I really like photoshop, we have it at school and I use it alot. My dad said I could get it, but it’s really expensive so he wanted me to find out if Photoshop elements was good. What does it let you do?
Photoshop elements is a “light” version of Photoshop, aimed less towards professional users. It has a completely different user interface, but hosts many of the most important Photoshop tools.
So to sum it up:
Photoshop Elements - Light version, different UI
Photoshop - The normal Photoshop you probably have at school
(Photoshop Extended - A few extra specialist tools)
Also, remember that you can get student licenses for the programs at a reduced price. If you want to break the law, you could also download a full version of the web.
— From one of my links: —
Some of the features in Photoshop CS3 that are not included in Photoshop Elements 6 are:
* CMYK and LAB color modes
* More tools and features that work with high-bit (16-bit and 32-bit) images
* Combine multiple exposures to create high dynamic range (HDR) images
* Channels Palette
* Recording custom Actions (for batch processing)
* Adjustments: Color Balance, Match Color
* Layer Masks, Layer Comps, and Quick Mask mode
* Smart Objects, Smart Guides
* Lens Blur Filter
* Vanishing Point Tool
* Pen tool and paths palette
* Some adjustment layers (curves, color balance, selective color, channel mixer)
* Editing History Log
* Text on a path, advanced text formatting
* Advanced Layer Style manipulation
* Advanced Color Management
* Advanced Web features (rollovers, slicing)
* Customizable tool presets, keyboard shortcuts, and menus
* In the features and tools that are shared, the Photoshop version usually offers more advanced options for fine tuning and control.



#1 by HurricaneJuss - at
Photoshop Elements has many of the same great features that Photoshop has, including a large library of effects and filters. Photoshop Elements limits you to working within the RGB color mode (it doesn't do CMYK).
It is a great alternative at a much more affordable price. You can also try Photoshop Express, a "kinda" free online version of the program: https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html.
References :
#2 by Jonas M. Rogne - at
Photoshop elements is a “light” version of Photoshop, aimed less towards professional users. It has a completely different user interface, but hosts many of the most important Photoshop tools.
So to sum it up:
Photoshop Elements - Light version, different UI
Photoshop - The normal Photoshop you probably have at school
(Photoshop Extended - A few extra specialist tools)
Also, remember that you can get student licenses for the programs at a reduced price. If you want to break the law, you could also download a full version of the web.
— From one of my links: —
Some of the features in Photoshop CS3 that are not included in Photoshop Elements 6 are:
* CMYK and LAB color modes
* More tools and features that work with high-bit (16-bit and 32-bit) images
* Combine multiple exposures to create high dynamic range (HDR) images
* Channels Palette
* Recording custom Actions (for batch processing)
* Adjustments: Color Balance, Match Color
* Layer Masks, Layer Comps, and Quick Mask mode
* Smart Objects, Smart Guides
* Lens Blur Filter
* Vanishing Point Tool
* Pen tool and paths palette
* Some adjustment layers (curves, color balance, selective color, channel mixer)
* Editing History Log
* Text on a path, advanced text formatting
* Advanced Layer Style manipulation
* Advanced Color Management
* Advanced Web features (rollovers, slicing)
* Customizable tool presets, keyboard shortcuts, and menus
* In the features and tools that are shared, the Photoshop version usually offers more advanced options for fine tuning and control.
References :
http://graphicssoft.about.com/cs/photoshop/f/elementscompare.htm
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare/