Photoshop Elements – I’ll admit it—I used to think Photoshop Elements was just a “lite” version of Photoshop. I thought, “Why would I want this when the full Photoshop gives me everything I need?” But over the years, I’ve come to realize that Photoshop Elements is not only packed with powerful features, it’s also one of the most user-friendly tools out there. And with the 2023 update, it’s even more of a game-changer.
If you’re like me and have always been a bit intimidated by Photoshop’s vast array of tools, then Photoshop Elements might be the perfect middle ground. It’s simple enough for beginners, but robust enough for someone who knows their way around photo editing. And trust me, with the new features introduced in Photoshop Elements 2023, there’s a lot to explore.
Photoshop Elements 2023: New Features and Tools to Explore
1. The New AI-Powered Editing Tools
One of the first things I noticed when I jumped into Photoshop Elements 2023 was the improvements to its AI-powered features. Now, I’ve always been a fan of automated tools—they save so much time. But the smart features in this version really blew me away. The “AI Sensei” technology is now embedded deeper into the software, offering tools that make photo editing easier than ever. For example, the AI Sky Replacement is downright impressive. You can select a photo, hit a few buttons, and watch as the sky changes in seconds. And it doesn’t just slap a filter on the sky—it adjusts the lighting and colors in the foreground to match the new sky.
I remember using this feature for a landscape shot I’d taken on a cloudy day. The original photo was fine, but the sky was dull and uninspiring. I swapped in a sunset sky and was honestly amazed by how natural it looked. You could barely tell it wasn’t the original sky. It’s a great feature for those moments when you need a quick fix, but it still delivers high-quality results.
And it’s not just the sky replacement—Photoshop Elements 2023 now includes AI-powered tools like Automatic Subject Selection. It helps you quickly identify and isolate the main subject of a photo for further editing. This is a huge time-saver when you’re dealing with complex backgrounds or when you need to make quick adjustments to the subject without affecting the entire image.
2. Guided Edits: More Than Just Basic Filters
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the features in Photoshop, I get it. When I first started, I remember feeling like I had no idea where to start. That’s where Photoshop Elements’ Guided Edits feature really shines. These step-by-step tutorials walk you through edits, showing you exactly what tools to use and how to apply them. But in 2023, Adobe took it a step further by introducing new guided edits for things like creating digital paintings and blurring backgrounds for that perfect portrait effect.
One of the new guided edits that stood out to me is the Depth of Field Effect, which makes it easy to blur the background of a photo while keeping the subject sharp. As someone who enjoys portrait photography, this is such a handy tool. Before, I would have spent ages trying to manually mask out the background and apply a blur effect. With this new guided edit, I was able to get the perfect portrait in just a few clicks. It saved me so much time, and the results were professional-looking.
If you’re new to photo editing, these Guided Edits are a real blessing. They make complex edits feel less intimidating. Plus, they allow you to experiment with new techniques without needing to fully understand the ins and outs of every tool in the software.
3. Improved Photo Organizer
One thing I’ve always struggled with, especially as my photo library grew, was organizing everything. Let’s face it, if you’re anything like me, you probably have thousands of photos scattered across different folders, and keeping track of them can be a nightmare. But in Photoshop Elements 2023, the Photo Organizer has been given a serious upgrade.
What I love about it is the AI-powered tagging that helps sort your photos. Instead of manually tagging each one (a task I dreaded), Elements now automatically detects things like people, places, and even events. It uses machine learning to scan your photos and apply tags, so finding that one photo from your trip to Paris last year becomes a breeze. I’ve saved so much time just by letting the software do the heavy lifting. Plus, if you want to search for specific elements, you can use keywords like “sunset” or “dog,” and Elements will pull up all your relevant photos. It’s an absolute game-changer for anyone who needs to manage a large photo collection.
4. Improved Text Tools for Creative Projects
I know Photoshop Elements isn’t meant to be a full-blown design tool like Illustrator, but sometimes you just need to create a quick graphic. The new Text Tools in Photoshop Elements 2023 really made me rethink how I approach text in my designs. You now have more options for customizing fonts, including new effects that allow you to bend, warp, and style your text with more precision.
The best part? These tools are easy to use. I’ve never been a graphic designer by trade, but I’ve often found myself needing to create promotional images or social media graphics. With the new text features, I was able to add some really cool effects to the text, like shadowing and texturing, that gave my images that extra pop. The ability to manipulate text with such ease made me feel like a pro, even though I’m no expert.
5. The Power of Quick Fixes
Sometimes, you just need a quick fix. Maybe your photo is a bit too dark or has some noise in it. Photoshop Elements 2023 offers a variety of Quick Fix options that automatically adjust things like brightness, contrast, and sharpness. These are perfect when you’re in a hurry, and they really get you close to the result you want with minimal effort.
I’ve used the Auto Smart Tone feature on photos with uneven lighting, and it did a surprisingly good job of brightening up shadows without making the highlights look too harsh. There’s also an Auto Red Eye Removal tool that’s perfect for portraits. One click, and it fixes the issue. These small tweaks might seem simple, but they really add up when you need to make fast edits without diving deep into more complex tools.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Photoshop Elements 2023 is a fantastic upgrade for both beginners and seasoned photo editors alike. The AI-powered features, improved photo organization, and new editing tools make it easier than ever to create stunning images without the steep learning curve. Whether you’re working on family photos, social media graphics, or just having fun with your creative projects, Elements gives you the flexibility and power you need, all without being as overwhelming as the full Photoshop suite.
If you’ve been hesitant about jumping into photo editing or looking for something that’s powerful yet easy to use, Photoshop Elements 2023 is absolutely worth exploring. With these new tools and features, it’s clear that Adobe continues to make photo editing accessible to everyone—no matter your skill level.
