The Difference Between Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements 2020

Since the release of Adobe Photoshop as an editing tool, a lot of versions and product lines have been created. It allows amateur and professional editors to experience Adobe in many ways. If you aren’t familiar, here are some editing tools that Adobe has created since the release of the prominent Photoshop.

• Photoshop Express
• Photoshop Camera
• Lightroom Classic
• Lightroom/ Photoshop Lightroom
• Photoshop Elements

Each of these photo editing tools has its unique features that make them stand out from one another. However, we are not looking to discuss individual photo editing tools of Adobe. Instead, we are to look at the differences and similarities of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, both in its latest version (2020).

But first, what are Photoshop and Photoshop Elements?

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements Overview

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is an editing tool that is multifunctional and versatile. With numerous versions and updates it has gone through, Photoshop is now stable and has professional tools that anyone can enjoy using.

Since it has now a cloud version, Photoshop has extra features like online storage and integration or collaboration with other apps.

Photoshop (Ps) is more that image manipulation or enhancement. It can also create animations, 3D graphics, and edit videos (minor edits only).

Ps may have seemed too complicated because it is designed specifically for professionals. However, with the help of thousands of tutorial videos online, even beginners can learn this tool quickly.

Photoshop Elements

The Adobe Elements was first released in 2001. It was created as a simple version of Photoshop. Therefore, making it simple to use, as compared to its parent software, Ps.

The designers of Ps were worried that they might lose customers due to the frequent update of Ps, that it starts to become complicated. Therefore, they have decided to create another photo editing software containing the basic elements of Photoshop. Hence, Adobe Elements was born.

As you can see, Elements is also an editing software that offers effortless, fun, and uncomplicated tools to create stunning photos.

There are two Elements product, the Premiere Elements, and the Photoshop Elements.

It’s not only similar to Photoshop, but Elements have its own tools and features any users can easily enjoy. The latest version has automated some tools to manage the editing process quickly and easily.

Now we have an idea about the two products we are about to compare, let’s dive into the detail of each of these products.

Comparison

Usage

Anyone can use either of these Adobe products. There are hundreds of tutorial videos you can watch to learn about Ps and Elements.

However, Ps is originally designed for expert photographers and editors. That’s why tools and features are a bit complicated.

Meanwhile, Elements are best for entry-level or beginners.

Price

Since the latest Ps runs on the cloud, although it has a single app, it offers a monthly or annual subscription. It’s $10 per month or $120 a year. Previous versions of Photoshop can be purchased without a subscription, although it costs more. Typically, it’s about $700.

Photoshop Elements is cheaper than Photoshop. It’s a one-time purchase software. Both the Photoshop Elements and Premier have the same price. It’s less than $200.

Features

Photoshop vs Elements

• Photoshop Elements is designed for quick and simple photo edits, while Photoshop is for more complicated image manipulation, and often used by experts.
• No built-in organizer for Photoshop users. Meanwhile, photos in Elements are all organized based on parameters like date, tags, subject, and more.
• Elements lack the CMYK format. Therefore, it’s not for printing.
• Photoshop has a detailed color management theory (CMYK and RGB files).
• Features such as background edit, overlay effect, double exposure, panoramas, and more, are all done in just one click.
• Photoshop requires manual manipulation of effects or features such as creating a double exposure, photo painting, adding multiple effects to photos, and conversion of a photo to text.
• Adobe Photoshop focuses on individual pixels.
• Photoshop has advanced features like text formatting, pen tool, RGB and CMYK color management, smart objects, and a lens blur filter.
• Elements allows users to share their creations directly with social media, unlike Photoshop.
• Photoshop is time-consuming as compared to Elements when editing images.

As you can see, despite its differences, one doesn’t out shadow the other, as both photo editing software comes with excellent tools. It’s good to remember too that users must know what they need before purchasing either of these Adobe products.

Updates

Like other software, Adobe continues to provide world-class services to its customers. It continues to update its software, so users can enjoy safe and advanced features.

Here are the latest updates in Photoshop and Elements.

Photoshop

Photoshop has released updates recently on the iPad and its desktop version. Here are the recent features you’ll enjoy with Photoshop.

iPad:

• Fine-tune the edge of your subject with Refine Edge.
• Rotate canvas or photo freely with the two-finger rotate gesture.

Desktop:

• Select a subject or portrait precisely with the new and improved Select Subject command.
• Work with multiple edit panels simultaneously.
• ISO adaptive presets are set as raw defaults.
• Change color in selected areas only with the new Hue slide.
• Crop the exact center frame.
• Easy switch between Parametric and Point Curve channels.
• Film strip orientation, with image names and ratings included.
• Easily find and sync Adobe fonts and add them to the library.
• Rotate patterns.
• With machine learning technology, Photoshop can detect any font in a photo and match it to fonts available on your computer.
• Adobe Photoshop Improvement Program improves the machine learning of Photoshop.
• Improved Object Selection tool.
• The speed of the Shift Edge and Smooth control is optimized, especially when working on high-resolution images.

Photoshop Elements

• Auto-creation with effects such as Pattern Brush, B&W selection, and more.
• Colorizers B&W photos.
• One-click selection powered by Adobe Sensei.
• Smoothens skin automatically.
• Removes unwanted objects or lines on images.
• Pattern effects.
• Faster smart tags.
• Faster HEIV and HEIF files performance.

Wrap-up

Photoshop and Elements are Adobe products designed for both amateurs and professionals. Although Photoshop is made mostly for professionals and Elements are for beginners or those who don’t like complicated steps, both software can be used by anyone.

With a lot of online tutorials, it’s easy to use Adobe Photoshop.

Therefore, here’s what you can take from these two products. Photoshop can be used for more complicated or detailed edits, while Elements are for quick edits on a batch of multiple images. Anyone can use any of this software.

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