Each version of Photoshop Elements brings with it some new guided edits and performance improvements, but the question I get asked every year is, should I upgrade?
Let's look at your current version and your photo editing needs to see if you should upgrade.
In the US, Photoshop Elements costs $99 and the upgrade typically saves you around $20. You can upgrade from any previous version of Photoshop Elements.
Photoshop Elements is sold on a perpetual license, so if you have a copy you can use it as long as like. Many people don't upgrade every year and so make a big saving compared to monthly fees for Photoshop CC.
For recent versions, you'll have a free Adobe login and you can always find your licence key and the software downloads there if you need to reinstall it.
Is Your Computer Ready?
The first thing to consider is if your computer can run Photoshop Elements 2021. You'll need 8Gb of RAM and around 10Gb free on your internal drive to install the software and run it happily.
Windows
For Windows, type System into the search box and click on System Information. Then you'll see the version of Windows you are running
Photoshop Elements requires Microsoft Windows 10 version 1903 or later (version 1909 recommended); 64-bit versions only. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are not supported.
Mac
From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You should see the macOS name, followed by its version number.
Photoshop Elements needs macOS 10.14 through 10.15 or macOS 11.
Upgrade if you are using a version without a year in the name.
If you have Photoshop Elements 15 or earlier, it's time to upgrade! So many new features have been added in the last 4 versions.
Photo Editing
If you use Photoshop Elements to edit your photos and have Photoshop Elements 2018 or older, I'd recommend upgrading this year. There are now 53 guided edits, layer groups, adjust facial features, support for HEIC and HEVC files and performance improvements galore.
Social Media
If you run a small business or have your own personal brand I recommend upgrading this year. This version of Photoshop Elements has lots of social media-specific features, like quote graphics and moving pictures. The built-in sizing for social media make creating your social posts will be easier than ever with Photoshop Elements
Video Editing
I don't teach Premiere Elements at DigiScrap HQ, but if you would like to do more than just create slideshows with your family video, I do recommend Premiere Elements.
If you use the video editor regularly, this version is worth the upgrade, there's a host of new features:
- Improved playback performance
- Reveal Video Guided Edit
- Double Exposure Guided Edit
- Automatic Object Selection
- New Audio Tracks
Photo Organizer
If you use the Organizer 2018 or earlier, this year is the year to upgrade! You'll have maps, and improved people view, automatic catalog backups and more.
Consider upgrading from any previous version if you find that Organizer is a little slow for you (and you have a minimum of 8Gb of RAM). There are big performance improvements each year, plus you can just convert your existing catalog for use in the newer version.
You can purchase Photoshop Elements from Amazon here.
Happy upgrading!
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