The list of generative tools in Photoshop is now long: they are called “generative fill”, “generative expand”, “generate similar” or “generate background”. What they have in common is that they use Adobe’s current image generator, Firefly Model 3, to expand an existing image with a blank canvas or parts of a motif. And raw developer Lightroom also improves with Firefly AI.
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Firefly can be used as a web app or directly in Photoshop using the always-displayed floating palette. The version of the image generator is available in the beta version of Photoshop 26.0 from 3 April 2024. Adobe is now distributing the final version of Photoshop 26.0 through the Creative Cloud app.
New retouch option in remove tool
Photoshop’s Removal tool incorporates Firefly AI into retouching tools in an unobtrusive and practical way. Photoshop 26.0 includes a new Scan for Distractions button in the relevant tool options below the menu bar. Clicking on this opens a menu that offers “Wires and Cables” or “People”.
Clicking on this starts an image analysis, which then automatically corrects these image glitches that are often found, especially in travel photos. You cannot influence the retouching of cables. When retouching people, the result can be adjusted using the masking brush.
After a few seconds, clicking “Wires and Cables” in the Distraction Finder menu of the Remove tool will present Photoshop with this result.
AI retouching in Lightroom
RAW developer Lightroom also uses Firefly AI for image retouching. To do this, first mark the relevant image area, including shadows and reflections, with the Brush tool. It is not active in the default setting.
By default, Lightroom CC does not reconnect with AI. You have to activate it using the checkbox.
In the example image with the chipmunk, this produced a blurry pixel slush. If the “Generative AI” checkbox is active, it reliably reconstructs the rocky ground in the foreground, including the natural blur of the telephoto lens. The tool offers three image variants to choose from for each retouching. AI retouching is now also available in mobile versions of Lightroom.
The Firefly tool reconstructs the background including lens blur.
Work selectively with adaptive presets
Photoshop and Lightroom have long been selecting the image subject or sky with a mouse click. Lightroom uses automatic theme selection to selectively apply image editing presets. In the presets menu, Lightroom sorts its adaptive presets into Sky, Scene, and Portrait categories.
By clicking “Dramatically Darken” in the “Adaptive: Sky” category, you can edit the clouds in a landscape shot to create atmospheric contrast. Likewise, the portrait area develops eyes, teeth, eyebrows, hair or beard, among other things.
Lightroom’s adaptive filters hide the subject, person or, as here, the sky so that the area in question can be selectively developed.
Prices and availability
Photoshop and Lightroom are available together as a photo subscription for Windows and macOS for 11.89 euros per month and as a web app. The full Creative Cloud subscription with Illustrator, InDesign and other applications costs 66.45 euros per month.
(AKR)
