What's new in Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop remains a powerhouse in the field of creative design, and in 2025, it has evolved even further with next gen features that empower professionals and beginners alike. Whether you use this regularly, or just dabble in digital mediums, you may already be aware of its multifaceted uses and how cutting-edge tools, enhanced by AI integrations like Adobe Firefly, have transformed the design process. 

Mastering the Essentials 

The foundation of Photoshop mastery still requires learning a few basic, timeless skills such as keyboard shortcuts and the ability to layer like a pro. Whether it’s adding or subtracting gradients, manipulating graphics, or keeping copies of your master layer, understanding the layering system is essential to achieving creative precision. These skills give you the freedom to visualise projects from concept through completion while ensuring your design meets the intended briefing requirements. 

Best Tools of 2025 

Tool Grid and Highlighting 

Photoshop’s grid and highlighting tools enable alignment of design elements. These may seem basic, but they ensure your graphics meet aesthetic and functional standards for different mediums, whether the final output is for a mobile phone screen or a web layout. 

The Lasso Tool 

Perfect for detailed selections, this classic tool allows you to cut, adjust, and fine-tune specific areas of an image. Whether you're isolating a subject for manipulation or applying gradients to a defined space, the lasso tool is a must-have in every designer's arsenal. 

Quick Selection and AI Generative Enhancements 

For faster operations, the Quick Selection tool, now powered by Adobe Firefly’s AI, allows users to highlight subjects or design elements with a single click. This seamlessly merges with Photoshop's AI-driven features, which include colour adjustments, lighting effects, and generative tools for seamless workflows. 

AI Features Not to Miss 

• Adobe Photoshop and Firefly’s AI technologies have significantly improved photo editing, making advanced techniques more accessible. Here are some noteworthy features:
• Auto Reframe: Automatically adjust the framing of your images to prioritise the main subject. Perfect for dynamic mediums like social media and videos.
• One-Click Subject Selection: A game-changer in precision editing, allowing you to isolate subjects instantly and modify them independently.
• Sky Replacement: Swap out skies in your photos effortlessly, with Adobe’s AI adjusting lighting and colour tones to maintain realism.
• Colourisation and Skin Smoothing: Transforming old black-and-white photos into vibrant, full-colour masterpieces and automatically smoothing complexion tones for portraits.
• Shadow Effects and Vibrance Controls: Easily create a polished and professional aesthetic with vivid yet balanced tones. 

LEARN PHOTOSHOP AT THE EDGE 

The Edge Digital Media Lab Mac Studio computers and the Lenovo Laptops all have Creative Cloud installed and ready to use at no cost to State Library members! 

We occasionally offer 101 skill building workshops in the Adobe suite, plus State Library members have access to LinkedIn learning. 

So what are you waiting for? Bring a mood board and come join us at The Edge!