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Post by Sydney on Feb 3, 2017 22:06:28 GMT
I am considering purchasing Elements XXL which, on the home site link claims to add up to 640 features to PSE that were previously only available in Photoshop thereby bridging the gap between Elements and PS. There is a new version, 4.02, which supports PSE 15 (which I use). What I particularly like about it is how features appear to integrate into the menu system on the Elements UI. If the claims re: all of the added functionality are true, it looks to be excellent value at 49.95 USD. I did a search on the forum, but didn't find any posts about it and haven't been able to find much on the net in terms of reviews. I would be curious if anyone on the forum might have XXL installed and would be able comment on it? |
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Post by Major Major on Feb 3, 2017 22:24:47 GMT
Sydney -
As far as I know, XXL is similar in function to the much less expensive Elements+, although I have read that it does integrate more seamlessly into PSE.
Perhaps Andrei will see this and shed some light on the similarities and differences.
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Post by Sydney on Feb 3, 2017 23:04:27 GMT
They offer a 14 day trial, so I have just downloaded it along with a user manual and will put it through its paces over the next fortnight. Will advise on my thoughts on it in due course.
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Post by Peterj on Feb 3, 2017 23:32:57 GMT
I have found Elements+ provides all the functionality I need from full blown PS
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Post by Andrei Doubrovski on Feb 4, 2017 5:50:29 GMT
Sydney,
Most people don't need all the hidden Photoshop functionality in their everyday work.
The choice depends on their tasks and the work habits.
Consider only the features you really miss in PSE 15.
I've never used Elements XXL myself, so, I can't compare.
However, if you curious how to accomplish a specific task with Elements+, I will be glad to answer.
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Post by lemontart on Feb 22, 2017 8:31:28 GMT
I am also considering this product and await feedback
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Post by Peterj on Feb 22, 2017 17:06:45 GMT
I first tried and purchased Elements+ with a huge success. The immediate task was focus stacking which was straight forward and successful. Load all images into PSE editor; select all images in photo bin; choose Elements+ from the file menu; select focus stack in scripts and click the green arrow. Positives for Elements+- all actions are available using menu system [file > automation tools]
- author is a forum member
- much less expensive
- on line help with videos
- demo version available
Elements XXL was mentioned so I took a quick look and downloaded the trial. I decided to install it into a different PSE version than Elements+ so my limited analysis might not apply to the entire package. Focus stacking was used as a trial. Not as straight forward; load all images; place each image in a separate layer; align layers; then merge layers. Positives for XXL- PSE user interface is modified
- User manual
- Free [full version] 14 day trial
My preference is Elements+ because it doesn't modify PSE's user interface; is much cheaper, is more straight forward to use.
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Post by Sydney on Feb 22, 2017 21:17:06 GMT
First off, I have both products. I purchased Elements+ awhile back for use with PSE13 and have just recently purchased XXL which I am using with PSE15. For what each does (extend the functionality of PSE) they are both excellent products. How I find them to differ (apart from price) is in where the extended functions are located. With Elements+ everything is located (and logically grouped) in a block grid under the effects tab on the effects panel. XXL integrates into the user interface of Elements by adding new menu items, key shortcuts, icons and various dialogs so that it feels more like an upgrade to PSE and not like a plugin or external tool. One of these days I will most likely jump ship to full blown Photoshop. In the interim, I feel that XXL bridges the gap between PSE and PS quite naturally and intuitively, so that when I do make the leap it will be much more of a natural progression for me.
Both offer great help in the form of manuals and video tutorials.
One last point I want to touch on is price. Elements+ at $12 USD is incredibly outstanding value (hats off to Andrei for providing such amazing functionality for such a low price). XXL, at $49 USD, is 4 times the cost of Elements+. Even so, I feel it to be good value when everything is considered.
In the end, I think anyone who wants to extend the functionality of Photoshop Elements should try out both products through the free trials and then make up their own mind. Either way you will be getting an excellent product. Just my 2 cents worth.
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Post by Tpgettys on Feb 23, 2017 2:03:14 GMT
I have looking forward to your report Sydney . Thank you very much for your efforts here and reporting on your findings. |
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