For decades, Adobe Photoshop has been the gold standard for digital image editing. But with the rise of artificial intelligence, many traditional tools that once required hours of manual work are now being replaced by faster, smarter, and more intuitive AI-powered alternatives.
In this blog post, we’ll explore seven Photoshop tools that have either become obsolete or significantly less relevant due to advancements in AI. We’ll also include real-world examples from a detailed hands-on test using the latest version of Photoshop Camera Raw (v17.1+) and other AI-based plugins like Topaz Photo AI and Retouch4Me.
1. Content-Aware Fill
Content-Aware Fill in Photoshop is a powerful tool that allows you to remove unwanted objects or fill in missing areas in an image. The feature automatically samples surrounding pixels and uses them to intelligently fill the selected area, making it look like the object or space was never there.
2. Clone Stamp Tool
The Clone Stamp Tool in Adobe Photoshop is used for duplicating pixels from one part of an image to another. It’s commonly used for removing blemishes, objects, or imperfections, and for retouching images.
3. Spot Healing Brush Tool
The Spot Healing Brush Tool in Photoshop is a quick and intelligent tool used to remove small blemishes, spots, or unwanted elements from a photo with just one click or stroke.
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4. Noise Reduction Tools
Photoshop’s noise reduction sliders (Luminance, Detail, Contrast) helped reduce grain in low-light or high ISO images—but often at the cost of sharpness and detail.
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5. Dodge and Burn Tools
The Dodge and Burn Tools in Photoshop are used to lighten (dodge) or darken (burn) specific areas of an image, allowing for localized exposure control and enhanced contrast or depth—especially useful in portrait retouching, product photography, and artistic edits. Now, AI-powered plugins like Retouch4Me offer non-destructive, one-click solutions.
6. Sharpening Tools
Sharpening tools in Photoshop are used to enhance the clarity, detail, and edge definition of an image. They’re essential for making photos look crisper, especially after resizing or when prepping for print or web.
7. Upscaling Tools
Photoshop’s “Preserve Details 2.0” resampling method was decent but limited. Now, AI tools like Neural Filters and Topaz Gigapixel AI offer massive improvements.
8. Text-to-Image with Adobe Firefly
Photoshop now integrates Text-to-Image generation directly into the workflow via Adobe Firefly. You can generate assets, textures, or scene elements from scratch just by typing a description, then composite them into your design seamlessly.
9. Neural Filters – Smart Portrait Adjustments
Photoshop’s Neural Filters now offer AI-based portrait tools that can alter a subject’s age, expression, gaze, or even head direction. These filters are incredibly useful for fine-tuning expressions in marketing photos, generating alternate takes, or salvaging imperfect shots.
10. Unbelievably Precise Automatic Selections
Ever tried selecting something like a bicycle manually? Painstaking. The pen tool made it possible but painfully slow. Now? AI’s cloud-powered Select Subject tool makes it a breeze.
In Photoshop (Beta), just select Quick Selection, Object Selection, or Magic Wand and click Select Subject (make sure “Cloud” is enabled). Even intricate details like spokes are captured almost instantly.
For best results, set the selection processing to Cloud under Edit > Preferences > Image Processing.
11. Generative Fill
The revolutionary Generative Fill tool uses Adobe Firefly’s generative AI to add, extend, or remove elements in your photo based on a text prompt. Unlike traditional Content-Aware Fill, it can create completely new objects or scenery consistent with your image’s style and lighting.
12. Realistic Reflection Removal
Distract Removal in Photoshop will remove reflection very accurately with AI.
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13. Sky Replacement: Transform Your Backgrounds Instantly
The Sky Replacement feature is a favorite among photographers and designers who want to dramatically alter the mood of their images.