University Technology

Adobe Creative Cloud for Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University employees and students are eligible to install Adobe Creative Cloud software for University purposes upon request. In order to guarantee an adequate supply of licenses, we will conduct an annual review of requests.

Request Adobe Creative Cloud

To request a license to install Adobe Creative Cloud products, please complete this form. You must be a current student or employee of Western to qualify.

Tutorials

Adobe offers tutorials for all applications included in Creative Cloud. Visit Adobe's Creative Cloud website for tutorial articles and videos for all skill levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Adobe Creative Cloud free?

A: Yes! Adobe Creative Cloud is available at no additional cost for WIU students, faculty and staff.

Q: How do I install Adobe Creative Cloud?

A: First, complete the Adobe Creative Cloud request form.  uTech staff will notify you once a license is applied to your account.

  • If installing on a WIU-owned computer, uTech will make sure Adobe's Creative Cloud installer application is on your WIU-owned computer.
  • If installing on a personally-owned computer, follow the installation instructions in the following knowledge article: "Adobe Creative Cloud Install on Personal Computers".  (Note per the  WIU Technology Use Policy , the use of University-provided Adobe software is limited to University-use only.)

If you later have trouble accessing the Creative Cloud installer, please contact the Support Center so that we can assist you.

Q: What applications are included with Western Illinois University’s Adobe license? And what can I do with each of these applications?

A: The entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications is included. To date, this list includes:

  • Photoshop
  • Adobe Express
  • Adobe Firefly
  • Premiere Pro
  • Lightroom
  • Lightroom Classic
  • Illustrator
  • Adobe Fresco
  • Dreamweaver
  • Acrobat Pro
  • Media Encoder
  • Bridge
  • Character Animator
  • Audition
  • Dimension
  • Photoshop Express
  • Animate
  • Aero
  • After Effects
  • InDesign
  • XD
  • Adobe Stock Images
  • And other supporting applications

A description of what each product does can be found on Adobe's website.

Q: Can I install Adobe Creative Cloud on more than one system?

A: Yes, you can install it on up to two systems (WIU-owned or personally-owned computers). Per the WIU Technology Use Policy, the use of University-provided Adobe software is limited to University-use only.

Q: Are there apps available for mobile devices?

Yes, Adobe offers Creative Cloud apps for both Android and iOS devices. It's important to be aware that not all Creative Cloud applications have mobile versions. The Creative Cloud mobile apps are designed for tasks like file management, quick image editing, watching tutorials, and installing simplified versions of select mobile-friendly apps such as Photoshop Express and Adobe Lightroom. You can obtain the Creative Cloud app from your device's app store.

Q: Do I need a consistent internet connection to use Creative Cloud applications?

A: You must connect to the Internet when you want to install Adobe Creative Cloud apps, such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Once the apps are installed on your computer, you don’t need an ongoing Internet connection to use the apps.

You can use the apps in offline mode with a valid software license for a limited period. The apps attempt to validate your software license every 30 days. You will receive a reminder to reconnect to the Internet to validate your license.

Q: Do I need to use WIU’s VPN to use the Creative Cloud applications?

A: WIU's VPN is only required if you are a WIU employee installing Creative Cloud on a University-owned Windows computer from off campus. Otherwise, the use of WIU’s VPN is not required to use any Creative Cloud applications.

Q: How long can I use the Creative Cloud applications?

A: To ensure sufficient license availability, University Technology will periodically review Creative Cloud usage. This review ensures that licenses are allocated to individuals with a genuine need for University-related tasks. For instance, students not enrolled in classes requiring Creative Cloud will lose access after the semester.

Moreover, individuals leaving the University (due to graduation, withdrawal, resignation, retirement, etc.) will lose access to Creative Cloud apps. Please ensure all data saved in Creative Cloud is backed up to a personal storage solution before leaving the University.

Q: Is there any training provided for using Creative Cloud software?

A: Unfortunately, University Technology staff cannot offer extensive training or support for Creative Cloud applications. If you require assistance in using a specific product, please consult Adobe's help center at https://helpx.adobe.com. For login issues or additional support beyond what the Adobe Help Center provides, please reach out to the uTech Support Center using the contact methods listed on our website.

Help & Support

If you need help learning how to use a particular Adobe product, please visit their help center at https://helpx.adobe.com.

If you are having trouble logging in, or you need additional help not covered at the Adobe Help Center, please contact the uTech Support Center via a method listed on our website.