Adobe Creative Cloud: How to Sign In and Install Apps

This guide will show you how to sign into the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app on your MacBook using your school Google account and how to install applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Note on iPads: This guide is for your MacBook. Adobe apps for the iPad (like Photoshop for iPad) are separate, individual apps that should be installed directly from the Manager (Self-Service) app, not the Creative Cloud app.

Part 1: Find the Adobe Creative Cloud App

Before you can install apps like Photoshop, you must first have the main "Adobe Creative Cloud" app.

Check if it's already installed: Look in your Dock or your Applications folder for the "Adobe Creative Cloud" app.
- Icon: The icon is the red and white Adobe "infinity" symbol.
If you don't have it: If the app is not on your computer, you must install it first.
- Open the Manager app.
- Go to the Self-Service > My Apps section.
- Find "Adobe Creative Cloud" and click "Install".
- Once it's finished, proceed to Part 2.

Part 2: Sign In with Your School Google Account (The Most Important Step)

Our school uses Google Single Sign-On (SSO) for our Adobe accounts. It is crucial that you follow these steps to be redirected to the correct Google login page.

Open the Adobe Creative Cloud app.
In the sign-in window, type in your full school email address and click "Continue."
DO NOT enter a password on the Adobe screen. The screen will change and present you with a new choice.
You will see a screen asking you to select an account. You must choose "Company or School Account".
- Important: Do not select "Personal Account." This will log you into a free, empty account, and you will not see any of the apps you are licensed for. If you do this by mistake, sign out and start over.
After selecting "Company or School Account," you will be automatically redirected to the familiar Google Sign-In page (the same one you use for your school email).
Sign in using your school email and password on this Google page. You may also need to complete any 2-step verification prompts.
Once you are authenticated, you will be signed in and redirected back to the Creative Cloud app.

Part 3: How to Install Adobe Apps (e.g., Photoshop)

Once you are signed in, the Creative Cloud app acts as your personal "App Store" for all Adobe products.

In the Creative Cloud app, click on the "Apps" tab in the sidebar.
You will see a list of all Adobe apps. Scroll down to the section named "Available in your plan".
Find the app you want to install (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro).
Click the "Install" button next to the app's name.
The app will begin to download and install. You can monitor its progress in the Creative Cloud app.
Once finished, the button will change to "Open", and the app will appear in your Mac's Applications folder and Launchpad.

Part 4: How to Update Your Apps

The Creative Cloud app also handles all your updates.

Open the Adobe Creative Cloud app.
In the "Apps" tab, look in the top-left corner for the "Updates" section.
If any updates are available, you can click "Update All" or click the "Update" button for individual apps.