Adobe is revolutionizing photo editing with the introduction of Generative Remove, an artificial-intelligence-powered feature in its Lightroom photo editor. This new capability allows users to easily eliminate unwanted elements, such as photobombers, from their images. Currently in the public beta-testing phase, Generative Remove is compatible across the Lightroom ecosystem, including mobile, desktop, and web platforms.
Lightroom’s Generative Remove utilizes Adobe’s cutting-edge Firefly AI engine to seamlessly replace undesired elements. Simply select and paint over the area you wish to remove, and Lightroom will transmit the information to Adobe’s Firefly servers. These servers process the data and send it back to Lightroom, with the entire process taking mere seconds in demonstrations. The processing speed may vary depending on the user’s internet connection.
Unlike Adobe Photoshop’s recently launched Reference Image feature, which enables the generation of new images using Firefly, Lightroom’s AI features are specifically designed to enhance photographers’ workflows.
The task of removing distracting elements from images has always been challenging. Traditionally, tools like Lightroom’s Content Aware Remove have been used, matching surrounding areas to hide unwanted elements. While this method works well for smaller objects against less complex backgrounds, removing larger objects against intricate backgrounds becomes increasingly difficult and time-consuming.
With the Firefly-powered Generative Remove, Lightroom can effortlessly handle large object removal against any background. Adobe has transformed what used to require hours of technical expertise into a simple process, achievable with just a few clicks and seconds of processing time. This empowers everyone to become a Lightroom wizard. Additionally, unlike other retouching tools that aim for the best match possible, Generative Remove generates three alternative versions and allows users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Although Generative Remove is impressive and highly useful, it may sound somewhat familiar to users of Google Photos, particularly with Google’s Magic Eraser tool. Adobe’s new features do not offer significantly more than what the Magic Eraser tool already provides, nor do they enable functionalities like Google’s Magic Editor, which allows users to adjust lighting or manipulate subjects within an image.
Adobe’s approach with Generative Remove aligns with their previous utilization of AI technology, such as last year’s AI-powered noise removal tool, which improved existing noise removal capabilities rather than introducing groundbreaking innovations. This focus on enhancing tools rather than pursuing flashy features seems to align with the desires of working photographers. Adobe appears content to leave more dramatic AI-powered tools, such as post-scene rearrangement, to other players in the industry.
