Photoshop’s New Beta Makes Selective Editing Easier Than Ever

Photoshop’s ability to make precise selections has taken another step forward. If you frequently work with portraits or group shots, this new beta update introduces a significant improvement that simplifies editing specific areas of an image.

Coming to you from Glyn Dewis, this helpful video explores the latest update to Photoshop Beta, showcasing its advanced "Select People" feature. This tool not only identifies individuals in a photo but also breaks down their features into editable components like hair, clothing, and accessories. For example, if you want to adjust the color of a subject’s shirt or the brightness of their face, the feature allows for precise selections. Dewis demonstrates how this works by using a photo of himself and friends, showing how Photoshop applies custom masks tailored to each person. This level of customization ensures selections are specific to individual features, like identifying a beard for one subject or a hat for another.

The update also introduces a "Show More" option, which expands the available masks. You can now select detailed elements such as upper body skin, accessories, or even specific garments like coats. Dewis demonstrates this by editing the color of his shirt and jeans, using the Hue and Saturation adjustment layer to make subtle but impactful changes. The process highlights how much faster and more intuitive this tool makes precise adjustments. While the feature isn’t perfect—it sometimes misses areas or includes unnecessary sections—Dewis emphasizes that it’s still in beta and will likely improve over time.

If you’re working on group shots or want more control over selective adjustments, this feature could save you considerable time. Its ability to handle complex selections with ease makes it a valuable addition for anyone looking to improve their editing precision. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Dewis.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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1 Comment

Pretty rad. I didn't see it mentioned, granted it's still in beeta, if those new AI maskings are going to be adaptive capable.