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 Adobe cannot possibly continue to support outdated software and hardware on an ongoing basis.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 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, 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.