Which photoshop version is the best now a days?

Question

I've been out of the photoshop game for some time now, and notice they offer many options. I remember the software costing upwards of 600 bucks for a full license, now it appears they have some options cheaper, like Lightroom or essentials.

Could someone shed some light on which program most people use to edit and create forum signatures, and other digital media manipulation?

The things I liked most about the original photoshop years ago was the ability to trace cut images and cut them to place in other files, which is essential in signature creation. I also liked it's ability to edit noise and clean images. Looks like Lightroom does that, but does it offer the cut option, which I need?

Thinking about just buying a license so it's mine and not doing their membership option.

Any list of maybe the hierarchy of their editing software would be awesome, thanks.

TBG

Answer 1

Photoshop Elements is indeed very capable of the edits you are suggesting, and is a one-time purchase that will be superceded by a later version at some later date. The full edition—Photoshop CC or the older Photoshop CS6—might be more than what you need.



Lightroom, though it carries the Photoshop brand, is a different program that is designed to enhance images (primarily from DSLR cameras), not cut/paste edits. It also cannot generate imagery like Photoshop can.



Some of the free alternatives, like GIMP and Paint.NET, can handle your signatures and much of your editing needs.

Answer 2

The current version of full Photoshop is Photoshop CC (for Creative Cloud). That's the subscription version, and many Photoshop and other Adobe product users are NOT happy with this new way of using Adobe products.



It's still possible to buy Photoshop CS6, which was the last "boxed" version before Adobe switched to CC. The supposed advantage of CC is that you get automatic updates/upgrades rather than having to purchase an upgrade. The problem is that many of us can put aside money for a one-time purchase but can't afford to have a monthly fee that goes on forever.



Another option would be to look at Photoshop Elements. It really is quite capable, and Adobe hasn't pushed that to CC. I think it will probably do all you want to do, although you will have to learn a somewhat different interface. But it's biggest advantage is it really is aimed at the general consumer and everyday user as opposed to the professional user, and it's less than $100!

Answer 3

To fully answer your question, here's a guide with the complete comparison of Photoshop vs. Lightroom vs. Elements versions



What's the Difference Between the Different Editions of Adobe Photoshop?

http://prodesigntools.com/difference-between-photoshop-vs-extended-vs-elements-vs-lightroom.html