Do you enjoy taking pictures with a digital camera or smartphone AND if would you like to revisit and manipulate existing digital photos? Then Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023 (Mac) is must-have software that is immediately downloadable upon purchase.
Use the software to help get the most out of creative inspiration by adding elements, correcting a variety of image flaws and overall improving on the original, while retaining the original photo.
PSE is the little sibling of the legendary, industry standard and industry leading Adobe Photoshop software. Though this is often described as Photoshop Lite, it is hardly that. Instead, its deep toolbox and friendly interface lower the intimidation factor to such a degree that users, myself included, can feel free to experiment creatively. An improvement over the 2022 version, and it is frequently sale priced. In other words, it represents value as well as performance, and who doesn’t like both of these?
First, PSE 2023 takes advantage of MacOS and hardware improvements, including support for Apple’s M1 chip. I can see the difference immediately on a new MacBook Pro. PSE is so quick!
For those who have PSE 2022, this might not be worth the upgrade, but think again. I think the new features and interface improvements make the upgrade advisable.
Even if hardware is not new, so long as it can use the latest MacOS, currently Ventura, then performance will be better than with older MacOS versions. Note that the more RAM, the merrier. No software works as well with minimal RAM as with more.
If you have PSE 2022, 2023 adds an improved interface to that excellent program that is also easier to use.
Now it is possible to add motion to photos with Adobe Sensei Ai. The visuals are stunning when creating motion where there is none, and you can even decide the direction of the motion.
Create collages and use slideshow templates.
There are new Web and mobile companion apps, again, adding value. Use the Guided Edits OR wing it, but please start with Guided Edits, which include 61, yes, up to 61 steps! Within those Guided Edits are all sorts of adjustments and effects from which to choose.
Go deep, that is, use the Guide to create the illusion of depth by layering in nature in the form of grass, leaves and flowers, and more.
And then, resize and replace backgrounds to create a work of art from what might have been ordinary in the original photo. You know how background elements can otherwise ruin a photo? With PSE 2023, use its power to remove those distracting elements, including power lines, other people, clouds, plants and so much more. This feature was the most fun. I looked back over many, many photos that were throw aways. And then, presto, with the annoying backgrounds or people excised, the photos took on a positive aspect and became keepers. Impressive. As with anything, practice makes perfect or, in this case, practice makes you want to do more, explore more and explore the possibilities.
Turn that frown upside down, fix closed eyes by opening them, correct skin tones or ever to slightly adjust a face’s position or tilt.
Add text and textures, blurs for artistic effect and, it cannot be overemphasized, SO MUCH MORE.
I am almost afraid to add to the above because readers might become intimidated. It is exactly the opposite, to restate what is above. Look at it two ways. On the one hand, the extensive guidance will assure success and add a level of confidence. On the other hand, feel free to free-form it and explore without the hand-holding. Either way, you can’t lose.
Adobe has committed to updates throughout the year, so there will be more, better features and enhancements. With access to the finished product on a Mac as well as on a mobile phone, sharing could not be sweeter.¬¬
I appreciate all the personalization built into the application.
Upon opening, users are jump-started with a small screen and a search window asking, “What would you like to do today?” At the bottom is a link to, “View All,” that opens to reveal more than 25 thought starters under the heading of Auto Creations. OR, instead, choose from approximately 74 suggestions.
The 74-ish suggestions are options that include things that are part of integration within Photoshop Premiere Elements, an app that seamlessly includes video editing,, Adobe’s lightweight version of the full-blown Premiere app. Those links and suggestions are, in my view, misplaced and can introduce confusion. Adobe offers a combination app that includes both PSE and PS Premiere Elements. For those interested in both, check out the combo packae, also available for digital download from Best Buy.
Over the past few days with this application, I have barely scratched the surface of the fun that is to come.
The bottom line is this – Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023 for Mac (and also for Windows) is more than could be expected for its bargain price and will keep users engaged, satisfied and coming back for more. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!