Photoshop Elements is a powerful yet simplified photo-editing tool that’s perfect for photographers who want advanced features without the complexity of full Photoshop.
Whether you’re completely new to photo editing or simply looking for a less intimidating option, mastering Photoshop Elements can take your images to the next level.
I’ll break down the basics, offer practical advice, and explain how it compares to other Adobe software options.
What is Photoshop Elements?
Photoshop Elements is a streamlined version of Adobe Photoshop, designed with simplicity in mind. It offers a wide range of photo-editing tools but in a much more user-friendly interface.
While Photoshop is aimed at professional photographers, designers, and artists, Photoshop Elements is perfect for beginners or enthusiasts who don’t need the extensive feature set of full Photoshop.
Think of it as a hybrid between advanced editing capabilities and an easy-to-navigate experience. You still get access to powerful tools like layers, filters, and colour correction, but the interface is designed to guide you through the process, making it a great starting point for anyone new to photo editing.
Who is Photoshop Elements for?
Photoshop Elements is ideal for hobbyist photographers, beginners, and even intermediate users who want to edit their images without a steep learning curve.
If you find full Photoshop overwhelming, or simply don’t need every single feature, Elements provides a well-rounded solution.
It’s especially useful for those who want to focus on personal photography projects, whether that’s touching up family photos, enhancing travel shots, or even working on social media content.
For users who aren’t full-time professionals, but still want the flexibility to do more than basic adjustments, Elements strikes the perfect balance.
Our 5 Favourite Tools
When it comes to Photoshop Elements, there are a few standout tools that I find particularly useful. These tools cover a broad range of functions, from simple adjustments to more advanced editing techniques.
1. Quick Edit Mode
This mode is a game-changer for beginners. It provides a simple, easy-to-use interface where you can make basic adjustments such as brightness, contrast, and sharpness. It’s ideal when you want to improve a photo quickly without delving into too many details.
2. Guided Edits
One of the most helpful features for those starting out is the Guided Edits mode. It walks you through specific editing processes step by step. Whether you want to remove a background, enhance a sky, or apply a particular effect, the Guided Edits make the process intuitive.
3. Smart Brush
This tool lets you apply effects or make adjustments to specific areas of your image. For example, you can lighten up a dark area or apply a texture only to a particular section of the photo. It’s highly precise and saves a lot of time.
4. Healing Brush
For anyone who’s ever wanted to remove a blemish or an unwanted object from a photo, the Healing Brush is a lifesaver. It works similarly to the more advanced version in Photoshop but is simplified for easier use. You can clean up portraits or remove distractions from a landscape with just a few clicks.
5. Layers
Layers are essential for more advanced editing and Photoshop Elements makes them accessible to everyone. By using layers, you can make adjustments without permanently affecting your original image, giving you the freedom to experiment without worry.
What Does Photoshop Elements Include?
Photoshop Elements comes with all the essential tools needed for photo editing, and it also includes features that go beyond the basics. Here are some of the highlights:
Photo Organiser
Photoshop Elements includes a built-in organiser, which helps you sort, tag, and manage your photo library. It’s particularly useful if you have a large collection of images and need to find specific shots quickly. You can even use facial recognition to group photos by the people in them.
Automatic Features
The software includes several AI-powered tools that automatically enhance your images. Features like Auto-Curate, which selects your best photos, and Auto-Colour Correction, which fixes lighting and colour balance, can save time and make your images pop with minimal effort.
Slideshow Creator
If you want to turn your photos into a presentation, the slideshow creator is a quick and easy way to build custom slideshows. You can add text, music, and transitions to create professional-looking presentations.
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Is Adobe Photoshop Elements Free?
No, Photoshop Elements is not free. Unlike Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, Photoshop Elements is available as a one-time purchase, meaning you pay once and own the software outright.
This is one of the key differences between Photoshop Elements 2024 and Adobe’s other offerings like Photoshop and Lightroom, which operate on a subscription basis.
The cost for Photoshop Elements 2024 is typically around £80-90, though Adobe occasionally offers discounts. It’s a more budget-friendly option if you don’t want to commit to a limited license which the 2025 edition and onwards will use.
For many users, this makes it a more appealing option compared to Photoshop’s monthly subscription model.
Photoshop Elements vs Photoshop
When comparing Elements v Photoshop, the main distinction is in the target audience and feature set. Photoshop is designed for professionals who need powerful tools for photo editing, graphic design, and digital art.
It includes a much broader range of functions and offers complete control over every aspect of your image.
On the other hand, Photoshop Elements is more focused on ease of use. It simplifies many of the more complicated tasks in Photoshop while still offering powerful editing options.
For example, where Photoshop offers manual control over layers and masks, Elements provides simpler, guided options to achieve similar effects.
While Photoshop might be better suited for professional work or complex projects, Elements is ideal for personal use or for photographers who want a lighter tool that still offers advanced editing features.
Is Photoshop Elements as Good as Photoshop?
The question of whether Photoshop Elements is as good as Photoshop depends on what you need from your editing software. If you’re a professional who works with high-end retouching, graphic design, or commercial photography, you’ll likely find Photoshop’s advanced features indispensable.
However, for many users—especially beginners—Photoshop Elements is more than capable. It provides all the essential editing tools without the overwhelming complexity.
For tasks like retouching photos, enhancing colours, and even creating multi-layered images, Photoshop Elements holds up very well. So while it may not have every feature that Photoshop does, it’s still a powerful tool that is more than sufficient for most photographers.
Photoshop Elements or Lightroom?
Lightroom is primarily a photo management tool with advanced editing capabilities, but its strength lies in its ability to handle large numbers of photos efficiently. It’s fantastic for batch editing and organising extensive photo libraries.
Photoshop Elements, on the other hand, is more focused on individual photo editing. It’s not as strong when it comes to managing large libraries, but it excels in giving you more control over creative editing.
If you’re looking to dive deep into enhancing individual images, Elements will offer more flexibility. However, if you’re dealing with thousands of images at once, Lightroom’s batch processing will save you hours of work.
In short, choose Lightroom if you’re managing large photo collections or need batch editing. Opt for Photoshop Elements if your focus is on editing specific photos with more creative control.
Do You Have to Buy Photoshop Elements Every Year?
No, you don’t have to buy Photoshop Elements every year, but unfortunately, it isn’t a one-off lifetime payment anymore.
From the launch of Adobe Photoshop Elements 2025, the software will only be licensed to you through a single payment for 3 years. This means that after 3 years, you’ll lose access and need to pay again for the latest version.
While it’s not the same as a monthly subscription it does mean you don’t have the software for life, as with Elements 2024 and earlier.
That said, Adobe tends to release a new version of Photoshop Elements every year, which includes new features and improvements. Under the new license, you’ll get these updates for free during the 3-year term.
Mastering Photoshop Elements doesn’t have to be difficult (at least not when you have the right training!).
With a user-friendly interface, powerful tools, and a wealth of guided options, it’s one of the best programs available for photographers who want to take their editing skills to the next level.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a more approachable alternative to full Photoshop, Photoshop Elements has everything you need to enhance your photos.
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