Knowing your exact Photoshop version tells you whether you have the latest features, whether a plug-in, action or tutorial will work, and what to tell support when something goes wrong. Photoshop shows its version in an About window, and the Creative Cloud app shows it too. This guide shows where to look on Windows and Mac, how version numbers map to release years, and how to check without opening Photoshop.
Quick Answer
On Windows, open Photoshop and choose Help > About Photoshop. On a Mac, choose Photoshop > About Photoshop. The window shows the release name (such as Photoshop 2026) and the version number (such as 27.x).
Check Your Version in Photoshop
- Open Photoshop.
- Windows: click Help > About Photoshop. Mac: click Photoshop > About Photoshop in the menu bar.
- Read the name and version number on the splash window. Click it to close.
For more detail, including whether it’s 64-bit, your graphics card and installed plug-ins, choose Help > System Info. The first line shows the full version and build.
Check Without Opening Photoshop
- Creative Cloud app: open Creative Cloud Desktop, click Apps (or All apps), and find Photoshop under Installed. The version appears below the name; click the three dots > Other versions to see older versions you can install.
- Windows Settings: go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and search for Photoshop; the version shows under the name.
- Mac Finder: open Applications > Adobe Photoshop [year], select the app, and press Command + I to see the version.
Photoshop Names and Version Numbers
Since 2019, Photoshop has been named by year, and the major version number goes up once a year, usually in October. Recent releases:
- Photoshop 2026: version 27.x (released October 2025)
- Photoshop 2025: version 26.x
- Photoshop 2024: version 25.x
- Photoshop 2023: version 24.x
- Photoshop 2022: version 23.x
- Photoshop 2021: version 22.x
- Older names: Photoshop CC 2019 was version 20, CC 2018 was 19, and Photoshop CS6 was version 13.
The numbers after the dot (for example 27.6) show smaller feature updates released during the year.
Update to the Latest Version
- Open the Creative Cloud app.
- Click Updates (or Apps > Updates) and click Update next to Photoshop.
- To install updates automatically, go to Creative Cloud Settings > Apps and turn on Auto-update.
Major yearly releases may install alongside the older version; you can remove the old one afterward in the Creative Cloud app. Check that your plug-ins support the new version first.
Also check which graphics processor Photoshop is using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photoshop Elements the same as Photoshop?
No. Photoshop Elements is a simpler, one-time-purchase app with its own version numbers. Check its version under Help > About Photoshop Elements.
What version is Photoshop on the web or iPad?
Photoshop on the web, iPad and mobile have separate version numbers; check them in each app’s settings or About screen.
Can I still use an older version like CS6?
It may run, but it’s no longer supported or updated and may not work well on current operating systems.
Summary
- Windows: Help > About Photoshop.
- Mac: Photoshop > About Photoshop.
- Or check the Creative Cloud app’s Installed list.
- Match the version number to its release year using the list above.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.