Adobe's decision to eliminate perpetual licenses for its Elements software has sparked controversy among users.

Adobe has decided to eliminate the perpetual licensing model for its Elements software range, meaning that users of the 2025 edition will only be able to use the program for a maximum period of three years before their access is restricted. This change is part of Adobe's long-term strategy to adopt subscription models, generating mixed reactions among consumers who preferred the one-time purchase option.

The removal of perpetual licenses is not a new move for the company, as it began the transition in 2013 with its professional software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro. However, Elements users had enjoyed full ownership of their software until this point.

The 2025 version of Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements will introduce restrictions for this user segment for the first time. Adobe justifies this change as a step toward a more connected experience, highlighting that the new Elements 2025 line integrates access to complementary web and mobile applications. These services aim to expand creative options for users, albeit with the implication that support will be limited after the third year.

Despite the change in the licensing model, Photoshop Elements 2025 includes several new features aimed at those looking for powerful photo editing tools without the complexity of the full Creative Cloud software. Among these is an AI-powered removal tool that allows users to eliminate unwanted objects from the background of images. Additionally, the new Object Removal Guided Edit makes this process easier by guiding users as they paint over unwanted elements, using AI to fill in the affected areas.

Another notable feature is the Depth Blur filter, which simulates the effect of a shallow depth of field, allowing users to emulate the professional look achieved with high-end cameras. New tools for creating collages have also been added, offering greater creative freedom to combine photos, add motion effects, and adjust the colors of objects.

In the video realm, Premiere Elements 2025 incorporates several features that enhance editing and creative control. Among them, precise color manipulation through color lookup tables (LUTs) stands out, allowing users to establish a consistent look across different clips. The White Balance feature is another valuable addition, helping to remove unwanted color casts from footage. Moreover, the Curves function provides advanced color adjustment options, making it easier to achieve the ideal tone for any video project.

Adobe has set the suggested retail price for Photoshop Elements 2025 at $99.99, the same figure for Premiere Elements 2025. For those interested in acquiring both programs, the company offers a bundle package for $149.99. However, this transition from a perpetual licensing model may lead some users to consider other alternatives.