Should we use on, or in?
When we talk about software, should we use "on" or "in"? For example:
- How can I import pictures in/on photoshop?
- I installed new software in/on my windows.
- How can export files in/on adobe premiere pro?
Solution 1:
In each case I would say: neither "on" nor "in". I present my suggestions for each one:
How can I import pictures in/on photoshop?
How can I import pictures into photoshop?
I installed new software in/on my windows.
I installed new software for Windows.
How can export files in/on adobe premiere pro?
How can I export files from adobe premiere pro?
Solution 2:
tl;dr
in is substantially more common with single applications. on is closer in usage with Windows, and when coupled with install, install on Windows is more common than install in Windows.
Ngram results
Ngram results for "in Windows" vs. "on Windows", both are in use, following similar curves, but "in Windows" is more common.
Ngram results for Photoshop show a more dramatic difference. "in Photoshop" is much more common.
Ngram results for Adobe show a similar pattern. "in Adobe" is substantially preferred.
I would posit that "on Windows" is closer in usage to "in Windows" because it is an operating system, rather than a single application. Adobe isn't a single application, but it is a company that produces commercially released applications (illustrator, acrobat, etc). So while you may do something in Windows, you may also install something in Windows.
The ngram results support this. In this context, on Windows overtakes in Windows.
Mac OS, and OS X are trickier to parse (as a comparison operating system). Interestingly, "on Linux" is more common than "in Linux", but "in linux" is more common than "on linux".