Photoshop Jan 2026 Update: All 5 NEW Features Explained!

Summary

In this Photoshop 27.3 (January 2026) tutorial, the creator highlights five exciting new features, including the grain adjustment layer, which simplifies adding grain to images without the need for complex workarounds. Other key updates include the clarity and dehaze adjustment layers for enhanced photo effects, a new high-resolution generative fill and expand tool for seamless image enhancement, and improvements to the remove tool, making object removal even more accurate. The tutorial showcases the versatility and power of these features, making Photoshop even more efficient and creative for designers and photographers alike.

Takeaways

• 😀 Grain Adjustment Layer: Photoshop now offers a Grain Adjustment Layer that simplifies adding grain to images without needing Camera Raw or extra layers.
• 😀 Clarity and Dehaze Adjustment: New adjustment layers for clarity and dehaze allow users to enhance image details and reduce mistiness for a sharper, more vibrant look.
• 😀 Generative Fill and Expand Model: The Firefly generative fill and expand model provides higher-resolution results (up to 2K) and offers better accuracy for filling gaps or expanding images.
• 😀 Reference Image Feature: Photoshop's new reference image option lets users place or swap objects in images using real reference images, maintaining color, lighting, and background integrity.
• 😀 Remove Tool Improvements: The remove tool in Photoshop has improved significantly, removing objects with much better results and no longer requiring generative AI credits.
• 😀 Grain in Design Elements: Users can apply grain to design elements like logos or text without affecting image sharpness, adding a premium touch to designs.
• 😀 New Workflow for Generative Expand: Users can expand images to a square aspect ratio using the new generative expand model, producing seamless results without noticeable differences between generated and real areas.
• 😀 Masking with Clarity and Dehaze: You can apply clarity and dehaze adjustments selectively using masks, ensuring detailed areas like faces or backgrounds are customized.
• 😀 Generative Fill for Object Replacement: The generative fill feature allows for precise object swaps in images, such as replacing a necklace, without damaging the original content.
• 😀 Enhanced Image Editing with Adjustments: Photoshop allows users to apply multiple adjustment layers in creative ways, combining features like clarity and dehaze with gradient masks for targeted effects.

Q & A

What is the main benefit of the new grain adjustment layer in Photoshop 27.3?

The new grain adjustment layer in Photoshop 27.3 simplifies adding grain to an image by allowing users to apply it directly as an adjustment layer, eliminating the need for complex workarounds like using Camera Raw or creating multiple gray layers.

How does the grain adjustment layer improve compositing in images?

The grain adjustment layer helps bring compositing together by adding a subtle texture to the image, which makes it feel more cohesive. This is especially useful when blending images that might feel too sharp or too smooth without the grain.

What is the difference between using Camera Raw and the grain adjustment layer?

While the grain adjustment layer maintains the image's sharpness and blur effects, using Camera Raw to apply grain can introduce blurriness, which might affect the sharpness of the image. Therefore, the grain adjustment layer is better for keeping things sharp.

How can you limit the effect of the grain adjustment layer to specific elements?

By using a clipping mask, the grain effect can be limited to only the layer directly below the adjustment layer. This ensures that the grain is applied solely to the desired elements, like logos or design elements.

What does the 'Clarity and Dehaze' adjustment layer do in Photoshop 27.3?

The 'Clarity and Dehaze' adjustment layer adds punch to photos by removing mist or haze (via dehaze) and enhancing the sharpness and definition of the image (via clarity). It is useful for enhancing the overall contrast and detail in an image.

How can you use clarity and dehaze adjustments creatively on a portrait?

You can apply clarity to a specific area of the image, such as a subject's face, by using a mask and brushing it in. Similarly, you can use dehaze to add or remove atmospheric effects, such as mist or fog, in the background or around a subject.

What improvements have been made to the generative fill and expand feature in Photoshop 27.3?

The new generative fill and expand model now produces higher resolution results (up to 2K) compared to the previous version, which was limited to 1K. It also generates more realistic images, especially when dealing with animals, humans, or intricate details.

What is the significance of using a reference image in the new generative fill and expand feature?

The reference image feature allows users to add or swap objects in an image without disrupting the background. The tool can match the lighting and color of the scene, ensuring that the inserted or replaced object blends seamlessly with the surroundings.

How does Photoshop 27.3's new remove tool compare to earlier versions?

The remove tool in Photoshop 27.3 has greatly improved in accuracy and quality. It now generates cleaner results with fewer artifacts like smudges or edges that were present in previous versions. It can also handle complex backgrounds much more effectively.

Can you use the remove tool without consuming credits in Photoshop 27.3?

Yes, the remove tool in Photoshop 27.3 does not consume any generative AI credits, making it a more cost-effective option for users who need to remove unwanted elements from their images.