Summary
Dan from ON1 dives into the nitty-gritty of masking tricky elements in your photos, eg: hair, tree branches, smoke, fog, and all those fine, intricate parts that are a nightmare to mask properly. He’s excited about the new subject and background masking features in Photo RAW 2026, which make difficult masks way easier and way better than before.
Dan walks us through several comparisons showing how the older version (Photo RAW 2025) struggled with fine details, often leaving behind bits of the original background or missing tiny spaces inside tree branches or bike wheels. But with the 2026 update, the masking is way more precise, capturing those subtle, delicate areas with just a single click.
No more fiddling with refine brushes for ages! He also shows a quick tutorial on how to use these new masking tools to blur backgrounds selectively using the lens blur filter—just hit the subject or background button, and the software instantly creates an accurate mask, even around the toughest edges like wispy hair. Overall, the new masking tools in Photo RAW 2026 are a game changer for anyone wanting realistic composites or targeted filters without the hassle.
Highlights
- New subject and background masking in Photo RAW 2026 handles tough details like hair and branches way better than before.
- Side-by-side before and after comparisons clearly show improved mask precision
- Tree branches and intricate areas are now accurately masked without needing time-consuming manual refinements.
- Complex objects like bike spokes and chains are preserved perfectly in masks using the new tools.
- Masking difficult elements like smoke and fog can be done swiftly with a single click.
- Tutorial shows how to mask to applying lens blur to just the background, keeping the subject sharp.
- Pressing the O key helps visualize the mask, confirming its accuracy around fine details.
Key Insights
- Precision Masking Made Easy: The biggest breakthrough in Photo RAW 2026 is how it handles complex, fine details with minimal user intervention. Previously, masking hair or tree branches required painstaking manual cleanup using refine brushes. Now, a single button press creates a mask that accurately separates the subject from the background, saving tons of time and effort.
- Improved Edge Detection Algorithms: The tech behind this upgrade likely involves advanced edge detection and AI-driven subject/background separation. This allows the software to “see” through intricate areas like the spaces inside tree branches or gaps in bike wheels, which older versions missed. This means users get more natural composites and effects without the jagged edges or leftover background patches.
- Real-World Impact on Workflow: For photographers and editors who frequently composite images, this update is a massive workflow improvement. Masking is one of the most tedious parts of editing, especially with difficult subjects. The new feature streamlines the process, allowing creatives to focus more on artistic choices rather than technical fixes.
- Versatile Application: The masking tools aren’t just for changing backgrounds—they’re perfect for targeted filter applications. Dan’s example of applying a lens blur filter to only the background shows how you can enhance photos with selective effects quickly and cleanly. This versatility makes the tool useful for a broad range of editing tasks.
- User-Friendly Interface: The simplicity of just pressing “subject” or “background” buttons to generate complex masks is a testament to thoughtful UI design. It lowers the barrier for less experienced users to achieve professional-level results, democratizing advanced photo editing techniques.
- Visual Feedback with Mask Overlay: The ability to toggle mask visibility (using the O key) is crucial for users to verify accuracy instantly. This feedback loop helps editors trust the mask and make quick decisions, which enhances confidence and reduces second-guessing.
- Future Potential for AI in Photo Editing: This feature is a glimpse into the growing role of AI-powered tools in photography software. As these technologies improve, we can expect even more automated, precise, and creative editing capabilities that blend efficiency with quality, transforming how photographers and editors work.
All in all, Dan’s walkthrough clearly shows how Photo RAW 2026’s new masking tools make life easier and editing smoother, especially when dealing with the fine details that used to slow us down. If you’re into composites or selective effects, this update is definitely worth checking out!