DXO PhotoLab 9.6: Major Raw Processing Update

March 17th, 2026

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Screenshot of DxO PhotoLab 9 software interface showing a snow-covered mountain landscape at sunset.

DXO had a big announcement a few weeks ago with powerful new features in their raw image processor PureRAW 6. Now those features have been folded into their powerful image editor, PhotoLab, which gets a version bump to 9.6.

The company says DxO PhotoLab 9.6 is a major update focused on pushing image quality and workflow efficiency even further. We didn't get a review copy to test, so all our information is provided by DxO. Version 9.6 brings three headline innovations: the arrival of DeepPRIME XD3 for Bayer sensors, enhanced creative control with diffusion for AI Masks, and High-Fidelity Compression for DNG export — dramatically reducing file sizes without compromising raw quality. These features appeared first in DxO PureRAW 6.

Before and after comparison of a volleyball player shooting against black background.

Previously exclusive to X-Trans cameras, DeepPRIME XD3 now extends its groundbreaking denoising and demosaicing technology to Bayer sensor cameras, marking a major leap forward in raw image quality.

Masking Improvements

DxO PhotoLab's AI Masks — already appreciated for their speed, accuracy, and flexibility — become even more powerful in version 9.6 with the addition of diffusion controls. This new option allows photographers to soften mask edges and smoothly feather selections, making transitions more natural and adjustments more refined.

Whether working on portraits, landscapes, or complex scenes with subtle tonal changes, diffusion provides greater creative control while preserving the intuitive workflow that has made AI Masks a standout feature of DxO PhotoLab.

High-Fidelity Compression

DxO PhotoLab 9.6 also introduces High-Fidelity Compression for DNG export, delivering raw-quality files that can be up to four times smaller than standard uncompressed DNGs. This technology means photographers no longer have to choose between image quality and storage efficiency. DxO outputs Linear DNG files, meaning images are fully demosaiced while retaining full dynamic range and editing flexibility. Intelligent compression now reduces file sizes without affecting image quality. Large-scale processing, archiving, and long-term storage become faster, lighter, and more efficient.

If you're looking to master DxO's editing tools, Fstoppers offers Mastering DxO PhotoLab and Mastering DxO PureRAW, both comprehensive tutorials from beginner to expert level.