Check the Adobe applications that are compatible with the Adobe Camera Raw plug-in. You can view the Camera Raw version that is included with each application and the latest supported Camera Raw version.
Last updated on
Oct 5, 2021
This document contains basic troubleshooting steps that should solve most problems you can encounter while using Photoshop Elements. Try all the steps below before posting on the forums for Photoshop Elements specific issues.
Note:
If you encounter a crash, be sure to submit all crash reports. If you submit a crash report for a known issue and include your email address, we can email you a solution to correct the problem.
Serial Number and Activation issues
- Can't find your serial number? See Find the serial number of your Elements product to know more.
- Received a redemption code? Use your redemption code to get your serial number. See Help with redemption codes to know more.
- Not able to activate Photoshop Elements, or applications are appearing as trials? See How to fix common activation errors
Unable to open images in Camera Raw
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Please verify that your camera model is on the list of supported cameras.
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If your camera came out within the past 90 days and it’s not on the list of supported cameras, be patient, as you may need to wait for compatibility.
Adobe goes through a rigorous process of adding support for and testing of each new camera raw format. Adobe generally releases updates of the Adobe Camera Raw plug-in to provide new camera support about once a quarter, or about every 90 days.
Unexpected results using a tool
If a tool in Photoshop Elements isn't working properly, try resetting the tool settings.
Restore preferences
Preference settings control how Photoshop Elements Editor displays images, cursors, and transparencies, saves files, uses plug‑ins and scratch disks, and so on. If the application exhibits unexpected behavior, the preferences file could be damaged. You can restore all preferences to their defaults.
See Preference file locations | Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements
Troubleshoot user permissions
When you are logged in to a particular user account on a Macintosh or Windows computer, an Adobe application exhibits unexpected behavior. For example, the application doesn't start, executes commands incorrectly, returns errors, or closes unexpectedly.
Create an admin user account to identify problems. For instructions on creating an admin user account, see the following:
macOS:
Note:
Be sure to change the New Account pop-up window from Standard to Administrator when creating the user.
Windows:
Start in safe mode
Sometimes, third-party extensions and other utilities can interfere with Photoshop Elements’s operation.
If you start your computer in safe mode, third-party extensions and utilities are turned off, which can help solve your problem.
macOS:
- Starting up in safe mode: On macOS, safe mode disables all third-party extensions and startup items. It runs only required kernel extensions and Apple-installed startup items.
Windows:
- Start your computer in safe mode: On Windows, safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers.
Make sure you have latest version of Photoshop Elements & Camera Raw
Collect logs and system info
In the unlikely event of a Photoshop Elements crash or program error, the following sources of information provide vital clues for diagnosing what went wrong:
- Crash reports
- Log Collector tool
- System Infomation
- In Photoshop Elements, select Help > System Info.
- In the System Info dialog, click Copy.
Additional Resources
Try all the steps above before posting on the forum for Photoshop Elements-specific issues.
If you have a how-to question or any other question about Photoshop Elements, see the following:
If you need help with app installation/downloads, see the following:
