Elements 2019 pretty much unusable

Question

I had Elements 2012, which ran fine on my MacBook. I upgraded to 2019 after getting messages saying it wouldn't work in future versions of the OS and it's a nightmare. Trying to get it to do anything without the twirling ball is impossible. I've just been trying to crop and enhance a couple of images and have given up. I'm on the verge of looking for an alternative unless there are any ways to get it to work.

Mohave version 10.14.2

2.9 GHz Intel Core i7

Memory 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 M

Storage 485GB available

If any other specs are needed, I'll do my best to find them, but I'm not great with techy stuff.

The MacBook is about five years old but everything else runs fine on it. I've recently taken it into Apple for a check up and there are no problems.

Any help greatly appreciated.

99jon · Accepted Answer

Try trashing the saved prefs.Quit ElementsLaunch Finder and go to your Username >>Library >> PreferencesSend the following files/folders to the trash:Adobe Photoshop Elements 17 PathsAdobe Photoshop Elements 17 Settingscom.adobe.Elements Organizer.17.plistcom.adobe.PhotoshopElements.plistThe library is hidden in recent versions of Mac OS. To get to your user library quickly, from the top menu in Finder, click “Go” whilst holding down the Option (Alt) key and your user Library will appear for you to choose.After deleting the above, reboot by clicking the apple logo (top-left) and choosing restart. Then try Elements again.

99jon · Answer

Give this a try, it has worked for others:

Click System Preferences in the dock and open Security & Privacy

Choose the Privacy tab and the choose Accessibility

Click the lock to unlock (you may be prompted for your Apple system login password)

Then click the plus button to add the Editor and/or Organizer app. If already listed ensure it has a check-mark. See image below.

Navigate to:

To add the Editor:

Macintosh HD >> Applications >> Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 >> Support Files

Choose (highlight) Adobe Photoshop Elements Editor.app and click open

To add the Organizer:

Macintosh HD >> Applications

Choose (highlight) Adobe Elements 2019 Organizer.app and click open

Re-lock and try launching Elements again. Even if not added to the control list, this often makes a difference after closing Security & Privacy.

Let us know if it works.

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