After spending two years in the beta testing phase, Adobe Photoshop is set to make its debut on the web service starting from September 27th. This eagerly anticipated release introduces a simplified online version of the iconic desktop photo editing application, complete with a suite of popular tools including generative fill and generative expand.
At the heart of this web-based Photoshop lies the formidable Adobe Firefly generative AI model. This powerful technology is poised to revolutionize the way users interact with images, as it offers a plethora of capabilities for commercial use. Notably, it empowers users to swiftly enhance their images by adding elements, removing unwanted objects, or expanding the canvas size—all through simple text-based descriptions. The availability of this functionality in over 100 languages underscores Adobe’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
While Photoshop on the web retains many of the beloved features and tools from its desktop counterpart, it comes with a redesigned layout aimed at delivering a more streamlined and intuitive user experience. Additionally, users can expect to find the Contextual Task Bar, a feature introduced to the desktop Photoshop app earlier in the year. This intelligent tool assists users by suggesting the most relevant steps to enhance their workflow. Adobe has also announced its intention to gradually introduce more desktop features, such as the patch tool, pen tool, smart object support, polygonal lasso, and more to the web-based version in the near future.
Another exciting aspect of this web-based iteration of Photoshop is its enhanced collaborative capabilities. Users can now invite others to collaborate on their projects, fostering a more inclusive and cooperative creative process. Even users without an active Photoshop subscription can join in, enabling them to view and comment on files seamlessly.
While Adobe initially expressed a hope to offer a free version of Photoshop, it has decided not to pursue an immediate freemium offering. Instead, new users are encouraged to explore Photoshop on the web through free interactive demos and in-app tutorials available on Adobe’s website. The web-based Photoshop experience is integrated into Adobe’s paid plans, which begin at $9.99 per month, ensuring that it remains accessible to those who are serious about their creative endeavors. Adobe’s commitment to providing a robust and feature-rich Photoshop experience on the web promises to be a game-changer for digital artists and photographers alike.
