Which Photoshop Tools Are Becoming Obsolete?

Seven Photoshop tools that were once essential are now facing competition from AI. The latest updates in Photoshop bring powerful automation, making once-manual processes significantly faster. But does AI truly make these classic tools obsolete, or do they still have a place in your workflow?

Coming to you from Unmesh Dinda with PiXimperfect, this eye-opening video showcases how AI-driven tools inside Photoshop are changing the way you edit. The new Reflections removal feature inside Camera Raw can erase unwanted reflections from glass surfaces with a single click. Previously, this required careful selection, content-aware fill, and often multiple attempts to get it right. AI now simplifies the process, but it isn’t flawless. While it works wonders on certain images, it may still struggle with complex lighting situations or subtle reflections.

Another game-changer is Generative Expand. Need to change an image’s aspect ratio? This AI-powered tool can extend backgrounds seamlessly, filling in missing details in ways that traditional Content-Aware Fill could not. However, the results depend on the image. Complex patterns, like tree branches, may not generate perfectly, requiring manual touch-ups. That’s where tools like the Clone Stamp still hold value. Dinda demonstrates how rotating a sampled area with the Clone Stamp can achieve results AI struggles with, proving that manual tools still have their place for precision work.

The Spot Healing Brush was once a go-to for removing distractions. Now, Photoshop’s AI-powered Remove Tool detects and erases objects much more efficiently. Even intricate removals, like eliminating people from a scene, are handled automatically. The new Find Distractions feature identifies and removes elements with minimal effort. However, for delicate edits requiring precise control, such as preserving fine details in hair or fabric, the Spot Healing Brush remains useful.

AI has also transformed noise reduction. The new AI Denoise tool dramatically reduces grain while preserving detail far better than older methods. Dinda compares it to the traditional Luminance slider in Camera Raw, which often resulted in a smudgy look. The AI version produces sharper, cleaner results with less manual tweaking. But while it excels in many cases, it may not always interpret fine textures accurately, meaning some images will still need manual adjustments.

Sharpening has also seen an upgrade. Photoshop’s built-in sharpening tools, like Smart Sharpen, now compete with AI-powered alternatives such as Topaz Photo AI. Dinda shows how AI sharpening preserves details better, avoiding halo effects that traditional sharpening methods often create. However, artistic sharpening—where selective sharpening is applied to different parts of an image—still benefits from Photoshop’s manual tools.

One tool AI has not yet replaced is the Pen Tool. Automated selections struggle with smooth, controlled curves, especially in high-contrast cutouts. Dinda emphasizes how the Pen Tool remains essential for precise selections where AI lacks artistic judgment. While AI can automate many tasks, human control is still necessary for professional-grade results. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Dinda.