Adobe's new AI features make complex Photoshopping effortless

Aug 3, 2025

Adobe

Key Points

Adobe is adding new generative AI features to Photoshop, including a "Harmonize" tool that automatically matches colors, lighting, and shadows when new elements are added to images.
The update also introduces an AI-based scaling function that boosts image resolution up to eight megapixels without visible quality loss and improves the accuracy of automatic object removal.
Adobe is using content credentials to record editing actions and is urging users to follow the terms of use.

Adobe has rolled out a set of new generative AI tools for Photoshop, designed to make complex image editing much more accessible.

The highlight is "Harmonize," an upgrade based on Adobe's earlier "Project Perfect Blend" experiment. This tool automatically matches the color, lighting, shadows, and overall mood of new image elements, so they blend seamlessly into existing photos.

Watch the video: Adobe

Adobe says that creating convincing composites used to require a lot of expertise with image editing software. The new tool aims to lower that barrier, letting users pick from three composition options to find the most natural look.

"Harmonize" is now in beta for Photoshop on both web and desktop, and is already available in early access on iOS.

AI upscaling and smarter object removal

Adobe is also introducing an AI-powered upscaling feature that can boost image resolution up to eight megapixels without sacrificing quality. This is aimed at restoring old photos and adapting images for different platforms.

Split image of an orange compact camera on a red cloth bag before and after AI upscaling with improved sharpness and color intensity. — The AI upscaling tool brings out much sharper details in before-and-after comparisons. | Image: Adobe

Object removal has gotten an upgrade, too. Adobe says the new version delivers cleaner results, with fewer stray background elements and more realistic fills for erased areas. A common issue in the previous version, where unwanted objects were swapped in accidentally, is reportedly fixed.

Page comparison: Skateboarder jumps over ramp edge, left with marked objects and “Remove” button, right without distractions. — The improved remove tool erases background distractions, like lamps and other skaters, so the focus stays on the skateboarder's jump. | Image: Adobe

Both the upscale and object removal features are available now in the web and desktop betas.

Photoshop users can now choose between Firefly Image 1 and Image 3 when using "Generative Fill" and "Generative Expand." Adobe says each AI model offers its own style and focus, giving creatives more control over the final image. The company hasn't explained what sets the models apart or why Firefly Image 2 is missing.

Content credentials aim for more transparency

The new tools also raise fresh questions about image authenticity. While Photoshop's existing AI features include guardrails against deepfakes of public figures or violent content, "Harmonize" lets users combine nearly anything, provided they have the right source material.

Photoshop has long been synonymous with image manipulation, but AI now makes these capabilities much easier to use. What once took advanced skills can now be done in a few clicks, making high-level editing faster and easier to scale. This shift makes it even more important to track how images are altered.

Adobe's answer is content credentials, a safety layer that logs edits and builds a chain of trust. As Photoshop product manager Joel Baer told The Verge, users also have to follow Adobe's terms of service, which ban illegal or harmful content.

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Source: Adobe | The Verge