Adobe's new AI tools in Photoshop make adding and removing people and objects in photos shockingly simple and seamless

Adobe has introduced new generative AI features in Photoshop that significantly simplify the process of adding or removing people and objects from photos. The latest update includes tools for AI-powered image upscaling, enhanced object removal, and a new automatic composition feature called “Harmonize,” which allows users to seamlessly integrate new elements into images with minimal effort. These tools aim to make complex editing tasks more accessible, even for those without advanced photo editing skills. The “Harmonize” feature is based on Adobe’s earlier Project Perfect Blend initiative. It automatically adjusts the color, lighting, shadows, and overall visual tone of added elements to ensure they blend naturally with the original image. This functionality, which is now in beta for web and desktop versions of Photoshop, is also available in early access on the Photoshop iOS app. Another new tool, the generative AI image upscaling feature, is also in beta. It enables users to enhance the resolution of low-quality images up to eight megapixels without compromising clarity, making it easier to restore old photos or adapt images for different platforms. The automatic object removal tool has also been improved to allow for more precise cleanup of unwanted elements in images. Adobe claims the updates will result in more realistic content being generated to fill gaps left by removed objects. Previously, the tool sometimes added new elements to replace what was removed, but this issue has been addressed in the latest version. While these advancements are impressive, they also raise concerns. Photoshop already has AI tools that can insert new objects into images based on text prompts, but the results can be inconsistent. Adobe has implemented safeguards to prevent the creation of harmful content such as deepfakes of public figures, violence, or explicit material. The Harmonize tool, however, requires users to select the images they want to combine, which means the responsibility for ethical use remains with the individual. Photoshop will apply digital Content Credentials to edited images, providing a record of how they were altered. This feature promotes transparency and accountability but does not prevent misuse. Joel Baer, a Photoshop product manager, told The Verge that users must follow Adobe’s terms of service, which prohibit the creation of unlawful or harmful content. Adobe emphasizes its commitment to content safety, incorporating measures like Content Credentials to help users maintain trust and authenticity in their work. These updates mark a major shift in how AI is being integrated into professional design tools, making powerful editing capabilities more intuitive. While the potential for creative and beneficial use is vast, the ease of manipulation also highlights the growing challenges around content integrity and ethical use in the age of AI.