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.

The Best New Features of Photoshop Elements 2026 for Digital Scrapbookers

• Spell Checker. This tool allows you to easily identify misspelled words and provides a list of suggested replacements. You can choose to correct either a single instance or all occurrences of the misspelled word within your text.

• Live Preview and Live Blend Mode Preview. Photoshop Elements 2026 introduces to you a new feature Live Blend Mode Preview with the ability to preview blending mode effects in real time as you hover over different options in the Layers panel. Watch the video:

• People Distraction Removal. This AI tool (part of the Remove Tool) identifies people behind the subject of the photo and highlights them for removal. I would expect the technology to improve going forward, but this is a great start. Watch the video in our FREE Fundamentals classroom.

More Notable New Features in Photoshop Elements 2026

• Adobe Camera Raw. Camera Raw is the only photo editing app I use. It does it all, and it’s quick and painless to boot. Camera Raw is not new to PSE, but with each new version, it gets better. To learn how to use Camera Raw to your benefit, check out An Eye for Edits by Jenifer Juris.

• Contextual Task Bar. The Contextual Task Bar was designed to be a quick access point for common tasks and actions. You will see it as a floating bar that appears on your workspace, displaying the most relevant options and actions based on your current tool, selection, or layer. Whether you are importing a file, selecting an object, or using the Type Tool, the contextual task bar ensures that everything you need is right at your fingertips — minimizing friction and maximizing creative focus.
  NOTE: Digital Scrapper Instructors will be disabling the Contextual Task Bar in all training, but I’ve included a video below if you’d like to use this new feature.

• Adobe Express Templates. If you enjoy sharing on social media, this new feature will be your new favorite. Photoshop Elements 2026 introduces a redesigned Create menu which also includes touchpoint for Adobe Express templates enabling users access to thousands of professionally designed templates, enhancing creativity and saving time. Find this feature in the Create tab.

• Insert Object. This Generative AI based tool will help you to insert an object with a text prompt by simply brushing over an area.
  NOTE: Use this feature sparingly! Adobe only gives you 25 generative credits per month to play with. More can be purchased within the app.
  Watch the video in our FREE Fundamentals classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photoshop Elements

Q: Is there a trial version of PSE2026?
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 access the app after the trial expires. The trial software can be easily licensed by signing in with your Adobe ID and purchasing a ‘redemption code’ (aka license).

Q: Where should I buy PSE 2026?
A: Adobe’s website will always have the most updated version of the software. I recommend purchasing from Adobe. However, even if you purchase a redemption code (aka license) somewhere else (like from Amazon or BestBuy), you can still download a trial from Adobe (see above), and then use the code you purchased to activate the software app.

Q: Should I wait for a sale?
A: Oh my, yes!! The biggest sale you will see on the current software will be 40% off. In the past, a 40% off sale was offered 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, choose 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 or boxed software. When you purchase PSE 2025 or later, you will only get a redemption code.

Q: What is the Photoshop Elements / Premiere Elements 2026 bundle? Do I need it?
A: Photoshop Elements is for photo editing (and scrapbooking), whereas Premiere Elements is for video editing. You do not need the bundle.

Q: Will I lose my previously installed actions, styles, brushes, etc, if I upgrade?
A: Unfortunately, the answer to this question is still 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 load those items into your new software.

Q: Is Photoshop Elements subscription-based?
A: No. It is not a subscription. If you purchase Photoshop Elements 2025 or later, you own it for 3 years after you’ve activated it. See licensing information below.

Photoshop Elements 2026 Offers a 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 (PSE 2024 and earlier) 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 and later 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 app. Then it explodes–just kidding.
• After your 3-year term expires, you will be asked to upgrade and your software app will no longer work. Of course, we have to wait at least 2 more 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.

Q: Can I still buy PSE 2024 and own it forever? 
A: No. Adobe needs you to move on to the latest technology, so you can no longer purchase PSE 2024 or earlier.