users to opt for the 1TB plan or consider the broader Creative Cloud Pro plan if they require access to a wider range of applications. By removing the entry-level 20GB option for new customers, Adobe might be aiming to increase the average revenue per user within the photography segment.

Existing subscribers to the 20GB Photography Plan will also see a price adjustment, but this only affects those on the annual plan billed monthly. Starting on their next renewal date on or after 15th January 2025, the monthly price for these subscribers will increase from $9.99 to $14.99. This represents a substantial price increase for those who prefer to pay monthly. It is likely that Adobe is trying to incentivise these users to switch to the annual prepaid billing option.

Crucially, the price for the annual prepaid option of the 20GB Photography Plan will remain unchanged at $119.88 per year, which equates to $9.99 per month. Therefore, existing 20GB plan subscribers who are currently paying monthly are strongly advised to switch to the annual prepaid option before their next renewal date to avoid the significant price increase. This allows them to maintain their current cost for another year.

The pricing for the 1TB Photography Plan will remain the same at $240 per year or $19.99 per month. This provides a consistent option for users who require significantly more cloud storage for their photography work and are willing to pay a higher monthly fee. Additionally, the rarely used Lightroom-only plan will see a price increase from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.

Starting from 17th June 2025, new subscribers to the Photography Plan (1TB) will also experience a reduction in their monthly generative credit allowance to just 25 credits. This aligns with Adobe’s broader strategy of limiting generative AI access in its lower-tier subscription plans, reserving more extensive AI capabilities for the Creative Cloud Pro plan.

6. Guidance on Selecting the Right Subscription

Choosing the most suitable Adobe Creative Cloud subscription in 2025 requires careful consideration of individual needs, usage patterns, and budget. The recent changes, particularly in North America, necessitate a reassessment of the available options.

For existing Creative Cloud All Apps subscribers in North America, the decision hinges on their reliance on generative AI features and their need for mobile and web app access. If a user heavily utilises generative AI in their workflow and values early access to new AI innovations, the automatic transition to Creative Cloud Pro is likely the most appropriate choice, despite the increased cost. The unlimited standard AI credits and the substantial allowance of premium credits will support intensive AI-driven creative processes. Conversely, if a user’s engagement with generative AI is minimal and their primary focus is on desktop applications, switching to Creative Cloud Standard could result in cost savings. However, it is crucial to consider the limitations on mobile and web app access, as these might impact workflow flexibility. Users who are uncertain about their AI needs should evaluate their current usage of generative credits (if applicable) and their dependence on mobile and web versions of the apps before making a decision. The period before the official transition on 17th June 2025, during which existing All Apps users in North America will have access to the Pro features, provides a valuable opportunity to assess the benefits of the upgrade.

New users in North America seeking access to the full suite of Adobe’s creative applications will find that Creative Cloud Pro is their only option. This plan is recommended for those who require a comprehensive set of tools and anticipate utilising generative AI features as part of their creative process. If a new user’s needs are more specific, they might consider exploring single-app subscriptions or the Photography Plans, depending on their primary software requirements.

For users of the Photography Plan globally, the changes necessitate a different set of considerations. Existing subscribers to the 20GB plan who are currently paying monthly should strongly consider switching to the annual prepaid option before their next renewal date to maintain the current pricing of $9.99 per month (billed annually at $119.88). New photography users will no longer be able to subscribe to the 20GB plan and will need to choose between the 1TB plan, which offers significantly more cloud storage and a limited number of generative AI credits, or explore single-app subscriptions for Photoshop and Lightroom. Alternatively, if access to a broader range of applications is required, the Creative Cloud Pro plan should be considered. Users with significant cloud storage requirements for their photography will find the 1TB Photography Plan remains a viable option.

Subscribers outside North America will experience fewer immediate changes. Most existing Creative Cloud All Apps subscribers will see no alterations to their plan name, pricing, or access at this time. However, new subscribers to certain single app plans (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Lightroom, and InDesign), the Photography Plan (1TB), and select mobile plans will have their monthly generative credit allowance reduced to 25 starting from 17th June 2025. This limitation should be considered by new users who anticipate using generative AI within these applications. Business users should note the renaming of the Creative Cloud for teams Pro Edition to Creative Cloud Pro Plus for teams, which will include unlimited Adobe Stock standard assets, unlike the standard Creative Cloud Pro for teams.

Regardless of location or current subscription status, users should also consider whether a single-app subscription might be more suitable and cost-effective if their primary need is for only one or two specific Adobe applications. It is essential to evaluate core software requirements before committing to a broader plan. Furthermore, the increasing differentiation between subscription tiers based on access to generative AI necessitates an honest assessment of how integral these features are to an individual’s or team’s workflow. Choosing a plan that aligns with actual usage patterns is crucial for optimising cost and maximising value. Finally, eligible students and teachers should always explore the discounted pricing available, particularly for the comprehensive Creative Cloud Pro plan.

7. Changes Affecting Subscribers Outside North America

It is important to reiterate that the renaming of Creative Cloud All Apps to Creative Cloud Pro and Creative Cloud Standard is specific to the North American market, encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For existing Creative Cloud subscribers residing outside of these regions, their current plan name will remain Creative Cloud All Apps, and there will be no immediate changes to their pricing or access to applications and services.

However, Adobe is implementing some adjustments for new subscribers outside North America, effective from 17th June 2025. Specifically, new subscribers to certain single app plans, including popular applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Lightroom, and InDesign, as well as the Photography Plan with 1TB of storage, and select mobile plans such as Lightroom Mobile Premium, Photoshop Express, and Illustrator on iPad, will receive a reduced monthly allowance of 25 generative credits. This reduction in generative credits will likely impact new users who intend to utilise AI-powered features within these specific plans.

Conversely, there will be no changes to the pricing or the number of monthly generative credits for both new and existing subscribers of other Adobe plans outside North America, including Photoshop Mobile, Adobe Express Premium, Adobe Stock, Substance Collection, Acrobat Standard, and Acrobat Pro. This indicates a more targeted approach to adjusting generative AI access for specific plan types.

Finally, for business users outside North America, the “Creative Cloud for teams Pro Edition” will be renamed to “Creative”.