Photoshop Elements 2024 has arrived, and it’s a significant update that breathes new life into this popular photo editing software. This review explores the key features and improvements that make this version a compelling upgrade for both new and existing users.
A Refreshed Interface and Powerful New Tools
Adobe has clearly focused on enhancing the user experience with a redesigned interface featuring both light and dark modes, mirroring the full version of Photoshop. This caters to different preferences and reduces eye strain. Updated fonts and icons further improve visibility. The Quick Actions panel, now available in Quick editing mode, provides quick access to frequently used tools and incorporates new AI-powered features. These include the ability to select and change backgrounds or skies, and to smooth out artifacts in compressed JPG files.
Animate Photos in Photoshop Elements
The new Match Color feature stands out, allowing users to easily adjust colors and tonal balance. Presets offer quick adjustments in Quick mode, while Advanced mode allows importing photos and copying color settings between images. The Advanced mode also provides access to Adobe’s stock photo library for incorporating external images.
Enhanced Guided Edits and Creative Features
The Guided Edits feature, a cornerstone of Photoshop Elements, receives valuable additions. The new Add Text Guided Edit simplifies adding and customizing text with various effects, such as drop shadows and graduated colors. Controlling text placement along paths and adjusting lighting angles further expands creative possibilities.
Change sky in Photoshop Elements
For social media enthusiasts, the Photo Reels tool offers templates for creating engaging content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The timeline view facilitates arranging photos, adjusting size and aspect ratio, customizing playback speed, and adding text, graphics, and filters.
Extend background
Carrying forward the AI-powered enhancements, animating specific parts of an image remains a compelling feature. Selecting elements like waterfalls or flowing hair and adding motion creates dynamic visuals.
Mobile and Web App Integration
Photoshop Elements 2024 integrates with mobile (iOS and Android) and web apps, offering seamless access to photos and videos across devices. The mobile app provides 2GB of free online storage and allows uploading files for import into the desktop version. The web app offers basic editing tools and allows for the creation of slideshows and collages. It’s important to note that both the mobile and web apps are currently in beta.
Photoshop Elements 2024
Performance and Pricing
Native Apple Silicon support significantly boosts performance on compatible Macs. Adobe claims a 45% speed increase on M1 and M2 processors. Priced at $99.99/£86.56, Photoshop Elements 2024 offers a 30-day trial for users to explore its features before committing to a purchase.
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Upgrade
Photoshop Elements 2024 marks a significant step forward for the software. The combination of a refreshed interface, powerful new tools, enhanced Guided Edits, and seamless mobile and web integration makes this a compelling upgrade for existing users and a strong choice for those seeking a user-friendly yet powerful photo editor. It solidifies Photoshop Elements’ position as a leading photo editor for non-professional users.
