plus ‘cheat sheet’ & video – https://youtu.be/QTjyBvE2f-g
Summary
In this detailed overview, Anthony Morganti explores the new features in Adobe Photoshop 2026, highlighting improvements in AI-powered tools and workflow enhancements.
Key updates include enhanced subject selection and background removal, with an option to process images either locally or via Adobe’s cloud for superior results. The long-anticipated “Harmonize” feature is now available, enabling seamless lighting and shadow matching in composite images.
Additionally, Photoshop integrates advanced generative upscaling options powered by Topaz Labs’ Gigapixel and Bloom models alongside its native Firefly upscaler, providing varied artistic and technical enhancement choices.
The generative fill tool now supports new models like Nano Banana and Flux Context Pro, offering improved scene editing, though with varied success on human figures. A new “Color and Vibrance” adjustment layer simplifies white balance correction directly within Photoshop.
Overall, Photoshop 2026 pushes further into AI-assisted editing, improving both accuracy and creative flexibility for users.
Key Insights
- Photoshop 2026 improves select subject and remove background tools with enhanced AI processing both on-device and via Adobe cloud.
- Users can switch between local machine processing and cloud-based processing for background removal and subject selection, with cloud offering superior quality.
- The “Harmonize” feature, previously in beta, now allows realistic lighting and shadow integration for composites, making disparate images blend convincingly.
- Generative upscale functionality now includes Topaz Labs’ Gigapixel and Bloom alongside Adobe’s Firefly upscaler, expanding upscaling quality and style options.
- Gigapixel upscaling emphasizes realistic detail preservation, while Bloom introduces an artistic reinterpretation with enhanced textures.
- Firefly upscaler produces a sharper, noise-present upscale that the presenter preferred for fidelity to the original photo.
- Generative fill supports multiple AI models: Firefly (Adobe), Flux Context Pro, and Gemini 2.5 Nano Banana, with Nano Banana generally outperforming Context Pro for scene editing.
- Flux Context Pro struggles with realistic human faces, often producing distorted or unnatural results in generative fill.
- Firefly model provides three variations per prompt but may fail to correctly position complex subjects in generative fill applications.
- A new adjustment layer called “Color and Vibrance” brings temperature and tint sliders directly into Photoshop, streamlining white balance correction without needing Camera Raw.
Key Learning Points
- Cloud-based AI processing in Photoshop 2026 provides higher quality results for background removal and subject selection compared to on-device processing.
- Harmonize is essential for composite image realism, automatically adjusting lighting and shadows to blend layers cohesively.
- Understanding the differences between upscaling models (Firefly, Gigapixel, Bloom) helps users select the right tool for either sharp realism or artistic effect.
- Masks accompanying generative upscaling allow selective retention of parts of the original image, offering precise control over final output.
- The generative fill tool’s effectiveness varies significantly depending on the AI model chosen and the complexity of the prompt, particularly with human subjects.
- Nano Banana is currently the preferred generative fill model for complex scene edits due to better general output quality.
- Flux Context Pro, despite hype, may require more skill or refinement to produce convincing human figures in generative fill.
- Firefly’s multiple variations feature is valuable for creative experimentation, though its compositional accuracy can be limited.
- The new Color and Vibrance adjustment layer integrates white balance correction into Photoshop’s core workflow, reducing reliance on external plugins or Camera Raw.
- Familiarity with workspace layouts (e.g., Photography workspace) improves access to new features and adjustment options.
Conclusions
Photoshop 2026 marks a significant step forward in AI-powered photo editing and compositing, offering users enhanced control and flexibility through improved subject selection, harmonization, advanced upscaling, and generative fill models.
The integration of cloud processing elevates quality for background removal, while new AI models expand creative possibilities. The addition of the Color and Vibrance adjustment layer simplifies white balance tasks, streamlining the editing workflow.
While some AI tools still show limitations—especially in rendering realistic human faces—the overall improvements represent a meaningful evolution of Photoshop’s capabilities.
Users willing to experiment with different AI models can achieve impressive results, making Photoshop 2026 a compelling upgrade for photographers and digital artists alike.
You can find an overview ‘cheat sheet’ (pdf) here. It’s on 2 pages, so print using both sides of the paper and you’ll have a handy ‘cheat sheet’ as an aide – memoir.