# What's the least expensive version of Photoshop I can buy to use the CS2 upgrade?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-least-expensive-version-of-photoshop-i-can-buy-to-use-the-cs2-upgrade/337224>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [December 26, 2005, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-least-expensive-version-of-photoshop-i-can-buy-to-use-the-cs2-upgrade/337224 "2005-12-26T04:29:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![raz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@raz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raz)\
**Post date:** [December 26, 2005, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-least-expensive-version-of-photoshop-i-can-buy-to-use-the-cs2-upgrade/337224/1 "2005-12-26T04:29:12Z")

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I wanted Adobe Photoshop CS2, and I have a relatively new version of Photoshop Elements. My boyfriend and his parents bought me the “CS2 Upgrade” package for Christmas, but apparently you have to have a full version of Photoshop (not just Elements) for it to install.

I know the full version of CS2 costs a boatload of money, and on [amazon.com](http://amazon.com) it says the CS2 Upgrade will work with “any version” of Photoshop. I was just wondering if anyone knew what the least expensive (or oldest) version of Photoshop is that I can buy that will let me use the CS2 upgrade. I was thinking that I could just buy one on Ebay and go from there. Thanks in advance!

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**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\
**Post date:** [December 26, 2005, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-least-expensive-version-of-photoshop-i-can-buy-to-use-the-cs2-upgrade/337224/2 "2005-12-26T05:51:52Z")

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Any full windows version of 5, 6, or 7 will work. Version 3 or 4 should be ok, but you’ll have to call Adobe in order to install the upgrade. I don’t think a limited edition (LE) will work, but you’d have to call and find out. It looks like version 5 has been going for $40 - $80 on eBay.

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**Author:** ![raz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@raz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raz)\
**Post date:** [December 26, 2005, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-least-expensive-version-of-photoshop-i-can-buy-to-use-the-cs2-upgrade/337224/3 "2005-12-26T16:01:33Z")

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Thanks! I did look it up on Ebay and saw that version 5 was relatively cheap, but was unsure if 5 would work or not.

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**Author:** ![LiQUiDBuD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@LiQUiDBuD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LiQUiDBuD)\
**Post date:** [December 27, 2005, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-least-expensive-version-of-photoshop-i-can-buy-to-use-the-cs2-upgrade/337224/4 "2005-12-27T00:50:23Z")

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Any previous version of Photoshop should/will be qualified and eligible for the upgrade to CS2, and as well, Adobe usually will allow you to “trade-up” from a competing product for a reduced price. YMMV and I would definitely check out Adobe’s website or give them a call before making a move.