Summary
In this video, Chris covers the ON1 Photo RAW 2026 upgrade that introduced several significant updates aimed at improving the user experience and expanding creative possibilities.
Key highlights include:
- Revamped masking tools that allow for more precise local adjustments
- Customizable workspace layouts for masking properties and layers
- A new effects starting points feature that enables users to apply preset filter combinations or create their own workflows.
- New filters – Depth Lighting, Double Exposure, Motion Blur, and Split Field
- The Develop module now supports special modes for scanning film negatives
- Perspective transformation has been improved to avoid black corners
- Additionally, Resize AI has been integrated for enhanced image resizing capabilities. These updates collectively offer both new and long-term On1 users more flexibility, efficiency, and creative control.
Key Insights
- Masking tools have been redesigned with improved local adjustments and new mask layering options.
- Users can customize the location of masking properties and layers within the workspace, including floating windows.
- The effects tab now supports “effect starting points,” presets designed to streamline filter application workflows.
- New filters include Depth Lighting, Double Exposure, Motion Blur, and Split Field, broadening creative possibilities.
- The Develop module now supports scanning film negatives with specialized modes for color and monochrome negatives.
- Perspective correction tools prevent black corners during image transformations.
- Layers in On1 Photo RAW refer both to stacked images and mask layers, which can be confusing for new users.
- The filter dialogue box now categorizes filters and allows users to favorite filters for quick access.
- Legacy filters can be toggled on or off, but hiding legacy filters hides favorited legacy filters as well.
- Resize AI 2026 has been integrated into On1 Photo RAW, enhancing high-quality image resizing.
Key Learning Points
- Understanding the new masking workflow and mask layers is crucial for precise local adjustments.
- Customizing workspace layout enhances workflow efficiency by allowing users to position critical panels where they prefer.
- Effect starting points presets can speed up editing by offering workflows familiar to Lightroom or Capture One users.
- New creative filters offer unique effects like motion blur and double exposure, enabling new artistic directions.
- When scanning film, selecting the correct develop mode (positive, color negative, monochrome negative) is essential to accurate image rendering.
- Perspective correction improvements allow for straightening images without unwanted black areas, improving architectural and landscape photography edits.
- Recognizing the distinction between image layers and mask layers prevents workflow confusion.
- Favoriting filters and using categorized filter lists help users quickly find and apply preferred effects.
- Awareness of legacy filter behavior avoids issues with missing or hidden filters.
- Integration of Resize AI provides users with advanced upscaling capabilities without leaving the On1 environment.
Conclusion
On1 Photo RAW 2026 brings a host of thoughtful enhancements and new features designed to streamline editing and expand creative options. From improved masking tools and customizable workspaces to innovative filters and film scanning modes, this update caters to both newcomers and seasoned users.
The integration of Resize AI and improved perspective corrections highlight On1’s commitment to providing professional-grade tools within an accessible platform. While some features may require familiarization, such as mask layers and effect starting points, the overall workflow improvements promise increased efficiency and creative flexibility.
Users are encouraged to explore these new capabilities and adapt their editing processes to fully leverage what On1 Photo RAW 2026 offers.