Adobe Photoshop has long been the gold standard for image editing, relied upon by photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists worldwide. Over the years, the software has introduced groundbreaking tools, but none have been as transformative as AI-powered features. The latest versions, particularly Photoshop 17.1 and beyond, have integrated machine learning and artificial intelligence, dramatically simplifying tasks that previously required intricate manual effort.

These advancements have led to discussions about whether AI will render traditional Photoshop tools obsolete. With the ability to remove reflections in an image with just a click, fill in missing backgrounds seamlessly, and even intelligently remove objects and reduce noise, AI has undoubtedly changed how professionals approach editing. However, while these tools significantly boost efficiency, they do not completely replace manual techniques.

In a recent video by PIXImperfect, the popular Photoshop educator highlighted seven core Photoshop tools that AI has seemingly replaced but not entirely. Let’s take a closer look at these AI-driven transformations and understand where traditional tools still hold their ground.

1. AI Reflection Removal vs. Content-Aware Fill

Before AI:

Removing reflections from images, particularly those taken through glass surfaces, car windows, or display cases, was a tedious process. Users had to:

• Make a precise selection around the reflection using the Lasso Tool or Pen Tool
• Apply Content-Aware Fill to remove the reflection
• Manually retouch with the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush to blend the area

Now with AI:

Photoshop 17.1+ introduced AI-powered reflection removal within Camera Raw. Simply go to:
Camera Raw > Remove > Reflections → Apply and adjust brightness if needed.

Limitations:

• Works well on strong reflections but may struggle with subtle ones.
• AI cannot always differentiate between intentional reflections and unwanted ones, which may require manual correction.

Verdict: AI speeds up the process significantly, but manual fixes are still required in complex lighting situations.

2. Generative Expand vs. Content-Aware Fill

Before AI:

Extending an image beyond its original dimensions involved:

• Using the Crop Tool to expand the canvas
• Applying Content-Aware Fill to generate new background elements
• Manually refining the filled areas where patterns or textures didn’t match

This method often resulted in noticeable artifacts and inconsistent textures, requiring additional work.

Now with AI:

The Generative Expand Tool under the Crop Tool uses AI to intelligently fill missing areas, creating a natural-looking extension of the image.

Limitations:

• AI-generated elements may sometimes look unrealistic or dreamlike.
• Content-Aware Fill is still useful for smaller, less complex areas.

Verdict: AI dramatically improves this workflow but is not yet 100% reliable for all types of images.

3. AI Remove Tool vs. Clone Stamp

Before AI:

• The Clone Stamp Tool was the go-to method for removing unwanted objects, requiring manual sampling and painting over areas.
• This was time-consuming and required an eye for detail to maintain natural textures.

Now with AI:

The AI-powered Remove Tool can automatically detect and fill the removed areas, making object removal almost instantaneous.

Limitations:

• AI struggles with complex backgrounds (e.g., objects overlapping detailed textures).
• The Clone Stamp is still needed for precise edits where AI-generated results appear unnatural.

Verdict: While AI reduces the need for manual work, the Clone Stamp remains essential for professional-quality retouching.

4. AI Object Removal vs. Spot Healing Brush

Before AI:

The Spot Healing Brush Tool was a quick fix for small blemishes, scratches, or minor distractions, but it often resulted in:

• Blurry textures
• Repetitive patterns
• Loss of fine details

Now with AI:

The Remove Tool (AI-powered) detects elements and removes them while preserving textures.

Limitations:

• The Spot Healing Brush is still valuable for quick, small touch-ups where AI doesn’t perform well.

Verdict: AI excels in larger edits, but Spot Healing still has its place for fine-tuning.

5. AI Noise Reduction vs. Traditional Noise Reduction

Before AI:

• Noise was reduced by adjusting luminance and detail sliders in Camera Raw or using third-party noise reduction plugins.
• This process often sacrificed fine details, resulting in smoother but less realistic images.

Now with AI:

The AI Denoise Tool in Camera Raw intelligently removes noise while preserving details.

Limitations:

• Sometimes, AI over-smooths textures, making them appear artificial.
• Manual adjustments may still be necessary for a balanced look.

Verdict: AI-powered noise reduction outperforms traditional methods, but fine-tuning is still needed for high-end retouching.

6. AI Skin Retouching vs. Dodge & Burn

Before AI:

Professional skin retouching involved:

• Dodge & Burn techniques to adjust highlights and shadows
• Frequency separation for precise texture control

Now with AI:

Plugins like Retouch4Me can automatically remove blemishes, smooth skin, and enhance portraits.

Limitations:

• AI doesn’t always understand artistic intent.
• Dodge & Burn remains valuable for custom, high-end retouching.

Verdict: AI speeds up the process, but manual techniques are still essential for professional portrait work.

7. AI Sharpening & Upscaling vs. Traditional Photoshop Tools

Before AI:

• Sharpening was done using Smart Sharpen or Unsharp Mask.
• Preserve Details 2.0 was used for image upscaling.

Now with AI:

Tools like Topaz Photo AI provide superior sharpening and upscaling, preserving details naturally.

Limitations:

• AI sharpening can sometimes overdo it, making images look too crisp or unnatural.

Verdict: AI is far superior for sharpening and upscaling, but manual refinement is still necessary.

Final Thoughts:

Not entirely. AI has revolutionized Photoshop, automating tedious tasks and making complex edits faster and more efficient. However, traditional tools like the Clone Stamp, Dodge & Burn, and Pen Tool remain essential for fine control and artistic intent.

The best workflow combines AI-powered automation with manual adjustments for professional-grade results.

To see these AI tools in action and learn how to best integrate them into your workflow, watch PIXImperfect’s full video here.