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Head-to-head · Multimedia Software

Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe After Effects

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Adobe Photoshop #4 in Multimedia Software 9.1/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Adobe
Adobe After Effects #5 in Multimedia Software 9.0/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Adobe

Adobe Photoshop leads on 0 checks, Adobe After Effects on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAdobe Photoshop · 9.1/10
  • Free trialboth

Adobe Photoshop scores higher on our rubric for multimedia software: 9.1 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

Adobe Photoshop is the better fit for image editors needing deep compositing and retouching. Adobe After Effects is the better fit for motion designers and visual-effects artists.

  • Adobe Photoshop fits best

    Image editors needing deep compositing and retouching

  • Adobe After Effects fits best

    Motion designers and visual-effects artists

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Side by side

Feature Adobe Photoshop 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Adobe After Effects 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 9.0
Ranking #4 in Multimedia Software #5 in Multimedia Software
Best for Image editors needing deep compositing and retouching Motion designers and visual-effects artists
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial 7 days 7 days
Free trial length 7 days 7 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Windows, macOS
Support Community, Docs · 24/7 Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 4 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Adobe Photoshop 0/2 · Adobe After Effects 0/2
Team collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
AI media tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Media types Not checked yet Not checked yet
Primary workflow Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Windows, macOS
License type Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines layers, vector masks, selections, and background removal.
  • Supports Camera Raw editing and batch adjustments for RAW, JPEG, and TIFF.
  • Offers desktop, web, and mobile apps with cloud documents and generative tools.
  • Combines tracking, keying, rotoscoping, and simulation tools.
  • Supports both 2D and 3D composition workflows.
  • Integrates with Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Cons
  • Paid access is subscription-based rather than a perpetual license.
  • No free plan; the free trial lasts 7 days.
  • Specialist editing depth may be more than occasional or simple edits require.
  • Desktop-only, with support limited to Windows and macOS.
  • No free plan; the supplied trial lasts 7 days.
  • Node-based compositing is not supported.
Our verdict

For photographers, designers, digital artists, and other creative professionals, Photoshop is an image editing and design application centered on layered compositions and detailed image work. It runs on Windows and macOS, with web, iOS,…

Read the review →

For motion designers, video editors, filmmakers, and visual-effects artists, After Effects brings animation, compositing, and effects work into a desktop application. Its toolkit covers animated titles, 2D and 3D compositions, object and…

Read the review →
  1. Adobe PhotoshopMultimedia Software 9.17-day trial
  2. Adobe After EffectsMultimedia Software 9.07-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Adobe Photoshop — where it wins

    • Combines layers, vector masks, selections, and background removal.
    • Supports Camera Raw editing and batch adjustments for RAW, JPEG, and TIFF.
    • Offers desktop, web, and mobile apps with cloud documents and generative tools.

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid access is subscription-based rather than a perpetual license.
    • No free plan; the free trial lasts 7 days.
    • Specialist editing depth may be more than occasional or simple edits require.

  • Adobe After Effects — where it wins

    • Combines tracking, keying, rotoscoping, and simulation tools.
    • Supports both 2D and 3D composition workflows.
    • Integrates with Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop-only, with support limited to Windows and macOS.
    • No free plan; the supplied trial lasts 7 days.
    • Node-based compositing is not supported.
  • Adobe Photoshop9.1/10 · 7-day trial

    A deep editing toolkit for compositing, RAW workflows, retouching, and generative changes.

    Visit AdobeFull verdict →
  • Adobe After Effects9.0/10 · 7-day trial

    A deep motion-design and compositing tool for artists working across 2D and 3D.

    Visit AdobeFull verdict →

More comparisons

All multimedia software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update