What it does
Adobe Photoshop combines digital painting, image editing and layered compositions across desktop, web and mobile editions. Full desktop access uses a recurring Creative Cloud plan.
Set up the mark before adding detail
Import an ABR by opening it while desktop Photoshop is running. On iPad, use the brush panel’s plus control instead. Pencil, charcoal, wash and splatter brushes suit different edges and textures; begin an illustration with a small set before building detail.
For freehand lines on desktop, adjust Smoothing from 0 to 100. Pulled String Mode uses a trailing anchor, while Stroke Catch-up finishes the stroke when drawing pauses. Stronger smoothing can delay the preview, so balance correction against responsiveness.
Keep painted and photographic elements on separate layers and use masks or adjustment layers to revise their relationship. Save As can preserve layers and embed a colour profile. Save a Copy produces a flattened JPEG or PNG while leaving the working document open.
Desktop access and the trial
The single-app annual plan is billed monthly at US$22.99. The seven-day trial requires an Adobe ID and converts to paid membership unless cancelled. Free iPhone and iPad apps have premium subscription features; editions do not have identical interfaces.
Strengths
- Custom brushes and stroke-smoothing modes support different drawing approaches.
- Layered saving and copy export separate ongoing work from delivery images.
Watch out for
- Full desktop access requires a recurring plan.
- Higher smoothing can make the stroke preview lag behind the input.
Best for
- Painted illustrations with textured brushes
- Compositions mixing drawing and photographs
Sources
- Adobe Photoshop product and plans (Oct 27, 2026)
- Adobe Photoshop brush import guide (Oct 27, 2026)
- Adobe Photoshop trial and mobile access (Oct 27, 2026)
- Photoshop stroke smoothing controls (Oct 27, 2026)
- Save files in Photoshop (Oct 27, 2026)