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 2022. You'll need 8Gb of RAM and around 13Gb 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 2004 (May 2020 update) or later (version 21H1 May 2021 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 Catalina 10.15 or newer. macOS 11 Big Sur is recommended.
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 60 guided edits, layer groups, adjust facial features, support for HEIC and HEVC files and performance improvements galore.
Upgrade from Photoshop Elements 2018 or older.
Warp Tool
Upgrade from any version if you've always wanted to be able to warp photos! You can now warp any layer - this has been a wish list item for Photoshop Elements users for many years!
Upgrade from Photoshop Elements 2021 or older for the new warp tool.
Social Media
If you run a small business or have your own personal brand I recommend upgrading from Photoshop Elements 2019 or older. This version of Photoshop Elements has lots of social media-specific features, like quote graphics and moving pictures. There are new features that build on PSE2021's release including being able to save moving photos as MP4 or GIF. The built-in sizing for social media make creating your social posts will be easier than ever with Photoshop Elements.
Upgrade from Photoshop Elements 2019 or older.
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:
- Improved playback performance
- Reveal Video Guided Edit
- Double Exposure Guided Edit
- Automatic Object Selection
- New Audio Tracks
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.
You can purchase Photoshop Elements from Amazon here. To get upgrade pricing, head to Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements from Adobe.
Happy upgrading!
PS Pin for later
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Melissa – I am back on PSE 15. If my system meets the requirements, what is your recommendation for an upgrade path. Thanks!
I would definitely upgrade to PSE2022! You’ll love the new guided edits, greatly improved selection tools and the Organizer is much faster.
Melissa – I am back on PSE 15. If my system meets the requirements, what is your recommendation for an upgrade path. Thanks!
As I posted above… I would definitely upgrade to PSE2022! You’ll love the new guided edits, greatly improved selection tools and the Organizer is much faster.
I have Photoshop Elements 7.0. It’s so old it won’t register in my adobe account. Do you know if I can just buy the upgrade version and install it? I’m worried it won’t be able to see I own a previous version even though it’s installed and working well. Adobes tech support says to qualify for the 2022 upgrade I need to buy the upgrades for 8,9,10, 2018,2019,2021 to get the 2023 upgrade version. I don’t believe this is true based on all the articles I’ve seen.
Hi David, that is definitely not true. Just purchase the upgrade, when you check out it asks which program you already had. I have never heard of people having any issues upgrading from older software. Also, your PSE7 will still work after you buy the upgrade, so there’s no need to worry. All the best with upgrade!