Should you use Adobe Photoshop in 2025?

At Easy Web, Adobe Photoshop has been our faithful ally since 2020. From subtle photo retouching to complex graphic compositions, it's an essential tool. What I appreciate most is its versatility and unmatched power in graphic design.

It excels at professional retouching, complex photomontages, and bitmap creation. Its layer management, masks, and pixel-perfect precision make it the ideal tool for projects that demand flawless quality and total control.

However, it has a steep learning curve and the Creative Cloud subscription is expensive. For pure vector graphics or layout, Illustrator or InDesign are still more relevant. And for UI prototyping, tools such as Figma or XD are often preferred.

Many people imagine Photoshop as a workhorse reserved for seasoned pros. That's a mistake! Its basic features are surprisingly accessible, even for a novice. Want to quickly retouch a photo for a social media post, create a simple visual for an advertising banner, or even cut out a product for an e-commerce listing? It's perfectly doable from the very beginning. We're not asking you to become a layer expert on day one, just to get started.

The real advantage for beginners is the huge learning ecosystem. Thousands of tutorials, dedicated YouTube channels, a vibrant community... You're never alone when it comes to using the tool. And let's be clear: understanding the basics of Photoshop is a fundamental skill in 2025. It's a springboard, not a wall. Give it a try, you'll see.

When it comes to professional tools, price is always a key consideration. Adobe offers two main options for Photoshop. If your focus is purely on photo editing or isolated graphic design, the "Photoshop (single app)" subscription at around $29.99/month is ideal. You get the complete tool, without any extras. It's perfect for freelance photographers or specialist graphic designers.

On the other hand, for agencies or versatile designers like us at Easy Web, who work in web design, video, and more, the "Creative Cloud All Apps" offer is the logical choice. At around €62.47/month, it unlocks the entire ecosystem (Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, etc.), an investment that truly optimizes the workflow for demanding professionals. The cost is there, but the gain in flexibility is considerable.

If I had to choose one essential feature that makes Photoshop a must-have for professionals, it would be its layer management without hesitation. It is the cornerstone of our productivity at Easy Web. Working non-destructively—with adjustment layers and masks—gives us incredible flexibility. We can go back and test variations without ever touching the original image. Unmatched security and efficiency.

But what has really transformed our workflows in recent years is the integration of AI. Take features like Generative Fill or automated object selection. Gone are the days of spending hours on detours or creating complex elements. In 2025, these tools allow us to prototype and iterate at breakneck speed, freeing up our time for pure creativity and strategy. It's a game changer, without exaggeration.

When it comes to advanced features, Photoshop's Generative Fill has really shaken up our habits. At Easy Web, we use it almost daily for complex retouching or background extensions. It's amazing to see how much it speeds up the creative process, allowing us to iterate ideas in just a few clicks without a huge amount of manual effort. This frees up valuable time to focus on the real added value of our work as designers.

Another essential tool for any professional: Smart Objects. They are the basis of a non-destructive workflow. Whether you resize, transform, or apply filters, the original image information is preserved. Trust me, it saves the day when a client requests endless adjustments or you need to reuse an element at multiple scales. It guarantees maximum flexibility and consistent quality, which is essential in an agency.