Adobe Photoshop is an all-time favourite asset of graphic designers with plenty of editing features that can help them create images that stand out. But the burning question is which Adobe Photoshop version is better, Adobe Photoshop CC 2021 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021.

Let’s compare two of the most preferred versions, i.e., Adobe Photoshop CC 2021 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021. Abode develops both, but there are differences and similarities between the two. We have jotted down a few of the most important elements based on features, pricing, usage, pros and cons, etc. Let’s see them one by one.

Features

Comparing features of the two - Photoshop CC vs Photoshop Elements 2021 - can be slightly difficult as both come with almost similar features. But even if it's the slightest, the difference can’t be missed. Let’s count.

Features in Adobe Photoshop CC 2021

CMYK Mode

The colour model (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black Inks) is a subtractive colour model, and these colours are combined to create an assortment of colours for printing purposes. Photoshop Elements does not support CMYK or Multi-channel colour mode.

Channel Mixer

It’s an adjustment option that modifies a targeted colour channel by mixing existing colour channels in the image. It can also be used to create grayscale images and repair bad channels.

LAB Color Mode

The lab is a device-independent, global colour model and is entirely based on human perception of colour and is given a numeric value to every colour that humans can see with normal vision.

Path Palette

Customizing the working of tools in your toolbox can simplify the design process. Add customizable tools pre-set keyboard shortcuts to get advanced web features, colour enhancement, text formatting, text on a path, history logs and other menus, etc., make it highly customizable.

Bristle Tool

Photoshop CC brings you a set of Bristle brushes. To be precise, these brushes bring precision to your virtual drawing as the bristle brush tips can help you adjust Shape, Bristles, Length, Thickness, Stiffness, and Angle.

Features in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021

Being a lighter version of Photoshop,  Photoshop Elements has incredible features which make it distinct. Designers who seek accuracy, quicker actions, advanced text formatting and colour management, pen tools, lens blur filters, and smart objects can count on Photoshop Elements.

Quick Edit Workspace

Quick Edit allows you to select from several common tools and adjustments through visual previews. It will adjust exposure, colour, sharpen, etc. Choose the thumbnail that appeals to you the most. Pick the autocorrect feature or fine-tune the adjustment on your own. Select built-in frames, textures, and effects for more options.

Guided Edit Workspace

You can go beyond quick edits, i.e., advanced edits. With Guided Edit View, you can make adjustments or perform simple or complex edits. It will guide you through the steps. The workspace is laden with exclusive features that support adjustments like photo merging, sky replacement, altering field depth and double exposures, contrasts, colour enhancement restoring old photos. It presents a before and after picture to keep you aware of how the edit goes.

Expert Edit Workspace

It is analogous to Photoshop CC with a similar range of features. This workspace is for professional-like photo editors and has tools like healing brushes, layer panels, layer masks, filters, styles, text, graphics, frames, shapes, and content-aware move. It has a host of common Photoshop tools. To avoid ambiguity, it comes with a comprehensible instruction manual. However, elements neither support CMYK files nor work with 3D objects.

Photoshop element is a great software to produce templates for calendars, cards, photo books etc. You can produce multiple files using the software and can share images or data on social media sites.

Comparing Photoshop CC vs Photoshop Elements, we analyzed that there are a few or no features of Photoshop CC available in Photoshop Elements, but these features can be replicated to use. Also, some features of Photoshop Elements are not available in Photoshop CC, but the abundance it offers would be enough to use an alternative tool.

Adobe Photoshop CC 2021 vs Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 - Comparing Other Aspects

Performance

Performance can be counted based on work, time, productivity, effects and plugins. For simple and fast edits, you can count on Photoshop Elements. Photoshop Elements has easy to use plug-ins that can do great if used well. Besides, it provides you with a handful of guides that can allow you to function faster or in an automated way. It works more efficiently and accurately for more quantity as it has default features and functionality that makes it fast.

Photoshop CC comes into the limelight when we require feature-filled software to perform comprehensive editing tasks. Since it wants users to work manually, it’s more a time taking software. However, the quality of work it delivers is appreciable and makes it worth using. Serving a huge fanbase, it has almost all the essential effects, features and plug-ins that make it a huge time saver. But it requires perseverance and dedication to learn how to run the software with all its tools.

Image Quality

Image quality is an important aspect of professional digital photo editing. Photoshop CC and Photoshop Elements (expert workspace) can both produce high-quality pictures. However, other versions of Photoshop Elements may not deliver the expected quality. Ideally, results may vary at times.

Level of Difficulty

Photoshop is feature-packed, but only a few people are capable of using a small part of what it could offer, and this is the reason Adobe introduced Photoshop Elements. While Photoshop CC is for pro and expert, the Photoshop Lite Version, i.e., Elements is for beginners or consumer level designers. Customers who want to start with a plain digital photo editing application can go with the Lite Version as it’s easier to use with a limited number of tools, easy interface and navigation. Once they gain hands-on experience, they can start with the Pro version to refine their editing for a better outcome.

Adobe Photoshop Workspace

When we talk about the workspace of the two, both are different. Photoshop CC workspace can be customized for history, layers, adjustments and tools. Users can add windows and open panels to get access to more features and functions like generating automated commands.

Photoshop Elements offers three workspace versions - Quick, Guided, and Expert Workspace. You can use one of these versions depending upon the post-process skill and your grasp on the tools. You can always import photos and track them using the organizer screen.

Who Can Use Photoshop Elements and Photoshop CC?

Adobe Photoshop Elements has a simple functionality that makes it the right fit for beginner photographers or those who want to post-process. Photoshop element is simple photo editing software that allows an effortless organization with step-by-step editing guidance. Chiefly, it is used to design calendars, collages, and slideshows or edit family photos.

Photoshop CC can be used by any professional who knows how to use the tools to refine their digital work. The purpose of Photoshop CC has no limit; anyone who wants detailed work can use it. Since it’s used for a complex and complicated project, it requires technical and professional expertise.

How Much Does Digital Imaging Software Cost?

The pricing of Photoshop CC and Photoshop elements varies, and you, by now, probably know the reason. The logic is simple, the more you get, the higher you pay for it.

As a component of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, Photoshop CC can help you experiment with your digital design at your convenience. Adobe Photoshop CC can purchase or renew their subscriptions yearly for Photoshop CC, plus Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC and mobile at just $29.99 monthly or annual plans. You can purchase it as a single app or as an Adobe Creative Cloud Software. Using this most advanced digital imaging software, you can get access to immediate software upgrades and additional 100 GB storage, premium fonts, and social media tools.

You can purchase Photoshop Elements at or $99.99 to purchase or you can upgrade your existing version at $79. The premier version of Elements Premiere Elements is available at $149.99 for a one-time fee. Photoshop Elements is affordable, especially for individual or small scale Graphic Designers.

You can try either of the two free of cost for 30 days. Use them and see which works best to purchase the best one. While look for Adobe Photoshop CC 2021 vs Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021, we found that both the software have their own pros and cons and identifying them on time may save plenty of time, money and effort for aspiring designers.

Takeaway - Which One to Use?

Depending upon your purpose and budget, you can select either one. Adobe Photoshop CC 2021 and Photoshop Elements bring you plenty of reasons to decide which one to use. We recommend using Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 for beginner level and Adobe Photoshop CC 2021 for pro. Know where you stand and start creating fabulous digital designs to stand out from the crowd.