The Tool Desk
Recommended Free Tools
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Adobe’s 2026 Photoshop AI expansion is a rolling set of updates rather than one single feature release. Across Photoshop 27.7, 27.8, and 27.9.1, Adobe added model selection for generative tools, Firefly Image Model 5, multiple reference images, on-device object removal, the Photoshop AI Assistant, Firefly Boards integration, Harmonize, Generative Upscale, and AI-assisted document cleanup.
The biggest change is not simply that Photoshop can generate or remove more content. Users can now choose among Adobe and partner models, move between ideation and production workflows, and use AI for both image creation and repetitive document management.
What is new in Photoshop’s 2026 AI update?
The latest desktop release listed by Adobe is Photoshop 27.9.1, released in July 2026. The most substantial feature expansion arrived in version 27.8 in June, while version 27.7 in May introduced local processing for the Remove tool and the first Photoshop integration with Firefly Boards.
Adobe’s release timeline is available in its Photoshop desktop “What’s new” guide and detailed release notes.
#1 Best Overall
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
- Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
- What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
- Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
| Feature | What it does | Version or status | Processing and cost notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI model picker | Selects Adobe Firefly or available partner models for supported generative tools | Photoshop 27.8 | Generation and credit use depend on the feature, model, and plan |
| Firefly Image Model 5 | Creates or edits more realistic image content from natural-language instructions | Photoshop 27.8 | Cloud-based generative workflow |
| Multiple reference images | Provides additional visual guidance for composition or style | Photoshop 27.8 | Availability and credit use depend on the selected workflow |
| On-device Remove | Removes unwanted objects locally after downloading a compatible model | Photoshop 27.7 | Requires compatible hardware and local storage |
| AI Assistant | Explains Photoshop workflows or performs supported multi-step edits | Public beta, announced June 18, 2026 | Availability may vary by account, platform, and rollout |
| Harmonize | Matches lighting, color, and shadows when objects are composited into a scene | Current desktop releases | Inspect results manually before delivery |
| Generative Upscale | Increases resolution while attempting to retain detail | Current desktop releases | Powered by Topaz Labs; inspect faces, text, and patterns |
| Firefly Boards integration | Sends documents, layers, and variations into a moodboarding workspace | Photoshop 27.7 onward | Cloud-connected ideation workflow |
More control over Generative Fill and image creation
Photoshop’s generative tools now give users more choice over how an image is made. The model picker exposes available Adobe and partner models, along with descriptions, capabilities, and credit costs before generation. Adobe’s current documentation lists Firefly Image Model 5 and partner options including Flux and Gemini-related models.
This matters because generative editing is not one operation. Photoshop can:
- Generate new content: create an object, background, or scene inside a selection.
- Edit existing content: change an object or visual characteristic using an instruction.
- Expand a canvas: extend the image beyond its original edges with Generative Expand or related Firefly workflows.
- Generate a starting image: use Generate Image to create a complete concept without leaving Photoshop.
- Use references: provide multiple images to give the model more guidance about appearance, composition, or visual direction.
Firefly Image Model 5 is intended for more natural-language-driven and realistic edits, but no model should be treated as automatically accurate. Generated lettering, logos, faces, hands, reflections, and repeated patterns still require close inspection.
For production work, model choice is best treated as a creative and operational decision. One model may follow a prompt or reference more usefully for a particular image, while another may produce a different style or interpretation. Availability, credit consumption, commercial-use terms, and reproducibility can also vary.
Object removal can run on the device
The updated Remove tool can detect and remove unwanted objects, people, and other distractions. Its Find distractions function helps identify common unwanted elements automatically, after which the result can be reviewed and refined.
Photoshop 27.7 also introduced an on-device AI model for Remove. Compatible users can download the model, switch between local and cloud processing, or remove the local model later. Photoshop checks compatibility before installation. Adobe’s cited release notes do not provide one universal hardware specification for every system; a community announcement previously mentioned a 14GB VRAM minimum for that version-specific local model, so it should not be treated as a requirement for all Photoshop AI features.
On-device Remove is useful for privacy-sensitive work and unreliable internet connections, but it does not make Photoshop a fully offline AI editor. Generative Fill, Generate Image, and other cloud-connected generative workflows remain separate. Local processing also requires compatible hardware, storage, and a successful model download.
Harmonize and object rotation improve composites
Harmonize is aimed at one of the most time-consuming parts of compositing: making an inserted object look as though it belongs in the scene. Adobe describes it as adjusting lighting, color, and shadows so a new object integrates more naturally with its surroundings.
The feature is particularly useful for product mockups, advertising composites, social graphics, and concept art. A practical workflow is to place the object, rotate it directly on the canvas if necessary, then use Harmonize before making manual corrections to the mask, perspective, color, or shadows.
Rank #2
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
Harmonize can reduce repetitive setup work, but it does not remove the need for visual judgment. The inserted object still has to match the scene’s perspective, focal length, depth of field, edge softness, and physical light direction.
Generative Upscale is designed for small or low-resolution images
Generative Upscale increases image resolution while attempting to preserve sharpness and detail. Adobe lists the feature as powered by Topaz Labs.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIt may help with small originals, heavily cropped photographs, web images, generated content, or images being prepared for print. It should be considered an intelligent enlargement tool rather than a way to recover information that was never captured.
Always inspect the result at 100% or higher. Faces, small text, fine hair, fabric, foliage, repeated textures, and architectural details can acquire invented or distorted features. Traditional interpolation, sharpening, masking, or a manually rebuilt element may still be the better choice for critical work.
Photoshop AI Assistant: “do it for me” or “show me how”
Adobe announced Photoshop AI Assistant as a public beta on June 18, 2026. It can interpret a desired outcome, identify relevant Photoshop tools, provide step-by-step instructions, or in supported cases apply the work automatically.
For example, a user might ask: “Remove the people in the background and brighten the subject.” The Assistant can identify the relevant cleanup and tonal-adjustment steps, explain how to perform them, or orchestrate parts of the workflow. The user still needs to review the result and retain control over the document.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →This makes the Assistant an orchestration layer rather than a replacement for Photoshop’s underlying tools. Selections, masks, adjustment layers, retouching tools, and manual corrections remain important when accuracy matters.
Because it is a public beta, availability and behavior may differ by Photoshop surface, operating system, account, managed installation, or rollout stage. Adobe’s announcement confirms public-beta availability but does not establish that every Assistant capability is available everywhere.
Firefly Boards connects ideation with Photoshop documents
Photoshop 27.7 introduced integration with Firefly Boards, Adobe’s moodboarding and ideation environment. Users can send PSD, PSDC, JPG, and PNG files, selected layers, or generated variations to Boards for comparison and exploration. Later updates expanded the workflow to support multiple selected layers and additional destinations for generated variations.
Rank #3
- Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
- Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
- Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
- Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.
Boards is better understood as an exploration surface than as a replacement for Photoshop’s production workspace. It can help compare directions, collect references, assemble a moodboard, and iterate on a concept. Images can then return to Photoshop for detailed retouching, compositing, masking, and layer-based finishing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Not every AI feature is generative AI
Adobe’s update also includes workflow features that organize or automate Photoshop documents without necessarily generating new pixels.
AI-powered Layer Cleanup
Layer Cleanup can detect empty layers and rename layers using meaningful descriptions based on their content. Adobe describes the process as non-destructive, with undo available for reviewing or reversing changes.
This is useful in inherited files, collaborative projects, and documents created through rapid experimentation. It can improve organization without requiring a designer to inspect every layer manually, though names should still be checked before a file is handed to another team.
Updated Actions panel
The redesigned Actions panel adds natural-language search, suggested actions, and live previews. This helps users locate common workflows without remembering exactly where an action is stored or what it is called.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11These features are different from Generative Fill or Generate Image. They assist with document management and workflow discovery rather than necessarily creating new visual content.
How to update Photoshop
- Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.
- Select the Apps tab.
- Find Photoshop in the installed-app list.
- Choose Update if one is available.
- Relaunch Photoshop.
If a feature is missing, first check whether it is a public beta, whether it is still rolling out, whether it belongs to desktop rather than web or mobile, whether the signed-in account has access, and whether the computer meets local-model requirements.
Cloud processing, local processing, and privacy
Cloud processing
Cloud processing gives Photoshop access to larger or newer generative models without requiring users to download those models locally. The trade-offs are the need for an internet connection, possible transfer of image data to Adobe’s services, variable availability, and feature-specific credit rules.
On-device processing
On-device Remove processes that supported task locally after the model has been downloaded. It can suit confidential images or environments with unreliable connectivity, but it applies only to the supported Remove workflow. It should not be generalized to all Photoshop AI features.
Rank #4
- PLEASE NOTE：XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
- Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
- Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%，sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
- Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
- Universal Compatibility & Software Support：supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
Professional teams should decide which assets may be processed in the cloud, which models are approved, and how prompts, reference images, and generated results should be retained for review.
Generative credits and plan differences
Adobe uses a shared generative-credit system across its products. Credit use depends on the feature, model, and subscription. Adobe says Creative Cloud Pro, Firefly, and credits plans include unlimited access to standard generations, while credits are primarily used for premium generations under Creative Cloud Pro. Other plans have plan-specific monthly limits.
Credits reset monthly according to the billing date and do not roll over. Users can check their balance and feature costs in Photoshop’s Generative Credits Usage panel or in their Adobe account. Additional credits can be purchased through Photoshop or Adobe’s credit offerings.
Not every AI-assisted feature necessarily consumes credits. Conventional cleanup, local processing, workflow assistance, and generative operations can be treated differently, so the in-product cost display is the safest guide for a specific operation.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Commercial use is not the same as legal protection
Adobe says outputs from Firefly features without a beta label can be used in commercial projects. Beta outputs may also be used commercially unless a product says otherwise, but eligible teams and enterprise customers should not assume that beta outputs receive the same indemnification protections as generally available features.
That distinction matters for client work. Commercial use, copyright questions, model terms, customer eligibility, and indemnification are separate issues. Teams should check Adobe’s current generative-credit and commercial-use guidance and retain the original file, prompts, model selection, reference images, and approval history.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who benefits most from the update?
Photographers
The strongest additions are Remove, Find distractions, Generative Expand, Harmonize, Generative Upscale, and local Remove processing. They can speed up cleanup, reframing, compositing, and preparation of smaller images. Photographers should still inspect results at full size because plausible AI edits can alter texture, reflections, facial details, or background geometry.
Designers and marketers
Generate Image, model selection, multiple references, Firefly Boards, Harmonize, Layer Cleanup, and Actions suggestions are useful for rapid concept development and campaign production. Partner models may offer different prompt behavior or visual results, but teams should establish rules for approved models, client confidentiality, and beta features.
Professional production teams
The main benefit is keeping more of the process inside an editable Photoshop workflow while adding model choice, local cleanup, ideation handoffs, and document automation. Before standardizing the tools, teams should consider cloud-processing policy, reproducibility, credit allocation, model approval, beta restrictions, and indemnification.
Best Value
- Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
- Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
- Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
- Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
- Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse
Beginners
Generate Image, Remove, Find distractions, and the AI Assistant can reduce the learning curve. The risk is accepting a plausible result without understanding what changed. Beginners should inspect layers and masks, keep an original copy, and learn the traditional tools that provide a reliable fallback.
Common problems and practical fallbacks
The AI Assistant is missing
Update Photoshop and Creative Cloud, confirm that the correct Adobe account is signed in, check beta or early-access settings, and consider whether a managed business installation restricts beta features. If the Assistant remains unavailable, use Photoshop’s standard tools manually rather than assuming the feature is included on every platform.
The local Remove model will not install
Possible causes include incompatible hardware or operating system, insufficient VRAM or storage, an interrupted download, or managed-device restrictions. Use cloud Remove processing, retry the download, check Photoshop’s compatibility result, or fall back to Content-Aware Fill, Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, or a layer mask.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Generative Fill creates plausible but incorrect details
- Make a tight, purposeful selection.
- Work on a duplicate or generative layer.
- Use concise, specific prompts.
- Try several variations and, where appropriate, different models.
- Refine masks, perspective, lighting, and color manually.
- Inspect faces, text, logos, reflections, and repeated patterns at 100%.
- Preserve the original and record the model used for important work.
Credits run out
Use standard tools or standard generations covered by the plan, wait for the monthly reset, or purchase additional credits if the workflow justifies the expense. Traditional retouching remains available through tools such as Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, Content-Aware Fill, adjustment layers, and masks.
Pricing signals and plan choice
The following are U.S. prices seen on August 18, 2026, before tax. Adobe’s prices vary by country, account, contract, and promotion, so these figures are not guaranteed checkout prices.
- Photoshop Single App: starting at US$22.99 per month on an annual contract billed monthly. This is the straightforward option for users who need Photoshop but not the wider Creative Cloud collection.
- Creative Cloud Pro: US$69.99 per month after the listed introductory promotion. The page displayed US$34.99 per month for the first three months for new subscribers. The plan includes more than 20 apps, unlimited standard AI image and vector generations, and 4,000 monthly credits for premium video and audio features.
- Creative Cloud Pro for students and teachers: the page displayed US$15.99 per month for the first year, followed by US$39.99 per month, subject to eligibility and offer terms.
Check Adobe’s current Creative Cloud pricing page before subscribing. A Single App plan is usually the more rational choice for occasional Photoshop users. Creative Cloud Pro becomes more compelling for people who also use Illustrator, Lightroom, InDesign, Premiere, Firefly, or other included applications and who will benefit from its standard-generation access.
Alternatives by workflow
Photoshop remains the natural choice for readers who specifically want Firefly models, PSD-based production, Creative Cloud integration, Firefly Boards, or the Photoshop AI Assistant. Other products may be better for different priorities:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute- Affinity Photo suits users seeking a non-Adobe editor for traditional editing, compositing, masking, and retouching.
- Canva is oriented toward templates, social graphics, collaboration, and fast browser-based production.
- Luminar Neo is aimed at photography-first users who prefer automated enhancements and simplified portrait or landscape editing.
- Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-focused option with a native-feeling interface and AI-assisted image tools.
- Adobe Firefly is useful for generative ideation and Boards workflows without requiring all final work to happen inside Photoshop.
Verdict
Adobe’s 2026 Photoshop update is most significant for users who work across the full image-making process: generating concepts, refining composites, removing distractions, enlarging assets, and organizing layered documents. Model selection gives experienced users more control, while AI Assistant and Find distractions make common tasks easier for beginners.
The update does not eliminate the need for Photoshop skills. Cloud processing, credit limits, hardware requirements, beta status, model changes, and AI artifacts all affect real production work. For photographers and designers already using Photoshop, the update is a meaningful reason to install the latest desktop release. For occasional users, the benefits may not justify a higher plan unless the new generative workflows will be used regularly.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
