Adobe to acquire Topaz Labs for image and video enhancement tools

In short: Adobe says it is acquiring Topaz Labs and plans to bring Topaz’s photo and video enhancement tools into more Adobe apps.

What happened

Adobe announced that it will acquire Topaz Labs, a company known for tools that improve the look of photos and videos. Topaz has been around for more than two decades and recently built its own AI models, including Astra for making video look sharper at higher resolution and Wonder for retouching and improving images.

Adobe said it will integrate Topaz’s technology into its Firefly AI app and other parts of its Creative Cloud editing tools. In simple terms, this means Topaz features could show up inside Adobe software that many people already use, instead of requiring a separate app.

Topaz will still offer its products as standalone services on its website, according to Adobe. Adobe also said the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

Why it matters

For everyday users and working creators, “enhancement” often means practical fixes, like reducing grainy noise, sharpening details, or restoring old footage, like cleaning up a blurry home video. Adobe says Topaz’s strength is making these AI features run directly on a user’s device, which can make tools feel faster and may reduce the need to send files to online servers.

The move also signals how competitive photo and video editing has become. Adobe faces rivals like Canva and Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve, and adding Topaz tools could make it easier for people to stay within Adobe’s apps for editing and cleanup.

Source: TechCrunch AI