Photoshop's new AI Sharpen filter promises one-click sharpening powered by advanced algorithms. This tool uses technology from Topaz Labs to enhance image details without manual adjustments, but it comes with a significant cost in credits.
Understanding when to use this automated approach versus traditional methods like the High Pass filter can save you both time and credits while achieving the sharpening results you need.
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Video by Brendan Williams. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube
Practical Tips
Here are essential tips for making the most of both AI and traditional sharpening methods:
- Always duplicate your image layer before applying any sharpening to maintain non-destructive editing
- Calculate your image's megapixels by multiplying width × height ÷ 1,000,000 to understand credit costs
- Use the High Pass filter method at 70% opacity as a cost-effective alternative that produces similar results
- Avoid using AI Sharpen on heavily denoised or very blurry images where results are minimal
- Control sharpening intensity by reducing layer opacity or adding layer masks to exclude specific areas
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