Should You Upgrade to Photoshop Elements 2025?
Here at Digital Scrapper, we offer the best advice and instruction for digital scrapbooking. So, it makes sense that we are sticking with the best software apps for digital scrapbooking—Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
In this post, I’ll be focusing on the newly released Photoshop Elements 2025.
Adobe welcomes you to Photoshop Elements 2025 with a lot of fanfare, but one of the changes in particular is leaving customers saying, “Wait, what?” So let’s get right to it:
Photoshop Elements 2025 — A New 3-year Term License
If you want big words and fine details about this license, please search the Adobe website. Otherwise, here’s what every savvy scrapbooker needs to know:
- Previous versions of Photoshop Elements included a “perpetual” license activated by a serial number. The serial number made that software app active and usable forever (or until it no longer works with your computer’s hardware).
- Photoshop Elements 2025 includes a “3-year term” license that’s activated by a redemption code. As soon as you use the code, you have three years to use your software. Then it explodes–just kidding.
- After your 3-year term expires, you will be asked to upgrade and your software will no longer work. Of course, we have to wait 3 years to see exactly how this will all play out, but I’m sure you can imagine that they will annoy you beyond all reason until you cave in and pay the price for an upgrade–not kidding.
- Get the facts!
- This is not a subscription. You pay one time and get the app for 3 years. Easy peasy.
- You do not need to use the redemption code right away. You can buy the redemption code when it’s on sale, and then use the code later when you’re ready to install the new software.
What do I think of this 3-year term?
From a business standpoint (Adobe is a business, by the way), it makes total sense! Technology changes WAY too fast! Adobe cannot possibly continue to support outdated software and hardware on an ongoing basis. It’s ridiculous to think otherwise. So do not shy away from this change or bash Adobe for it. It’s in your best interest and theirs. I actually think three years is generous.
Now that I have that covered . . .
A Quick Look New Features For Photoshop Elements 2025
Besides the new forward-thinking licensing in PSE 2025, here are two features that are worthy of a look from digital scrapbookers:
- We all have snapshots on our phones that have unwanted object in them. Imagine your photos being less cluttered and chaotic. The new Remove Tool in PSE 2025 is pretty spectacular. This tool will help the photos on your scrapbook pages look even more amazing…plus, it’s just fun to play with!
- Since digital scrapbookers are always working towards creating a unified page, the new Change Object Color in PSE 2025 option will help you make your colors match better. Honestly, it’s not perfect, but it’s a start.
Is It Time To Upgrade to Photoshop Elements 2025?
I am inclined to recommend that
Photoshop Elements 2025
is worth the upgrade and investment
for all PSE users.
- By January 1, 2025, all Digital Scrapper instructors will be using PSE 2025 in their classes and tutorials.
- We’ll be releasing videos on the new features of PSE 2025 around that time.
- Also, to align ourselves with the latest changes at Adobe, we will now only be supporting the last 3 versions of PSE. So as of January 1, 2025, we will only be supporting PSE 2025, PSE 2024, and PSE 2023. The most current version of Adobe Photoshop will also be supported.
Questions about upgrading?
Frequently Asked Questions About Photoshop Elements
Q: Can I still buy PSE 2024 and own it forever?
A: Yes! But if you choose this route, you’d better act fast! PSE 2024 is magically disappearing from existence. Here’s how to get PSE 2024 before October 2025.
Q: Is there a trial version of PSE2025?
A: Yes, you can download a trial version of the software from Adobe. The trial is good for 7 days, not 30 days like in past versions. 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 signing in with your Adobe ID or entering a redemption code from a third-party reseller (like Amazon).
Q: Where should I buy PSE 2025?
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 redemption code somewhere else (like from Amazon or BestBuy), you can still download a trial from Adobe, and then use the code you purchased to activate the software.
Q: Should I wait for a sale?
A: Oh my, yes!! 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?
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: Adobe no longer sells CD-ROMs. In fact, you can no longer get a package shipped to your door. When you purchase PSE 2025, you will only get a redemption code. Sorry.
Q: Do I need the Photoshop Elements / Premiere Elements 2025 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, the answer to this is 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 2025, you own it for 3 years after you’ve activated it.
Hi
How would I save loaded styles, brushes etc from my 2023 version of PSE?
This is one of the BIG drawbacks of Photoshop Elements. There is no quick and easy way to transfer all your uploaded extras when upgrading.
If you permanently loaded the extras, then you could navigate to the folders hidden in your file system and drag them to a new location.
We recommend that Photoshop Elements users keep a folder handy that contains copies of all extras you want to keep loaded, like brushes, actions, and styles.
Then when you upgrade, you can simply access your folder and load all of those things into the new version.
Sorry to not be of more help!
Thank you for this important information. It makes my decision easier.
You’re very welcome, Diane.
If I get Photoshop Elements 2025 for 3 years, will it automatically upgrade for 2026-2027?
No. You are buying software that will stop working after 3 years of activation. During that 3-year term, you can update it for free, but upgrading to the most newest, most-current version will cost you.
It doesn’t work like Adobe Photoshop, where your subscription gives you access to any new versions while you are subscribed.
Does that help, Lana?
That clarifies things – thank you.
Jen, are you saying that you either pay the upgrade price of 79$ or get 40% off the 99$ price?
Correct. You can always pay the upgrade price, but right now, during Black Friday Deals, you can get 40% off the regular price.
I was just waiting for your words of wisdom. I have had 2024 for one year but hope and pray that I will be able to physically make more use of PSE 2025. Easy peasy to get 2025 using your link. Thank you, Jen the beautiful and talented one. 🙂 I love this place because it is my joy. 🙂
I so love having you with us, Shirl. Keep sharing photos and stories of those grands and great-grands!
Jen, can I buy the redemption code now at the sale price and activate it later? I need to upgrade my computer too and life is crazy right now. I’m pretty sure I have all my styles, etc., is separate folders. But that is probably another chunk of time to verify. thanks for this info – I’m still using 2022!
That’s a GREAT question! YES! You can buy the redemption code now, and then download and activate PSE 2025 later. Your 3-year term starts when you enter the redemption code.
Can we have the old version installed at the same time on one computer? Will they both work?
Great question, Vivian. YES! You can have more than one version installed. I always have at least 4 versions installed on my computer.
Thank you very much for this helpful information!
Thank you! I knew I could count on you to help me figure this out
I just purchased PSE 2025. I noticed there is no Create button. Is it located somewhere else?
Great question, Kathy. Sometimes Adobe moves things around. The Create dropdown is now in the upper-left corner of the app next to the Open dropdown. Hope that helps.
I am way back at Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018. I finally retired and have time to do stuff. What is my best way forward?
Great question, Jill. If you’re not in a hurry, I would wait until October and purchase PSE 2026, which is slated to be a great update!
My PSE 2022 stopped printing my pages today! I was going to just buy 2025 until I read your last item about waiting until PSE 2026 comes out but need to be able to print my files. Should I uninstall and reinstall PSE 2022 and see if that fixes the problem? I get an error message “The saved print information is an incompatible version. It has been set to default values”.
Oh no. I’m so sorry you’re having problems, Christine.
Your error is likely caused from a computer update, not a PSE problem. So I wouldn’t rush to change your software.
My question would be…can you still print from your other applications? If you can, then the problem might be PSE and I would google the error message or give Adobe a call.
Thank you. I can print in my other applications. I’ll give Adobe a call. Their online answer didn’t help.
Sad day, very frustrating… One of my favorite hobbies of all time has been digital cameras and photoshop. I started with regular photoshop 5.0 on a slow 486mhz windows machine. Eventually photoshop elements came about and that to me was a prayer answered, because it was a blent between photoshop and lightroom combined, perfect for what I like to do on my spare time. But as time passed, Photoshop element interface has become comboluted, very different from that of Photoshop, all these easy fix guided tours has messed everything up. The last version of photoshop element I bought was #6, after that the interface changed and I don’t even know how to use it anymore. I just downloaded the trial version for 2025, I can not figure out how to do the before and after comparison to see the effect of my changes to an image. The software itself is so bloated that you basically need a super computer to run it. Such a shame. I hardly use my digital camera these days do to not having a piece of software that makes sense to me and that I can use with ease.
It sounds like you could use some help, MJ.
– I recommend the scrapbookers ignore the Quick and Guided modes. Focus on just the Advanced mode.
– Follow my Quick Start Guide to set up your software with the least amount of chaos: https://digitalscrapper.com/classes/fundamentals/lessons/04-01-start-here/
– After you are set up, you will be able to follow any of our free tutorials on our blog: https://digitalscrapper.com/blog/category/tutorials-free/
Hi Jen,
I am using PSE2024 currently – and PS, I LOVE this website and all the classes provided! So, please resolve an argument between me and my Computer Tech (hubby lol!) Will I still store all my photos, classes, and digital supplies on my local computer? But how does that work if I use PSE Organizer?
Also, I am assuming that when I wanted to create a page, that I would upload those specific pictures and supplies to storage on the Cloud?
I appreciate any additional information!
Thanks
Chris
Thank you for the kind words, Chris.
You have options about where to store your photos/classes/supplies. I personally store them on my computer, but some people do not have the space to store them locally. Other options would include cloud storage or an external hard drive.
Elements Organizer creates a “catalog” of the items you import into the app. It will always work best to store items locally (on your computer) when using EL Organizer, otherwise you run the risk of the catalog becoming disconnected. Elements Organizer only organizes.
To create a scrapbook page, you would use your Photoshop Elements app. You can open page components from any drive you have available to you. You do not need to upload to a cloud drive.
If you have a specific example of what you’re trying to do, let me know and I can help more. And sorry if I came out on the wrong side of the argument. 🙂
I’ve been missing in action with PSE for about 5 years due to a major build/move and lifestyle change…for the better. I appreciate all your info on upgrading and you’ve answered a number of my questions about major changes to changest in purchasing (no DVDs) and installing. I think I started digital scrapbooking with PSE v.3 with my most current v.11. Right now I’m going to try and hold out for PSE 2026, only 6 weeks away. Thanks again, Jen, for all you do!
YAY! Welcome back, Bonnie! Your decision to hold off until PSE 2026 arrives is a wise one.
i am trying to edit out some marks on a photo… I have read instruction on how to use the Remove Tool, but it does not remove any of the marks
Caz, make sure you are on the right layer and that the layer is not a smart object.