Revolutionary or Hype? Photoshop's Adjustment Brush

Exploring Photoshop’s Adjustment Brush Tool: A New Era of Editing?

Photoshop has long been the go-to software for photographers, designers, and digital artists worldwide. With its comprehensive suite of tools, it caters to a broad spectrum of creative needs. Recently, a new feature has caught the attention of the creative community – the Adjustment Brush Tool. But does this new addition revolutionize the way we edit, or is it merely a gimmick? Let’s dive into the details.

Getting Started with the Adjustment Brush Tool

The Adjustment Brush Tool is part of Photoshop’s latest beta version, accessible via the Creative Cloud desktop app. This tool is intriguing because it simplifies the editing process by allowing users to directly paint adjustments onto an image. For instance, if you’re looking to brighten up your subject, you can simply select the exposure adjustment and paint over the desired area. This method bypasses the traditional steps of creating an adjustment layer and then masking it manually.

Efficiency in Editing: A Real Time-Saver?

At its core, the Adjustment Brush Tool aims to streamline the editing workflow. Instead of navigating through multiple steps to apply an adjustment layer and then mask it, this tool combines the actions, potentially saving time. However, the efficiency gained is subjective and varies according to individual workflow preferences. For those accustomed to using quick selection tools or other methods, the Adjustment Brush Tool might not drastically change their editing process.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite its advantages, the Adjustment Brush Tool comes with its own set of limitations. Notably, it doesn’t support all types of adjustments. Absentees like curves and gradient maps, crucial for detailed editing work, are a significant drawback. Moreover, reliance on automatic selections can sometimes lack the precision of manual selections, especially in complex scenarios where specific adjustments are needed.

Alternative Solutions

For tasks where the Adjustment Brush Tool falls short, other resources and platforms can fill the gap. For instance, Luminar Neo offers innovative AI-driven editing tools that can provide more nuanced adjustments. For graphic design needs, platforms like Envato Elements and GraphicRiver offer extensive libraries of assets and templates that can complement your Photoshop projects. If mockups are what you need, Placeit provides a user-friendly interface for creating professional visuals without extensive editing. And for those seeking deals on digital assets, Dealjumbo is a treasure trove worth exploring.

Final Thoughts: A Step in the Right Direction

While the Adjustment Brush Tool might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it represents a positive evolution in Photoshop’s toolset. By simplifying certain editing tasks, it can enhance the creative workflow for many users. However, recognizing its limitations is crucial in determining when and how to integrate it into your editing process. As Adobe continues to refine and expand its features, the creative community can remain hopeful for even more innovative tools in the future.

Timestamps

00:00 How to Get Adjustment Brush Tool
00:50 How It Works
02:49 Tool Properties and Features
04:32 When It Doesn’t Make Sense
06:27 Is This Tool Solving a Problem?
08:28 3 Reasons Why I’m Not Using It

Video source: Photoshop's New "Adjustment Brush" - Game Changer or Gimmick?