2019 Scrapbook Software — PSE2020 or PSCC?
2019 Digital Scrapbooking Software
Should You Use Photoshop Elements 2020
or Adobe Photoshop CC?
by Jen White
As a digital scrapbooker, you have many of choices for what software you use to scrapbook with.
Here at Digital Scrapper, we recommend and support Adobe software for scrapbooking—either Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop.
So, which is better for your needs? Let’s take a look at your options, Then, you can decide.
Photoshop Elements 2020
Currently about 2/3 of our members use Photoshop Elements for digital scrapbooking. There are many reasons this program is more often chosen, but here are the main ones we hear about:
- Ownership. Photoshop Elements (PSE) is your program. You make one big payment, then you own it forever.
- Price. PSE is relatively inexpensive. The newest release has a price tag of $99. But if you are upgrading, and can prove previous ownership, the price purchase from Adobe drops to $79.
- CD Copy. Software delivered by mail in the form of CD is slowly becoming a thing of the past. But, if you love having your program on a CD, you can still get Photoshop Elements in a pretty case to place on your shelf.
Should you upgrade to PSE 2020 this year?
As a scrapbooker, who primarily works in Expert Mode, there is nothing new in this version to shout about.
But, here’s some advice to help you decide.
- Yes, upgrade if ANY of these apply:
- You enjoy having the latest and greatest software.
- You want your program to exactly match your instructor’s program in our upcoming classes and tutorials.
- You currently own PSE 2018 or earlier. Type Tool Tracking was added in PSE2019 and it’s a must-have!
- You like playing with new and improved Guided Edits.
- No, do not upgrade if ALL these apply:
- You currently own PSE 2019.
- You are frugally minded.
Helpful Photoshop Elements Links
- Try Photoshop Elements 2020 FREE for 30 Days. You will need to login with your Adobe ID to access the trial downloads.
- PRO TIP #1. Wait for a sale. You will eventually see the price of PSE2020 drop to half the price.
- PRO TIP #2. When you find a sale, download a trial version from Adobe (It’s the full program!), then buy a serial number from a retailer (any package format). When you get your serial number, use it to validate your trial version.
- Learn more about the new features of Photoshop Elements 2020 before you buy directly from Adobe.
- Buy Photoshop Elements 2020 (Download or CD) from Amazon. Remember to watch for sales.
Adobe Photoshop CC
Approximately 1/3 of our members use Photoshop CC. Here are a few of the reasons they are choosing this route:
- Photoshop CC (PSCC) is top of the line both in features and technology. Do you love power, professionalism, and flexibility? Then PSCC is for you!
- Just to name a few, PSCC gives scrapbookers more flexibility in transforming, blending, and layer styles.
- Photoshop CC is subscription based. You essentially ‘rent’ the program.
- Your subscription includes all upgrades…for the entire duration of your subscription.
Dispelling the PSCC Myths
- Constant Web Connection. You do not have to have a constant connection to the internet to use PSCC. You can stay off line for several months before the program will ask you to validate your subscription.
Helpful Adobe Photoshop Links
- Try Adobe Photoshop CC FREE for 7 days.
- You will need to login with your Adobe ID to download the trial.
- The download link is at the top of the page.
- Subscribe to Adobe Photoshop through the Photography Plan.
- You will need to login with your Adobe ID to subscribe.
- The cost is $10mo and includes Lightroom and 20GB of cloud storage. (More storage is available for add’l cost.)
- Learn more about the newest features of Adobe Photoshop CC before you subscribe.
Was this information helpful? Let me know in the comments below!
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Author: Jen White | Contact Us
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What is the Type Tool Tracking.
Here’s a video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=HcbQiczNdzw
This is my dilemma! I currently use CS5 but I know I need to upgrade. I hate the subscription portion, but I want the blending and layer styles options. But then I ask myself, will I use all those bells and whistles or stick to my tried and true favorites? Thanks for the info, it’s given me some things to think about!
Yes, PSCS5 users are going to need to bail. It’s components are becoming obsolete.
I’d recommend downloading the 30 trial of PSE2020 and use it exclusively for 30 days. See if you can make it work. Try opening up one of your layered scrapbook pages and using it to poke around and change things.
Another huge benefit to PSCC is the extra type options PSCC has. Between the Glyph panel, the free Adobe fonts, font matching, and the character and paragraph panels, type has never been more fun!! 😊😊
Tracking is one of the reasons I decided to switch to PSCC 2 years ago (or maybe 3? 🙂 ). I’m not sure I use all of the bells and whistles, but I do know that the ones I do use I would hate to give up no. I also really like having all of my supplies organized in Bridge and move things around willy nilly without losing their connection like happened with Organizer. I’m not crazy about the whole subscription thing, but as long as they keep the photography rate I can live with it, at least for now. I was updating PSE almost every year anyway, because I’m one of those geeky types that likes my software up to date.
Great thoughts, Jeanne! Just to clarify for anyone else reading, Type Tool Tracking is now available in PSE (since v2019) and Bridge is a FREE stand alone program. I’m with you — Bridge is WAY better than Organizer.
This was super helpful! Thanks Jen!
Thanks, Jen, for the video on type tool tracking. I was wondering what it was. Thanks, too, for the info on upgrading to PSE2010. I use PSE2019 and and it’s nice to know that there is no need to upgrade.
Glad I could help, Annette. Here’s the post with the Type Tool Tracking video: https://www.digitalscrapper.com/blog/pse2019-review-upgrade/
Thank you for sharing about type tool tracking & leading, I didn’t realize PSE 2019 did that and I’m even more excited about this now not so recent upgrade 🙂