Photoshop is the most famous image editing software in the world, and more and more Adobe is creating features to facilitate the work processes of those who use the tool. And that includes technologies based on Artificial Intelligence.

In this article, we will talk a bit about some of the most interesting features that Photoshop has and that use Artificial Intelligence, and also about the risks of this type of technology, especially when it comes to image manipulation.

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What are Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning?

Before we move on to Photoshop features, it's worth a brief explanation of what I isArtificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, two important concepts that are very much in vogue when it comes to technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the Intelligence manifested by machines when they perform tasks considered to be so complex that they are attributed only to intelligent beings.

Although it seems like a science fiction topic, AI is already used in several everyday situations, such as:

• Virtual assistants;
• Transportation and route apps;
• Inventory control in companies;
• Facial recognition;
• Security systems.

Machine Learning (ML) is a field of study that derives from Artificial Intelligence and is related to machine learning skills.

In this sense, Machine Learning is the learning capacity based on algorithms and the repetition of patterns. The idea is that computers can learn through pattern samples, and can even make predictions without the need to do other additional statistical calculations.

Therefore, when tools like Photoshop create resources based on Artificial Intelligence, it is something quite advanced and aims to speed up tasks that people - human beings - would take much longer to complete. The idea is optimize activities for productivity.

Photoshop features based on Artificial Intelligence

Adobe has a technology in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning called Adobe Sensei. With this technology, the company is able to create very interesting features for Photoshop, with the objective of improving workflows.

In this sense, among the most interesting features based on Artificial Intelligence in Photoshop are:

• Neural Filters;
• Sky Replacement;
• Refine Edge Selections;
• Discover panel (Discovery).

Neural Filters

Neural filters are a feature that allow people to do manipulations on the image easily and quickly.

To do this, Adobe collected several (thousands) of photos with and without manipulation, and placed this information in its Adobe Sensei. In this way, Machine Learning algorithms were able to learn how to manipulate images, allowing these resources to be easily accessed and automated. Below are some examples of Neural Filters.

Skin smoothing

With this filter it is possible, in a few clicks, to smooth out blemishes and pimples on the skin.

The filter maintains the skin texture and it is possible to determine the amount of light that falls on them.

Style transfer

The style transfer filter identifies basic elements of a source image, such as tones and textures. After identification, it transfers those elements to another image.

Smart portrait

In this filter, Photoshop uses Artificial Intelligence to analyze an image and, based on this, provides possibilities to make changes such as age, expression and pose. Without a doubt, this filter is one of the most impressive.

In the example above, there was a change in the direction of the head, the gaze, and the expression of the model.

In addition, the filter allows you to even change the direction of light in a photo.

Makeup Transfer

Similar to style transfer, this filter analyzes an image and transfers the styles used in the eyes and mouth to another image.

Coloring

This filter automatically places colors in black and white photos.

The idea is to facilitate the coloring of old photos, reducing the working time that exists for this process.

Removing artifacts

The compression of images to JPEG format leaves some blemishes, due to the decrease in quality.

This filter removes these blurs, making the image sharper.

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These were just some of the existing filters in Photoshop that use Artificial Intelligence to manipulate images.

The idea of Neural Filters is make adjustments to images without a destructive impact, leaving all manipulation as natural as possible.

Filters can be applied directly to a layer, or placed on a separate layer. In addition, it is possible to adjust each filter, using the other Photoshop resources, so that you can achieve the desired result.

Sky replacement

Another feature of Photoshop based on Artificial Intelligence is Sky replacement.

Before this feature, designers who wanted to change the sky in their images went through a very lengthy work process. With this new feature, this manipulation can be done in literally a few clicks.

This feature recognizes what is the sky and what is the foreground of the image, due to the various photos available for learning Adobe Sensei.

You can choose several types of sky that best fit what you want:

• Sunset;
• Starry sky;
• Golden Hour.

And of course, Photoshop won't just replace the sky, it will harmonize the rest of the image so that the plans fit together.

Refine border selections

Making image and border selections for fine elements has always been a major difficulty for people who use Photoshop.

Often elements such as hair and hair are mixed with the background, making the selection less precise.

In this sense, the new Photoshop features use Artificial Intelligence and algorithms to identify and select more precisely the edges of more complex elements.

The resource was trained to be able to identify objects and separate the subject from the background elements. This is also a great optimization of a process that used to be very laborious, but which, through Machine Learning, can be reduced to a few clicks and seconds.

Discover panel

The Discover Panel allows you to have access to various materials, such as tutorials, content libraries, and other research relevant to your work.

The difference is that the new Discover panel brings content recommendations based on your use of Photoshop. In other words, you access personalized content through the software's Artificial Intelligence.

The truth is that you have seen this type of algorithm working, on your profiles of any social network. But now, you have this specifically inside Photoshop, to help you with your projects.

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What are the risks of Artificial Intelligence in Photoshop?

There's no doubt that Adobe and Photoshop have incredible features based on Artificial Intelligence. In fact, the company is one of the most advanced in the use of AI and Machine Learning for software.

However, it is inevitable to think that these technologies can facilitate the manipulation of images for misinformation or even to harm other people directly.

Photoshop already has a very sensitive issue in which people use its resources to Set unattainable beauty standards or even to manipulate photos of politicians.

Using Photoshop requires a Very strong ethical issue and the lack of this certainty brings up the discussion as to whether the use of AI-based resources will not increase the incidence of misuse of the tool.

Adobe is aware of these risks and even has a new tool that can detect if an image has been manipulated by the software or not. For this purpose, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning were once again used. Several manipulated photos and their originals were placed in the database to feed the tool, allowing it to learn to identify manipulations.

In addition, there is another risk with regard to Machine Learning that is also known to Adobe: biased data.

Machine Learning doesn't learn on its own. The database needs to be fed, and this process is basically done by human beings. In this sense, if there are any bias human in feeding this database, consequently, the AI tool and Machine Learning will also have.

An example is the tools that automatically whiten black skin because they are based solely on a database with images of white people.

In other words, if there is no caution, automation tools may behave inappropriately and, even, racists.

To address this issue, Adobe has set up teams and an Artificial Intelligence ethics committee, which will analyze and test the algorithms every time a major change is made. These actions are precisely to prevent any unethical behavior of the software.

In addition, Adobe has a very diverse image database, which helps mitigate the risk of biased data.

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Photoshop is a tool that is already part of the daily lives of designers and other professionals. It's amazing how technology is used to optimize and facilitate workflows, making them less and less operational.

However, the use of Artificial Intelligence, especially in the manipulation of images, brings some serious risks to society.

The case is not to stop using Photoshop or condemn the use of Artificial Intelligence, but to understand how and what to do to reduce the risk of misinformation and inappropriate behavior.