comparing PSE 10 and 14 ??

Hi pse10ch,

First of all, Adobe did a major overhaul of Elements in version 11. Also, Elements is now a 64-bit application (on Mac, starting with Elements 12; on Windows, starting with Elements 13). This will give you an idea of the changes and new features/tools in versions 11 through 14.

Elements 11

New color scheme (light gray)
New program to share, back up, and sync your photos -- Revel (instead of Photoshop.com).
The Organizer offers a more automated system of categorizing your photos.
When you install Elements 11, only a few graphics, templates, etc. get installed on your computer. When you need additional items, you just download them.
The Refine Edge feature is an updated one (brought over from Photoshop).
New filters were added -- three Sketch filters (Pen and Ink, Comic, and Graphic Novel) and the Lens Blur filter (to create a shallower depth of field).
New Guided Edits (High Key, Low Key, Tilt-Shift, and Vignette).
No need to install Layer styles (.asl files) in the appropriate folder within this program; you just load them via the Effects panel whenever you want to use them.
No need to install actions (.atn files) in the appropriate folder either; you just load and run them via either Window>Actions or via the Effects panel.
The Raw Converter uses the same process as the one in Lightroom and Photoshop (Process 2012) but the one in Elements 11 doesn’t have as many features.

Elements 12

The Organizer has mobile albums so that you can sync your photos with iPhone, iPad, etc.
With just one click you can now apply effects, textures, and frames in the Quick Edit mode.
Three new step-by-step techniques in the Guided Edit mode -- Zoom Burst Effect, Puzzle Effect, and Restore Old Photo.
A new tool in the Expert Edit mode -- Content-Aware Move.
A new feature in the Enhance menu -- Auto Smart Tone.
A Pet Eye tool -- to correct animals’ yellow eyes.
The ability to delete layers by just pressing the Delete key on your keyboard.
64-bit support (when Elements 12 is installed on a Mac).

Elements 13

Content-Aware Fill -- brought over from Photoshop.
Updated Crop tool -- it now includes suggestions for possible crops.
Refine Selection Brush tool -- for those difficult selections.
Photomerge Compose -- it guides you through the process of moving objects or people from one image to another.
New effects and frames in Quick Fix.
Three new Guided Edit effects.
Elements Live -- a section with very helpful tutorials as well as inspiration for your photographic endeavors.
New slideshow features -- much easier to use.
New e-mail features -- you can now use any e-mail program and there is no more need for verification codes from Adobe Mail.
Facebook Cover Photo - a new project in the Create section with themes for this photo. You can also upload these photos directly to Facebook.
The Organizer has gone through some updates and it also offers a new way to view your images (Adaptive Grid).

Elements 14

What's new in Photoshop Elements 14

As to the Refine Edge tool -- Starting with Elements 11, Adobe introduced an updated Refine Edge feature (brought over from Photoshop).

As to removed features/tools -- What features from previous versions are not available in Adobe Photoshop Elements 12?

Dec 14, 2015 14:29:10 GMT pse10ch said:

But, what I did not make clear and wanted to ask was some insight based on experience.   User results. 

Back to my question.   I was wondering if someone who did a lot of compositing work with PSE 10 and then bought 14 might be able to contrast for me  the sensitivity of the tools, their efficiency or if the color algorithms are better etc?    When removing a complicated background, is the work noticeably easier?   I was sort of kindda wanting a hands on, where the rubber meets the road, real results observation.......if someone will.

pse10ch,

I know nothing about color algorithms, etc.  However, I also have Elements 10 and Elements 14 and I do quite a lot of compositing work involving intricate selections and removing complicated background. Based on my experience, I can say that the new updated Refine Edge in Elements 14 is quite a few notches about the one in Elements 10. This Refine Edge was introduced by Adobe in Elements 11 (brought over from Photoshop). I am also a user of Photoshop CC and I have compared the performance of Refine Edge in both programs.  I see no difference. You are getting a Photoshop-quality tool for an "Elements" price.

pse01ch,

I believe you are referring to the bug discussed in this THREAD.  I would not let this little bug deter you from using actions in Elements 14. If you follow the link to the Adobe Photoshop Elements forum, you will see it is a very specific situation (a specific command, created a certain way in Photoshop).

I have an extensive collection of actions (free and purchased). I use actions in Elements 14 in most of my work and on a regular basis. I am yet to run an action that doesn't work in Elements 14. The important thing to keep in mind when using actions in Elements is . . .

1. You cannot create actions in Elements. Only the big brother, Photoshop, can create actions.

2. Elements can use actions created in Photoshop only if those actions have been written specifically for Elements, i.e., if they use commands that this program "understands".

3. If you run an action in Elements which this program doesn't "understand", you will get an error message. Can you ignore it and click on the "Continue" button? Definitely! But the final results may not be what you had in mind.

As to your question -- "Does Adobe release bug fixes?"

Adobe is known to release patches or updates to fix issues with Elements, particularly when the performance of Elements is drastically affected. I remember patches for Elements 5 and 9. More recently Adobe released updates for Elements 12 and 13. As far as minor issues are concerned, Adobe seems to wait until the release of the next Elements version to fix them.

EDIT:  A piece of news -- Adobe has released an update for Elements 14.

photoshopelementsandmore.com/thread/1746/photoshop-elements-14-1-update