Adobe has rolled out an optional AI Assisted Editor in the beta version of Photoshop, offering users a simplified, prompt-based workspace designed to run alongside the traditional Pro Editor, according to company announcements covered by industry outlets in August 2026. Priced at $23 per month for the beta software, the new interface aims to lower the barrier for digital image manipulation through natural language commands.
How the New AI Assisted Workspace Works
According to reporting from 9to5Mac and other outlets, users opening Photoshop can now choose between the classic Pro Editor and the new AI Assisted workspace via a toggle on the menu bar. The AI Assisted interface utilizes a vertical toolbar containing seven core functions.
These functions include Prompt to Edit for full-image transformations, Remove Background, Generative Expand, Generative Remove, Generative Fill, Generative Upscale, and AI Markup. According to Adobe’s documentation cited by reporting, the Prompt to Edit tool allows users to alter entire scenes—such as moving a subject from a beach to a mountain hiking trail—using simple text instructions. Additional rendering capabilities support models including FLUX 2 pro, FLUX Context Pro, Gemini 3.1 with Nano Banana 2, Gemini 3 with Nano Banana Pro, Gemini 2.5 with Nano Banana, GPT Image 2, and Adobe’s own proprietary models, which generate a new layer containing two variations of the edited image.
Precision Controls: Instruct Edit with Masks and Markup
Alongside the conversational prompt bar, Adobe introduced tools aimed at reducing ambiguity in generative edits. According to source coverage, the Instruct Edit with Masks feature lets users select specific portions of an image for Firefly Image 5 to modify without requiring manual brush selections across every pixel.
Furthermore, the Markup tool enables users to draw directly on an asset or click a region to communicate tweaks visually. According to Adobe, this addresses common frustrations with purely text-based prompts by letting creators circle specific objects—such as a building or a shoe—and add short instructions like making it brown or adding sale text.
Non-Destructive Light Adjustments and Stock Integration
Beyond generative workflows, the August 2026 update brings Camera Raw-level adjustments directly into the layer workflow. According to 9to5Mac, the new non-destructive light adjustment layer gives creators granular control over Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites, and Blacks.
Additional productivity upgrades include Dynamic Text support for custom shapes and paths, allowing text to curve automatically without manual formatting. Adobe also integrated a dockable Stock panel providing direct access to more than 900 million Adobe Stock assets inside the application workspace.
Pro Tip:
If you are working on a rough concept or need to test multiple lighting variations quickly, combine the new Markup tool with the non-destructive light adjustment layer to iterate without flattening your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AI Assisted Editor and Pro Editor?
AI Assisted Editor provides a simplified, prompt-based interface for conversational image manipulation. Pro Editor is Photoshop’s classic workspace, offering manual control over layers, adjustments, and intricate editing tools.
How much does the Photoshop beta cost?
The Photoshop beta version featuring the AI Assisted Editor costs $23 per month, according to product details.
Can I use natural language to edit only a specific part of an image?
Yes. According to Adobe, the Instruct Edit with Masks feature allows users to select a specific portion of an image for targeted edits using text descriptions.
Join the Conversation
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