Adobe is redefining digital image editing by infusing Photoshop with advanced AI capabilities. Leveraging its proprietary Firefly models, Adobe’s latest features are designed to streamline workflows, enabling photographers, designers, and content creators to achieve professional-quality results with less manual effort. Rather than focusing on automation, the integration of artificial intelligence in Adobe products is about unlocking creative potential while minimizing tedious tasks.
Generative Upscale and Harmonize: Elevating Image Quality
Generative Upscale is one of the most exciting additions to Photoshop’s toolkit. This feature allows users to enhance image resolution up to 8 megapixels. Whether you’re restoring vintage photos, preparing visuals for large-format prints, or repurposing media across different channels, Generative Upscale delivers high-quality results without the usual loss in clarity.
Another breakthrough, Harmonize, builds upon Adobe’s earlier Project Perfect Blend. By using Firefly AI, Harmonize lets users insert new objects into an image and have them automatically adjusted to match the original’s lighting, color, shadows, and overall tone. The result? Seamless integration, added objects appear as if they were always part of the scene, making tasks like placing products in marketing materials or staging interiors much more believable and efficient.
Cleaner Object Removal for Flawless Compositions
Previously, removing objects in Photoshop could lead to odd artifacts or mismatched backgrounds. Adobe’s revamped object removal tool now uses smarter AI algorithms to target only the background, delivering cleaner, more realistic results. No more strange blobs or color mismatches just a natural look, as demonstrated in Adobe’s internal showcases.
Enhanced Workflow and User Control
The latest updates don’t stop at headline features. Adobe has introduced several workflow improvements, such as better asset management for handling shared resources. Users now also have the flexibility to choose which version of the Firefly model they want to use, allowing for greater customization and compatibility with different projects.
These enhancements are the product of close collaboration with the creative community. According to Shambhavi Kadam, senior director of product management for Photoshop, the aim is to automate repetitive tasks so users can focus more on creative decisions and less on busywork.
Beta Access Across Platforms
The new Generative Upscale, Harmonize, and improved object removal features are available in beta on both desktop and web versions of Photoshop. For those working on the go, Harmonize is also accessible via an early access program on the new Photoshop iOS app. This reflects Adobe’s commitment to offering a consistent, powerful editing experience across devices.
Competition is At A Fever Pitch For Adobe
The AI updates to the Adobe Creative Suite come at a critical time. The creative industry is undergoing a very public revolution through the adoption of generative ai technologies. Companies like Canva (Affinity is their FREE PS competitor) and Open Source Photopea are offering more capable free services that compete with popular adobe products like Photoshop.
The End of the Era for Me - At Least For Now
I have used Adobe Creative Cloud since it's inception and have just cancelled my account, something I couldn't even contemplate a couple years ago. As the economy has tighted and work has been harder to find, the ability and need for a $35, $70 or $150 subscription simply isn't justified. Luckily there are powerful alternatives that work now.
For my video I've switched over to TechSmith's Camtasia (which now includes the Audiate features!) for video creation and editing. It's cheaper, faster and more convenient for my production requirements. As a long time TechSmith Snagit user, I was very happy to see their apps extend into video with the same performance and ease of use I expect from Snagit!
Meanwhile on the image editing side I've moved from Photoshop and Illustrator to Canva's Free Affinity editor. This powerful editor is Photoshop like and offers all the features I need day to day.
Finally, since I am a software developer I was never really interested in the generative credit system that Adobe offers, I find the credits convoluted and hard to track costs. So I've built a suite of tools that replace Photoshop editing and even Recraft (a generative platform for creative design). I even made it (mostly) public and free through my Prompt Maker App.
AI as the New Creative Partner
Adobe’s AI-powered advancements are setting new standards for image editing, making it easier than ever for creatives to produce stunning, professional results. By reducing friction and giving users smarter tools, Photoshop’s latest updates help unlock new possibilities in visual storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, these innovations promise to make your editing process more intuitive and your final images more compelling.
Adobe's AI Upgrades Are Transforming Photoshop for Creatives