7 Photoshop Tools Replaced by AI – Are They Obsolete?

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of digital editing, AI has significantly enhanced Photoshop's capabilities, leading to questions about the relevance of traditional tools. This tutorial explores seven classic Photoshop tools, comparing them with AI-driven alternatives to determine their current usefulness in professional editing.

Step 1: Distraction Removal

• Overview: AI-driven tools now offer advanced features for removing distractions from images.
• How to Use:
  • Select the area you want to remove.
  • Use the AI Distraction Removal tool. It intelligently fills the selected area based on surrounding pixels.
• Tip: This tool is effective for quick edits, streamlining the workflow.

Step 2: Remove Tool

• Overview: The Remove Tool uses AI to eliminate unwanted elements seamlessly.
• How to Use:
  • Click on the Remove Tool and paint over the element you wish to remove.
  • The tool will analyze and replace it with appropriate background data.
• Practical Advice: Great for cleaning up images without the need for manual cloning or healing.

Step 3: Super Resolution

• Overview: This AI feature enhances the resolution of images, making them larger without losing quality.
• How to Use:
  • Select the image layer.
  • Navigate to the Super Resolution option and activate it.
• Common Pitfall: Ensure your original image is of decent quality for the best results.

Step 4: Generative Expand

• Overview: This tool allows for creative expansion of images by generating additional content.
• How to Use:
  • Select the area to expand.
  • Activate the Generative Expand feature, and let the AI create new content based on the surrounding area.
• Real-World Application: Useful for creating more complex compositions from simpler images.

Step 5: AI Denoise

• Overview: AI Denoise effectively reduces noise in images while preserving details.
• How to Use:
  • Apply the AI Denoise tool directly to the image.
  • Adjust settings to balance noise reduction and detail retention.
• Tip: Ideal for low-light images where noise is prevalent.

Step 6: Classic Tools Comparison

• Overview: Analyze the performance of classic tools against AI features.
  • Content-Aware Fill: Still effective for specific tasks but can be slower than AI alternatives.
  • Clone Stamp: Remains useful for precision edits where control is needed.
  • Spot Healing Brush: Good for minor blemishes but AI tools can automate this for bulk edits.
  • Dodge & Burn: Traditional methods still allow for creative control, while AI can simplify this process.
  • Sharpening: AI offers advanced sharpening techniques that often outperform manual methods.

Step 7: The Unbeatable Tool

• Overview: Identify the tool that combines the best of both worlds.
• Recommendation: Consider using a hybrid approach, leveraging AI for efficiency while retaining traditional tools for precision tasks.
• Practical Advice: Experiment with both AI tools and classic methods to find the best workflow for your projects.

Conclusion

While AI has introduced powerful new tools in Photoshop, classic tools still hold value, especially for tasks requiring precise control. Understanding when to use each type of tool can enhance your editing efficiency and creativity. Explore these tools in your next project to see how they can work together for optimal results.