Photoshop January 2026 Update: 5 New Features Including Grain and Clarity Adjustment Layers

Photoshop January 2026 Update: 5 New Features Including Grain and Clarity Adjustment Layers

Photoshop's January 2026 update brings five significant features that streamline common editing tasks. The highlight is new adjustment layers for grain and clarity effects, eliminating the need to work in Camera Raw for these adjustments.

The update also introduces an improved generative AI model with higher resolution output and enhanced reference image capabilities, plus a more effective Remove Tool for cleaner object removal.

Watch the Video

Video by PiXimperfect. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips

Here are key techniques for working with these new features:

  • Use clipping masks with the grain adjustment layer to limit effects to specific elements like logos or design components
  • Create gradient masks on clarity and dehaze layers to selectively apply effects only where needed
  • Choose "Firefly Fill and Expand" from the models menu for higher resolution generative results up to 2K
  • When using reference images, select "object" to automatically remove backgrounds or "whole image" to include surroundings
  • Always work with the Remove Tool on a new layer to maintain non-destructive editing capabilities

Explore more update guides and feature explanations to expand your editing skills.

Photoshop 2025 Top 7 New Features and Updates Explained
Photoshop 2025 brings significant improvements to everyday editing tasks with smarter AI tools, enhanced 3D capabilities, and more intuitive workflows. From automatic distraction removal to advanced generative features, these updates focus on making complex tasks faster and more accessible. The standout addition is the Substance 3D viewer, which reintroduces 3D object compositing with sophisticated lighting and material controls that weren't available in previous versions. Watch the Complete
TOP New Features in Photoshop – May 2025 Update
Many Photoshop users frequently encounter common challenges such as time-consuming manual selections for complex objects, difficulties in achieving precise color adjustments across an image, or struggling with inconsistent results when removing unwanted elements like reflections. These hurdles often slow down the creative process, making it frustrating to achieve a desired professional look efficiently. This guide explains how Photoshop's latest updates introduce powerful new functionalities, i
Photoshop August 2025 Update: 6 New Features Including Enhanced Remove Tool and Harmonize
Adobe continues to transform Photoshop with powerful AI-driven features that streamline complex editing tasks. The August 2025 update introduces six significant enhancements, from an improved Remove Tool that creates cleaner selections to the revolutionary Harmonize feature that automatically matches lighting and shadows across composite elements. These updates address common workflow challenges while introducing new capabilities for collaborative projects and intelligent image processing. Wa
Exploring the Latest Features in Photoshop 2025
Photoshop 2025 introduces powerful new tools designed to make creative work easier, faster, and more flexible. From fine-tuning selections to moving objects and speeding up your workflow, these features feel built for the way creators actually work. In this video, we'll show you what's new and how these updates can help you work smarter — saving time on routine tasks, giving you more control over details, and opening up new ways to bring your ideas to life. Watch the video Breaking It Down
Photoshop 2025: A Quantum Leap in Creative Power
Adobe has once again rolled out its yearly update for Photoshop, and this year, it's all about streamlining workflows and making generative AI even more accessible. Photoshop 2025 offers a variety of features that seek to enhance the creative process and save time. Let's explore some of the most noteworthy additions. Simplifying Complex Tasks: Key Features of the 2025 Update Distraction Removal: Say goodbye to tedious hours spent manually removing unwanted elements from your images. With the
Exploring the latest features in Adobe Photoshop 2023
Adobe Photoshop continues to lead the way with its innovative tools and features. The year 2023 brings a fresh wave of updates, and in this video, Colin Smith from Photoshop Cafe will delve into the exciting features introduced recently. Renowned Photoshop expert, Colin takes us on a tour of these new additions and shows us how to make the most of them. * Adjustment Presets: Streamlining the Editing Workflow * Creating Custom Adjustment Presets: Tailoring Tools to Your Style * Revolutionizin
5 Hidden Photoshop Features You Probably Didn't Know
Many Photoshop users tend to rely on a familiar set of tools and workflows, often overlooking powerful but less obvious functionalities. This can lead to inefficient processes and missed creative opportunities, making certain tasks feel more cumbersome than they need to be. This guide and accompanying video demonstrate five underutilized features within Photoshop that can significantly enhance your efficiency and expand your creative toolkit. Learning these capabilities transforms how you appro
Photoshop 2026 New Features: AI Tools and Credit System Overview
Photoshop 2026 introduces powerful AI-driven features including advanced generative fill models, sophisticated upscaling tools, and seamless harmonization effects. These updates promise to streamline complex editing tasks while delivering professional-quality results. The software now operates on a credit-based system that divides features into standard and premium tiers, fundamentally changing how users access certain tools. Watch the Video Key Features and Practical Tips * Access the co

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

You might also like

When to Use Saturation vs Vibrance for Better Color Enhancement

While vibrance gets praised for being "gentler" than saturation, the reality is more nuanced. Saturation works like a universal volume knob, boosting all colors equally, while vibrance acts like a smart equalizer, selectively enhancing less saturated areas first. Understanding when each approach serves your creative vision makes the...

How to Check Your Generative Fill Credit Balance in Photoshop

Keeping track of your AI credit usage becomes essential when working with premium generative features. Understanding your remaining balance helps you budget your edits and avoid unexpected interruptions during important projects. The credit system divides features into standard tools (like basic generative fill) that don't consume credits, and...

How to Create Realistic Depth Blur Effects in Photoshop

Creating professional depth of field effects can transform flat images into dynamic photographs with natural-looking focus transitions. Two powerful methods in Photoshop offer different advantages: Neural Filters provide automated depth detection with atmospheric effects like haze, while Camera Raw Filter delivers precise manual control with customizable bokeh shapes. Both techniques...

Three Professional Methods to Fix White Balance in Photoshop

Color casts can ruin even the best photographs, making whites appear yellow, blue, or green instead of neutral. Poor white balance destroys the natural look of your images and creates an unprofessional appearance that's immediately noticeable to viewers. These three techniques provide increasingly precise control over white balance...

Creating Dark Moody Wildlife Photo Edits in Photoshop

Dark, moody wildlife photography transforms ordinary animal portraits into dramatic, atmospheric pieces that capture the mystery and power of nature. This editing approach combines strategic lighting placement, careful color grading, and atmospheric effects to create compelling images that draw viewers into the scene. The workflow begins with essential noise reduction...

How to Create Professional Photo Composites in Photoshop

Creating compelling photo composites requires more than simply placing images together. This comprehensive tutorial demonstrates how to blend multiple elements seamlessly, from matching lighting and color to painting realistic shadows and highlights. The project showcases a dramatic scene inspired by Stranger Things, combining buildings, characters, and atmospheric effects with precise...

You’ve successfully subscribed to Photoshop Roadmap
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.