Photoshop Elements 21: I currently have Elements 19 and am thinking of purchasing Elements 21. Any comments regarding the latest upgrade? I want to start using the Organizer but...

Patti Farrell Loc: Wisconsin

I currently have Elements 19 and am thinking of purchasing Elements 21. Any comments regarding the latest upgrade? I want to start using the Organizer but hesitate to download all pictures to Elements 19, then change to Elements 21. Would they just transfer easily to the new program? I have quite a few years of photos in my current organizational system. My system went crazy after installing a new computer.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Why do you want PSE21? Although there's new features and / or improvements, at version 21 the software is very mature and the changes are overall trivial. The largest area of maintenance is the support for RAW files for new camera releases since the prior PSE version. If you've added a new camera and shoot in RAW, that might be a reason to consider upgrade.

The software installs to a unique location, not an overwrite or merge. To populate your PSE21 organizer, you can point the new to the old organizer and say 'import'. You can be left with both PSE19 and PSE21 installed, possibly leading to unintended confusion, so if you purchase and install the upgrade, consider the PSE19 clean-up (at least removing the launch icons) so you don't get confused.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I did a Full Backup of my Catalogue then did a restore from, that no problems.

Drip Dry McFleye

I went from PSE 14 to PSE 21 a few months ago. I did that exactly for the reason that CHG Canon mentioned. Got a new camera. All of my images had already been included in PSE 21 when I opened it. I did nothing to make that happen. Sheepishly, I admit that I have not removed PSE 14 from my computer because I don't want anything "unexpected" to occur.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Patti, there are few real improvements in Elements from '19' except one that I do enjoy. In '20' they added the automatic select subject feature, which I use quite often. Can't really speak for 'newbies' in '21' since I'm stil content with '20'. Good luck on whichever you select.
God Bless,
Papa Joe

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

At this point in time, I would wait until October and get Elements 2022.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

Patti Farrell wrote:

I currently have Elements 19 and am thinking of purchasing Elements 21. Any comments regarding the latest upgrade? I want to start using the Organizer but hesitate to download all pictures to Elements 19, then change to Elements 21. Would they just transfer easily to the new program? I have quite a few years of photos in my current organizational system. My system went crazy after installing a new computer.

I too use PSE 19 and find it well suited for my needs. With each of my upgrades, my photos are all right where I placed them with the previous verion, never a problem. The program seems to accept that photos are not to be moved around.

Also, I agree with others who've stated, the updates over a one to three year period for PSE are not usually very significant. Whenever I get the urge to upgrade, I go to Adobe and compare the new processes to what I have in my current version to see if the changes will impact on what I want to do with the program. If there is not much new that I might want or need, I stay with the one I have. I have upgraded maybe four times since I started using PSE with version 7. At one time I did purchase Premiere Elements, but never used it so have not bought it again.

The main reasons I stay with PSE is the program is stand alone, doesn't require the cloud, it is cheaper that the full version with the monthly subscription, and it gives me what I need for my post processing.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

I agree with this posting. I have used Elements since version 5 and am now on 2018, and although I have upgraded more frequently in the past, I will wait for 2022 to upgrade again.

I also recommend buying the Elements+ plug in for $12.00 when you upgrade. Elements+ adds in some, but not all, of the features of full Photoshop, especially the Camera Raw controls.

To me, what Elements and Elements+ lack is an adjustment brush and a radial filter. I would really use them frequently, if I had them.

Framerman Loc: North of Atlanta Ga

I was told there was no Elements+ in 2021. Is that true? Never had a use for it but maybe someday I will.
Thanks for any info.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

Yes, it is available for PSE 2021. https://elementsplus.net/

Patti Farrell Loc: Wisconsin

https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/adobe-photoshop-elements This is a website that has reviewed PSE 21. It is in agreement with the previous responder.

Brian45 Loc: Melbourne, Australia

I'm still using PSE 10 (don't laugh)

Patti Farrell Loc: Wisconsin

Brian45 wrote:

I'm still using PSE 10 (don't laugh)

That's OK! As long at it works and you are happy with it.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Drip Dry McFleye wrote:

I went from PSE 14 to PSE 21 a few months ago. I did that exactly for the reason that CHG Canon mentioned. Got a new camera. All of my images had already been included in PSE 21 when I opened it. I did nothing to make that happen. Sheepishly, I admit that I have not removed PSE 14 from my computer because I don't want anything "unexpected" to occur.

Patti Farrell Loc: Wisconsin

Thanks for your reply. It sounds as though you are happy with PSE 21. With the upgrade and new camera you will be "capturing" many great images!