Adobe Systems Incorporated is known for developing the Adobe Creative Cloud, a range of editing software that allows users to edit images and videos, color grade, create digital art, and more forms of media as early as 1982.

Needless to say, Adobe applications have become a game changer for graphic artists, web developers, photographers, and other artists for decades in their respective fields. As Adobe Photoshop offers a wide range of tools to create and manipulate media, one's imagination would be the only limit to such a flexible software, that is until now.

According to a report from 9To5Mac, Adobe has released an update wherein its editing software will now charge the use of Pantone colors in all Adobe project files. The Pantone matching system has been an essential tool in graphic designing, especially in the modern age of minimalism, where using unique color palettes can greatly enhance publication materials.

Adobe now requires users to pay a subscription fee for a license to Pantone Connect, a digital library to access over 15,000 Pantone colors. A monthly subscription costs $15 a month or $90 a year.

The change is effective in all Adobe software updates released after August 16. Commonly used software where artists can utilize Pantone colors includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and more.

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Adobe's Solution to Recent Pantone Issue

The update comes after Adobe announced in 2021 that they would be removing Pantone Color Libraries from their software. However, their technical bulletin stated that they would also be working to find a solution for concerned users.

According to Kotaku, the subscription solution may have resulted from Pantone's issue with outdated colors and missing colors in Adobe software.

"Pantone and Adobe have together decided to remove the outdated libraries and jointly focus on an improved in-app experience that better serves our users." according to the Pantone Connect x Adobe FAQ.

Update Turns Artists' PSD Files into Black

Additionally, Vice reports that the Adobe update has affected past project files by turning off any Pantone color palettes used by users who will not pay for a Pantone Connect subscription. Adobe users have found that their past Adobe projects will now prompt a message upon launching if a Pantone color is detected.

"This file has Pantone colors that have been removed and replaced with black due to changes in Pantone's licensing with Adobe." The software message reads.

Netizens have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts on the update, with most tweets containing negative feedback and offering alternative solutions to the artists struggling with the paywall. Other users criticized Adobe and Pantone for coming up with a solution that would only serve to benefit them financially at the expense of digital artists.

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Written by: Andi C.