I'm trying to make a good buying decision. I've been doing a lot of reading and I'm not finding the info I'm looking for. So, I think this is probably a good place.

Does elements work in layers?
What would I NOT find in elements that is useful in PS?
Or what tool would I miss the most from PS?
How does elements compare to Paint Shop Pro?
Does elements have more features than PSP?

Thanks in advance your input.

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Smiles,
Chic

I've only used Elements so can't answer all your questions. I'll get the ball rolling with the first two.

Yes, Elements uses layers. But it doesn't have as many design options as PS. The thing I miss in Elements is not being able to use all the great actions available for PS. I know that some actions can be run in Elements but it takes some doing and I haven't yet fully mastered all the required steps. There are a lot of free actions available that I'd like to be able to use but they won't work with Elements.

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One of the major differences in Elements with regard to designing your own stuff is that there is little control over drop shadows, bevels, strokes, etc. Also, unless this is a feature in PE 5.0, you can't create and save your own styles (combos of drop shadows, bevels, etc.). I teach PE because the school that I teach at does not have Photoshop but I use Photoshop because I can't stand the limitations in PE!

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DreamScrapper (AKA – Linda Vich)
. . . digi-scrapping in Lockport, Manitoba, Canada
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A few of the things PS offers taht PSE does not (at least PSE4, I've never used 5.0)

- control over layer styles
- PS offer lots of brush customization options that aren't offered in PSE.
- the ability to create work paths, including text paths (although you can use text paths already created in PSE, you just can make them yourself)
- Many actions will only work in Photoshop

Also I believe photo editing using 'Curves' is only available in PS but I'm not sure.

I was quite happy with PSE for scrapping, but once I starting making my own supplies, I quickly starting saving $$ for Photoshop.

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Wow, thanks for the great feedback. You've certainly given me a lot to consider. And it seems that really my choice should be based on my intended use.

Thanks again!!!

__________________
Smiles,
Chic