Adobe CS5 Free Trial Download FAQ’s

Adobe has published the following FAQ’s and guidleines about their free trial software downloads:

Availability and use

Does Adobe have trial versions of Adobe Creative Suite 5?

Yes. To help you evaluate Adobe’s creative software for upgrade or new purchase, we offer “try and buy” versions of the premium editions of Adobe® Creative Suite® 5 as well as most individual CS5 products, such as Adobe Photoshop® CS5 Extended and Flash® Professional CS5, in many of the languages in which we ship. These trial versions offer almost every feature and function of the product for you to test-drive.* In most cases, the trials can easily be converted to purchased versions without needing to reinstall the software.

The trial period begins on the first day you launch the software and continues for 30 days (a counter appears each time you launch to help you track the elapsed time). When the trial expires, you must purchase the software to continue using it.

*Adobe Acrobat® 9 Pro is not available as a trial for Mac OS. Adobe Encore® CS5 software is not available as a trial. Encore CS5 will be installed as part of the trial for Creative Suite 5 Production Premium and Master Collection but will not be available for use until you purchase. The trial versions of Adobe After Effects® CS5, Adobe Premiere® Pro CS5, and Soundbooth® CS5 software do not include some features that depend on software licensed from parties other than Adobe. For example, some codecs for encoding MPEG formats are available only with the full version of these products.

Which products are available as a trial, and in which languages?

DVD trials

——–Available to order as a DVD set——–

Product	Languages
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design Premium	English, French, German, Japanese
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Web Premium	English, French, German, Japanese
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Production Premium	English, French, German, Japanese
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Master Collection	English, French, German, Japanese

——–Trial downloads——–

Product	Languages
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design Premium	English, French, German, Japanese
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Web Premium	English, French, German, Japanese
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Production Premium	English, French, German, Japanese
Adobe Creative Suite 5 Master Collection	English, French, German, Japanese
Adobe Acrobat® 9 Pro	English*, French*, German*, Japanese*
Adobe After Effects CS5	English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish
Adobe Contribute® CS5	English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish
Adobe Dreamweaver® CS5	Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean*, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Adobe Fireworks® CS5	Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean*, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Adobe Flash Builder™ CS5	Chinese Simplified, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean*, Spanish, Swedish
Adobe Flash Catalyst™ CS5	English, French, German, Japanese, Korean
Adobe Flash Professional CS5	Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Adobe Illustrator® CS5	Czech, Danish, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Adobe InCopy® CS5	Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Adobe InDesign CS5	Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Adobe Photoshop® CS5 Extended	Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Adobe Premiere Pro CS5	English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish
Adobe Soundbooth CS5	English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

*Available for Windows® only.

Go to the Adobe Free Trial Download Page

When will Creative Suite 5 trials be available?

Trials are expected be available in all supported languages in May 2010.

How do I get a product trial?

You have two choices:

• Download a trial version of an individual CS5 product, such as Photoshop CS5 Extended or Flash Professional CS5, or any of the Creative Suite 5 premium editions (for example, Design Premium or Web Premium) directly from the Adobe.com download pages at no charge.
• Purchase a trial DVD set of any of the Creative Suite 5 premium editions from the Adobe Store.

What does it cost to get a Creative Suite 5 trial DVD set, and why is there a charge?

Prices for the trial DVDs are listed in the following chart and include shipping and handling. This charge helps cover the cost of producing and distributing the DVD sets.

A DVD set can serve as your backup media if you choose to convert from trial to purchase at the end of 30 days. (Alternatively, you can choose to have a full product box delivered to you when you purchase, and simply use that serial number to convert the trial you already installed.)

What if I get a trial version of a Creative Suite 5 edition, but have time to try only one or two components in the 30-day trial period? Can I still try the others later?

No. Each edition of Creative Suite 5 is a complete integrated product that is bound by the 30-day trial period. For example, Creative Suite 5 Design Premium integrates these components: Photoshop CS5 Extended, Illustrator CS5, InDesign CS5, Flash Catalyst™ CS5, Flash Professional CS5, Dreamweaver CS5, Fireworks CS5, Acrobat 9 Pro, Adobe Bridge CS5, and Adobe Device Central CS5. Launching any one of these initiates the 30-day trial period. You must then evaluate these components within the 30-day window.

Can I extend the trial period longer than 30 days?

Unfortunately, you may not extend a trial version once it expires at the end of 30 days, nor can you install another copy of the same trial version onto the same computer to try again.

Can I convert my trial to a purchased version?

Yes. If you have tried an individual product such as Photoshop CS5 Extended, you can either convert that directly to the same product or convert it to one of the Creative Suite 5 editions that contains Photoshop CS5 Extended. Alternatively, if you tried an edition of Creative Suite 5 but decide to buy an individual component that is part of that edition, you can simply enter the serial number for the purchased product to convert your trial to the individual component you purchased.

Can I try Acrobat 9 Pro with my Creative Suite software trial?

Acrobat 9 Pro is available as a software trial for Windows users only and is not included in the trial version of any suite editions. A trial version of Acrobat 9 Pro for Mac OS is currently not available. The Windows trial version of Acrobat 9 Pro is available separately from the Adobe product downloads area. Acrobat 9 Pro is included in the full version of Creative Suite 5 Design Premium, Web Premium, and Master Collection for both Windows and Mac OS.

For Acrobat trial installation questions, see the Acrobat 9 FAQ.

How do I try Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 or After Effects CS5 if I have a 32-bit processor?

Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 and After Effects CS5 require a 64-bit Intel® processor. You must have a 64-bit Intel processor to try the software.

If you decide to purchase Creative Suite 5 Master Collection, Creative Suite 5 Production Premium, Adobe Premiere Pro CS5, or After Effects CS5, complimentary 32-bit compatible versions of Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 and After Effects CS4 will be provided with your purchase.

Go to the Adobe Free Trial Download Page

Maximizing your trial experience

Are there resources available to help me evaluate the trial software?

Yes. If you have opted to receive email communications from Adobe, you may receive a series of communications with helpful resources and tips to get the most from your trial. There are also additional free resources available:

• Get tips, tricks, and tutorials from Adobe experts. Visit Adobe TV, your online source for expert insight and inspiration. Discover insider tips, innovative techniques, and behind-the-scenes tours delivered on video, on demand, helping you make the most of your Creative Suite 5 software trial. For more details, visit Adobe TV.
• You can also browse the Design Center or Developer Connection for additional training information.
• Join the worldwide Adobe user group community to network and build connections, master new skills, and learn from your peers. Adobe Groups provide a forum for business and creative professionals at all levels. Join a group now at Adobe Groups.

Can I get technical support or help for my trial version?

Adobe Technical Support will help you install or troubleshoot an installation issue with a trial version of Adobe creative products. Additional phone and web support is available only for registered users of purchased software. For additional help, we recommend the following free options:

• Search Adobe Community Help to find the focused answers you need — fast. Searchable content includes the in-depth product-specific Help that Adobe has always delivered, plus additional Adobe and third-party content chosen by experts at Adobe and in the design and production communities. Use the search bar within most Creative Suite 5 component software, or simply choose Help > Product name.
• Search the online Adobe Knowledgebase in the support area.

Can I use Adobe CS Live online services* with my trial version?

Yes. CS Live online services can be accessed from within certain CS5 editions and individual products, streamlining workflow and helping to improve productivity. CS Live services are complimentary for a limited time. Learn more about Adobe CS Live.

How do I set up access to CS Live online services during my trial period?

To set up access to CS Live during your trial, simply enter your Adobe ID in the trial screen that loads when you launch your product. If you do not have an Adobe ID, click the “Create an Adobe ID” button in the trial screen and follow the prompts to create your ID. You will also need to read and agree to any applicable online services terms of use.

Converting your trial

How do I convert my trial to a purchased version of the product?

Creative Suite 5 trials are “try and buy,” meaning you can evaluate individual products or editions of Creative Suite 5 and then convert the installed trial to a full version by purchasing the product and entering the serial number at any time during or after the trial period. If you have tried an individual product such as Photoshop CS5 Extended, you can either convert that directly to the same product or convert it to one of the Creative Suite 5 editions that contains Photoshop CS5 Extended. Alternatively, if you tried an edition of Creative Suite 5 but decide to buy an individual component that is part of that edition, you can simply enter the serial number for the purchased product to convert your trial to the individual component you want.

Converting your trial is simple:

1. Purchase the software through the online Adobe Store (as an electronic download or as a shipped product) or from your preferred authorized reseller, store, or catalog. If you plan to purchase through the Adobe Store, simply click the button in the application trial countdown screen to purchase the product and follow the prompts to obtain a serial number. Note that product availability may differ from region to region.
2. Enter the serial number from your purchase into the product screen that counts down the remaining days in the trial. You can enter a serial number to convert the trial at any time during the 30-day trial period or after the trial ends.
   Note: If you are converting a Creative Suite 5 Design Premium, Web Premium, or Master Collection trial to a purchased version, you will need to install and serialize Acrobat 9 Pro separately.
3. Optional: If you purchased an electronic download from the Adobe Store, log in to your account and download any additional available content or applications for the product you purchased. You can use your Adobe ID and password to access this content for up to three years after the product is released. If you purchased through a channel other than the Adobe Store and are converting from an individual CS5 product to a suite edition or to a different individual product, you may need to install the additional applications on your computer.

What if I tried multiple CS5 products?

If you tried multiple products and purchased a suite edition that contains both, you can enter the suite edition serial number in one of the components and the other one will automatically pick up the serial number. You will need to install the additional components contained in the suite edition. If you tried individual CS5 products and bought them as single products, you can simply enter the serial numbers in the respective products.

I am a volume licensing customer. Can I convert a trial to a purchased version using a volume licensing serial number?

Yes, Adobe Volume Licensing customers can also convert trials by simply entering a valid license serial number. Contact your reseller or authorized Adobe License Center to place a volume licensing order. Note: To convert Acrobat 9 Pro, you must download and install a different version for volume licenses.

Under what circumstances would I need to uninstall or reinstall the trial product(s) when converting my trial?

Creative Suite 5 products have multiple language versions available in the same software version. When you are converting your trial, the serial number’s language must match the installed language of the application in order for it to be accepted in the serialization screen. If you purchased a product in a language other than the language of your trial, but the language of your purchased product is part of the same set of languages included in your trial version, you can simply go back to the original installer (whether DVD or electronic download), install the correct language, and then enter your serial number. However, if you purchased a product in a language that is not contained in the language sets in your trial software, then you will need to locate the installer for that language set to install the correct language from your purchased software.

Go to the Adobe Free Trial Download Page

The following is a list of the languages included in each language set:

• Americas: English, French Canadian, International English, Spanish
• Japan: International English, Japanese
• Continental Europe: Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, International English, Italian, Spanish
• Asia: Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, International English, Korean
• Nordics: Danish, Finnish, International English, Norwegian, Swedish
• Eastern Europe: Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian

How do I uninstall my trial software?

To uninstall your trial version, close any open Adobe software on your computer and do the following:

• In Windows, open the Windows Control Panel and double-click Add or Remove Programs. Select the product you want to uninstall, click Change/Remove, and then follow the onscreen instructions.
• In Mac OS, double-click the product installer in Applications > Utilities > Adobe Installers. Authenticate as an administrator, select Uninstall Components, and then follow the onscreen instructions.

Am I eligible for upgrade pricing when I convert my trial?

Yes, provided you have a qualifying earlier version of Adobe software. In this case, you may purchase an upgrade to convert your trial to a purchased version. To verify that you have an earlier version that qualifies you for the software you’re purchasing, navigate to the product area that you’re interested in buying and click the upgrade eligibility link. When you enter the purchased serial number to activate your trial for ongoing use, the installer will search your hard drive for the qualifying software. If it doesn’t find it, it will prompt you for the serial number of your earlier version. If that serial number does not work, you can contact Adobe Customer Service in your region for further assistance.

Should I make a backup copy of the trial software and additional content?

Yes, if you choose the download option when converting a trial to a purchased version, we highly recommend making a backup copy and keeping it together with the serial number. That way, if you get a new computer or have to rebuild an existing machine, you have everything you need to efficiently reinstall your Adobe creative software. Alternatively, follow the instructions in the email receipt to log in and download your software for up to three years after you purchase. If you had the software shipped from Adobe or a reseller at purchase, that package serves as your backup version.

I work on two computers. Once I have converted the trial version to a purchased version, can I then install the purchased version on a second machine?

The software license agreement accompanying your product may entitle you to install and activate the software on two systems with certain restrictions. Please see the software license agreement for more information.

*Products mentioned may allow you to extend their functionality by accessing certain features that are hosted online, including CS Live online services (“Online Services”), provided you have a high-speed Internet connection. The Online Services, and some features thereof, may not be available in all countries, languages, and/or currencies and may be discontinued in whole or in part without notice. Use of the Online Services is governed by separate terms of use and by the Online Privacy Policy, and access to some services may require user registration. Some Online Services, including services that are initially offered at no charge, may be subject to additional fees and require a separate subscription. For more details and to review the applicable terms of use and Online Privacy Policy, visit www.adobe.com. For more information about CS Live online services, visit www.adobe.com/go/cslive.

Go to the Adobe Free Trial Download Page