Adobe’s decision to eliminate perpetual licenses for its Elements software has sparked controversy among consumers
- Adobe is ending perpetual licensing for Elements
- The software will now use a subscription-based pricing model
- New tools and features have been added to take some of the sting away
Adobe has officially ended its perpetual licensing model for the Elements suite of software, meaning users of the 2025 edition can use it for up to three years before being locked out.
While the change aligns with Adobe’s long-term strategy to move to subscription-based models, it has generated a mix of reactions from consumers who appreciated the simpler, one-time purchase option.
Removing perpetual licenses isn’t entirely new for Adobe. In fact, it follows a broader shift that the company first made in 2013, when it ended perpetual licenses for its professional software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro. However, Elements users have so far been able to enjoy the freedom of fully owning their software.
No more perpetual licenses
The 2025 release of Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements will mark the first time this segment of Adobe users will experience restrictions after three years of use.
Adobe says the change is an evolution toward a more connected experience, with the 2025 Elements lineup integrating access to companion web and mobile apps.
These services, which will likely complement the core software, aim to expand the range of creative options available to users, albeit at the cost of continued support after the three-year period has expired.
Despite the shift in licensing, Adobe has provided Photoshop Elements 2025 with several new features designed to appeal to users who want powerful photo editing tools without the complexity of full Creative Cloud software. It comes with an AI-powered removal tool, which allows users to erase unwanted objects in the background of photos.
The Object Removal Guided Edit makes it even easier by walking users through the process of painting over unwanted objects, with AI filling in the area to match the environment.
Another addition is the Depth Blur filter, which simulates the effect of shallow depth of field in photos. This feature allows users to recreate the professional look achieved by high-end cameras with large aperture lenses, giving portraits or close-ups an enhanced, dreamlike quality. Users will also benefit from new collage tools, which provide creative freedom to combine photos, add motion effects and adjust object colors.
For video enthusiasts, Premiere Elements 2025 introduces several features designed to streamline video editing and improve creative control. A key feature is the ability to manipulate colors more precisely with color lookup tables (LUTs), allowing users to create a consistent look across different video clips. Another welcome tool is the White Balance feature, which allows users to remove unwanted color casts from their footage. For even more refined color control, the Curves feature offers advanced color tuning options, making it easier to achieve the perfect tone for any video project.
Adobe has set the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for Photoshop Elements 2025 at $99.99, the same price as Premiere Elements 2025. For users who want to purchase both, Adobe is offering a combo pack for $149.99. However, the shift away from perpetual licensing may cause some users to look for alternatives.
