Adobe introduces AI-powered “Generative Remove” and “Lens Blur” features in Lightroom

Summary

Adobe has added new AI capabilities to its Lightroom photo editing software, including Generative Remove for removing unwanted objects and Lens Blur for adding realistic blur effects.

The standout addition is Generative Remove, which uses Adobe’s Firefly AI model. It’s available now in beta for the Lightroom mobile app, desktop software, and web version.

With Generative Remove, users can, you guessed it, remove objects from photos by simply selecting the area. The AI then fills in the gap with appropriate generated content.

This works well with complex backgrounds, such as removing stains from patterned shirts or wrinkles in tablecloths in food photos, according to Adobe. It automates what used to be tedious manual retouching.

Of course, the generated elements are not real parts of the original photo, they are made by the AI, which may or may not raise some concerns about the authenticity of the photo, depending on the motif. But they should blend in naturally, and when you edit your photo, you are changing its nature anyway.

Adobe plans to refine Generative Remove during the beta period. After testing, it should become part of Adobe’s credit system for generative AI capabilities.

Lens Blur applies blur with one click

Lens Blur is another AI-powered addition to Lightroom that is now available to all users. It adds blur to any part of an image with a single click.

The AI estimates the depth of the photo to create a more natural-looking background blur. Lens Blur works as a filter with automatic presets and manual controls.

These new tools demonstrate how generative AI can help both amateur and professional users, Adobe said. The Lightroom features also make the company’s advanced editing tools, which can be intimidating, more accessible to beginners.