Adobe Creative Cloud is one of the trickiest subscriptions to cancel due to their annual commitment plans. Here's how to minimize costs and cancel properly.
Understanding Adobe's Plan Types
Adobe offers different plan structures that affect cancellation:
| Plan Type | Cancellation Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | None | Flexibility |
| Annual (Monthly) | 50% of remaining months | Most users |
| Annual (Prepaid) | No refund | Heavy users |
The Early Termination Fee
Warning: If you're on an annual plan paid monthly, Adobe charges 50% of your remaining contract.
Example: If you have 6 months left at $54.99/month:
- Remaining cost: $329.94
- Cancellation fee: $164.97
How to Cancel Adobe Creative Cloud
Step 1: Access Your Account
- Go to account.adobe.com
- Sign in with your Adobe ID
- Click "Plans & Payment" in the sidebar
Step 2: Initiate Cancellation
- Find your subscription under "Manage plan"
- Click "Cancel your plan"
- Select a reason for cancelling
Step 3: Navigate the Retention Offers
Adobe will try to keep you with offers:
- Discount offers - Often 40-60% off for several months
- Plan downgrades - Switch to single app (Photoshop only, etc.)
- Pause option - Pause for up to 3 months
Pro tip: If offered a deal, take note and compare to alternatives before accepting
Step 4: Complete Cancellation
- Decline all offers if you want to proceed
- Review the final cancellation details
- Check the fee amount (if any)
- Click "Confirm Cancellation"
How to Avoid the Cancellation Fee
Method 1: Wait for Renewal
Cancel during the last month of your annual term - no fee applies.
Method 2: Contact Support
Call Adobe support and explain your situation:
- Job loss or financial hardship
- Moving to a country without Adobe support
- Technical issues that weren't resolved
Many users report success getting fees waived.
Method 3: Switch to Monthly First
Some users report being able to switch to a monthly plan first, then cancelling without the fee.
What Happens to Your Files?
Cloud Storage
- Files remain in Creative Cloud for 90 days
- Download everything before this period ends
- After 90 days, files are permanently deleted
Local Files
- All local files remain yours
- Apps will stop working after subscription ends
- You can still open files in free alternatives
Free Alternatives to Adobe
| Adobe App | Free Alternative |
|---|---|
| Photoshop | GIMP, Photopea |
| Illustrator | Inkscape, Vectr |
| Premiere Pro | DaVinci Resolve |
| After Effects | Blender |
| InDesign | Scribus |
| Lightroom | Darktable, RawTherapee |
Manage Your Creative Subscriptions
Keep track of when your Adobe subscription renews with Subssy. Set reminders before your billing date so you never miss the window to cancel fee-free!