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?
Watch the video or scroll down to read whether you need to upgrade based on your editing needs.
Let's look at your current version and your photo editing needs to see if you should upgrade.
In the US, Photoshop Elements costs $99.99 and the upgrade saves you around $20. You can upgrade from any previous version of Photoshop Elements, not just the most recent version.
Photoshop Elements is sold on a perpetual license, so once you have a bought it 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 2023. You'll need 8Gb of RAM and around 20Gb free on your internal drive to install the software and run it happily.
If you want to edit video you'll need up have 16Gb+ RAM.
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 21H1 May 2021 or Windows 11; 64-bit versions only.
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 11, macOS 12 (12.4 or later), macOS 13 (13.3.1 or later)
Once you have checked that you are able to run the newest version on your computer now, we can see if you should upgrade!
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 5 versions. Plus, the program is now designed for 64-bit systems and make better use of your RAM.
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 61 guided edits, layer groups, adjust facial features, support for HEIC and HEVC files and performance improvements galore.
Upgrade from Photoshop Elements 2018 or older.
Moving Photos
In Elements 2023, Adobe introduces Moving Elements, a feature that will allow you to bring a touch of movie magic to any photo. Select the area to animate, choose the direction, adjust the speed, and then save your photo as an MP4 or GIF to share on social.
Upgrade from any version if you've always wanted to be able create moving photos.
Upgrade from Photoshop Elements 2022 or older for the moving photo enhancements.
Video Slideshows
You can create video slideshows in Photoshop Elements, and this year several new animated slideshow styles to choose from in Photoshop Elements. If you often make slideshows, this is the year to upgrade.
Upgrade from Photoshop Elements 2020 or older.
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:
- Native Support of Apple Silicon
- Artistic effects for your videos
- New audio tracks
- New slideshow templates
- Faster launch times
Upgrade from Premiere Elements 2019 or older.
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.
Automated Video Tagging: Organizer can automatically add keyword tags (smart tags) to videos. When you search for a tag in a video, the video will play from the point
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.
Upgrade from Photoshop Elements 2018 or older.
Web Companion & Phone Apps
If you want to upload your photos, edit on the web or access your photos on different devices you'll want to upgrade.
This year Adobe has taken Photoshop Elements to the web. In the Web Companion you can view and download photos and videos, plus make slideshow and photo collages. If you purchase Photoshop Elements 2023, you automatically have access to Elements Web Companion. Elements Web can be accessed at http://elements.adobe.com/. You can watch my video here for more information.
You can also use the beta version of the mobile app on Android to upload phone photos.
Upgrade from Photoshop Elements 2022 or older.
You can purchase Photoshop Elements from Amazon here. To get upgrade pricing, head to Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements from Adobe.
Happy upgrading!
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I am using PhotoShop Elements 15. I recently upgraded to Windows 11. I did not prepare for the impact of the Windows upgrade and consideration for how Windows 11 moves the pictures. Initially PSE could not find the catalogue. I used a ‘help’ to locate the primary catalogue. I ‘Reconnected’ the files.
Do you have any recommendations for what I can do at this point to continue to add photos to PSE?
I am concerned/uncertain about upgrading to PSE 23.
Thanks for any help.
TomH
Hi Tom
You can continue to use Windows 11 and add photos to your catalogue, just set your pictures folder as a watched folder in PSE Organizer. When you upgrade to PSE 2023, you can convert your current catalogue as I explain here: https://digitalscrapbookinghq.com/dont-retag-convert-old-photoshop-elements-catalog/
Let me know if this helps.
Thanks for your comment.
Melissa