Subscription or Elements

[Frances-Mary16B8]

I have been using CS5 on a Mac. My mac has given up the ghost and I have to get a new one, which means I cannot use CS5. I have thousands of photos, some with lots of layers. I am reluctant to pay for a photoshop subscription., but don't know if Elements could cope with the numbers of layers I might use. Would Elements be able to cope with large numbers of layers on photos?  I am constantly adding to a photo family tree, which has over a hundred layers.

Any advice or thoughts

[Derek Cross]

You could use the seven day Photoshop 2020 trial or, alternatively, pay a bit more and licence PS by the month(s) you need it.

P.S. Hope you've made back-up copies of this project!

[Frances-Mary16B8]

I think I will probably have to do that. Yes, I have backed up all my photos on an external hard drive It took six hours!

[Chuck Uebele]

Depending on the type of layers, Elements may not work. It's only about $100 to try out, but I feel that with that level of complexity, you will be frustrated. My daughter has Elements and I have a horrible time using it, as so many things are unavailable in it.

[Frances-Mary16B8]

Thanks for the info. I may get the subscription initially, then buy Elements + after I have finished doing my present work.

[Derek Cross]

The Photography Plan includes the latest version full of Photoshop, and updates as they become available ,plus Lightroom and Storage for around $10 a month. Much cheaper than your new Mac!

[Frances-Mary16B8]

True, but I am feeling a bit poor after buying a new Mac! Having bought a licence previously, I am a bit peeved at now having to pay a subscription, especially as I was happy with CS5. Thanks anyway.

[Guest]

You could try https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/