Adobe Creative Cloud Software

Adobe Software

Each option serves different needs, from basic design to advanced document management and professional creative work. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Adobe Creative Cloud is a subscription service that provides access to the full suite of Adobe's professional software, including Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro. Adobe CC is the full desktop versions of these tools.
• Adobe Acrobat is primarily used for creating, editing and managing PDF documents. This limited set of Adobe CC apps offers features like PDF conversion, form creation and document signing.
• Adobe Express is a web-based simplified tool for creating graphics, web pages and short videos, plus PDF editing. Get quick and easy design solutions without the complexity of full Adobe software.

How to Access Adobe Software

Students

Adobe Creative Cloud

On-campus: students are licensed to access Adobe software in university classrooms, computer labs, open computer facilities in Cook Library, the Multimedia lab (CK0404C) and TUNE. You can always confirm locations with the OTS Technology Support Desk.

Also, each college manages distribution of a limited number of student licenses for students enrolled in specific courses, so ask your professors. If not available, Adobe CC is accessible on a library computer. 

Adobe Express

All students have access to the Adobe Express application through any web browser: log into Adobe with your TU email.

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Faculty, staff and student employees

Adobe Creative Cloud

By request: faculty, staff and student employees can be granted access to the full suite of Adobe Creative Cloud applications through Named User Licensing. Approval and registration are required to confirm employees are using Adobe to conduct academic, research or business work for the university. The registration list provides a license count needed to reimburse the STF program.  

Follow the request, approval and registration procedures. After receiving approval and registering, the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop app is sent to your computer for you to install. Through the app, you can sign into the Adobe cloud and install/uninstall it on a TU-owned Mac or Windows computer, and update your Creative Cloud apps to the latest version.

Adobe Express and Adobe Acrobat Pro

Faculty and staff have access to Adobe Express and Adobe Acrobat Pro as part of a limited set of Adobe Creative Cloud apps. Here's how to access them:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: on a TU computer, install the Creative Cloud Application found in the Software Center (Windows) or Self Service (Mac), then launch the Acrobat Pro app.
• Adobe Express: log into Adobe through any web browser with your TU email.

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Classrooms and Computer Labs 

Anyone can use Adobe on computers in Cook Library, the Multimedia lab (CK0404C) and TUNE. Colleges and departments are encouraged to have their IT staff install the software in their classrooms and computer labs for all students to access using the Shared Device License. 

Installation procedures for IT staff are available on the Campus Technology Coalition (CTC) TU Labs SharePoint site. 

Support for Using Adobe

• See all the Adobe TechHelp Knowledge Base articles.
• Learn how to install on a personal device.
• LinkedIn Learning provides 24/7 online training courses, including Adobe apps. Use your TU credentials to access free online training, anytime, from anywhere. 
• Faculty can join Adobe for Academics. This includes Adobe Education Exchange, which hosts instructional and professional development, peer-to-peer collaboration and training tutorials on Adobe applications. 

Adobe software is licensed for Maryland educational institutions through a contract with the Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium (MEEC). TU Adobe software licensing is paid for by Student Technology Fees (STF), is funded for all classrooms and computer labs, and is for use by the students and employees of Towson University. The university reimburses the STF for each approved employee license.