PSE to PS CS4??

[CCofOhio]

Has anyone made the switch from PS Elements 6 to CS4? Is it difficult? Is the set up (toolbars and such) pretty similar or is this a whole new ball of wax?

I am getting frustrated with the limitations I have run into with PS Elements 6 and I have started looking at CS4.....is that a good choice?

Any advice is appreciated.....

Thanks,
Christine

[Jen D]

I started with CS3 so not sure what the differences are... but I know Cassie's tuts explain the differences when going through them and it doesn't seem like much. I am sure it is just a matter of getting used to it... since you already are familiar with adobe I bet you won't have too much difficulty. Good luck!

[Elena]

I just made the move from PSE5 to CS3... my big problem is the missing photo bin Interested to hear how your transition goes...

[anke]

it really is not hard to get used to at all. The missing photo bin is the worse (I think) but you get used to even that. You will love all the extra option you have.

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

CS4 is a more of a change than CS3 was. The windows behave a bit differently and can take some getting used to. They even drove ME nuts for a bit, and I'm very comfortable with the software.

There are several tools available to you that aren't in PSE. The commands are essentially the same as they were in CS3, but the workspace is slightly different. You could definitely do any of my tutorials in CS4. If you have already have any, that might help you walk through the program once you get it (if you get it).

[amcmillian]

Good thread Christine. I have PSE6 and I've been thinking about making the switch too since I can get a student discount. I'm very much a hands on in front of the teacher kind of person so I will probably take a classs. I took a beginners PS class a few months ago, it was taught in CS3. My employer paid for it and by the time I take another class they will be teaching CS4 and I will go for the more advanced class and I must tell you I'm only taking it if my employer pays for it because to be quite honest, I didn't learn anything that I hadn't already learned through Cassie's tutorials.

[shellb]

Ditto with the photo bins. Like anything it just takes time, but before you know it you'll wonder why you even questioned it. I love CS3, it was so worth the jump.

[Carol Elliott]

I just went from PSE4 to CS4 and I haven't regretted it. I haven't had any problems. I LOVE bridge to manage all my photos - digital scrapbooking stuff.

[anke]

I definitely agree with Cassie on CS4, actually it is still driving me nuts with those windows. CS3 is great, you'll love it!!! I still have to get used to 4 I guess, it might take me a while longer.

[MeEmMom]

Good question, Christine! I have been wondering the same thing myself. The missing photo bin scares me because I rely on it so much. But to have some of the tools that I don't have now in PSE6 would be really nice.

I'm not even sure what all those new tools would be...anyone want to share what some of the differences are that you LIKE in CS3 or CS4 compared to PSE?

[hguenthe]

Cool tools to play with in CS vs PSE...

warp, pen, paths, actions, photomerge and new in CS4 - content aware scaling

[donitab]

I think the switch is hard - just did it - Cassie's tutorials have really helped me get used to the new workspace - where's my photo bin??????? Miss it! - but there is just SO MUCH MORE - I'm still using Elements 6 to scrap in & just playing with CS4 on the tutorials to get used to it, but feel I will make the complete switch soon. I just need a little crutch for a bit longer!

[whatnext]

snort...i'm still using PSE4, so i have no idea. i am for sure going to be left behind in the dust. i can't bear to think about learning a whole new program!!

[MIDA78466]

I went from PSE6 on a PC to a MAC and CS4. It was a bit of a learning curve and I'm still trying to learn things but I love it.