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Can You Use Photoshop for Commercial Use?

Last updated on January 25, 2023 @ 4:41 pm

As a general rule, you need to purchase a separate license for Photoshop if you want to use it for commercial purposes. However, there are some limited circumstances under which you may be able to use Photoshop for commercial work without purchasing a license.

If you are working as a freelance graphic designer, for example, you will likely need to purchase your own copy of Photoshop so that you can create billable work for your clients. However, if you are working as an employee of a company that already has a Photoshop license, you may be able to use that license for commercial work.

Check with your employer to see if this is the case.

Another exception to the rule is if you are using Photoshop to create artwork that you intend to sell, such as prints or digital artwork. In this case, you are allowed to use Photoshop under what is known as the “first sale doctrine.”

This doctrine allows individuals to sell copyrighted material that they have lawfully purchased without needing to obtain permission from the copyright holder.

So, while in most cases you will need to purchase a separate Photoshop license for commercial use, there are some limited circumstances under which you may be able to get by without one. Be sure to check with your employer or potential clients before assuming that you will need to purchase a license, as this could save you some money down the road.

PRO TIP: If you are using Photoshop for commercial purposes, be aware that there are some legal risks involved. There is a risk that you could be sued for copyright infringement if you use someone else’s copyrighted material without their permission. Additionally, if you modify someone else’s work and sell it as your own, you could be sued for fraud. Finally, if you use Photoshop to create fake images or videos, you could be sued for defamation.
Dale Leydon

Dale Leydon

Sysadmin turned Javascript developer. Owner of 20+ apps graveyard, and a couple of successful ones.