Should You Upgrade? See the New Photoshop Elements 2024

by on October 11, 2023 with 22 Comments

Should You Upgrade to the New PSE 2024?

Jen White, owner of Digital Scrapper, will give you a tour of Photoshop Elements 2024 and some savvy advice from the perspective of a digital scrapbooker.

Watch the Video

 

New Features Worth Mentioning for Digital Scrapbookers

NEW Look (User Interface)

When opening PSE 2024 for the first time, you’re going to notice right away that the user interface has changed. It’s received a fresh facelift. You’ll see this update reflected in all workspaces, dialog boxes, buttons, panels, and bars, and it will include new color schemes, fonts, icons, and elements.
The REALLY Good News: Even though PSE 2024 has a new look, everything you’re used to using is still in the same place!

Support for Both Light and Dark Modes

Along with the new user interface is support for both Light and Dark Mode. Light Mode is enabled by default.

To change to Dark Mode:
  • Open Preferences (Ctrl/Cmd K).
  • In the dialog box, in the General tab, click on the dropdown menu under UI Mode and choose Dark.
  • Click OK to close the dialog box.
  • Click OK to close Preferences.
  • Restart your program.

NOTE: Digital Scrapper instructors will be teaching in Light Mode.

More One-Click Select Options

Joining Select > Subject is Select > Background and Select > Sky.
You can also find these options in the Tool Options of some Quick Selection tools.

Integration with Adobe Stock

If you’re an Adobe Stock lover, PSE 2024 now lets you search Adobe Stock from within the software. You can search, license, and add an image to your project without ever leaving the program. You’ll also find new Adobe Stock options in the Graphic panel.

Color Match Feature

In the Effects panel of Advanced Mode is PSE 2024’s new Color Match feature. You can use one of 24 presets to change the tones in your image, or you can import a photo of your own to match colors. You can also use this feature to quickly match colors of papers and elements. Besides the addition of Color Match, you’ll also find 5 new presets in the Artistic dropdown of the Effect panel.

Type Tool Placeholder Text

As a scrapbooker, this next mention is a biggie in my book. In PSE 2024 you’ll see the addition of placeholder text when using the type tool. This is amazing for times when you’re designing a scrapbook page and want to see how a text box will look before you take the time to carefully enter your journaling. A quick click of the type tool will give you two placeholder words, and a quick click and drag will give you a paragraph.
How To Disable Placeholder Text
  • Press Ctrl/Cmd K to open Preferences.
  • In the Type tab, uncheck Fill New Type Layers with Placeholder Text.
  • Click OK.

Version Number is Now Synced

Have you ever noticed that (since PSE 2015) the version of the software and name of the software are different?
Well, now they are in sync. PSE 2024 is Photoshop Elements Version 24. Boom! No more confusion.
NOTE: So that means if you go looking for PSE versions 22 and 23, you’re not going to find them!

Is It Time To Upgrade to Photoshop Elements 2024?

So, at this point, you may have already decided the answer to this question…Is it time to upgrade from your current version of PSE?
As a digital scrapbooker, I like the clean new UI, but that alone is not a reason for me to drop $60-100. I also don’t care too much about the Adobe Stock option or the new one-click selection options.
HOWEVER—With the addition of Color Match (that would help me extend the use of my scrapbooking stash) and Placeholder Text (which will help me design scrapbook pages more efficiently) ….

I am inclined to recommend that
Photoshop Elements 2024
is worth the upgrade and investment
for all PSE users.

A Quick Note About Digital Scrapper
  • By January 1, 2024, all Digital Scrapper instructors will be using PSE 2024 in their classes and tutorials.
  • We’ll be releasing videos on the new features of PSE 2024 around that time.

Questions about upgrading?

Check the FAQ below. Feel free to post a comment below or ask in our Community Forum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photoshop Elements

Q: Is there a trial version of PSE2024?
A: Yes, you can download a trial version of the software from Adobe. The trial is good for 30 days. The trial software is exactly the same as a licensed copy; you will just lose the ability to save files after the trial expires. The trial software can be easily licensed by simply entering a purchased serial number.

Q: Where should I buy PSE 2024?
A: Adobe’s website will always have the most current version of the software. I recommend purchasing from Adobe. However, even if you purchase a serial number somewhere else (like from Amazon or BestBuy), you can still download a trial from Adobe, and then use the license you purchased to activate the software.

Q: Should I wait for a sale?
A: The biggest sale you will see from Adobe on the current software will be 40% off. In the past, a 40% off sale can be found during Black Friday near the end of November. PSE is typically $99 before the sale.

Q: Am I eligible for the “Upgrade” pricing from Adobe?Choose Photoshop Elements License
A: If you don’t want to wait for a big sale, Adobe does offer an “upgrade” price that will usually save you 20%. To take advantage of this offer, you will have to provide a previous serial number. At checkout, chose License Upgrade to get the special pricing.

Q: Can I get the CD-ROM instead of the digital download??
A: I have confirmed with Adobe that they no longer offer CD-ROMs, only digital downloads. Sorry.

Q: Do I need the Photoshop Elements / Premiere Elements 2024 bundle?
A: No. Photoshop Elements is for photo editing (and scrapbooking), whereas Premiere Elements is for video editing.

Q: Will I lose my previously installed actions, styles, brushes, etc, if I upgrade?
A: Unfortunately, yes. There is still no way to automatically migrate extras from one version to another. You can, however, save what you have in your previous software and then upload it into your new software.

Q: Is Photoshop Elements subscription-based?
A: No. It is not a subscription. If you purchase Photoshop Elements, you own it forever and will never have to pay again.

 

 

22 Responses

  1. Paula Bryant
    | Reply

    Thank you Jen
    Paula

  2. Paula
    | Reply

    I’m wondering where to purchase the cd for Photoshop Elements 2024? I have been looking and can only find download versions. Thank you for your review.
    Paula

    • Jen White
      | Reply

      I’m sorry, Paula. I wasn’t aware until just now (confirmed it with Adobe) that they no longer offer CD-Roms. :/

  3. Kyrie
    | Reply

    Thanks for the update Jen! I keep holding out and hoping they will add a spell checker to PSE! I know I can use a workaround, but they have one in PS and it would make life so much easier!

    • Jen White
      | Reply

      I hear you, Kyrie. We’ve been told that spellcheck will never happen, but we can keep asking. 😀

  4. Deborah Robinson
    | Reply

    Thank you! I was waiting for your review before I did anything.

  5. Jane
    | Reply

    Thanks, Jen. I really appreciate your thoughts on PSE vs PS. I’m definitely not going to switch, but may consider PSE when I can get it for 40% off. I’ve played a bit with Generative AI and some of the neural filters in PS. What I really need to do is to commit to spending more time practicing PS. But then there’s watercolor, acrylics, sketching in multi-media and so much more. My eyes and hopes are much bigger than my brain and body can manage! And I can be quite lazy at times.

    • Jen White
      | Reply

      I totally get that, Jane! I’m currently addicted to crocheting. I LOVE learning new things…not just in PS. 😀

  6. Jane
    | Reply

    Are there any good reasons to buy PSE 2024 if One also uses PS 2024? My last PSE version was 2020. I’m hardly an expert in PS, and used to find it easier to do many routine things in PSE. And I’ve little photo editing or scrapbooking the past few years. BUT, I just returned from my first vacation since before the pandemic with a number of new photos most of which need at least some editing and some of which are worth scrapbooking. PS obviously has many more capabilities, but it can take me longer to figure out how to use many of them.

    • Jen White
      | Reply

      I can only offer my opinion…
      — No. If you have a Photoshop subscription plan that you are happy with, you have no need for PSE.
      — That said, PSE does offer MANY more “quick edits” than Photoshop…if you use those. I personally do not.
      — There are a very small handful of things that are easier in PSE than in PS with the same results.

      Which is better (PS or PSE)? It really comes down to what you do with your program. As an advance scrapbooker, I find PS gives me a much better fit.

      Thinking of switching?
      — If you are a very casual user of PS, and are thinking of switching, you can save a lot of money.
      ——- 3 years of PSE = $60 (3 years being the average life span, in my opinion, and $60 is with a 40% off sale)
      ——- 3 years of PS = $385 (that’s the current price of the Photography Plan)

      Hope this helps! (BTW, I do not get any kickback from Adobe for recommending software. I’m just the little guy!)

  7. Shirl/Grambie
    | Reply

    I look forward to each year to listen to what you have to say about Photoshop Elements. I had purchased 2021 and never used it, so that is what I have been getting used to between hospital stays. I had planned on purchasing 2024 upgrade but will wait for the Thanksgiving sale. I feel that 20% discount is cheesy for an upgrade. Adobe sent out emails regarding 2024 touting the color change and others. For me, 24 will be a big change for me. I enjoyed the video. 🙂

  8. Leann Patterson
    | Reply

    Thanks, great information . I don’t know how to save or reinstall any of the action, styles, brushes and other that need to be uploaded to a new version. I don’t even know which of my items are additions. I suppose I better learn how to organize so I can identify these things. Is there an existing tutorial showing how to prepare for future upgrades and how to find and reinstall the things that must be reinstalled?

    • Jen White
      | Reply

      Unfortunately, PSE doesn’t make it easy to port any extras over to new versions.
      I recommend keeping track of what you’ve uploaded, like brushes, styles, and actions, by keeping them in a separate folder on your computer. That way, when you upgrade to a new version, you can simply upload what’s in your folder.

  9. Nancy M Olson
    | Reply

    Will Photoshop Elements 2024 on a PC edit HEIC (HEIF) format photos from an iPhone? As it is now, I have to convert these files to JPEG before I can use them in Photoshop Elements 2020.

    • Jen White
      | Reply

      Great question, Nancy. HEIC support was added to Photoshop Elements in 2021. You can open and edit HEIC photos, but you will have to save them in a different format. Does that help?

      • Nancy
        | Reply

        Yes, thank you so much!

  10. Beatrice
    | Reply

    I upgraded last year and had to abandon the upgrade and revert to 2020 because of the jumpy or twitchy behavior. The answer I got from Adobe was that the software is really designed for editing photos and not for scrapbooking. However I obviously use it for scrapbooking. I don’t think I ever got a definitive answer to my post 8 months ago. I’m wondering if this upgrade still has the same issues. I know lots of scrappers reported similar behavior with 2023 and I think Adobe is being shortsighted in assuming the software is only used for photo editing. Thanks in advance for the review.

    • Jen White
      | Reply

      So sorry for your experience, Beatrice. I think you had a bad customer service person! Adobe definitely recognizes the scrapbooking community. Problems like what you’re describing typically “go away” after the next updated released by Adobe. Even though I think PSE2024 is a good version, I’d recommend that you try PSE2023 again, install all necessary updates, and see if the issue persists.
      That said, try downloading a trial of PSE2024 and see if you have the same issue. If it does persist, I would tend to want to say that it’s your computer’s configuration that’s causing the problem. Does that help?

      • Beatrice
        | Reply

        Yes- I’ll give the trial a try. Thanks Jen!

  11. Gin
    | Reply

    Thanks Jen – I think I will be getting the new version!!

  12. Laura
    | Reply

    Thanks Jen. Your recap always helps me decide on whether or not I should upgrade bc Adobe always makes it sound so fabulous (they have great marketing people!).

  13. Loretta H
    | Reply

    Thanks Jen. I’ve noticed other videos that talk about Reels and how to make those. That seems intriguing and maybe useful at some point.

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