How seamless is it to upgrade from Photoshop 7 to a newer version?

What operating system are you using (Windows 10 or Windows 11)?  Does your current computer meet the system specifications for Elements 2026?  If you need help figuring that out, we can help you. 

Elements 7 is one of the few versions that I don't have on my computer.  However, I was just able to convert an Elements 6 test catalog without a problem and the keyword tags were intact.   I assume that you have used the Organizer to create your albums and organize your photos into folders.  As a word of explanation, Elements does not touch the files on your computer.  It only pinpoints where your photo files are stored.  The tags that you have created and applied to your photos will also remain.  However, I recommend that you keep Elements 7 installed on your computer until the entire process of converting your catalog is completed.

There have been some major changes in how people are recognized and tagged in photos.  Although I expect that all of your People Tags will be converted and available in Elements 2026, I am not sure exactly sure how the tags will appear in your converted catalog.  You may actually enjoy the new process which will automatically recognize the faces in your photos and ask you to name and confirm who those people are.  When I go through the process with a new catalog, I certainly enjoy seeing and remembering old photos.

You will not be able to use Elements 2026 for the length of time you have used version 7.  Adobe now sells only a 3 year license for the program (although we have been told that the Organizer will continue to work indefinitely even if you don't renew the license).

When you first launch the Organizer in Elements 2026, you should see a dialog that asks you whether you want to convert your old catalog.  It is easy to miss, so you should pay attention and answer yes to the question.

I have one final question for you.  When you say that you have organized your photos in albums by year, do you mean Elements Albums (created by the Organizer) or do you mean folders stored on your computer (or both)?  Some people use the term interchangeably.

I will be happy to help you through the process and answer your questions with step-by-step instructions as necessary.  You will find that Elements 2026 also gives you the opportunity to ask plain language questions and you will either be pointed to an answer or even an instructional tutorial.  There are also a number of other features that help you edit your photos, for example with Guided Edits which hold your hand while editing photos.