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pauld22297204
pauld22297204
Participant
December 31, 2018
Question

why can't I use Photoshop Elements without being signed in?

  • December 31, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 6582 views

I purchased Photoshop elements 2018 when I bought a new computer. I used my redemption code, downloaded the software and entered the serial number for licensing.  When I launch Elements it requires that I sign in to adobe.  I want to use Photoshop elements offline.  Is this possible?  Also, when I sign out from Elements I get a message to the affect that I have to be signed in to use trial software but this is not trial software. I have a license and entered the serial number.

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    2 replies

    A
    albertb1893549
    Participant
    June 18, 2021

    I've used a very old Photoshop Elements for half a decade, just upgraded to 2021, call me old but I don't like being "signed in" to use software I paid for.  I'll use on it occassion.   I'm also dumping Lightroom and moving to Capure One, beacause of the subscription business model and the annoying signin thing.  Adobe, I loved you for 10 years but the marriage over!

      Phil Pickering
      Phil Pickering
      Legend
      June 18, 2021

      Hi Albert,

       

      You do realise that you have to sign-in to activate the license for Capture One? Just the same as Adobe Photoshop Elements. And if you read the whole of the thread that you've posted to, you'll realise that you don't have to be connected to the Internet after you've initially activated your license either.

       

      Also, Capture One's perpetual licence is 3 times more expensive than Adobe Photoshop Elements and their monthly subscription model is twice as more expensive than Adobe's Creative Cloud Photography Plan.

       

      So what you've posted is a bit like saying I don't like having to put gas into my Ford all the while, so I'm going to buy a Ferrari instead.

       

      Note I'm not knocking Capture One, just your logic 🙂

       

       

        C
        ConfusedToo
        Participant
        November 14, 2021
        quote

        You say I don't have to be "signed-in" to use Photoshop Elements, just disconnect from the Internet once you've activated your licence.

         

        If I disconnect by signing out then I am not signed in. Are you suggesting I actually remove the Ethernet cable from the PC?

         

        Why the heck does PE need to have an Internet connection in order to edit a photo?

         


        By @ConfusedToo

        I'll try to explain in other words.

        Being "signed in" in Adobe's words is the same as having you license to use PSE linked to your present specific computer. That's what Adobe called 'license activating' in older versions. According to the terms of the license, you have the right to have two 'activations' at the same time on at most two different computers. You have to tell Adobe which computer(s) you choose to be activated. That info is stored on specific activation servers. If you sign out, the license is not valid and does not work until your sign in again for the same or another computer.

        So much for the license.

         

        Now you think 'being signed in' or "activated" means being connected to the Internet. I hope you know how to disable Web connection with your computer if you are paranoid about extreme privacy. You can work without any connection to Internet if you are 'signed in', which is a permanent situation.  However, to insure the terms of the license are respected, Adobe checks from time to time (monthly?) if you are actually connected with the activated computer. Also you have a number of features immediately available for download to avoid using too much of your computer disk space.

         

        I suggest you have a look at your Adobe Account and verify the settings of your 'Privacy' preferences.


        I signed in & activated my license. I then signed out & could not use PE. I never had this issue with my old version of PE which I paid for the software & had a license to use it & didn't need to be signed in anywhere or need the Internet.

         

        I do think deing signed in means I have to be connected to the Internet. Just like I had to sign into this Support Community with an Internet connection. How could I be signed in & typing this if I didn't have an Internet connection?

         

        Please explain how I can use the new version of PE without signing into Adobe & still keep my Internet connection active in order to email a photo to someone.

          99jon
          99jon
          Legend
          December 31, 2018

          Sign-in and sign-out is simply the method of activation. You should always stay signed-in. You only need to sign-out if using the software on more than two computers and wish to activate on a third.

          The software is always available off-line with the exception of downloading some graphics or frames for the first time.

          pauld22297204
          pauld22297204Author
          Participant
          December 31, 2018

          If I sign out, when I launch Photoshop Elements it requires me to sign in to adobe online. From the menu under "help" when I sign out and relaunch it requires entry of the license serial number and sign in to adobe account.  Why do I have to sign in to adobe to use Photoshop Elements

          99jon
          99jon
          Legend
          December 31, 2018

          You need to be on-line one time only for activation. Then stay signed-in.

          If you sign-out you are deactivating the software.

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