How to Upgrade Photoshop 5 to Creative Suite

The newest versions of Adobe Photoshop’s Creative Suite include tools that were not present in the older 5.0 version. Features such as the Healing Brush, which is a more texture- and color-sensitive version of the Clone Stamp tool, better color profile management, RAW file support, and additional filters and plug-ins are just a few features Adobe added to Photoshop between version 5.0 and Creative Suite. The upgrade requires that Photoshop 5.0 be installed on your current system or that you have the original installation CDs, and that you possess your version’s serial number.

  1. Download the newest version of Photoshop Creative Suite from Adobe’s online store, selecting “Upgrade” as your purchase option. Select “Photoshop 5.0″ as the version you are upgrading from. While upgrade versions can also be purchased in brick-and-mortar stores, it is unlikely that the retailer will carry the specific upgrade product from your version.
  2. Step 2

    Run the installation file. The installation will prompt you for the location of your previous Photoshop version or product CD and will ask for your serial number. If you do not still have access to your serial number, you must contact Adobe Customer Support for a special unlock code.

  3. Step 3

    Choose a new folder for your Photoshop installation. Installing the new Photoshop version to the same folder as your previous Photoshop installation may cause both to function incorrectly. Photoshop is designed to be installed into a new folder at each version.

  4. Step 4

    Download new versions of your Photoshop 5.0 plug-ins. Your old plug-ins are likely not capable with Photoshop Creative Suite, so you need to download the updated versions from the Adobe Plugin Resource. If you cannot find a plug-in with the identical name, search for plug-ins that have similar functionality; the exact plug-in you used to use may not have been updated for Creative Suite.

  5. Step 5

    Activate your new version of Photoshop within 30 days of installation. Activation involves sending registration information to Adobe. This will secure your installation in the event that you need to upgrade or reinstall Photoshop in the future. If you do not activate within 30 days, Photoshop will cease functioning.

  6. Step 6

    Monitor new Creative Suite releases. If Photoshop is updated within a certain time frame from when you bought the latest version, Adobe will supply the new upgrade for free. The time frame will be announced by Adobe when the next version is released.

  7. Step 7

    Retain your old copy of Photoshop until you are comfortable with the newer version. Many features of Photoshop change from version to version, and you may need to rely on the old version if you cannot find the appropriate tool in Creative Suite. Once you are comfortable with Creative Suite, Photoshop 5.0 can be safely uninstalled.