Upgrade from CS3 to Elements 2020?

I use Lightroom 6 for the bulk of my edits but lately have had to switch over to CS3 for a few things that Lightroom was having some issues with (stitching a pano, healing) and a few things that you can't do in Lightroom (more control over free transform in CS3, custom brush, masks). I was wondering if upgrading from CS3 to Elements was a worthwhile upgrade? The content aware tool seems very useful and much more advanced that the healing brush in CS3. I'm assuming I can still use it to stitch panos (that LR sometimes won't do), do some free transform adjustments and do some work with layer masks. Any comments would be appreciated.

You also might want to check out the free Microsoft Image Composite Editor for stitching images.

https://www.microsoft.​com …s/image-composite-editor/

shane_c wrote in post #18952879
I was wondering if upgrading from CS3 to Elements was a worthwhile upgrade?

In some ways, CS3 to the latest Elements would be a downgrade. It really depends on what sort of editing you do most of the time and what tools you use. If you do buy Elements, I think you'd be wise to keep CS3.

Thanks for the replies. I tried to install my version of CS3 on my laptop but it will no longer let me register it because Adobe no longer supports it. I currently have it on our PC but soon won't have access to that (long story) so was quite disappointed I couldn't put it on the laptop. I have all my photos backed up on an external HD though so I don't lose them.

Anyway....... Given that I will soon no longer have access to CS3, and don't want to pay for a monthly subscription, would Elements 2020 be a good compliment to LR6?

One day you will lose the use of LR6 as well as support for it dropped a few years ago. I know little about elements besides trying it about 7 years ago and not liking it. I was comparing it to PS but it was apples to apples. Elements has made a lot improvements since I tried it. I don't know how Elements 2020 pairs up to CS3. What do you need Elements to do? What about a free trial and see for yourself.

You have been a long time user but do you really need to stick to Adobe? I have read a lot of good things about Affinity which is much closer to the current PS (version 21) than the current Elements will be. That was why I mentioned losing LR6 one day. You may have to move on from Adobe products.

Losing support is one thing, not being able to install legit software is quite another imo. I guess that changes the meaning of a perpetual license.

Yes I paid for Microsoft Office and now I can't use it due to OS updates. Actually Apples free equivalents are pretty decent just for basics, which is what I only need.

shane_c wrote in post #18964216
Thanks for the replies. I tried to install my version of CS3 on my laptop but it will no longer let me register it because Adobe no longer supports it.

You might find some help here:
https://helpx.adobe.co​m/download-install.html#

You have to get a new serial number and installer from Adobe using the "Sign in" or "Create an ID" link on the following Adobe page:

https://helpx.adobe.co​m …t-8.html#main-pars_header

Thanks Adobe for making a 2 second process into a jump through the hoops ordeal!

-UPDATE Feb. 2020-
The link above no longer works. Adobe permanently killed off activation/re-activation of CS3.

Thanks it worked!!!!