Many, many requests were made for me to review the new Photoshop Elements 12. I apologize this is coming two months late, but I hope it is beneficial to those still considering upgrading.
This review includes a GIVEAWAY! Two readers who leave a comment will be randomly selected to receive a free copy of PSE 12. Giveaway ends Sunday, December 15th at 11:00 PM EST. See instructions the bottom of the post to see how to enter.
Photoshop Elements 12, which was released in September, is the newest version of Elements but it was not a major upgrade like Elements 11 was last year. The interface is identical to PSE 11, which was a drastic change from previous versions.
There was one significant addition, the content aware move tool, which you can sometimes use to move objects or subjects from one spot to another in an image. It works only when your subject is in front of a consistent background.
I am not nearly as eloquent as I’d like to be when reviewing products, so instead I will send you to a more thorough review at Macworld (PC users don’t be worried, the review applies to both PC and Mac).
One of the most frequently asked questions I get after a new version comes out is “should I upgrade?”
- If you have PSE 5 through 8 – definitely YES!
- If you have PSE 9 or 10 – maybe. It really depends on if you would like the text on shape tool (pretty cool one in my book) and the content aware move tool. The new interface may frustrate you though, but you will get the hang of it.
- If you have PSE 11 – NO! It is not worth upgrading for the few additions that were made between PSE 11 and PSE 12.
Below is a video showing the layout of PSE 12 and the new content aware move tool. After that preview I show how to customize the workspace, if you have PSE 11 and PSE 12.
Now for the GIVEAWAY!
The Giveaway is now closed. The winning comment numbers were 55 and 103, and emails have been sent to those who left the comments. Thank you to all who entered!
To enter to win one of the two copies of PSE 12, leave a comment on this blog post telling me what version of PSE you currently use (or that you don’t yet own PSE).
- One entry per person
- Comment must be left on this blog post, not on Facebook
- Giveaway ends Sunday, December 15th at 11:00 PM EST
- Winners will be chosen via Random.org
- Winners will be notified via email and have seven days to respond, after which an alternate winner will be selected
About Amanda
I own PSE 10.
I currently use PSE 10
I am currently using PSE 11, but couldn’t upgrade for some reason.
Still using PSE9. Have been thinking of upgrading, just not sure I’d like the interface. If I win it, I’ll try it for sure! 😉
I am using PSE 10
I use PSE10
I have PSE 10.
I appreciate the review and recommendation on whether to upgrade or not. I have PSE 11. (And thank you for having a giveaway on your blog instead of Facebook.)
I currently have PSE 10. I am still learning how to use the program. A big thanks to you for your tutorials, I have learned alot!
Thank you for the info on PSE 12. I currently use PSE 10.
I use PSE 10 would love to upgrade!
I use photoshop elements 11
This would be a great Christmas present under the tree for me!
I have PSE 8.
I use PSE 11. Wondered about an upgrade, but not sure I’d use the new move tool. Thanks for your evaluation.
I use PSE 10
I have 10 and can’t decide if I really want to get 12.Now if I can win it I would love to learn it.
I recently upgraded but would love to win this for my sister who is using PSE 9.
Was wondering if it was a good idea to upgrade my PSE 8 to 12………..thanks for the info!
I am using PSE10. Thanks as always for the great info, Amanda!
I go all the way back to version 7, would love to win!
Thanks for the info! Would love to upgrade!
I am back to PSE 7. I would be so grateful for an upgrade to 12! Thanks for this great information about 12. Now I want to do this upgrade even more!
I own PSE 9.
I use 9 (I think, could be 10, I can’t remember). The text-on-shape tool would be pretty awesome for my scrapbooking, and content aware move looks pretty interesting.
I’m using PSE 10 would love to have PSE 12
I use PSE9 now so the upgrade would be great! Plus you provide so much info it would help the transition!
I currently have Elements 9, but would love to win the PSE 12—-that would be so great to experience all the changes made to Elements
Thank You
I have PSE 8, & could definitely use this version to upgrade! Thanks for the review. 🙂
I have Elements 10 and like it but I’ve been looking into either upgrading to 12 or just move to Lightroom 5. Side note, I love the emails. I’ve learned a lot.
Jim-I’ve been thinking of upgrading to Lightroom 5 too….Just can’t decide though. I currently only use PSE 11. Do you (or any one else) have any suggestions/advice on this??
I currently use PSE 10. Hoping to win the new version!
I use PSE 11.
I use PSE 11
I have PSE 9 and couldn’t decide if it was worth it. Thanks for the tips.
I use PSE 11!
I own PSE 11
Hi, Amanda. I currently use PSE 8. Thank you for the review. 🙂
I would love to upgrade to this version. The text on shape tool would come in very handy. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this.
Forgot to add that I’m still using PSE 5.
I own PSE 10 and would love to win 12. If I don’t then I will definitely upgrade to 13 when it comes out next summer. Thanks for writing the review!
Using PSE 8….looking to upgrade 🙂
Pse 8! I think I’m ready for an upgrade!
I have PSE 6!
I would love to have 12. I have 10. I started with 9. There are still so many things that Elements will do, that I haven’t figured out how to make it do…but with your help, I’m getting there!
I have PSE 5 and I love it, but I’m sure that I would REALLY love PSE 12 🙂
I currently use PSE 10.
I have PSE3, 6, & 8.
I own PSE 9!
I currently have PSE11, but have to get a new computer so would love this version to put on there!
Thanks for the review. I’m happy with 10 but would give 12 a try if you were giving it away. 🙂
I don’t have it yet…. winning would save me!
Thanks for the opportunity