illinioms

I need some advice and help. I have an IMac using Big Sur version 11.6.8. I subscribe to Photoshop 2020. I can’t browse on Lightroom because it constantly crashes when I click on a file containing my photos. It is very difficult to load my photos directly into Photoshop. I need some advice and/or help.
Or I would consider trying another photo editing program that is simple to use. I just do simple things such as cropping lightening/darkening adjust colors etc. I would appreciate any suggestions you have as I am very frustrated and my fun level has decreased significantly.
Tom

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

Good luck. That's all the advice I can give you. I tried Photoshop once years ago and found it too complicated for me. Today I don't use anything. I don't like paying fees for all these programs.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

I think PS s a lot like Scotch. You don't just try it for the first time and like it. You have to stick with it and keep trying it.

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

Adobe is now on Version 2023. The out of subscription versions are supposed to allow simple processing even out of subscription. Perhaps Adobe is willing to trouble shoot your problem, or you could re-subscribe on a trial basis and see if the latest version will do what you want. The latest versions are pretty terrific.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

I too didn't like software “toll roads” but it’s a small price to pay to keep your software up to date. At the rapid pace technology is changing it’s almost a must if you need to do any editing at all. P.S. and Lightroom cost about $10/mo. If I sell 1 photo a year for $150 that covers my cost.
As for the problems, it could be that the iMac O/S no longer works with the software.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

The problem you are experiencing may be caused by using "Big Sur" instead of "Monterey." Monterey is newer and faster and more productive in certain areas. You may need to combine Apple Care with Adobe Tech and come up with a workable solution. The "simple" uses you have are actually very technical and difficult. Your current OS may need to be boosted up a notch.

Bayou

You can do the basic things you mentioned with the native software already on the computer. https://www.apple.com/macos/photos/

You're paying a lot for a program that you're not even keeping updated. Clearly, Photoshop is not the right product for you.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you subscribe to the Adobe software, you should leverage their technical support that comes with your subscription. Personally, I think the technical support chat to Adobe is more time-efficient. But, you can call them too. Either of these contact options should be your next action to resolve your issue. If Adobe suggests the same idea above about updating your OS, carefully consider that option, but first confirm that OS will run on your equipment.

tcthome Loc: NJ

How old is your imac? Not an imac/Apple computer owner but. Any maintenance done? Disc defragmentation/clean up, etc. ever done? Virus protection? As painful as it may sound, you might need to uninstall/reinstall the program.
Other software to consider, Capture one, Luminar, Topaz. Can you adjust what you want with the software that came with your camera? Just a thought.

roger55 Loc: Tampa Bay Florida

I use PHOTOS that’s on my MAC for all of my pics and am quite happy with it. Not trying to do anything fancy and it’s free !
There is one program I have purchased and that is Topaz AI Sharpen. The best $99 I have spent in a long time.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Photoshop Express is a nice editor that allows you to make simple adjustments like those you mentioned and is not at all hard to use or in the least bit expensive. Give it a try.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

First I would upgrade everything. Bring your IMac up to date. Same with LR and Photoshop. How’s your computer memory. Easy to install more on an IMac. Do this then see how things work. Don’t bother to nickel and dime other solutions if your system is not up to date.
…Cam

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Tom,

You wrote, "I subscribe to Photoshop 2020". Can you elaborate? As an active, paying subscriber you should have an app on your computer called "Adobe Creative Cloud". That's the Adobe tool that is used to keep your Photoshop and Lightrooms current and operating. Is it there?

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I would recommend you cancel your PS/LR subscription and get Photoshop ELEMENTS instead.

Right now it is costing $100 for Elements (outright, not a subscription). You missed a sale by a few days or weeks! They are clearing out current 2022 version and we will likely see the 2023 version any day now. Each year's version is usually introduced each mid to late October or the preceding year. And they usually have a sale just prior, like the one that just ended.

Elements is more than sufficient for what you are doing. Just check on the Adobe website that the current 2022 version is compatible with your camera (if you shoot RAW and if the camera is relatively new).

Elements is well supported. There are "how to" books, YouTube videos and some plug-ins for it, much like LR and PS. But unlike LR and PS you own it outright and it's relatively easy to use. In fact, Elements has built-in assistance. You can choose a guided "beginner" mode, or more advanced "intermediate" and "expert" modes if you prefer. You can change back and forth between those, as needed.

If you also work with videos, there is a deal where you can buy both Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements in a bundle for $150. They normally cost $100 each when bought separately.

picsman Loc: Scotland

I suggest you look at Affinity Photo, it is cheap and does a lot of what Photoshop does, but it is not intuitive. However you only pay once.