[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Photo Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/photo-editing-software/) \> [Photoshop Elements](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements/) \> Photoshop Elements vs PhotoDirector 365 # Photoshop Elements vs PhotoDirector 365 Last Updated: June 22nd, 2026 Our analysts compared [Photoshop Elements](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements/) vs [PhotoDirector 365](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photodirector-365/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Photo Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/photo-editing-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Photo Editing Software&cta=photo-editing-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Photoshop Elements Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/70eda27f928a7e344906d5bb973b0fb4-592bf9d64158d7b5c32f3a40b4f9e4ab/resources/normal/logo.png?1725472926)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements/) Remove Add to Compare [![PhotoDirector 365 Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/337f9ed612c378ae249fdbcc432c0f72-21d132cc47c85f87e2014601d07c8801/resources/normal/logo.png?1736791252)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photodirector-365/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Photoshop%2BElements&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F70eda27f928a7e344906d5bb973b0fb4-592bf9d64158d7b5c32f3a40b4f9e4ab%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725472926) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Photoshop%2BElements&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F70eda27f928a7e344906d5bb973b0fb4-592bf9d64158d7b5c32f3a40b4f9e4ab%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725472926) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Photoshop%2BElements&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F70eda27f928a7e344906d5bb973b0fb4-592bf9d64158d7b5c32f3a40b4f9e4ab%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725472926&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Photoshop%2BElements&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F70eda27f928a7e344906d5bb973b0fb4-592bf9d64158d7b5c32f3a40b4f9e4ab%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725472926&price=2) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=PhotoDirector%2B365&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F337f9ed612c378ae249fdbcc432c0f72-21d132cc47c85f87e2014601d07c8801%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1736791252) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=PhotoDirector%2B365&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F337f9ed612c378ae249fdbcc432c0f72-21d132cc47c85f87e2014601d07c8801%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1736791252) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=PhotoDirector%2B365&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F337f9ed612c378ae249fdbcc432c0f72-21d132cc47c85f87e2014601d07c8801%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1736791252&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=PhotoDirector%2B365&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F337f9ed612c378ae249fdbcc432c0f72-21d132cc47c85f87e2014601d07c8801%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1736791252&price=2) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating we're gathering data ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (930 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating 76 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (59 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $100 One-Time [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Photoshop Elements&category=Photo Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/70eda27f928a7e344906d5bb973b0fb4-592bf9d64158d7b5c32f3a40b4f9e4ab/resources/normal/logo.png?1725472926) $39.99 Annually [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=PhotoDirector 365&category=Photo Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/337f9ed612c378ae249fdbcc432c0f72-21d132cc47c85f87e2014601d07c8801/resources/normal/logo.png?1736791252) Pros What we like about Photoshop Elements and PhotoDirector 365: * One-time purchase removes the need for recurring subscription fees * Guided Edits provide step-by-step help for users learning complex effects * Adobe Sensei AI powers auto creations, smart tags, and one-click selection tools * AI Sky Replacement and content-aware object removal handle tough retouching automatically * Animated overlays and photo animation add motion effects not available in Elements * Advanced color grading with Color Splash and Color Replacement gives more precise color control Cons What we dislike about Photoshop Elements and PhotoDirector 365: * Lacks advanced tools like CMYK support and the pen tool needed for professional print work * Some users run into installation problems and catalog migration issues when upgrading * AI-powered adjustments can be heavy-handed, sometimes producing unnatural-looking results * Doesn't fully cover professional-grade needs like advanced masking and precise color grading ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Photoshop Elements is the better pick if you want a simple, one-time-purchase editor with solid guided learning tools. PhotoDirector 365 fits better if you want strong AI automation and creative effects like animated overlays and sky replacement on a subscription. Photoshop Elements starts at $100 as a one-time purchase. PhotoDirector 365 starts at $39.99 per year. The upfront cost of Elements is higher, but there are no ongoing fees. Over time, the two are closer in total cost than they first appear. Where Elements really shines is its Guided Edits feature. If you're still learning photo editing, these step-by-step walkthroughs make it easy to pull off effects like double exposures or turning photos into paintings without knowing the steps cold. PhotoDirector 365 takes a different approach — it leans on AI tools to do the heavy lifting for you, with features like AI Sky Replacement and content-aware object removal that work fast with minimal input. If color work matters to you, PhotoDirector 365 has an edge. Its Color Splash and Color Replacement tools give you finer control over color grading than Elements offers. That said, neither product is really built for professional print workflows — Elements lacks CMYK support and the pen tool, and PhotoDirector 365 can struggle with complex masking tasks that demand Photoshop-level precision. If you're a hobbyist or casual photographer who values simplicity and wants to avoid a subscription, Photoshop Elements is the stronger fit. If you shoot a lot and want AI-powered editing plus creative motion effects, PhotoDirector 365 is worth the annual cost. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, PhotoDirector 365 has an analyst rating of 76\. Our analysts are still gathering data for Photoshop Elements. we're gathering data 76 Features Comparison **Advanced Editing Tools** Enables precise control over image manipulation, allowing users to enhance color, adjust lighting, and apply creative effects to achieve desired visual outcomes. we're gathering data 98 **Basic Editing Tools** Provides essential tools for common image adjustments, such as cropping, resizing, and color correction, allowing users to quickly improve image quality and composition. we're gathering data 99 **Collaboration** Enables teams to work together on image projects, share feedback, and track changes, improving efficiency and communication. we're gathering data 71 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) How PhotoDirector 365 compares against the top 5 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Photoshop Elements PhotoDirector 365 \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) Advanced Editing Tools Basic Editing Tools Collaboration Platform Capabilities User Interface AndExperience 98 99 71 82 79 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Advanced Editing Tools** Enables precise control over image manipulation, allowing users to enhance color, adjust lighting, and apply creative effects to achieve desired visual outcomes. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 100% 0% 0% **Basic Editing Tools** Provides essential tools for common image adjustments, such as cropping, resizing, and color correction, allowing users to quickly improve image quality and composition. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 100% 0% 0% **Collaboration** Enables teams to work together on image projects, share feedback, and track changes, improving efficiency and communication. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 75% 0% 25% **Platform Capabilities** Offers flexible deployment options, scalable architecture, and robust integrations, enabling organizations to customize and optimize their photo editing workflows. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 83% 0% 17% **User Interface And Experience** Provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily navigate tools, adjust settings, and apply effects, enhancing the overall photo editing experience. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 80% 0% 20% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs**and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Connects the photo editing software with other design and productivity tools, streamlining workflows and improving overall creative efficiency. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 100% 0% 0% **Security** Safeguards sensitive image data and user information, protecting intellectual property and ensuring data privacy. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 60% 20% 20% **Requirements Summary**Of typical requirements, the level of support for Photoshop Elements is still being evaluated at this time. PhotoDirector 365 supports 75.5% and excels at Basic Editing Tools, Advanced Editing Tools and Integrations. Photoshop Elements has a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 930 reviews, while PhotoDirector 365 has an analyst rating of 76 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 59 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Photoshop Elements has a user sentiment rating of 87 based on 930 reviews. PhotoDirector 365 has a user sentiment rating of 88 based on 59 reviews. ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 930 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 59 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 87% of users recommend this product Photoshop Elements has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 930 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 88% of users recommend this product PhotoDirector 365 has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 59 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **FinancesOnline** n/a **5.0** (7) **G2.com, Inc** **4.3** (769) **4.3** (46) **Capterra Inc** **4.6** (158) **4.3** (6) **Gartner, Inc** **4.5** (3) n/a ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. No awards. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated PhotoDirector 365 and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Integrations. ![Integrations Award]() ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [Photoshop Elements Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements/alternatives/) [PhotoDirector 365 Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photodirector-365/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Guided edits** – Step-by-step instructions walk you through complex effects like double exposures and text art without needing prior editing experience. * **Photo organization** – Automatically sorts and tags photos by date, subject, and face recognition using Adobe Sensei AI to keep large libraries manageable. * **Content-aware fill** – Removes unwanted objects by intelligently analyzing the surrounding background and filling in the gap seamlessly. * **Photo merging** – Combines multiple shots into panoramas or HDR images with enhanced detail and dynamic range. * **AI sky replacement** – Detects and swaps out skies automatically, letting you choose from a library of replacement options without manual masking. * **Advanced color grading** – Lets you fine-tune colors precisely with Color Splash to isolate specific hues and Color Replacement to swap colors across an image. * **Content-aware removal** – Removes objects from photos using AI to fill in the background, with additional controls compared to a standard fill approach. * **Photo animation** – Adds motion to still images using animated overlays and dispersion effects, a capability not available in Elements. ### Top Alternatives in Photo Editing Software [ ACDSee Photo Studio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/acdsee-photo-studio/) [ Affinity Photo ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/affinity-photo/) [ Capture One Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/capture-one-pro/) [ DxO PhotoLab ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/dxo-photolab/) [ Fotor ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/fotor/) [ GIMP ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/gimp/) [ Lightroom ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/lightroom/) [ Luminar Neo ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/luminar-neo/) [ Movavi Photo Editor ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/movavi-photo-editor/) [ ON1 Photo RAW ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/on1-photo-raw/) [ PaintShop Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/paintshop-pro/) [ PhotoDirector 365 ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photodirector-365/) [ Photoroom ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoroom/) [ Photoshop ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop/) [ Pixlr ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/pixlr/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![Affinity Photo Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS Affinity Photo](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/affinity-photo-vs-photoshop-elements/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![DxO PhotoLab Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS DxO PhotoLab](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements-vs-dxo-photolab/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![Fotor Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS Fotor](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/fotor-vs-photoshop-elements/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![GIMP Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS GIMP](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/gimp-vs-photoshop-elements/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![Lightroom Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS Lightroom](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/lightroom-vs-photoshop-elements/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![Luminar Neo Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS Luminar Neo](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements-vs-luminar-neo/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![ON1 Photo RAW Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS ON1 Photo RAW](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements-vs-on1-photo-raw/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![PaintShop Pro Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS PaintShop Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements-vs-paintshop-pro/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![Photoroom Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS Photoroom](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoroom-vs-photoshop-elements/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![Photoshop Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS Photoshop](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-photoshop-elements/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![Pixlr Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS Pixlr](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/pixlr-vs-photoshop-elements/) ![Photoshop Elements Software Tool]() ![Ribbet Software Tool]() [Photoshop Elements VS Ribbet](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements-vs-ribbet/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Photo%20Editing%20Software&campaign%5Fname=Photo%20Editing%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Photo%20Editing%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. [Close](#) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Photo Editing Software", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/c/photo-editing-software/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Photoshop Elements", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop-elements/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Photoshop Elements Vs PhotoDirector 365" } ] } ```