Adobe tests a new AI toolbar in Photoshop called AI Assisted Editor

In short: Adobe is rolling out a Photoshop beta that adds an optional “AI Assisted Editor” view and new ways to guide AI edits by drawing directly on an image.

What happened

Adobe announced an update for Photoshop that puts more of its AI tools front and center. The update is launching in beta, which means it is an early test version.

The main change is an optional interface called “AI Assisted Editor.” It gathers Photoshop’s AI features into a single toolbar, so people do not have to hunt through menus. Adobe says this includes tools like a prompt-based image editor (you type what you want), a background remover, and an AI image extender that can expand the edges of a photo.

Adobe is also adding a new “markup” feature to help people refine edits. Instead of writing a text instruction, you can draw on the image to show what you mean. For example, you can circle an area to recolor, sketch an arrow to show where something should go, or brush in a rough shape to suggest a new object (like leaving a sticky note directly on the photo).

Another update improves “Instruct Edit with Masks.” A mask is like painter’s tape for photos, it marks the parts you want to change while protecting the rest. Adobe says its Firefly Image 5 model can better understand the whole image, so you may not need to carefully mark every area before asking for a change, such as opening closed eyes or adding a hat.

Why it matters

Photoshop can feel complicated, especially for casual users. Putting AI tools in one place and letting people point and draw could make common edits faster and easier, even if you do not know Photoshop’s usual steps.

Source: The Verge AI