I checked out PSE 8

[grandma lynnie]

Several questions have been asked about PSE 8, so I downloaded a 30 day trial and checked it out. I have worked extensively with versions 3, 4, 6 and 7. In my opinion, version 8 is very very similar to version 7. I did notice some cool new additions to the Quick Edit menu (which I don't use!) and I also read about the changes in tagging and the Organizer (which I also don't use!). If you use the Organizer for your photos, you might want to check out the changes in version 8. The Interface in version 8 is still dark, even though you can make it a little lighter, as you can do in version 7.

If you are still using version 5 or older, you may want to download the free 30 day trial and give version 8 a try. I think you will really like all the changes since your version was released. However, if you are using version 7 (or probably even version 6), I don't really think the changes are enough to warrant the additional expense.

But that's just my opinion!

[1gr8muggle]

Thanks for checking it out, Lynn. That's a big help to us.

[sarahorton]

For me, the compelling reason to upgrade is that they fixed the issue with dragging UP from the bin It's back to normal (pre PSE6) now! yippeee!

Plus, they added guides in this version - which is awesome because I use them all the time in PS.

The recompose feature looks very cool, too. It lets you put people closer together or farther apart in the photo without messing it up - how cool is that?!

I totally dig the fact that it names the layers the name of your file now. Someone was really thinkin'!

Two thumbs up for Adobe. I really like this build.

[1gr8muggle]

Originally Posted by sarahorton

I totally dig the fact that it names the layers the name of your file now. Someone was really thinkin'!

Is this just if you use the bin (creating smart layers) or if you drag from one open document window to another?

[Scrapbird]

It also creates tabbed documents and allows dragging the tabs to add these layers to each other or to a new document.

The videos here tell much more:
Photoshop Elements Techniques - Learning Center

[quilter422]

thanks, Lynn! i've got 5.0 and have been debating asking for 7 for christmas. but dragging up from the the bin is something i love and didn't want 7 for that reason alone. sounds like 8 might be a good fit for me!

[maureenreynolds]

I was looking at the videos over at PhotoshopElementsUser and like the look of the tabs. I use them all the time in Firefox. I may do a free try in a week or two myself. I just don't have fiddle time right now.

[grandma lynnie]

The fixed photo bin problem is big! Thanks for pointing that out, Sara! That's a big plus for 8 over 6 and 7.

[Cutesuzyq]

I'm still running 5.0 so maybe now is the time for me to upgrade.

[deanie]

I've gotten so used to not using the bin-Cassie made me a believer of dragging from one open document to another! I think my next upgrade will be to CS4.

[blkcow]

I have PSE 7 and would love the fixed bin.....I dislike that fact the PSE 7 does not keep the name on the layer....that would be a huge fix for me. That might be enough for me to get it....I hate having to rename EVERY layer. I will look at the video that scrapbird posted and see.

[blkcow]

I just watched the videos...looks like a great new upgrade...although I didn't see anything about auto naming of the layers....which I would like...and I still wish they would add a spell checker. I will have to think about it before upgrading.

[maureenreynolds]

I saw the renaming of the file happen in a Linda Sattgast (?)video today. I've looked at a few round the net and sorry but I forget the exact one.

[grandma lynnie]

I am rethinking my earlier advice after checking out some of the things that have been mentioned here.

The problem with dragging up from the photo bin has been fixed, as Sara mentioned. I think I, who has never ever used the photo bin, would actually use the photo bin in PSE 8 because, when you drag the items up from the bin, they really are renamed in the layers palette!

These two are terrific reasons to upgrade to 8. Thanks for calling all these good points to our attention, Sara!

[Blessed]

Originally Posted by grandma lynnie

I am rethinking my earlier advice after checking out some of the things that have been mentioned here.

The problem with dragging up from the photo bin has been fixed, as Sara mentioned. I think I, who has never ever used the photo bin, would actually use the photo bin in PSE 8 because, when you drag the items up from the bin, they really are renamed in the layers palette!

These two are terrific reasons to upgrade to 8. Thanks for calling all these good points to our attention, Sara!

Well, thanks to you, you figured out my issue with the photo bin. This will definitely be worth it for me. Thank you again...I can't say it enough.

[1gr8muggle]

They always named the layers when you used the photo bin, they just did OTHER wonky things.

Do they rename when you drag from window to window?