How to Identify Pirated Versions of Adobe Photoshop

Honestly pirated software isn't all that unsafe if you have half an idea of what your doing. And the whole thing with pirates is that if someone like Adobe charges $700 for a single piece of software, when you can get a near identical copy for nothing (without loosing anything), then why the hell wouldn't you?

Furthermore, pirated versions of software truly bloom out of control only when the software is so overpriced for what you get out of it. A lot of stupid people know what it is and what it does and really really want it, and when it's so stupid easy to get a pirated version.

I mean literally, go to Google and search for 'bit torrent tracker site' and then click one and search for 'photoshop CSx', click one, click download, wait, mount the ISO, and find the keygen and/or crack and run the install! Hell, most 'legit' (using that term loosely here) pirated copies have freaking readme's that walk you through it step by step to the point that a 6-year old could do it (if they could read)!

Most pirated software is unsafe, and it also takes a long time to download each individual file, one at a time.

There's way too many pirate tools out there that let you copy software, and so many ways to get your hands on a copy of pirated software. Will there ever be a way to contain this industry?

Dear all,

I bought a pirated copy from a Ebay seller recently. When I received the item, my heart was fall down instantly. The dvds and dvd case are printed by inject printer and there are some crack file folder in the dvds...

May I know what is the next step should I go through? Or should I keep quiet? I already paid 700 USD for that copy... OMG!

If the software is cheaper maybe there's no pirated version on the market.

Cheers

I would be scared to download a pirated version of any program because I wouldn't want it to do any damage to my computer.

it's so easy! please check my photo retouching gallery here. thanks

I really enjoyed reading your post. Great job - can't wait to visit again.

Thank you for this.

Larry

Counterfeit software can damage your PC (in the forms of spyware, viruses, etc.). When you purchase PC products, make sure they are licensed.

I was sold Photoshop CS3 from a guy who owns a PC shop. He sold me a copy while I was buying a second hand PC tower. It was real cheap - under £200.

He said it was package damaged hence only in DVD case with 2 discs - software and an Adobe video workshop disc.

The serial is on a white label stuck on the back. Discs have "made in Ireland" stamped on them. I did explain that I only wanted the genuine article for commercial work. He said that it was the real mCoy, unregistered.

But I am concerned because:
a) After installing, activating and registering online, why is registration section under help menu not greyed out?
b) Why does my name not appear under 'about photoshop...' in the help menu.

I have updated successfully. If this is a counterfeit, then why do i get a nice welcome email from Adobe with a few introductory offers, etc.?

Okay, maybe it's a genuine package, in which case I am lucky.
But if it isn't, then my belief that Adobe have a high tech database and only register what they produce and sell, is false.

Can anybody reply to this. Fingers crossed!!

let's see...200 dollars vs. 700 dollars? I think I will go counterfeit. if it works who cares. Adobe shouldn't price so high. I don't feel sorry for them.

Come on guys, the majority of you are lambasting these pirates and I feel sorry for those that are out of their money but enough is enough. Real Pirates are these manufacturers that create and sustain this environment purposely in name of big profits.

Consider this.

Adobe proposition is simple enough, they have here a mechanism that enables them to evade free market price competition and effectively impose retail price maintenance.

If done deliberately as policy, this would be illegal price fixing in most jurisdictions. But since anyone who buys any Adobe software retail at a discount is very likely buying counterfeit product, and the only truly safe source is Adobe themselves, they have complete legitimate control of their own pricing. And of course they can take the high moral ground, pointing to the flood of pirated copies as evidence of why activation and DRM is a necessary imposition.

It seems a grotesque way to treat customers but is clearly profitably expedient. Adobe's core market is really now corporates. Retail is a relatively small and messy PITA with dealer margins and support overheads.

Of course Adobe wants to remain the standard, so turning a blind eye to piracy ensures it remains so - that always new generations of users are growing up with the software. MS are much the same. MS have always condemned piracy but always they have allowed a back channel access to much cheaper routes, tolerating the trade in OEM and educational versions that are often used way outside the EULA. Even activation isn't that strict, it can be used across multiple machines with inconvenience and loss of support.

Ultimately some of the users of unauthorized sofware will become the corporate buyers and licensed users of tomorrow, whilst those who don't would never have been able to afford RRP anyhow. That's pretty much the whole of China and the Asian bloc. Getting ripped off on eBay is just the collateral damage of Adobe's corporate strategy.

Thanks for the interesting post. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

Thanks for the very informative post. As to odd out the pirated version of Adobe Photoshop is gonna be very beneficial. I will readily use this guide.

Regards,
Earvin James

Thanks for the interesting post. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

I've been using pirated Adobe Audition 1.5 for 2 years now (actually, I started with pirated Cool Edit Pro about 5 years ago, and then Adobe bought Cool Edit and renamed it, and I downloaded cracked Audition).

What can I say: honestly speaking, I haven't noticed any inconveniences using this version. I started facing problems about 6 months ago. The point is that I really need those updates offered by Adobe to their legit customers, and, of course, my cracked version just won't let me get 'em.

As this program is of vital importance for me, I've decided to buy Adobe Auditions 3.0 (it was released recently) straight from Adobe. And you know what? It turned out that all this time I've been missing not only updates: the legit version works better and far more stable than the one I was using before.

I believe I'd face the same situation if I was using Photoshop.
As for alternative editors you've mentioned... To be honest, I've never heard of a single professional designer say they work on Linux with GIMP

Excellent recommendation about The Gimp. It's a pretty good and free alternative to Photoshop, and easier to use I guess. And thanks for the heads up on all the Photoshop piracy scams out there.

I love anything to do with this pirate stuff. It's amazing, it's super cute, and way interesting. I think that they're sooo sneeeky but really smart. I love all the pirates and pretty much any thing to do with pirates!!!

Thanks for such a great article I truly enjoyed it a lot.

Thanks for the info, very helpful for me.

Wow - never realized piracy had grown to be so rampant. Sad for us hard working software developers...

Yes. Indeed. Overwhelming and lot of competitors too.

Kate

This was very informative, I will readily use this guide, thank your for posting!

sarah

I like to use Photoshop 9 (CS2). I think it's the best, at least compared to other looking and edition tools. But I don't prefer the newer versions because they are kind of heavy on my PC (resource intensive). I use Photoshop 9 even in my web site work in photo retouching services.

This is full of very informative information. Thanks for posting this info.

I guess I've been using a pirated version of Photoshop this whole time I really didn't know about that. What now? After all I've read here I think it's better not to buy Photoshop online. Thanks for the info.

I've lost count of the amount of copies I have been offered to build my websites using pirated software, including Dreamweaver.

We all know that the bidding sites are selling pirated software. Then how is it that the government & legal authorities don't take any actions to control this? Does this show that corruption is prevailing?

Is it that the coders could not produce counterfeit-proof software? If the coders can write efficient codes in such a way that the software cannot be hacked by counterfeiters then how come there are millions of counterfeit software available online? I think Adobe is following Microsoft's principle that even if people could use counterfeit software, authors are happy that the brand / make is theirs, am I correct?

I have been working a photo retoucher now for four years and have used many versions of Photoshop. But what I think is that the best version of all is Photoshop CS2 (9).

I think it's the best one because all the later versions are stuffed with graphics and themes that make it difficult to work, and slow down the overall performance of Photoshop.

Newer versions need a super strong PC to work, like an Apple. But with Photoshop CS2 it's good enough to work on a normal PC, and it has all the options that I need.

If more people supported open source applications we wouldn't have to deal with this pirated mess to begin with. Set aside some time to learn GIMP and you'll see that it can accomplish just about anything (plus more) that Photoshop can.

Also - the support community around GIMP is larger, and you'll get feedback far more quickly than by trying to contact Adobe or using their support forums.

I recently just purchased a copy of Dreamweaver CS3 from a seller on Ebay.com. Once I got it I immediately opened it looked at the serial number and got in contact with Adobe. They then notified me that the serial number I gave them was invalid. I have now filed a claim with Paypal, thank God I had the intelligence to use them... And have also notified SIIA. It is best to not purchase any Adobe products from Ebay or Amazon, as neither of these entities are allowed or endorsed by Adobe to sell their software.

It is so amazing that people can get away with selling these pirated copies of these programs. Thanks for the warning on them. Pirating is such a big issue in the world today and this is just another example of pirating gone bad. I will be on the lookout for the pirated software next time I am in the market for an Adobe program.

This is exactly why I hate buying software on bidding sites. Thanks, very rarely do I find these good posts that are actually helping people fight counterfeit software.

The problem of pirated software doing the rounds has become very common in many countries. We have to come up with some means to control this.

Developing countries are great potential markets for illegal piracy of software. This is on the rise and it has also entered previously trusted marketing sites like Amazon and Ebay. This is something that needs to be checked.

Like the author of this article said, I guess the best thing to do is to go directly to the Adobe shop or for that matter the particular company for any software. With the recession riding high on everyone's mind it has become even easier for such counterfeiting to take place. This is bringing huge losses for the fooled buyer as well as the company selling the original software.

You have to be really careful where you buy your software from, as the pirates go to such lengths to make the copies look exactly the same as the originals. Tough lesson to learn I'm afraid.

As you can see, the problem is that Google helps advertise pirated software websites. Do not buy from those websites. If you are an Ebay seller, you will loose your account and feedback. Do not trust Chinese sellers.

I can't believe that Ebay isn't shutting down these scammers!! Well, maybe I can. Just do a Google or Froogle search for just about any popular software package and you'll find nothing but pirated wares from China. They're even in the paid search listings next to the Google results. Ahhhh, is there no way to control this?

Google especially should get on the ball - they're getting compensated with pirated money and helping the pirates survive by advertising for them - ridiculous!

I see why people are upset that Ebay users are selling pirated copies of Adobe's Photoshop. But why on earth does Adobe put such a high price tag on their image editing software?

I also called Adobe to verify a serial number to see if it was legit, and the person couldn't give me an answer! All they could say was that the only way to ensure the purchase of a genuine Photoshop copy would be to purchase it directly from Adobe.

The problem with that is that the copies of Photoshop they sell is the new CS3, which in my opinion is far inferior, particularly in terms of stability and backwards compatibility, to CS2. Anyone know where I can get a copy of Photoshop CS2?

Thanks for the information. I am surprised that Ebay sellers of pirated Adobe software manage to survive and get away without getting any negative feedback for selling pirated software.

Perhaps potential buyers should really be wary and take note if the selling price of the software is way too low to be genuine. Cheers....

Good information - I was just about to suck it up and give one of the Photoshop Ebay auctions a go, but luckily I came across this article and know to stay away.

Unfortunately I can't afford to pay for the full version of Photoshop, so I'm giving GIMP a go. So far so good. The learning curve is not steep, but I'm guessing lots of people are so used to the familiar Photoshop environment that they get turned off too quickly.

I also like the support community around GIMP, and open source projects in general. Go GIMP!!

Thanks. This was very helpful. My designer was working on our blog and almost purchased a pirated copy of Photoshop by accident.

From piracy point of view, I can say that video games industry is most affected. There are many sites that provides cracked downloads to their users. According to the study, if there would have been no piracy in the world of digital items, then the business could have flourished five times more than as of now.

If you can get software that's offered well below the market price, that should give you a warning bell that something suspicious is taking place. These days, even Google Adwords is a victim of manipulation.

If you have a pirated version of CS2 (the kind with a keygen) - can you purchase the upgrade version of CS4 (unpirated)? Ie. can the upgrade tell that your CS2 is not legit?

I never thought I could use something else than Photoshop but GIMP is actually "usable". It can't take Photoshop's place among my tools but it's a great alternative.

I'm a web designer / developer and I only use open source software:

• Ubuntu (Operating system)
• Gedit (Text editor)
• gFTP (FTP/SSH client)
• GIMP (Image manipulation)
• Drupal (Web framework which we have running on LAMP)
• and many more applications / tools

Were it not for the (zero) cost of entry I would not have been able to become a self employed developer. Well I suppose I could if I broke the law.

Even by just using open source, you are supporting the Free Software Revolution.

If you would like to know more I would be happy to discuss it with anyone interested.

Good stuff, I must say that with all the talk of people wanting to get GIMP to look and act like Photoshop I actually prefer the native GIMP interface. Boo ha!

I'd rather use open source software like GIMP than use pirated software like Photoshop.

I have Photoshop 5.5 but no serial number on it... did they always put the serial number on, or was it different a long time ago?

You mention to avoid software shipped from China. WTF? What's wrong with software shipped from China?

Hi,

I got Photoshop CS2 June 2007 so I had it for a year and six months and just found out that it is fake. But I don't have the information of whom I got it from on Ebay, because that information only stays on your account for 60 days. How can I find out who I got it from so I can report it?

Michele

Hi Dino,

Yes, there's a Windows version of GIMP available.

Bryan Poler - Emo Chat City

Thanks for the info.

I'm very interested because I've never used GIMP. I only know that it's open source software, and that it does not run in Windows. Is that right?

Dino

Nice, this is useful - as I've purchased other software from Ebay sellers that didn't quite work correctly or was boxed in cheap looking packaging and had user manuals that looked like they were printed on my ink jet. I guess it's time to pony up the money - that seems to be the only way to guarantee a legitimate software purchase.

Thank you for the information on avoiding pirated Photoshop copies, it was really helpful.

Mark Mattey

Thank you for the information, it was really helpful.

Rodos

Personally I think only people from developed countries are using legitimate software. The difference between the exchange rate with the dollar in developing countries is too high. And that's one of the big reasons behind software piracy.

Thanks

i have never met anyone who purchased photoshop!

I just wanted to say thanks for the heads up on the photoshop issue. I will be buying directly from Adobe to avoid this crap. The only thing that bugs me is that I can't get older versions of the software. It's like not being able to buy a used car. And often times the older car is better (in this case I've heard the older versions of Photoshop are less buggy and more stable).

thanks for info, i will be more careful buying online

Yep, eBay will always be a place where you can get ripped off with this kind of stuff... Ebay could easily clean it up, but they love to get the fees from sellers, so they don't care.

Security Company Manchester

Thanks for the heads up, I will definitely be more careful at what I buy now. Be especially careful when ordering from a free auction site!

Thanks! I was recently considering buying a copy of photoshop for our ppc management company. I did a bit of research on the seller and eventually found out that he was a scammer.

Your post got me started on the right path, thanks!

I've just fallen victim to an eBay seller with pirated copies as well. (He was a 2+ year eBay member with over 200 feedbacks...) I've reported him to Adobe and eBay, but is there anywhere else I can / should report him?

Thanks!