Introduction
Adobe Creative Cloud is a suite of software tools used by professionals in a wide range of creative fields, including graphic design, web development, and video editing. However, sometimes users may find a need to delete Creative Cloud from their MacBook. Reasons can include no longer using the software, encountering compatibility issues, or opting for alternative creative applications. This article will guide you through the process of deleting Creative Cloud from your MacBook, step by step.
Preparation Steps
1. Perform system backup
a. Importance of backing up files
Before proceeding with the deletion of Creative Cloud, it’s essential to back up your files. This ensures that you can restore your data in case of any unexpected errors or data loss during the uninstallation process.
b. How to back up your MacBook
To back up your MacBook, use Time Machine, which is built-in software that automatically backs up your entire system. Connect an external hard drive to your MacBook and then open Time Machine from System Preferences. Select the external hard drive as your backup and start the backup process.
2. Sign out of Adobe Creative Cloud
a. Locating the Creative Cloud app
Click the Adobe Creative Cloud icon found in the menu bar at the top of the screen, which opens the app portal.
b. Signing out of the account
Now, click the gear icon in the top right corner, then click Preferences. Select the Account tab and click Sign Out. This step helps prevent potential licensing conflicts during the uninstallation process.
3. Disable Adobe CC Startup
a. Using System Preferences
Open System Preferences, then click Users & Groups. Under the Login Items tab, locate the Adobe Creative Cloud components, select them, and click the ‘-‘ button below the list to remove them from the startup items.
b. Removing login items
Doing this will ensure that Adobe components do not start automatically when your MacBook boots up, making it easier to remove them completely.
Uninstalling Adobe Creative Cloud Applications
1. Using Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool
a. Downloading the Cleaner Tool
To use the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool, download it from the Adobe website, then locate the ZIP file on your MacBook and unzip it.
b. Running the Cleaner Tool
Open the Cleaner Tool and follow the on-screen prompts, ensuring you select the correct option for your version of Creative Cloud.
c. Removing selected Adobe apps
When prompted, select the Adobe applications you want to remove and then click the Clean button. Once completed, restart your MacBook.
2. Manually Uninstalling Adobe Applications
a. Locating applications in Finder
Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, and locate the Adobe Creative Cloud applications you wish to uninstall.
b. Dragging applications to Trash
Drag and drop the Adobe application icons into the Trash, ensuring you remove all selected applications.
c. Removing associated files and folders
Using Finder, search for associated Adobe files and folders, such as ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe and ~/Library/Preferences/Adobe, then move the folders and files to the Trash.
Removing Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop App
1. Official Adobe Uninstaller
a. Accessing the uninstaller
Navigate to the Applications folder and locate the Adobe Creative Cloud folder. Inside, find the Uninstall Adobe Creative Cloud file and run it.
b. Completing the uninstall process
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Once finished, restart your MacBook.
2. Third-Party Uninstallers
a. Recommended uninstallers
If you prefer using a third-party uninstaller, such as CleanMyMac X, AppCleaner, or AppDelete, follow their respective instructions to remove Adobe Creative Cloud.
b. Precautions when using third-party uninstallers
Ensure you download these third-party tools only from reliable sources, and be aware of potential risks when granting full disk access to certain utilities.
Clearing Leftover Files
1. Navigating to hidden Library folders
a. Different locations of Adobe files
Adobe Creative Cloud files might be located in various hidden Library folders on your MacBook. To reveal them, press Shift-Command-G in Finder and enter ~/Library.
b. Identifying leftover files
Search for files and folders related to Adobe Creative Cloud, such as Adobe and com.adobe.*. Carefully review the results and remove only the files and folders you’re confident are associated with Adobe Creative Cloud.
2. Emptying the Trash
a. Ensuring complete removal of files
Once you’ve finished identifying and moving leftover files to the Trash, empty the Trash to ensure complete removal of Adobe Creative Cloud components.
b. Issues and precautions
Be cautious during this step and only delete files and folders you know are linked to Creative Cloud, as permanently deleting unrelated files could lead to software issues or data loss.
Conclusion
By following the steps detailed above, you can effectively delete Creative Cloud from your MacBook. Once the process is completed, you might consider exploring alternative creative applications that better suit your needs. Regularly maintaining a clean and organized MacBook will also help ensure optimal performance and prevent future issues.
FAQ
1. Is it possible to reinstall Adobe Creative Cloud after deleting it from my MacBook?
Yes, you can reinstall Adobe Creative Cloud by downloading the installer from Adobe’s website and following the installation instructions.
2. Will deleting Adobe Creative Cloud affect other Adobe applications?
As long as you carefully follow the instructions in this guide, removing Creative Cloud should not affect other Adobe applications remaining on your MacBook.
3. Can I delete individual Adobe Creative Cloud applications and keep others?
Yes, you can select which Adobe Creative Cloud applications to remove, either by using the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool or manually deleting them from the Applications folder.
4. What are the alternatives to Adobe Creative Cloud?
There are many alternative creative software applications, such as Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Sketch for design-related tasks, or DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro for video editing.
5. Are there any security risks associated with keeping Adobe Creative Cloud on my MacBook?
Keeping software up to date is important for security. If you no longer use Adobe Creative Cloud, it’s advisable to delete it from your MacBook to prevent potential security risks.
6. Can I transfer my Adobe Creative Cloud license after uninstallation?
Yes, by signing out of your Adobe Creative Cloud account on one machine and signing in on another, you can transfer your license.
7. Will my saved work and projects be deleted when I uninstall Adobe Creative Cloud?
Some local files and projects saved in Creative Cloud folders might be deleted during the uninstallation process. However, if you’ve saved your work to the Creative Cloud online storage, you can still access it after uninstallation.
8. What should I do if the uninstallation process is incomplete or unsuccessful?
If you experience issues during the uninstallation process, try running the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool again or use a reliable third-party uninstaller to ensure complete removal. If problems persist, you may need to contact Adobe support for further assistance.
9. How do I reinstall individual Adobe Creative Cloud applications?
To reinstall specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications, sign in to your Adobe account, download the Creative Cloud desktop app, and choose the desired applications to install.
10. How can I check if all Adobe Creative Cloud components have been removed?
Go to Finder and search for Adobe-related files and folders in the Applications and Library folders to ensure all components have been removed. These include Adobe folders in ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe and ~/Library/Preferences/Adobe.