Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 Review
Vincent Bockaert, November 2004

Convergence Between Image Editing and Image Organizing

But Photoshop Elements 3 takes browsing and organizing one level higher by integrating Adobe's own image browsing and organizing software, Photoshop Album, which allows you to organize your images and create slideshows, VCDs, web photo galleries, postcards, photo albums, etc. This move should come as no surprise since Adobe has been bundling Photoshop Album 2 with Elements 2 for quite some time now. Moreover, it fits into the general market trend of editing software integrating browsing and organizing functionality, and of browsing and organizing software integrating editing functionality.

As a consequence Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 consists of two sub-programs: Elements 3 Editor (the successor of Elements 2), and Elements 3 Organizer (which is based on Photoshop Album 2). It takes some time to load both programs initially (see below), but after that, the switch between these two applications is fast and easy via buttons in the menu bar. The Welcome screen, a new feature for all Adobe products, also allows you to access either the Organizer (via "View and Organize Photos" or "Make Photo Creation") or the Editor (via "Quick Fix" or "Edit and Enhance Photos").

Startup Speeds

Photoshop Elements Editor

Improved Interface with Dockable Tool Palette

The "Standard Edit" mode of Photoshop Elements Editor is different from the "conventional" look we are accustomed to in Elements 2, Photoshop 7 and CS. The toolbox and palettes are now integrated into the window itself and there is an additonal photo bin to easily access open files by clicking on their thumbnails.

In earlier versions of Photoshop, the toolbox was traditionally a floating palette which could not be docked anywhere. Its odd shape took up valuable real estate and often it got accidentally hidden behind other palettes or image windows. This issue has now been addressed by making it part of the window as a one column toolbox. In smaller windows it changes into two columns and if desired, you can "drag it out" so it changes into the traditional floating toolbox. The palette well has now changed into an expandable palette bin on the right hand side of the window. If desired, the palettes can be dragged out of the palette bin so they change into the conventional palettes which are dockable and groupable as before. Finally, there is an expandable organize bin with thumbnails of currently open images. All these improvements result in a larger and less cluttered working area, changes I hope to see implemented in a future version of Photoshop CS. If you move your cursor over the full size image linked to the thumbnail below, you will see the palette and organize bins open and close.

Just like with Photoshop Album, the interface has a silver title bar, similar to Windows XP Silver theme, or Mac. Tthe look of it cannot be changed via the Windows settings.

Following the Adobe Photoshop tradition, each new version is a smooth evolution from earlier versions which makes it easy to switch versions and allows you to benefit from your earlier learning curve. Apart from a few exceptions, most of the commands and shortcuts are identical to earlier versions. Overall, the interface is very clean and user friendly, with pleasing graphics and that "hidden depth" trademark of Photoshop.

Standard Edit and Quick Fix

With the click of a button, you can easily switch from the above mentioned "Standard Edit" mode to the "Quick Fix mode", a major upgrade from Enhance ->Quick Fix in Photoshop Elements 2.

Quick Fix comes with "Auto" buttons but they are adjustable with sliders. Although not the perfect solution in all circumstances, it is a good start if you have little experience and/or time. It also gives access to the improved Red Eye Removal Tool which will be discussed in a moment.

This article is written by Vincent Bockaert, author of The 123 of digital imaging featuring Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 & 3 and Photoshop 7 & CS

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this review (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

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