Photoshop users: what version do you prefer?

[JoeM]

I haven't used CC yet but I seem to prefer CS 5.5 over CS 6. Also I remember when I first started using CS 5.5 that I had the feeling that the clone tool from CS 3 seemed to have more control and finer cloning around the edges of the selected brush. So what version do PS users prefer to use for their day to day work now?

[Kraniac]

I use CS2

Have seen no need to upgrade in most areas. I have a specific workflow for black and white, particularly. It just works.

I am extremely wary of the certain "signatures" in the later versions.

In Lightroom, you have to be very careful with all the crap in there or you end up looking like an ad for Adobe.

CS2 for working on images.

For basic RAW processing I use RAW Developer (Iridient Developer) from Iridient Digital..this company offer regular and free updates for new cameras and the processing is stellar and natural as you want it..with remarkable film like output and excellent basic sharpening schemes. Can't say enough..

[steve...]

I have CS5 and most likely it will be the last version I ever buy. For my own personal work, I don't need any more bells and whistles.

[colonel panic]

I use Photoshop CS6 but that will be the last version I buy. No subscription software for me.

[archipirata]

Still using 5.5. I now do 95% of my workflow in Lightroom and NIK apps. I am sure that someday I will be forced to the "cloud" versions but I will hold out as long as I can.

[Ombligo]

For a long time I like CS5.5 but in the last year I'm come to appreciate CS6 and didn't care to go back to 5.5. Like others I'll stay with it as long s possible and then look for an alternative not tied to a subscription.

[sekker]

CS3; own it, does more than what I need.

If I were buying new now, I'd look into Pixelmator and other related apps.

[jdc]

I guess it depends on how much you use it?

Im running CS6, could be running CC, yes, Im paying for Adobe subscription -- its just a work expense, same as toner, paper, hosting, pens, paper clips, post it notes, books, drives, internent, cell phone, etc, etc

but even as a designer my PS needs are limited. Mostly color correction work, some slight retouching (the clone tool is 100X than CS3), slices for HTML emails and some small web banner ads.

I could easily do all that in CS3 or maybe even CS2.

So I guess it depends.

[bik]

CS4 because I own it.
I did try CC for a while, mostly trying to improve compatibility with newer operating systems.
But
1. I disliked the idea of subscription software, and –
2. I hated that it so often flaked out on me and required authentication more often than they claimed.
(way more than once a month -- more like twice a week).

That made me paranoid about the reliability of my internet connection.

So, after using all the apps for a bit and realizing that I wasn't benefiting from any new features, I gave it up and reinstalled the old CS4.

Edit: I've tried Acorn briefly a couple times. When I find CS4 no longer works for me (because of OS update or other) I'll likely look to Acorn first.
http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/

[jdc]

Thats a bummer bik. Ive been running Creative Cloud since almost the beginning. I have never had to authenticate anything...

FWIW, your internet connection had nothing to do with CC needing to authenticate. you do *not* need to be connected to the internet 24/7 to run CC. it will work for 99 days without a net connection before shutting how down for good.