Hanging on to Adobe CS6

[Peter Tabmow]

If I want to continue using Adobe CS6 after replacing my mid-2015 MacBook Pro 15, which of the following is the better option?

1) New MacBook Pro M1 running Parallels or VMWare

2) New late-model MacBook Pro Intel running Mojave Mac OS

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[MacInWin]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't think CS6 is 64-bit, so it won't run on either of those. If I'm wrong, and it is, in fact, 64bit, the bigger challenge will be transferring it from the 2015 system to the new. Adobe is not the friendliest at this kind of thing.

Parallels on the M1 system cannot run older OS versions, I have heard. Nor Windows. I've not tried it myself because I'm trying to get away from virtual machines.

 

[Peter Tabmow]

CS6 is 32-bit. My understanding is that it will run (if not perfectly) on Mojave but not Catalina, which points toward my second option above. At the same time, I've read that there is a new version of Parallels that can run an older OS on an M1 machine. Anyone?

 

[MacInWin]

At the same time, I've read that there is a new version of Parallels that can run an older OS on an M1 machine. Anyone?

Not according to this page at Parallels.com:

Resources & System Requirements | Parallels Desktop for Mac

www.parallels.com

Note at the bottom of the page, it says this:

Supported Guest Operating Systems (Mac with Apple M1 chip):​

Only ARM versions of operating systems are supported.

• Windows 11 on ARM (recommended)
  • Additional information on the M1 experience may be found in this article.
  • Windows ARM can run most of the regular Windows x86 applications. You can download the Parallels Desktop trial and install the application of your interest. If it doesn't work, let us know at Parallels Forum.
• Ubuntu Linux 21.10, 21.04, 20.10, 20.04
• Fedora Workstation 35, 34, 33-1.2
• Debian GNU/Linux 11, 10.7
• Kali Linux 2021.3, 2021.2, 2021.1
• macOS Monterey 12 (in-app download)

 

[Peter Tabmow]

Not according to this page at Parallels.com:

Resources & System Requirements | Parallels Desktop for Mac

www.parallels.com

Note at the bottom of the page, it says this:

Got it – thanks for digging into that!

 

[MacInWin]

Check out the Affinity Photo line of products. They work on the M1 systems just fine and do pretty much what the CS suite does.

Best Photo Editing Software | Affinity Photo

The first-choice photo editor of millions of photographers, artists, and other professionals around the world – try Affinity Photo for free today!

affinity.serif.com

 

[Randy B. Singer]

If I want to continue using Adobe CS6 after replacing my mid-2015 MacBook Pro 15, which of the following is the better option?

1) New MacBook Pro M1 running Parallels or VMWare

You can't virtualize an operating system that is looking for Intel hardware on an ARM-based (i.e. Apple Silicon) Mac. At least not yet, and there is no indication that anyone is working to bring this capability to you. So, if you are hoping to run Mojave or earlier in a virtual machine on an M1x-based Mac...you can't.

2) New late-model MacBook Pro Intel running Mojave Mac OS

A brand new Mac will come with Monterey. It won't run on any earlier version of the Mac OS. (Macs are never able to run on a major version of the Mac OS earlier than the version they came with. They need hardware drivers that only exist in versions of the Mac OS that existed when they existed.)

You can purchase a used or refurbished older Macintosh model that can run Mojave, and that MAY work. Mojave was the last version of the Mac OS that could run 32-bit only apps. However, it's unclear to me that CS6 can run on that recent a version of the Mac OS. See:

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/cs6-system-requirements.html#CreativeSuite6systemrequirements

Most CS users that I've been in touch with have become fed up with Adobe, their pricing, and their subscription model. Instead, many have switched to the Affinity suite, which isn't cloud or subscription based, and their apps are only $55 each. They can import Adobe file formats, and there are free downloadable demos available:

Creative Software For Professionals | We Are Affinity

Subscription-free photo editing, page layout, graphic design and illustration apps for professionals. Try for free or buy for one low payment.

affinity.serif.com

 

[lclev]

Affinity products are great for photos and print materials. As long as the OP is only using CS6 for that those apps will work just fine. As for any video work, Affinity will not be the solution.

As for CS6 - It will not work on a new Mac - experience here! I have one Windows 7 computer at work still running CS6. Our secretary uses it for the few graphics she designs - postcards etc. We use to have several copies of CS6 - legal paid for copies - and the product keys were eventually rejected by Adobe servers. I had attempted to install it on a W10 computer because the one it was on was being retired. And yes, I tried all kinds of methods including calling Adobe. They would not listen even with receipts for purchase offered. Were they forcing everyone to paid subscriptions? I say, YES!

Long story short - we now purchase Adobe CC from Adobe, and I hate the paid subscription format. I also really hate it when one of their updates mess up an app making it either unusable or I have to figure out a work a round. But with the addition of 4K and soon 8K video it's either Adobe or Final Cut Pro - which lacks some features.

If you do not do any video work - go with Affinity. There is a bit of a learning curve but since you are coming from CS6 you will find Affinity will have more cool options to use.

Lisa

 

[NSMacGuru]

I ran away from Adobe as fast as I possibly could. Not a power user, so YMMV. Loving Pixelmator Pro (which seems to be on a half-price sale at least twice a year... though it's a bargain at the regular retail given its capabilities).

 

[Ozdawg]

Adobe, without warning disabled my CS6. I have receipts and have registered it since I bought it. And there response was too bad, so sad. Upgrade.
I started using the Affinity apps, three and as stated, they are similar, but different enough to have a decent learning curve. That said I really like the apps and the company. $55 each, and if you pay attention they knock a third off once or twice a year.
While but as cram full as the three Adobe apps (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign), they are constantly improving and adding features. And more importantly, are very receptive to user feedback and issues.
If you are dead set on CS6, check the OS compatibility issues. While they will work with Mojave, there will be issues. I ran CS6 on a 2013 Mac Pro with Sierra, and while it worked I could never get the fonts to display in the menu properly. One or two other small issues, but nothing awful, just inconvenient. As you go to High Sierra, Mojave the issues are more pronounced and a few more present. Again check the list.
You can get a nice 2015 (2017 if you really pay attention( or older MacBook Pro or iMac for around $500 or less. Add an ssd or two (they are crazy cheap right now ($75-95) and some memory, (memory first) and you have a dedicated graphics workstation, that will also do your daily driving chores.

 

[lclev]

I am currently exploring Final Cut Pro to see if it could meet my needs. I might find it works especially given it is a one time purchase price and I already have all the Affinity apps. We shall see. The learning curve will be an issue. I have used Premiere Pro and Photoshop for well over 20 years!

A late model MBP would be a solution only if you can get CS6 installed. Migrating it will not be a guarantee as the first time it phones home to the Adobe mothership I won't be surprised if it won't authenticate.

Lisa