Even though 2023 did not introduce generative AI tools or free graphic tools that work in your browsers, it was the year in which it became mainstream. We saw the emergence of new AI generators. An AI-generated picture won the Photo of the Year award, and we even saw the first AI-made movie. It is undeniable this wave of new technologies brought many changes. There are AIs out there that can do simple tasks, such as removing a background in seconds. For an expert who’s been using Photoshop for years, it may be less quality than what they can achieve. But for a beginner looking to learn Photoshop, is it worth it?
What changed?
Photoshop’s learning curve can be steep. Learning the basic tools is an easy process, but these kinds of software always hold many advanced methods that take years to master. It should be noted that some of these methods already involve AI, like content-aware fill. Not all AI is meant to replace; rather, much of it is here to help. However, for small operations like removing a background, automatic masking, or filling gaps, AI might be a replacement.
Personally, I had little experience with Photoshop. During my tests, I would spend half an hour to, for example, remove a background precisely. I then gave the same image to an AI and it gave me the result effortlessly and quickly. The main downside of this approach is the degree of control. Photoshop grants tools and effects that allow you to have complete control over the final result down to the last detail.
Meanwhile, AI works on patterns and what’s most likely to be there. An example is when removing a person from a photo, you could use AI with content-aware fill. This will fill the empty space automatically with what it thinks should be there or what you want to be there.
What features are potentially in scope?
When it comes to tasks like removing a photo background, changing an image background, extending content, or filling gaps, various options are available. One of the options is to use AI tools directly in your browser. These tools utilize the power of artificial intelligence to perform these tasks effortlessly and quickly. For example, if you want to remove a background, you can simply upload the image to an AI tool in your browser, and it will do the job for you without much manual effort.
By clicking play, you agree to YouTube's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Data may be shared with YouTube/Google.
However, it’s important to note that using AI tools in your browser might have some limitations compared to using Adobe Photoshop AI or doing it manually. While AI tools can provide quick results, they may lack the level of control that Photoshop offers. Photoshop grants users a wide range of tools and effects, allowing them to have complete control over the final result down to the finest details.
One advantage of using AI tools, such as content-aware fill, is their ability to work based on patterns and what’s most likely to be there. For instance, when removing a person from a photo, AI can automatically fill the empty space with what it thinks should be there or what you want to be there. This can save you time and effort compared to manually editing every pixel.
Moreover, AI-powered automatic masking with cloud and AI support can further enhance the editing process. This feature enables the software to differentiate between the subject and the background intelligently, making it easier to isolate the desired elements and apply changes accordingly.
It’s worth mentioning that while AI tools have their advantages, they have also raised concerns, particularly in the context of deepfakes. Deepfakes are manipulated videos or images created using AI algorithms, which can convincingly alter the appearance or actions of individuals. As AI continues to advance, it’s essential to remain aware of potential misuse and ensure responsible usage, but also be open to how it can help you with your workflow.
Conclusion
Your decision is, however, always up to you. Stand-alone AI tools might be faster, but if you want to go deep into thorough photo editing, there is still no getting around Adobe Photoshop. Of course, there are AI tools even within Photoshop to help you complete simple tasks, but why bother buying the whole cow if you can get the milk for free on a simple website?
If you mix the best of both worlds, you are likely to receive a quick and efficient workflow, and if you use Photoshop for it, you might be able to get more thorough results for projects when such a level of dedication is needed. If you are looking for maximum capability, learning Photoshop and only using AI tools in your browser for quick fixes would be best.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been taken by Yurii Maslak.
