SOLVED Upgrade from el capitan late 2012 imac

[Steve1066]

Hi, I've got an iMac 27in late 2012 running El capitan. It works great, wasn't used for many yrs, (it was my daughter's, epilepsy and OCD made things difficult for her) hence I have it now. I'm trying to get a decent photo editor but the system is too old. Is it possible to upgrade to a newer system please and how??

 

[Lufbrarunner]

Have a look on everymac.com, it seems you should be able to go up as far as macos 10.15 (Catalina)

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

Lufbrarunner is correct - your iMac will support up to macOS 10.15.7 Catalina. You will need at least 12.5 GB of free space to install it.
-macOS Catalina is compatible with these computers
-How to get old versions of macOS

Also, some third-party software you are using may need an update/upgrade as well. As always, it is best to have a current Time Machine or other backup of your data.

What kind of photo editor are you looking at?

C

 

[Steve1066]

Hello and welcome.

Lufbrarunner is correct - your iMac will support up to macOS 10.15.7 Catalina. You will need at least 12.5 GB of free space to install it.
-macOS Catalina is compatible with these computers
-How to get old versions of macOS

Also, some third-party software you are using may need an update/upgrade as well. As always, it is best to have a current Time Machine or other backup of your data.

What kind of photo editor are you looking at?

C

Ideally Photoshop but it's a bit pricey so I've seen pixelmator looks a good alternative. Currently backing system up on time machine and hopefully install Catalina

 

[Cory Cooper]

OK, thanks.

Yes, I personally no longer use any Adobe or Microsoft software on my Macs...I don't like their subscription models, bloat, features I never use, etc. I do use GraphicConverter, Pixelmator/Pixelmator Pro, and Affinity Photo, all of which I actually prefer over Photoshop. I used every version of Photoshop since 2.5, but finally moved on at version CS4 (version 11).

Let us know if you run into any issues with Catalina.

C

 

[Steve1066]

Will do. Thank you for your advice. Always a bit scary when changing computer systems.

 

[Lufbrarunner]

Ideally Photoshop but it's a bit pricey so I've seen pixelmator looks a good alternative. Currently backing system up on time machine and hopefully install Catalina

I use Pixelmator and Gimp, which seem to work well for me.

 

[Steve1066]

Success guys Catalina installed and all running well. Also Microsoft office 2019 bought from xpresskey. (Had old 2011 version) One off fee, discount code express15 cost £59. Pixelmator pro also installed. Bonus, weren't sure if the system would take pro but it does, VERY happy with it. In fact, it's easier than Photoshop for me. Does everything I want it to. Thanks for for your help

 

[Lufbrarunner]

Happy to hear your are sorted.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Excellent...glad you're up and running.

Stay healthy and safe,

C