Summary
In this detailed overview of ON1 Photo RAW 2026, the presenter highlights the major new features and improvements coming to the software’s fall release. The update focuses heavily on enhanced masking capabilities, new creative filters, integration of Resize AI 2026, and workflow improvements designed to boost usability and customization. The masking system has been overhauled to allow easier subject selection with one click and the stacking, combining, or subtracting of multiple masks for compound effects, similar to Lightroom’s masking system. New filters such as Depth Lighting, Motion Filter, Split Field, and Double Exposure introduce creative possibilities with simplified controls and improved edge handling, especially notable in the motion filter’s masking precision.
Resize AI 2026 is now fully integrated, offering users access to the latest upscaling model, including a standard mode optimized for older GPUs, addressing performance concerns for users with less powerful hardware. The software also introduces UI enhancements, such as dockable and floating tool panes for better workspace customization, and a first-run experience aimed at onboarding users with tailored guidance depending on their skill level or previous software experience. Additional features include a negative mode for digital film scanning, improved perspective correction tools for architectural photographers, grayscale support, and expanded camera compatibility.
The presenter also clarifies the two available versions of ON1 Photo RAW 2026: the base standalone version and the MAX version, which functions as a plugin inside other photo editors like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One. The base version includes essential modules like HDR, Effects, NoNoise AI, Portrait AI, and Resize AI 2026, while the MAX version is aimed at users integrating ON1 into existing workflows through plugins. The video ends with purchasing advice, recommending users try the current Photo RAW 2025 version to check system compatibility before upgrading.
Highlights
- [01:09] ON1 Photo RAW 2026 introduces powerful, easy-to-use masking with one-click subject selection and compound mask stacking.
- [02:20] New creative filters added: Depth Lighting, Motion Filter, Split Field, and Double Exposure.
- [07:30] Motion filter offers precise edge masking and realistic camera movement effects separate from motion blur.
- [12:56] Resize AI 2026 integrated, featuring a standard model optimized for older GPUs to improve performance.
- [15:50] UI improvements include dockable and floating panes to customize the workspace fully.
- [17:00] First-run experience promises tailored onboarding for beginners and intermediate users transitioning from other software.
- [21:06] Two versions available: base standalone and MAX plugin version for integration with other photo editors.
Key Insights
- [01:09] The revamped masking system in ON1 Photo RAW 2026 marks a significant step forward, simplifying complex mask creation by allowing multiple masks to be combined or subtracted. This aligns ON1’s workflow more closely with industry standards like Lightroom, reducing user frustration and improving creative control, especially for advanced edits.
- [02:54] The Depth Lighting filter’s ability to separately brighten foreground and background layers brings a new dimension to image tonality adjustments. By simplifying the depth mask interaction through a single slider, ON1 addresses a common pain point where users struggled with complex node-based refinements. This could make depth-based edits more accessible to a broader user base.
- [07:30] The Motion Filter’s improved masking edge sharpness is notable because it solves a common issue in photo editors where blur effects often muddy edges, reducing image quality. By maintaining crisp edges around subjects, ON1 allows for more realistic and intentional motion effects post-shoot, enhancing creative flexibility.
- [12:56] Integrating Resize AI 2026 with a standard model tailored for older GPUs is a smart move that acknowledges the diversity of user hardware. This inclusivity ensures that users without cutting-edge computers can still benefit from AI-driven upscaling, which is critical for both amateur photographers and professionals working with legacy gear.
- [15:50] The enhanced UI customization with dockable and floating panes reflects a trend in professional software toward flexible workflows. By allowing users to arrange their workspace to fit their personal editing style, ON1 increases efficiency and user satisfaction, which is essential for long editing sessions.
- [17:00] The introduction of a first-run experience tailored by user skill level addresses a major barrier for new users: learning curve intimidation. By potentially customizing onboarding based on prior software experience, ON1 could reduce frustration, accelerate adoption, and make switching from other editors like Capture One or Lightroom smoother.
- [21:06] Offering two versions—standalone and MAX plugin—demonstrates ON1’s strategic positioning to cater to both users who want an all-in-one solution and those who prefer integrating specialized tools into existing workflows. This flexibility could expand ON1’s market reach, appealing to a wider range of photographers and editors.
The 2026 update to ON1 Photo RAW clearly focuses on enhancing creative tools, boosting performance especially on varied hardware, and improving user experience through smarter workspace customization.
These improvements position ON1 as a strong competitor in the photo editing software landscape, appealing both to newcomers and seasoned professionals looking for advanced masking, AI-powered enhancement, and flexible integration options.