rcirr Loc: Gilbert, Arizona

I recently noticed PhotoShop Elements 15 for sale in a Best Buy. I have had PS Elements 8 for a long time. I didn't get the latest version because I thought it now required a monthly subscription (with monthly cost). Well either that has changed or I was wrong. At any rate I purchased Photoshop Elements 15 and Premier Elements together for about $100.00.

As I stated I have had Elements 8 for a while. I actually got pretty good using it to correct color, adjust lighting, recompose, etc. My biggest complaint was I never found the help section to be much help. Now that I have PSE 15 I decided to spend a little more time to understand the program. Unfortunately help in version 15 seems worse than in version 8. For example I was looking to play with the photo merge feature. When I clicked on help it took me on line. When I found a link for an "article" on using photo merge I spent about 15 minutes trying to follow directions that just didn't work. I then came upon a paragraph with a link. The paragraph stated the directions I was working with were from before version 14. After version 14 the photo merge feature worked different so I needed to click on the link to the new directions. After 15 more minutes I still was unable to get the feature to work. Over time I will probably figure out ways to use most of the features but I will end up investing more time than I should have to. There will also probably be some features I will never be able to use.

I thought Photoshop was a big name in photo editing software. I know Adobe is a very big software name. Is there anyone out there that can tell me what I'm missing? Has anyone found the key to getting help using this software? Or is everyone using third party training and experimentation? If so, why are we letting Adobe get away with it?

I would especially interested in any professional photo editors. If you're paying a monthly subscription do you get any better instructions?

Thank you in advance for your attention.

JR45 Loc: Montgomery County, TX

Search youtube

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

Well crap, B&H just posted a sale on Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 and Premiere Elements 15 (DVD) for $69.95.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I, too, have found Adobe's Help, less than helpful. For real help, you have to look online. Do a Google search for using PSE 15. You'll find enough to keep you busy all day.

Here's a guide I found, but the copyright is 2001!
ftp://ftp.cs.brown.edu/u/daf/petra/Students/Ken%20Zawsum/Adobe%20Photoshop%20Elements%20Users%20Guide.pdf

User Guides for all Adobe products -
http://prodesigntools.com/online-manuals-help-documentation-all-adobe-products.html

Linary Loc: UK

I use Photoshop and Lightroom. I took an initial course with Lynda.com and now look to YouTube and Vimeo for anything I need to know. The same would apply if I was to pick up (again) Photoshop Elements. Adobe writes and provides the software, but their training is fairly low level, it gets you started. 3rd party trainers, some free and some paid, will take you up as many levels as you want. there are many really good books which will also teach you how to get the best out the applications.

Its like buying a car, the dealer will sell you a car, but you must make your own arrangements on learning to drive it.

beorn80 Loc: Battle Creek, Michigan

I went to Affinity,Topaz,and On1,and the free version of Lumineer for PC, the free may be over as I signed into their Beta test.I maintain a copy of adobe #15,just for a base as ON1,Topaz,Lumineer can be used from the filter section of Elements. I too totally frustrated with Adobe,praise You Tube

Spider223

In Elements 15, easy way to merge photos is to click on GUIDED - PHOTOMERGE

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

What kind of help are you looking for? I simply pose the question on google, such as "Where is the___tool?" or "Why does ___not work?" etc and virtually always find an answer quicklyn usually not from Adobe but from someone who had a similar question or problem

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Besides using Help, did you also download the user's guide?
https://helpx.adobe.com/pdf/photoshop-elements_reference.pdf

As to subscriptions: No, thank you. I am very happy with my PSE 14. Although I'll likely update to PSE 16 this fall - depending on improvements and new features.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

I use PS Elements 15 and very much enjoy it. You can get a lot of help from Rick Peterson's site: http://www.essential-photoshop-elements.com/
He has been tremendously helpful to me over the years and has instruction videos, etc. that take you step by step through each process. He's also great about replying to personal email. Tell him "Joe sent you" :o)

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Deal zone today at B&H save $80.00

Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 and Premiere Elements 15 (Download) $69.95.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

That's because version 16 of both is due for release later this month.

WJShaheen Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ

As of 8/7/17, 9:37am EDT - this deal is for the DVD package.

Thanks to all for suggesting this. Upgrading from PSE/PE 13.

Bill in Gold Canyon, AZ

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

You indicate you also purchased Premiere Elements with PS Elements. Do you use your camera for videos?

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Has Adobe moved the release date?
Traditionally the new PSE version has been released on the 4th Thursday of September.
Then, around Black Friday, a number of stores will put it on sale for US$50.