Why Doesn't The Automatic Colorize Tool Work?

[MarkPgh]

This old blank and white photograph has been automatically colorized, using Photoshop Elements 2020. As anyone can see, the tool hasn't done much at all. I know that I could use the section tool, choose colors, and colorize this picture manually. But, Adobe claims that Photoshop 2020 should colorize old photos, like this one, automatically. I have read, and watched the tutorials. This picture has been formatted correctly, and everything was done in accordance with the instructions. This tool just does not work very well.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

»But, Adobe claims that Photoshop 2020 should color old photos, like this one, automatically.«

I usually try to read the What’s New-section for the new Photoshop versions but I seem to have missed that – could you provide a link to an Adobe page documenting such an automatic feature? 

And are you talking about Photoshop or Photoshop Elements? 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Ah, it seems Photoshop Elements has a »Colorize Photo«-feature … 

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/using/colorize-photo.html

So why don’t you post (including your source image and the result) over on the Photoshop Elements Forum? 

[99jon]

It looks like the image has already been colored in the darkroom as it has a sepia tone. So your only auto choices may be a cyanotype or platinum look for the overall image. Otherwise  you would need to switch to manual and use the droplets to color selective parts which would be time consuming.