Photoshop Elements has evolved over several generations to become a sophisticated photo editor. What was once a low-end, consumer-grade product is now a tool for novice photo editors, amateur photographers, and professionals alike.

Elements shines on its own turf and is distinguished from Adobe Photoshop in many ways. Not only a program for improving image quality, Elements is a complex software application that offers you many different editing tools for designing a variety of photo creations and sharing your photos in a number of ways. Of course, it also gives you all the standard editing features you need for, say, controlling image brightness or working with color correction.

Why should you buy Elements (and, ultimately, this book)? The range of people who can benefit from using Elements is wide and includes a vast audience. Elements has something for everyone — from beginning image editors to intermediate users to amateurs and professionals with more advanced skills.

Photoshop Elements grows with the times and supports new technologies with each release. Version 9 is no exception. We find support for the iPhone and iPad and other handheld devices improved in the current version. We also find support for the growing interest in touch screen monitors. And, if you’re a Macintosh user, Photoshop Elements has matured to offer you the Organizer application with all its tools and features that were previously restricted to only Windows users.

With many display options for your pictures — such as Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Web pages, handheld devices, and traditional print output — Elements has something to offer everyone regardless of where their photos are placed for others to admire. Think of this program as your creative companion for all your photo image editing work and for sharing your creations.